Istanbul's Red River Pub, on Hüdavendigâr Caddesi near the Orient Express Hotel and İlkay Hotel (map), is a great place to relax with a beer or soda and a light meal.
Named after the classic John Wayne movie, Red River Pub's American Western theme may seem out of place in Istanbul, but western movies are really international. Everybody loves them, and both Turks and foreign visitors enjoy the comfortable atmosphere here.
The cuisine includes a selection of carefully-prepared light meals as well as bar snacks. If you don't know what to order, try the Turkish tapas, a one-plate variety of traditional Turkish meze.
Prices are surprisingly moderate, service is friendly and attentive, the music usually cool or jazz. The TV, sound off, often shows "Funniest Home Videos."
Red River Pub
Hüdavendigâr Caddesi No. 44 (map)
34110 Sirkeci
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 (212) 513 7310
info@redriverpub.com
—by Tom Brosnahan
Relaxing at Red River Pub in Istanbul.