I am always happy when I get to try local beers, even better if at a local brewery. In Istanbul we had some free time so we took a taxi up to The Populist. The Populist is a brewery and restaurant that's part of the Bomontiada complex, a large area with shops, restaurants, art, and nightlife. The Populist is known for its craft ales, homemade beer, and tasty burgers. It also serves halal food, wine, cocktails, coffee, and late-night food. It has a cool, funky design (see the picture of me). We got a flight of six of their beers, which were all solid! Our favorites were the Tokyo Zen Lager and the India Pale Ale. In the Flight: -India Pale Ale -Scottish Ale -Tokyo Zen Lager -Honey Pepper Ale -Winter Bock -Vienna Lager _______ read more

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I loved having a couple beers and lunch at The Populist. Evidently, they're set in the building that used to be the old Bomonti brewing plant. They share the complex with a couple of other restaurants. There's plenty of seating inside and outside on the patio facing the courtyard. The menu can be scanned on your phone and is in both Turkish and English. I had the brisket plate for lunch and it was quite good. Let's face it though, the main reason to visit is for the Torch beer. I enjoyed both the IPA and nitro stout. Torch has to be one of the top breweries in Istanbul as far as the quality of their beer. read more

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I ordered the salmon and my husband ordered the fish and chips. The salmon looked beautiful but it had no taste, no salt no pepper nothing. It was bland. My husband enjoyed his fish and chips read more

Let's be honest, there are few places in Istanbul like the new Babylon Bomonti. An open courtyard with four restaurants, fresh brewed beer, and a concert hall? Am I in Istanbul or am I in heaven?! Needless to say everything about this place appeals to me. ;The american style bar food, the freshness, the outdoor seating, the terrace. While the prices aren't cheap, they aren't outreagous by any means. Needlesstosay I have found my next hangout spot. A hop, skip and a jump from Osemenbay Metro, and located directly next to the new Hilton Hotel in bomonti, Populist is easily a fan favorite, and a Greg Pinto favorite. Bravo. Bravo. Ps. Try the lamb sandwich and the curly fries with brisket on top, delicious! read more

This place is soooo good! Excellent music with a variety. Service is exceptional! It's clean, and nicely decorated. If I ever came back to Turkey I'd always stop here. read more

Nice people, nice vibes, American cuisine, the food is quite ok but I'll come more for the drinks. Great choice of beers and cocktails. read more

The Populist - Gastropubs Near Me - Istanbul, 34

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Pretty crappy service and the beer was okay, definitely not worth the trip on the bus...the fries were okay though.

Good beer at a little expensive of a price for Istanbul.. however.. their service is absolutely terrible. We waited 20 mins just to get a menu and service was VERY slow and intermittent.. don't come here if you're in a rush. read more