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(Photo - Terrace at Taros) Guide to Essaouira Nightlife March 2007 Essaouira is not well known for things to do after the sun goes down. If you want big discotechs and nightclubs Marrakesh is only a couple hours away. If you want to see good live music in a more intimate setting, then Essaouira is the place to be. Each year there are more cool places to go and more cool people to meet. Below is my list of current things to do in no particular order. Il Mare About two years ago Il Mare was the best nightclub in Essaouira. It had the best band that has ever played and the best crowd. Well that scene died, but now the cool new band 'Afram' plays the top bar every Saturday night and once again Il Mare is the place to be. The top floor bar is fairly new and the layout comfortable and open. Lots of cushy places to relax and enough room in front of the band to dance. The crowd gets better every week and is a good mix of tourists and locals. Also, if you want a Sunset Cocktail, Il Mare is the best place in town. They have a lovely terrace overlooking the Ramparts, the reef, and the never ending deep blue Atlantic. Il Mare is located near the North Gate of the Ramparts and is open for lunch and dinner. Draft beer starts at 30 Dirham. Taros Some things never change. The hippest and most consistent place to go in Essaouira is Taros. Thursdays through Sunday the terrace is usually the most happening place in town. The crowd is diverse and includes a good mix of locals and tourists. They also have one of the most popular Essaouira bands on Weekend Nights, Ganga Fusion. They play a great mix of gnaoua and world beat and attract a good audience. The place is usually full by 11:00PM, so if you want a table arrive early. There is a minor dress code, they didn't let my friend in last Saturday night because he had torn jeans. Taros is Located on the Place Moulay Hassan and is open for lunch and dinner. Drinks start at 30 Dirham. The Tru (hole) I hate to admit it, but the Tru is my favorite bar in town. This is a real, authentic, down to earth, dive bar that dates back to the late 1800's. A few years ago at Shakespeare and Company in Paris, I came across an old book that actually mentioned the Tru. It went something like, "I spent a few days in Mogador and while I was there I enjoyed many a bottle of local wine at a little bar hidden under the Mechouar Hotel." I thought that was pretty cool, I need to get the title of that book. Anyway, it's a seedy local dive and is filled with all kinds of interesting riff raff. In my opinion, it is the perfect place to take a girl on a first date because if she can handle to toilet at the Tru, you are with one cool chick and set for life. The Tru is located behind the Mechouar Hotel which is directly across from the Clock Tower. Facing the Hotel, look to the right and there is an alley that is just past the Hotel Sahara. Go under the big arch to the end, turn left and the bar is the last door on you left. Drinks start at 12 Dirham. Disco at Hotel Des Iles Yes, we actually do have a Disco in Essaouira, but currently it is totally dead. We went there Saturday night at 11:00PM and there were only 3 guys in the entire place. So maybe this is the wrong time of year or it was just a dead night, but the disco is still open. The Disco at Hotel Des Isles is located directly in front of Hotel Des Iles near the beach. Cover (was 70, currently free, Beers 20 Dirham. Bar at Sofitel This looks like a pretty cool bar through the outside window. I have always wanted to go for a drink, but it has never happened. I know that they have live music on the weekends and as far as I know it might be the place to be. Maybe I'm a little nervous to go there, like I wouldn't be dressed nice enough and some snobby Moroccan guy who thinks he is the perfect snobby French would be continually rude. Actually, that's not the reason, I just can't afford the beer! Bar at Sofitel at Sofitel on Beach. Drinks start at 50 Dirham. Beach Bar Beach Bar is the best place in Essaouira to go for a nice afternoon beer and watch the tide change. It has a great view of Essaouira beach, the port and there is always a good football match on Sunday Afternoon. Beach bar is right next to, actually connected to, the Challet de la Plage Restaurant. It's on the left hand side, don't be fooled and go to the lame outside tourist bar on the right. Beers are 12 Dirham. Other News: The new section of boardwalk being built between the old and new Ocean Vagabond is almost complete. The cool thing is that the entire section is made from blue and white bricks and it looks really slick. The new walk is looming directly over the old Vagabond and it makes me think that it may close in the next month. Weather - Spring is here and the weather is warm. A big 4 meter swell will arrive on Wednesday so all the surfers are gearing up. All around a great week to be in Essaouira Check the surf in Essaouira: http://www.windguru.com/int/index.php?sc=26 Check the Weather in Essaouira: http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=essaouira Next Week: Essaouira Surf Tips Current Events: The Alliance Françoise is hosting the exhibition «Corps et signes» by Mustapha Rafik - from March 2 to the 24th. For at full schedule of events at the Alliance Françoise, go to their website at: http://www.ambafrance-ma.org/institut/afm-essaouira/index.cfm?num=948&archives=1&motcle=28 The Alliance Françoise is located on Rue Laalouj not far from Dar Suki. Upcoming Events The Alizes Classical Music Festival 2007 April 19 -22. I was at this festival last year and it was really fantastic. For all information go to the official websight at: http://www.alizesfestival.com/ 10th Annual Essaouira International Gnaoua Festival 2007 June 19 - 23. For all information go to the official websight at: http://www.festival-gnaoua.co.ma/ Blog Posted each Monday by Ron Bauer, see you soon! |
