Straight out of Pinterest, GardenState, one of my favourite outdoor pubs, has finally opened its doors for summer.
Its location is away from the typical Mar Mikhael pub scene, so at least you can enjoy going through a traffic-free zone in Beirut for a change.
GardenState also hosts theme nights during the week. You can go for drinks after work and enjoy laid-back music while munching on some popcorn. Did I mention I’m a popcorn addict? If a pub serves popcorn, then I’m usually more inclined to go.
The venue is very spacious with warm lights and visual projections on the neighbouring building. Waiters are very friendly and attentive and the bartenders are especially talented at making delicious unique cocktails.
EXCEPTIONAL COCKTAILS AT GARDENSTATE
I go for a drink once every few months (if I do at all) and even when I do, I don’t always enjoy it; I mainly go for the social aspect of it.
Hold the vodka, please.
I was surprised that I actually enjoyed the cocktails at GardenState! The drinks prove to be very refreshing and light on the stomach. Some were even sweet without being sickly, and others drinks offered a hint of spice. There was even a Lebanese Arak drink with a green twist, “Soho Beirut”, which was really good.
My favourite was the Rainforest cocktail, a passion fruit and lychee blend based on gin and sake served with a mini Fentimans Pink Lemonade bottle.
What’s on the menu?
We sampled a selection of their most popular items according to the Brand Manager at GardenState Beirut.
The chilled tomato soup was light-bodied and satisfying; it tasted similar to a Spanish gazpacho (and would make for a delicious pasta dish come to think of it). Update: Item removed from menu
Although the portion is small, we thoroughly enjoyed the Shaved Asparagus & Artichoke Salad, topped with Parmesan and hazelnuts and served with a lemon-oil dressing. I wish there was more on the plate! Update: Item removed from menu
The salmon tartar was exquisite – simply thick chunks of fresh salmon sashimi marinated in olive oil, lemon and a hint of ginger. I loved the addition of edible purple flowers! Update: Item removed from menu
The Not-So-Traditional Club Sandwich (22,000 LBP) was reassuringly traditional – unconventional for Lebanon perhaps. A sandwich layered with chicken, bacon, fried sunny-side up egg, lettuce, tomatoes and mayo served with crunchy fries and ketchup. Delicious and exactly how a club sandwich should be.
I don’t normally order scallops, because they’re rarely cooked well. The pan-seared scallops were tender and juicy, served with basil olive oil pesto that needed just a dash of salt. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t order scallops at a pub. Update: Item removed from menu
Final Verdict?
When I visited GardenState last summer, I never thought to try their food menu. Tonight, I found it surprisingly healthy and gourmet as opposed to the usual mini burgers and fried appetizers usually on a pub’s menu.
It was a memorable evening paired with a great ambiance, unconventional cocktails and gourmet not-your-average-pub food. This is a place I would visit again when looking for that great outdoor pub experience.
GardenState Beirut
Address: Jisr El Wati, Sin El Fil, Metn
Contact: +961-71-075575
For opening hours, check out GardenState Beirut on Facebook or 
Unless otherwise noted, all posted content and photographs are owned exclusively by me. None of the content / photographs may be reproduced, modified, recirculated, commercially exploited or reused in any form whatsoever without my prior written consent.
For further information regarding permission to use content or photographs, please contact me.