Cafã©s
Simonds
A small, long-established and highly popular café frequented by expats and students. Rather intimate, space is at a premium with just a few stools available or stand at the bar. Very good cappuccino. A great selection of sweets, pastries and juices is also on offer.
Euro Deli
Healthy food, homemade fries and salads. Good milkshakes. Wireless internet available.
Café de Paris
This place has drinks, sheesha and beer in nice garden surroundings with flat-TV running constant Arabic pop. Popular with nearby students from the AUC student quarters. Light food is also served.
Cilantro
Another branch in the Om Kolsoum Hotel on Abu el-Feda just north of the 26th July St Bridge crossing to Agouza. Part of a local coffee shop chain think Starbucks with pastries, light sandwiches, sodas, and free wi-fi.
Café Tabasco
Good coffee, a variety of Western and Arabic dishes including "American Breakfast" and pancakes. Popular hangout for foreign students. Wireless internet available.
Costas Coffee
Another Cairo coffee chain, delicious coffee, small selection of pastries, sandwiches, and cold drinks. Best for take out coffee. Nile view
Bars
Sequoia
3 abu el-fida st. tel. +2 02 2735 0014. open 1pm - 2am. an absolutely gorgeous open-air lounge bar/restaurant at the northern tip of zamalek, directly on the nile. one of the most popular places for the young elite and resident foreigners. sequoia does not only offer a variety of good mezzes, grills and other main courses but is also one of the best if not the best places in town to smoke shisha. sequoia has a shisha menu with 15-20 flavours of tobacco, which you can smell before making your choice. the interior is modern and all white, the atmosphere is relaxed and informal. reservation may be needed on wednesday nights and weekends when people come here to see and be seen. expensive, but worth a visit.
Pub 28
28 shagaret el dorr st. 02 2735 92 00. noon-2am. typical british pub frequented by expats and locals alike. international brands of liquor. food served. very popular, book table if you are not content sitting in the bar. open during ramdan. stella le 15, main dishes from le 25-60.
Deals
2 el sayed el bakry st. off 26th of july st. 02 235 9001. 4pm-2am. another popular pub haunt. cable tv, dj and house music. pub menu. open during ramadan. stella le 15, main dishes from le 25-60.
Harry's Pub
Sarya el gezira st cairo marriott hotel. 02 2735 8888 ext: 8495. karaoke-pub turns disco when the crowds are big enough. local beer le 20.
Drinkie's
A liquor store with a wide variety of spirits. One of the few places to find alcohol in this largely Islamic city.