Pinokyo Café & Bar

Karaoke & drag bar · Istanbul Beyoğlu

Pinokyo is a small café-bar on a side street off İstiklal Caddesi where in-house singers strike up old Turkish pop classics and the guests sing along.

• ★ 4.1 on Google (915)
• Karaoke
• Turkish classics
• Until 4 am

Address

Büyükparmakkapı Sokak 26/1
34433 Istanbul

Opening hours

daily 5 pm–4 am

Crowd

mostly men, locals and tourists

Getting there

side street off İstiklal Caddesi in Beyoğlu

What makes Pinokyo stand out

At Pinokyo, Turkish pop classics take centre stage. The in-house singers also serve, and according to Time Out the owner himself likes to take the mic too. Guests sing along, and there are small bar snacks. If you don’t know the old songs, you’re mainly a spectator, and that’s fun too.

On the current situation: in June 2026 the authorities in Istanbul had the long-established gay bar Tek Yön closed, and in mid-September 2026 nationwide police operations followed against LGBTI organisations and meeting places, with 26 people arrested in Istanbul alone. We have not been able to independently confirm whether and when Pinokyo is currently open.

Atmosphere and crowd

The crowd is mostly male, a mix of locals and travellers. Many Google reviews praise the atmosphere and the team. It’s liveliest late in the evening, when the whole room sings together.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: GayOut, Time Out Istanbul, Google reviews (4.1 stars, 915 reviews), Urania Institute and LGBTQ Nation. Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.