Nestled in the Negev Desert only two and a half hours from Jerusalem lies Mitzpe Ramon, the only town in the area of Makhtesh Ramon aka the crater.
Despite giving the impression that a meteor hit the area a long time ago, the 500-meter-deep hole in the ground developed through the slow erosion of a desert ocean that existed hundreds of millions of years ago. Above it, in more recent years, there developed a beautiful, diverse, artsy community in a place that looks very much like how I imagine Mars would. Except that it has ibexes running around.
There’s a theater school and a circus school there, as well as a huge yeshiva, which makes this place pretty eclectic.
But what I want to tell you about is the place you should go if you find yourself in this area — which you should make sure you do — and want to grab a bite or a drink, soak in the authentic Mitzpe vibe and of course, feel like a local.
Welcome to HabereH Pub / פאב הברך. It’s like going to a bar in a treehouse in a forest on Mars, but you’re actually in the desert. I imagine this is where fairies would go hang out. With craft cocktails, fresh and delicious vegetarian food, local music performances and funky festivals, this place should 100% be on your list. They have bowls with tofu, eggplant and fresh salads, homemade bread, and unique cocktails. There’s beautiful decor and it’s open all year round.
This is definitely a place I try and go to whenever I find myself back in Mars, I mean Mitzpe. Not only do I enjoy the food and drink; I usually end up making a few friends.
Getting there:
The Times of Israel Community.
