Famous Hamra shawarma and manoushe counter listed as open 24 hours.
Barbar is a Beirut institution that began as a small manoushe bakery in Hamra and grew into a chain, with the original Hamra branch sitting just off Hamra Street and a second branch near Spears. Time Out Beirut and Wanderlog both list it as open 24 hours, which is why it is the default for a late supper after the bars. The counter serves chicken and beef shawarma wrapped in thin saj bread with pickles and garlic, kafta and shish tawook sandwiches, manakish with za'atar or cheese, and fresh fruit and cocktail juices. Reviews praise the chicken shawarma and note smaller portions and variable cleanliness on busy nights. It is cheap, fast and cash-friendly, and orders can be eaten standing at the counter or taken away. Expect queues around 02:00 on weekend nights when the Hamra and Gemmayzeh bars empty out.
| Price | Roughly USD 3-8 per person (~0.27-0.72 million LBP), estimate |
|---|---|
| Hours | Listed as 24 hours (Time Out Beirut, Wanderlog; confirm on arrival) |
| Reservations | Walk-in; counter service |
| Address | Barbar Junction, off Hamra Street, Hamra, Beirut |
Signature dishes
- Chicken shawarma
- Beef shawarma
- Za'atar manoushe
Good to know
- Known for
- Shawarma, manakish and juices
Location
Barbar Junction, off Hamra Street, Hamra, Beirut
33.8945, 35.4832 View on map
Highlights
- Listed as open 24 hours
- Chicken and beef shawarma wrapped in saj bread
- Fresh juices and manakish
- Good value for a late-night meal
Tips for visiting
- Confirm 24-hour service on the day, as hours can shorten during unrest.
- Order the chicken shawarma first; reviewers rate it the most consistent.
- Pay in US dollars or Lebanese pounds; ask the price before ordering.
- Queues peak between 01:00 and 03:00 on Thursday to Saturday.
When to visit
Late night after 23:00 or an early breakfast manoushe
Accessibility
Counter service at street level; step-free access likely.
Frequently asked questions
Is Barbar really open 24 hours?
Time Out Beirut and Wanderlog list it that way, but hours have changed in the past, so check on arrival.
How much is a shawarma?
Roughly USD 3-6 per sandwich (~0.27-0.54 million LBP), estimate.
Is it halal?
Lebanese shawarma is chicken, beef or lamb; ask staff if halal certification matters to you.