h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

In alphabetical order

Ishtar Bar and Restaurant
3rd Floor Babylon Terminal, Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq

The Ishtar Bar is without question the finest bar in Iraq. It can be found in the otherwise almost completely deserted Baghdad International Airport (known as BIOP or BIAP to US military personnel). An excellent meal can be purchased for a few dollars (this is the only currency accepted) and portions are generous. A wide selection of lagers, wines and spirits are available (Carlsburg $3). The décor is rather brash favouring as it does chrome and lace in equal measure. Seating is available for a around one hundred people and the bar area can seat a dozen comfortably. The Staff (who appear to be of Indian origin) are uniformly courteous and informative. Travellers are advised that alcohol (also available at duty free, downstairs) and drunkenness are forbidden in the US Army bases in Iraq. Travellers can also enjoy their refreshment of the open air viewing gallery immediately in front of the bar. This affords panoramic views of the battle scared wreckage of the airport and the abandoned fleet of Iraqi Airways aircraft as does the bar itself. Travellers are advised not to antagonise security staff in the terminal in anyway since the airport is a big empty place and they are both well armed and poorly disciplined. Photography is not allowed. Take time to explore the areas around the bar which offer a unique opportunity to see the effects of looting on an airport environment. Be advised: On no account be tempted to use the lift since it is operated by the connection of naked electrical wires and has invalidated its maintaince contract.

Italian Bar
Italian PX, Tallie base, Nasrasira, Iraq (near the ruins of Ur)

There are in fact two Italian Bars one on the American bases Italian Annex (off limits to US Personnel) and one on the Italian Main Base adjacent to the American. The former offers a more intimate environment. Chess boards and Italian TV are available in the bar, which is fully air conditioned, itself whilst there is seating outside for the more hardy. Table football is also available outside. As you might expect a wide selection of European lagers, wines and spirits are available (Fosters $2 or Euro Equivalent) . The Italian Army are congenial host and most speak basic English. Feel free to discuss Liverpool’s recent dramatic European Cup victory as this was widely appreciated in Italy. The Staff are Indian and have an interest in world currency design and would greatly appreciate any donations to their collection. Check out the PX also where Italian Police Riot Batons ($20) are available along with assorted military equipment and memorabilia. The Larger base’s bar is very similar but boasts a wider selection of alcoholic beverages. Note alcohol and drunkenness contravene General Orders No1 subsection C of the US Army in Iraq.

My thanks to the US and Italian Armed Forces for their assistance with this entry.

NOTE: There really are only two bars in Iraq outside the International "green" Zone as far as I know and I have spent an unwise ammount of time there. Travellers and Hitchikers sould be advised that there appears to be some kind of minor war in progress.