Mar Mikhaël

The neighborhood is named after the Maronite Catholic Church of St. Michael, which is located on Rue Pharoun.

The neighborhood is considered a natural extension of the Gemmayzeh neighborhood, and its main thoroughfare Rue Arménie, is a continuation of Gemmayzeh's Rue Gouraud, the east-west axis that connects Beirut Central District to the eastern suburb of Bourj Hammoud.

[1][2] Since 2010, Mar Mikhaël has emerged as one of the most fashionable in Beirut, with many trendy boutiques, art galleries, antique furniture stores having opened in the area.

[3] In addition, many bars, restaurants and cafés have quickly replaced hardware shops, car parts and furniture stores, becoming a "hotspot for Beirut party-goers".

[4] By 2014, Mar Mikhaël had become a new hub for art and creativity,[5] diminishing slightly in 2014–2015 with the re-emergence of Badaro, but remaining a popular destination in Beirut for dining and nightlife.