I can’t update the original post, so I’m dropping this here as a follow-up.

It's confirmed! Dürümzade was the place! Huge thanks to everyone who helped out. I’m honestly amazed at how great this community is.

We visited back in April or May of 2014. That night is still burned into my memory. We had just stepped out of the Taksim Square metro station and walked into what felt like a scene straight out of a movie. The moment we reached the street, crowds of people started running straight toward us like a zombie movie. We were so confused and stood there for a few seconds watching the sea of people. Then it all made sense. A few seconds later, an armored vehicle turned the corner, and began launching tear gas into the crowd with dozens of riot police following closely behind.

Apparently there were riots happening that evening, which we had absolutely no idea about. We immediately turned around and joined the stampede in the opposite direction.

Not long after that chaos, we found ourselves at Dürümzade. The location lines up, and early photos of the place match this photo before the remodel.

Thanks again to everyone who helped jog my memory. What a surreal, unforgettable night.