Dubai’s best bars 2024: niche or bar-hop?

Sports Bars 

What’s better for all of you sports fanatics in Dubai than a high-scoring combo of drinks, snacks and screens to watch the match?!

Buffalo Wings & Rings DIFC

Alright starting you off with a classic sports bar-restaurant, Buffalo Wings & Rings presents a family-friendly environment combined with a sports bar concept, specializing in American fast food. It boasts a wide variety of flavorful wings and sauces, alongside other appetizing pub grub, including special deals for kids. Renowned for its live sports broadcasts and live music, the establishment also features a full bar, catering to a diverse range of preferences!

Timing: Daily starting noon till 3 AM

Location: Level C, Liberty House Bldg., DIFC

Contact: (04) 359 6900

McGettigan’s JLT

McGettigan’s JLT in Dubai is a popular Irish pub known for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic Irish experience. It offers a mix of traditional Irish fare and modern dishes, along with a wide selection of beverages. The pub is famous for its lively events, including live music, sports screenings, and themed nights, making it a favorite among both expats and locals.

Timing: Mon till Thu from 12 PM till 2 AM, Fri from 12 PM till 3 AM, Sat & Sun from 10 AM till 3 AM

Location: Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Hotel

Contact: (04) 356 0470

OFFSIDE Sports Bar

Offers a simple, social, and fun experience, boasting the coolest terrace in the city. Guests are invited to enjoy bar classics and craft ales while watching sports from around the world on one of the big screens. The garden may open earlier to accommodate major sporting events. It’s famous for its finger-licking grazers and juicy burgers, making it a perfect spot for casual gatherings!

Timing: Mon till Thu from 4 PM till 3 AM, Fri till Sun from 12 PM till 3 AM

Location: Media One – Al Sufouh – Dubai Media City 

Contact: 056 522 0219

The Stables

Distinctively unique sports bar known for its rustic charm. It has garnered popularity for its array of offerings, including Happy Hours, Ladies’ Night, live music, and sports broadcasting on TV, making it a favored destination for both locals and visitors seeking a lively and charming atmosphere.

Timing: Daily from 12 PM till 3 AM

Location: 32 Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 1 

Contact: 054 417 7028

The 44 

The Forty Four Sports Lounge, located at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, is open daily from noon until late. This lounge boasts luxurious interior decor, a spacious terrace offering stunning views, a BBQ station, pool tables, dart boards, HD screens, a pinball machine, and the distinction of having the highest bowling alley in the world. It provides an ideal setting for guests to cheer, dine, and play in a vibrant atmosphere.

Timing: Daily from noon till 3 AM, Saturday from noon till 4 AM

Location: Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City

Contact: 054 581 1758

Cocktail Bars 

Alright bar-lovers, are you into social action and hanging out with some of the coolest DXB-ers? Between the live music scene and entertainment, the chit-chats and dancing sur-place while you sip on signature cocktails, these bars are for you!

Agora Cocktail Bar & Social Club

Fancy a Gin & Tonic? Agora specializes in them so make sure you ask for it the moment you step in, it comes in highly-recommended! A gathering place for social & stimulating discourse, attracting those seeking a refreshing & innovative beverage – where every sip tells a story. Their culinary offerings are as exceptional as our cocktails, promising a gastronomic adventure that tantalizes the taste buds. Our menu is a fusion of global influences, carefully curated to deliver a diverse array of flavors.

Timing: Daily from 6 PM till 3 AM

Location: The Edition Hotel, Downtown Dubai

Contact:  058 592 5823

Galaxy Bar

A Journey to the stars with the award-winning Galaxy Bar! Defining new horizons in your late-night lounge experience. Located in the heart of DIFC, this intimate bar celebrates its Greek roots in a bespoke interior that pays homage to classical Greek architecture while reflecting in a dream-like state. You can relax and settle into your evening to savour a selection of delicious Greek meze from their sister restaurant, Avli by tashas. Or perch elegantly at their magnificent, Lemurian-blue stone arched bar and watch as your host creates your cocktail with effortless style and panache –unique signature and newly-imagined classic cocktails await, like Electric Love, Andromeda and Rising Sun among many others. Just divine.

Timing: Tue & Wed from 8 PM till 3 AM, Thur till Sat from 9 PM till 4 AM

Location: Near Four Seasons DIFC Unit C-01, Ground Floor, Gate Village Building 9

Contact: 050 513 5908

Nola Eatery & Social House JLT

Salmon Guru 

This is what an award-winning cocktail bar concept looks and tastes like! Located within the iconic Opus building, Salmon Guru is an exclusive cocktail bar serving up innovative concoctions alongside an international food menu. Their entire execution revolves around its namesake, the salmon, by striving to go against the current in everything it does, and provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience. The experimental cocktails are without a doubt what has won Salmon Guru its worldwide recognition, so be sure to try a couple of the signatures on your visit.Salmon Guru’s sister branches consistently place in the Top 50 Best Bars worldwide, which bodes well for this addition to Business Bay’s bar scene. 

Timing: Sun till Thu from 4 PM till 2 AM, Friday & Saturday from 4 PM till 2:30 AM

Location: Opus Building, Business Bay

Contact: 052 814 9537

Soon Izakaya

With a fast-growing popularity, Soon is a must-try ambient and alluring gastrobar, located in Armada Tower 2 in JLT. Soon isn’t breaking the original code of genuine Tokyo-raised Izakaya, routing to the origins of the sake stay-in-drink and eat shops but is following a strip-and-build approach by delicately infusing the new age meanings focusing on mixology, music, and lighting design. Combining veritable Japanese cuisine with neoteric pop culture, Soon becomes a completely new go out destinations for foodies, socialites, party fans and cocktail lovers. Their R’n’B and remixed oldies Ladies Night on Tuesday is one of their busiest on the calendar, head there from 7 PM till 9 PM to find out why!

Timing: Sun till Thur from 12 PM till 1 AM, Sat & Sun from 12 PM till 3 AM

Location: Cluster P, JLT

Contact: 055 434 0575

Rooftop Bars 

Dubai’s sky views are phenomenal and rooftops are a main destination to enjoy the panoramic views. Let’s hit the best rooftop gastrobars that the city’s all about!

Attiko

A high-energy lounge in Dubai, Attiko is inspired by the conviviality of Asian nightclubs and cosmopolitan lounges. Perfect for sundowners to late-night gatherings, savor their signature Asian tasty bites and drinks – as you delve in the vibrant atmosphere and stylish setting. Located on the rooftop of the W Dubai Mina Seyahi, Attiko is the perfect spot to catch the beauty of Dubai’s golden sunset and shimmering lights of the city’s iconic skyline. While you’re up above, make sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with their delectable Raspberry Mousse Dome. 

Timing: Sunday to Friday from 5 PM till 2 AM, Saturday from 2 PM till 5 PM & 7 PM till 2 AM 

Location: Dubai Marina 

Contact: (04) 350 9983

Cé La Vi

Cé La Vi is among the top of the top, or crème de la crème if you will – with an award for “Highly Commended Best Rooftop Bar” under its belt! Living up to its name, the skybar known as “The Toast of the Town” features panoramic views of Burj Khalifa serving an upscale Asian menu as Cé La Vi’s deeply rooted in the artistic influences of Southeast Asia. Located on the 54th floor of Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, their signature cocktails menu – in collaboration with Shingo Gokan – is upgraded with delectable new items that are a must-try like “Breaking Height” (Aperol-based), “Cacao Hunter” (Jameson-based) and “Pink Velvet” (Angostura-based). 

Timing: Sunday to Friday from 12 PM till 3 AM, Saturday from 12:30 PM till 3 AM

Location: Address Sky View, 54th floor, Downtown Dubai

Contact: (04) 582 6111

Monkey Bar Dubai

Situated at the 25hours Hotel, Monkey Bar offers a unique rooftop bar experience in Dubai. Monkey Bar mixes, shakes and stirs whatever it takes. With a lot of love, of course. If the decision between highballs, classics and signatures is difficult, their friendly bar team will be happy to help. With impressive views of the Museum of The Future, their drinks are accompanied by Latin American inspired food menu. The cocktails have a touch of tiki alongside classics and popular serves borrowed from other cocktail bars around the world. The accompanying food menu draws on Latin American influences not to be missed. Enjoy the killer views of The Museum of The Future, sit back and sip.

Timing: Sunday to Thursday from 5 PM till 2 AM, Friday & Saturday from 5 PM till 3 AM 

Location: 25hours Hotel

Contact: (04) 210 2566

Ongaku Dubai

Timing: Tuesday to Saturday from 8 PM till 3 AM

Location:  DIFC Gate Village

Contact: (04) 569 3820

Tiki’s By Canary Club

See you on the upside as we escape to this hidden gem tucked away on Canary Club’s second floor. Engulf yourself in a pocket of lush tropical foliage overlooking the city. The ultimate haven for all the sunset dwellers & golden hour enthusiasts. Take a walk upstairs to the second floor of Canary Club to be transported to TIKI’s – an unparalleled cocktail experience for thoughtful discussions, lively reunions or a romantic date. It’s a place to sip on a drink best-enjoyed under the grass hut on our bar or cozy up at a table looking out to panoramic views. Stay tuned as TIKI’s hosts a smattering of events this season — DJs, sunrise yoga, book release parties, pop-up shops and creative collaborations — with bright, world-traveled twists on California cuisine and traditional cocktails with a menu lovingly curated by the wizards at Canary Club. TIKI’s is the rooftop destination to text your friends about, immediately. TIKI’s beverage menu features a rotating selection of Canary Club’s classic and 12 new cocktails exclusively available at TIKI’s bar although you don’t really need an excuse to enjoy a drink served out of a tiki cup. And while all of those are fun, it’s the large format drinks that steal the show – order one of our Big Kahunas to share with your friends.

Timing: Sunday to Wednesday from noon till 1 AM, Thursday & Friday from noon till 2 AM, Saturday from 2 PM till 7 PM, 8 PM till 2 AM

Location: Banyan Tree Residences 

Contact: (04) 584 5999

Beach Bars 

Who’s feeling beachy?! Let’s get on a rather sandy note and dip our toes into different waters with these amazing, vibrant and ultimately fun beach bars!

Barasti Dubai

A classic pick! Barasti Dubai has been a long-time favorite of the beach bar scene in the city! Renowned for its vibrant bar atmosphere and its delicious cuisine, Barasti Beach Bar is popular with both residents and holiday-goers. It has been an icon of the Dubai social scene for over 25 years and continues to provide an outstanding location, welcoming all walks of life to enjoy the unique venue, great service and offer the best F&B so grab a towel for some beach vibes at this hotspot for a killer cocktail and sundowner from the tiki-style bar…hey, also make sure to stay for those night party vibes, they throw a blast there!

Timing: Monday till Sunday from 9:00 AM till 3 AM

Location: Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort & Marina 

Contact: (04) 511 7373

Caña by Tamoka

Chill out and embrace the barefoot beach vibe of ‘Caña by Tamoka’, our ‘Palapa’ beach bar. Drift off to the sounds of the ocean, savor their laid-back snacks and discover exciting mixology – all from Latin America. Caña by Tamoka is the perfect easy-going beach destination for an irresistibly lazy lounge day or a sunset moment. Experience one of a kind Latin American street food straight from the Cañavan, make sure you grab their caravan-style Pollo Jerk – jerk chicken, the Choripan which is Argentinian-style beef sausage on a corn roll and their signature boniato frito, the charred sweet corn. 

Timing: daily from 12 PM till 10 PM
Location: Al Mamsha Street, The Walk JBR
Contact: +971 4 318 6099

KoKo Bay Dubai

Inspired by the beaches of the Far East and nestled in our own paradise-like West Palm Jumeirah shores, Koko Bay aspires to create a unique space with a sense of calm and an essence of mystery. Passion and love are the key ingredients behind their unique menu, for a culinary experience of Far-Eastern flavors with a sprinkle of European comforts. Homemade shrubs, syrups and blends make up their legendary Craft Cocktails. Don’t opt out on their Basil Frésko, Monkey Maretto & Koko Berry – in fact keep going back to try them out one after the other! KoKo Bay is the beach bar you will fall in love with!

Timing: Mon till Thurs from 10 AM till 1 AM, Fri from 10 AM till 2 AM, Sat from 8 AM till 2 AM, Sun from 8 AM till 1 AM 

Location: West Beach Palm 

Contact: (04) 572 3444

February 30

Homegrown Beirut concept, February 30 makes its way to Dubai, setting its sights on the stunning location of Palm West Beach at Palm Jumeirah. The brand has evolved with dynamism and unwavering exuberance at its core, with the new Dubai outpost boasting a multifaceted identity of the beach bar, lounge, and restaurant.

Timing: Monday till Thursday from 12 PM till 2 AM, Friday till Sunday from 10 AM till 2 AM 
Location: West Beach Palm 
Contact: (04) 244 7200

Surf Club

Surf Club has become more of a social hub and community transcending the parameters of a beach destination. A beachfront haven in the heart of Dubai that easily becomes your lifestyle escape for daytime beach relaxation and one-of-a-kind nightlife experience with a versatile entertainment ensemble of DJs & live music. Surf Club is a world of its own on the exquisite Palm Jumeirah shores.

Timing: Daily from 10 AM till 1 AM
Location: West Beach Palm
Contact: (04) 589 5444

Speakeasy Bars

Once you find them, you won’t be able to leave them. Dubai’s hidden gems, otherwise known as speakeasies – this is what night owls whisper about and we’re giving you the last piece of the puzzle on the very best!

Blind Tiger

“Hard to find, impossible to forget”. And once you have made it in there, Blind Tiger will immediately stun you with their surroundings that reflect a strong character in a friendly ambiance and offers a wealth of light bites complimentary to their signature cocktails – from Tuna Tartare Taco to Truffle & Avocado Roll and Charcuterie, there’s something for everyone to nibble on in high style. 

Timing: Daily from 5 PM till 2 AM
Location: Jumeirah Al Naseem
Contact: 800 323232

Electric Pawn Shop

Electric Pawn Shop was established with the intention of creating a sanctuary for underground music and culture through a revolutionary disruption to the bar scene of the UAE and has accomplished so with their hedonist, exotic and dystopian counter-culture Asian bar restaurant inspired by the 70s Chinatown of New York. What’s the feel inside one of our favorite speakeasies? Asian mystique with New York’s effortless coolness, make sure to find your way there to indulge in their contemporary creative Asian cocktails & cuisine as you swing to underground beats within the conceptual design that is the DNA of Electric Pawn Shop.

Timing: Sun till Thu from 6 PM till 1:30 AM, Fri & Sat from 6 PM till 3 AM

Location: The H Dubai

Contact: 050 5865510

Gohan 

La Cantine presents Gohan, their independent Japanese restaurant concept, situated adjacent to the original venue at Emirates Towers, offering an intimate dining experience. Despite the intimacy of the space, the restaurant boasts an impressive character, celebrating authentic and traditional Japanese dining. There’s a delightful atmosphere for you to take in at Gohan.Their signature cocktails are inspired by the The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan – so it goes without saying, you’re in for both a divine and prosperous toast!

Timing: Mon till Thu from 12 PM till 3 PM, 6 PM till 2 AM
             Fri from 12 PM till 3 PM, 6 PM till 3 AM
             Sat from 6 PM till 3 AM & Sun from 6 PM till 2 AM
Location: Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel
Contact: 04 352 7105

Honeycomb Hi-Fi

Eclectic global sounds, Izakaya style dining, rotating art exhibitions, a vinyl record and book shop are all part of the offering at Honeycomb Hi-Fi. Weekly DJ sets and listening sessions are presented on a bespoke Ojas sound system in this new home for wax lovers of all stripes. Classic Izakaya dishes and signature creations by Chef Matt Abergel feed the soul.

Timing: Sun, Tue, Wed & Thu from 7:30 PM till 2 AM, Fri & Sat from 7:30 PM till 3 AM
Location: Pullman Dubai Downtown
Contact: 04 412 6666

Stëlla

Stëlla is a hidden gem in the heart of Dubai, dedicated to fostering connections through the power of music and positive energy. Music takes the center stage at Stëlla as they aim to create an exclusive sanctuary where people can revel in the present moment and immerse themselves in the magic of shared experiences. Their drinks are crafted with love and precision, enhancing your experience with every sip, from classic to signature cocktails. Feast your eyes on the velvety emerald green-dominant deco that signifies the glam behind their vibrant ambience.

Timing: Daily 8 PM till 3 AM

Location: Address Fountain Views – Downtown Dubai

Contact: 054 505 0107

Party Bars

This is where anything is possible and all options are on the table! Your all-rounded pub party experience of eating, drinking, singing and dancing happens in these best party bars in Dubai!

Bar Du Port

They go by the motto: A LITTLE LUXURY, A LOT OF FUN!

A sophisticated yet humble dining experience awaits at Bar Du Port; a French-style restaurant and bar reminiscent of seductive cocktail bars combined with the relaxed air of Dubai’s waterfront harbour. With a modern, seasonal menu inspired by the finest produce and foraged flavours from around the world, Bar Du Port boasts a menu of French classics with a global expression. A gracious modern nod to the cocktail bars of the 20th century, Bar Du Port’s warmly-lit, opulent bar is filled with bartenders who know exactly how you like your drink.For those who appreciate a more intimate and relaxed setting, Bar du Port offers a cozy yet chic atmosphere. Its waterfront location and Mediterranean-inspired menu create a perfect setting for a laid-back hangout that can escalate in a dancing party quite quickly.

Timing: Sun till Wed from 12 PM till 2 AM, Fri from 12 PM till 3 AM
             Sat from 1 PM till 3 AM

Location: Dubai Harbour Pier Club

Contact: (04) 332 4868

Buddha Bar

Enhance your dining experience with high-octane performances from award-winning artists. Buddha-Bar Nights combine the very best of Pan-Asian cuisine with an eclectic mix of artistic performances including dancers, aerialists, and international DJ performances. Effortless and sophisticated, the Dragon Bar serves a wide range of signature cocktails crafted by their expert mixologists. The Far East Julep cocktail comes highly-recommended!

Timing: Sun till Thur from 7 PM till 1 AM, Fri from 7 PM till 2 AM & Sat from 8 PM till 2 AM

Location: Grosvenor House Dubai

Contact: (04) 317 6556

Iris

A modern lounge bar bringing an elegant, natural, sensuous and free-spirited energy to the city- A precision-crafted seasonal cocktail menu that includes a unique collection of innovative Iris Signature Cocktails designed to stimulate the senses.  an oasis of escapism. Every cocktail is created with passion and precision, transporting your senses to another world. We are curious pioneers devoted to creating cocktails that are as much a delight to drink as they are for us to mix and our vision is simple – to inspire you to escape. Do not miss out on their Copper Coupe and Black Isle cocktails. 

Timing: Sun till Wed from 5 PM till 2 AM, Thu & Fri from 5 PM till 3 AM, Sat from 1 till 3 PM

Location: Meydan Grandstand

Contact: (04) 334 3355

Ling Ling

“Arrive early, leave late”. Ling Ling is more than a dining experience, it’s also a destination lounge which leads you into the evening, and then into the late night through signature tastes, sights and sounds. Evolving from drinking to dining to dancing, in no particular order. The contemporary Asian restaurant menu is supported by stylish décor and set to an eclectic soundtrack designed to create an alluring ambiance for wherever the night might lead. While you may enjoy the bar daily, The Ultra Lounge opens its doors from Thursday till Saturday starting 11 PM. Driven by an eclectic and hypnotic soundtrack of deep electronic music, the Ultra Lounge completes the nightly experience until late all tucked away in a modern indulgence of design wonder and decadent style at its finest.

Timing: Daily from 6 PM till 1 AM, Lounge from Thur till Sat from 11 PM till 3 AM

Location: Atlantis, The Royal

Contact: (04) 426 2600

Lock Stock & Barrel

It’s one of the most-awarded and loved party bars in the UAE! Lock Stock & Barrel, JBR is Dubai’s ultimate party bar, the biggest and the wildest of the family and this one is a no-brainer when it comes to your food and party needs. From its Lock, Stock & LIVE weekly Saturday Brunch, allowing you to tuck into bottomless bevs and unlimited rounds of mouthwatering fave’s, including Chicken Tacos, Lock and Loaded Nachos AND Truffle Mac n Cheese Bites, to the epic Battle of the Bands series, with two floors of bangin’ live music, three bars and all the sporting action, this bad boy’s got you covered and promises you an unforgettable night out in JBR. With the menu featuring a variety of mouth-watering dishes, from classic pub grub to hearty mains and shareable plates, all designed to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re in the mood for juicy burgers, flavorful wings, or signature cocktails, Lock, Stock and Barrel has something for everyone.

Timing: Mon till Sat from 4 PM till 3 AM & Sun from 2 PM till 3 AM
Location: Rixos Premium JBR – The Walk
Contact: (04) 423 8307

Cheers to the rich, diverse, ever-so-entertaining and rejeuvenating nightlife scene of Dubai! Now roam the streets like a pro and enjoy the best bars the city has to offer.