Bar entertainment in Middle East
-
A
Buddha Bar
If there are celebs in town, they’ll show up at Buddha Bar, where the dramatic Asian-inspired interiors are decked out with gorgeous chandeliers, a wall of reflective sheer glass, and an enormous Buddha lording over the heathens. The bartenders put on quite a show with their impressive shakes (think Tom Cruise in Cocktail ). Arrive early or prepare to queue; otherwise book dinner for guaranteed admission.
reviewed
-
B
Grappa
Stylish wooden benches and B&W photos on the wall give this rustic bar a hip feel but it’s the huge windows with views and the summer terrace seating that really draw the crowds. There are decent pizzas, salads and manaqeesh (Arabic bread with herbs) but the drinking takes priority.
reviewed
-
C
Living Room
Part lounge, part sushi bar and part study (think high-backed chairs, a fireplace and the daily newspaper), the Living Room is so understated that it’s easily missed. It offers quality bar meals, from North American steaks to salmon with cream cheese, and the fine music seals it as a great place to hang out over a delicious iced tea with lemon grass and mint. Non-teetotallers can enjoy the full complement of expertly crafted cocktails on offer, which are served up strong with a healthy dose of style and refinement.
reviewed
-
Pearl
Hotel bars are generally only open to guests and 'members' (who pay an annual 'membership'). These rules, however, are continually relaxing and even Qataris can now be seen in some of these establishments (once strictly forbidden). One of the more popular bars is the cocktail bar, Pearl.
reviewed
-
D
Blaumilech
Overlooking gorgeous Rothschild Blvd and busy Allenby St, Blaumilech is perfectly placed to draw in big crowds to it cosy confines. Comfy sofas line the interior of this low-lit lounge-bar and in between them people attempt to dance to the rock, pop and hip hop dished out by the nightly DJ.
It can be a wild scene with so many people trying to dance, drink and mingle in such a tight space. The clientele is an unpretentious 20s and 30s crowd and you shouldn't expect anyone to turn up before 23:00. If the interior is overcrowded you could always hang out on the front deck, a great spot to catch a breather before diving back into the fray.
reviewed
-
E
Agency
A convivial wine bar frequented by khaki-clad tourists and expats, Agency is a civilised spot for a predinner drink. As at its sister branch at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the wine list includes unusual varietals (skip the New World wines in favour of better French labels), but here there’s a terrace overlooking the Madinat canals and with glimpses of the Burj al-Arab. Satisfying bar snacks include cheese fondue with truffle oil, and finger foods such as fried calamari. Good luck snagging a table at peak times.
reviewed
-
F
Shoshana Johnson
A curious find in downtown Tel Aviv. Where most places are all sleek chrome and neon lights, this one belongs in the Latin Quarter of some other continent. The ambiance is relaxed but it's undoubtedly a singles bar - popular with a 30ish crowd. There is no sign in English, so look for the 'Libros en Español' sign. And the name? Shoshana Johnson was an American POW caputured in Iraq - although were not sure what that has to do with a bar on Allenby St.
reviewed
-
G
Skyview Bar
Despite the stratospheric tab, cocktails (Dh275 minimum) or afternoon tea (Dh395) on the 27th floor of the Burj al-Arab ranks high on tourists’ must-do lists. And with good reason: the views are simply breathtaking – you can even make out the islands of The World in the hazy distance. Do arrive before sunset or don’t bother. And do book ahead. As for the Liberace-meets-Star Trek interiors, all we can say is, welcome to the Burj.
reviewed
-
H
Barasti Bar
Seaside Barasti is the locals’ (especially expat Brits) fave for laid-back sundowners. No need to dress up – you can head straight here after a day at the beach – but don’t come unless you like crowds: at weekends, 4000 or more shiny happy people invade. DJs play indoors, but it’s generally better to sit outside within earshot of the sea. The pub-style food is pretty good and Friday brunch (Dh295, including alcohol) is popular.
reviewed
-
I
Rooftop Bar
The fabric-draped nooks, cushioned banquettes, Moroccan lanterns and Oriental carpets make this candlelit rooftop bar one of Dubai’s most sublime spots. Come at sunset to watch the sky change colour – but not earlier; the bar doesn’t pick up until evening. There’s a good menu of mezzes (appetisers), in case you’re feeling peckish. Views of the Palm Jumeirah, and the romantic vibe, make this an ideal spot for couples.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
New Asia Bar & Club
A huge Egyptian head welcomes you to the circular bar where mixologists whip up over 100 cocktails, including the home-grown invention called Dubai Sling. A sophisticated crowd makes it up here to the top of the pyramid of the ultra-plush Raffles hotel, where the views are stunning and the eye-candy factor high. If you like it quieter, whisk yourself upstairs to the never-never land of the China Moon Champagne Bar.
reviewed
-
K
QD’s
Watch the ballet of lighted dhows (traditional wooden boats) floating by while sipping cosmos at this always-fun outdoor Creekside lounge shaped like a giant circle. The main action is on the (very public) raised centre ring, where Oriental carpets and cushions set an inviting mood. For privacy, retreat to the vast wooden deck jutting over the water, or book a cabana. Great for sheesha, but skip the food.
reviewed
-
L
Terrace
Specialising in French oysters, caviar, champagne and vodka, the Terrace is one of Dubai’s smartest waterside lounge bars. A DJ sets just the right mood with sensual chill-out beats. The dramatically lit interior is stylin’, but it doesn’t compare with sitting on the outdoor deck and watching the moored boats bobbing in the marina. Sunday is ladies’ night and on Mondays there are drinks specials for all.
reviewed
-
M
Boudoir
Though snooty expats distance themselves from the Lebanese crowd at Boudoir, we love the look of the place. Tufted red-velvet booths, beaded curtains and tasselled draperies lend a super-model vibe – indeed, you may spot one among the wannabes – and the circular layout is perfect for twirling away from the occasional unwanted advance by a Lothario. High on the chic-o-meter. Look sharp or be ostracised.
reviewed
-
Unplugged
Next door to the Underground Pub, this place has a main bar plus a popular outdoor tented area that attracts rowdy young things pretending to be drunk, and sleazy soldiers who commandeer the picnic tables with impressive MTV rip-off dance moves. While it would be an OK place to puff on a water pipe and relax on the couches, the music is so loud it makes chatting with friends a distinct impossibility.
reviewed
-
N
Crystal
Crystal is, without a doubt, Beirut's glitziest, glammest club. It's a great space with a good, fun atmosphere where the well-heeled clientele generally book a large table with friends (for dinner) and settle in for a night of dollar-flashing. If you want to join in, consider ordering the US$3000 salmazar of champagne and have it carried, spotlit, to your table - which it pays to book in advance.
reviewed
-
O
1897
Channel your inner Cary Grant and belly up to the bar at this grown-up, mood-lit thirst parlour at the Kempinksi. Don’t bother if you’re the beery type – you’d be wasting the bar staff’s considerable talents. Decorated in plush purple and polished wood, this place lures chatty sophisticates huddled in intense tête-à-têtes and grateful for the low sound levels. Smoking, including cigars, is OK.
reviewed
-
P
Bice Sky Bar
It may not be as much on the hipster radar, but when it comes to glorious views this quiet, chic lounge on the 10th floor of the ho-hum beachfront Hilton can definitely compete. In this case, it’s the sparkling Palm Jumeirah and glistening Gulf waters that will make you want to order that second cocktail. Soft piano music and comfy leather chairs help create a relaxed, romantic mood.
reviewed
-
Q
Koubba
Score a candlelit table on the terrace overlooking the Madinat canals and illuminated Burj, and you’ll instantly know you’ve found one of the most tranquil and romantic spots in all Dubai. The interior is nearly as compelling, with plush red velvet and Oriental cushions for you to lie against as you chill out to live Arabian-lounge music. Too bad it’s illegal to lock lips in public.
reviewed
-
R
Agency at Emirates Towers
A cosmopolitan wine bar frequented by older businessmen, Agency is a civilized spot for a glass of French wine. (Skip the New World wines; they're strictly grocery-store labels.) Alas, it's in an office tower and feels like it. Focus your attention on the interesting varietals; go for a flight of four half pours. Good cheese fondue and finger foods like fried calamari.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
S
Cin Cin
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more impressive wine-and-spirits list than the one at this sleek bar, styled out with blue light, deep leather club chairs and changing-colour ice buckets. The list is dizzying, with over 400 wines – 55 by the glass – 50 vodkas and 26 Scotches. Prices skew high, but you’ll find good French vintages in the Dh300 range. Shine your shoes.
reviewed
-
T
Nanuchka
This Georgian place is set inside an old home, and this fact comes through in the rambling nature of the place - there are several interconnected rooms, one for dining, one for drinking and others for floor lounging. It serves partially as a restaurant but most people simply try to wedge their way to the bar, where a convivial atmosphere makes it easy to meet others.
reviewed
-
U
Library Bar
This hushed and elegant bar feels like a retreat from Dubai’s in-your-face modernity. Polished wood, leather sofas and rich carpets combine to create an ambience of timeless sophistication. The bar menu has some interesting nibbles, but this is really more the kind of place to steer your luxury sedan for a postprandial Glenfiddich and Cuban cigar.
reviewed
-
V
Al-Kahwa
Usually lost in a thick haze of nargileh smoke this is a popular hang-out with students from the AUB. Its friendly atmosphere and reasonably priced menu make it a reliable choice for breakfast, lunch or for dinner. An Arabic or cooked English breakfast is available, and there are also tasty jacket potatoes and quesadilla appetisers to munch on.
reviewed
-
Bar Saloon
This endearingly dingy little liquor store-cum-bar is frequented by a motley crew of bohemian types, elderly locals, foreign Arabic students and travellers, all engaged in heated debate of some sort. Visitors might feel they've encroached on some sort of clique, but it's less exclusive than first appearances suggest and the beer's cheap.
reviewed
