Bored of the same old watering holes? From offbeat dives to cocktail dens serving drinks with a dash of razzle-dazzle, here are the quirkiest bars in Dubai right now.
BEST FOR… GAMES
1. The Den
A fun concept from McGettigan’s, The Den is a hangout to lounge in, watch a match and kick back with mates. Catch a game on the Sports Terrace’s screen or shoot some pool. If you feel lucky enter the Pool Pro contest, every Wednesday at 8pm, for a chance to win food and drink vouchers worth up to Dhs500.
McGettigan’s DWTC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Thur 3pm to 2am, Fri and Sat noon until 2am. Tel: (04) 3780800. Metro: World Trade Centre. mcgettigans.com
2. Claw
Who could pass up a game of giant Jenga or Twister after brunch? Arcade games are another retro treat you can find at this all-American diner and, along with darts, hops ping pong, table football and an X-Box, there’s enough to keep even the most hyperactive patrons busy.
Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, daily noon until 2am. Tel: (04) 4322300. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. clawbbq.com
3. Rodeo Drive
For a taste of the Wild West, wannabe cowboys and cowgirls can take their chances on the revolving mechanical bull at this post-brunch party spot, which also has hops and table football. Yee-haw!
The Stables, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3425571. Metro: World Trade Centre. facebook.com/rodeodrivebardubai
4. Al Nasr Leisureland
Founded in 1979, this expat hub is still going strong and includes a bar and a bowling alley. There’s plenty to keep you busy, from tennis courts to an Olympic-size ice rink. Once you’re done, chill out at Filipino-style bar Odd Spot and feast on Kabayan cuisine.
10th Street, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily 8.30am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3371234. Metro: Oud Metha. alnasrll.com
5. Stereo Arcade
Relive your youth with retro arcade games while listening to a soundtrack of 1980s and ’90s indie classics. Throughout the week, live music comes courtesy of comedic guitar duo Jetlag, soul-funk outfit Sound City and aptly named alt-rockers VHS.
aDoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Dubai, JBR, Dubai, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (052) 6182424. Metro: JLT. stereoarcade.com
BEST FOR… DINNER AND A SHOW
6. Tchaikovsky Restaurant And Night Club
Caviar aside, Russian cuisine might not be everyone’s first choice, but there’s no denying Tchaikovsky’s offers a memorable fine dining experience. Its slickly choreographed cabaret shows are big on Slavic glamour – think balalaika players, ballet and the odd bit of rhythmic gymnastics. Dubai Marina will feel a million miles away.
Marina Byblos Hotel, Al Hubob Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 8pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4488222. Metro: JLT. facebook.com/tchaikovsky.dubai
7. Billionaire Mansion
A recent addition to Dubai’s collection of swanky international nightlife brands, Billionaire Mansion is the brainchild of Italian F1 boss Flavio Briatore. Its electrifying dinner show offers quality Italian and Japanese food to a backdrop of dance and acrobatics. The venue operates a strict door policy so dress to impress.
Taj Dubai, Burj Khalifa Boulevard, Business Bay, Dubai, daily 5pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 5103100. Metro: Business Bay. billionairemansiondubai.com
8. MusicHall Dubai
The opulent MusicHall is a celebrity hangout (we spotted Rio Ferdinand here recently), and has eye-watering prices to match. Claiming a modern take on the classic supper club concept, this high-class variety show features ten performances a night, with everything from jazz to Arabic, rock and even opera. You never know who’ll be appearing next.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, Thur and Fri 9pm to 3am. Tel: (056) 2708670. Taxi: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah. themusichall.com
9. The Act Dubai
With more than a hint of burlesque, The Act dishes up gourmet Peruvian cuisine and an eclectic array of entertainment. There’s a different show each month, with professional dancers, actors and even acrobats jetted in from around the world. It rarely releases photos of its opulent interior so make sure you check out its decidedly risqué frescoes.
Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Thur and Sun 8.30pm to 3am, Fri 11pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3551116. Metro: Financial Centre. theactdubai.com
BEST FOR… KARAOKE
10. Kung Korean Restaurant & Karaoke
Hidden away on the mezzanine floor of the Byblos, Kung’s might not scream ‘glamour’, but it’s an old favourite for a post-pub sing-a-long. The eight private karaoke booths make it great for everyone, from a post-brunch crowd or a couple of crooners. Order some Korean pancakes, kimchijeon, if you’re feeling hungry.
Byblos Hotel Dubai, Barsha Heights, Dubai, daily 9am to 2am. Tel: (04) 488000. Metro: Dubai Internet City. bybloshoteldubai.com
11. Hibiki Karaoke Lounge
Sing in front of an audience or in one of their themed private booths at Hibiki. Its cherry blossom-themed Japanese room can accommodate up to ten people while its Thai-themed room can fit 25. Plus, if you don’t fancy any of the 10,000 tunes on offer you can always bring your own.
Hyatt Regency Dubai, Al Khaleej Road, Deira, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3172221. Metro: Palm Deira. dubai.regency.hyatt.com
Coming soon!
LA karaoke bar Blind Dragon opens in Al Habtoor city this month featuring karaoke suites, and music provided by top international DJs.
12. KLounge
Following a queuing system in which table occupants take turns on the mic, this intimate, upscale joint aims to enhance even the weakest performances with an in-house sound engineer who adjusts tunes to suit the singer’s voice. Its library features a whopping 50,000 songs in four languages.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, daily 7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4585858. Taxi: Souk Madinat Jumeriah. klounge.ae
13. Harry Ghatto’s
Bravely hone your singing skills in a roomful of strangers at this Japanese-themed bar – its happy hour deals will help you summon up some courage. Popular with the post-brunch lot, this fancy spot usually turns on the mics at 10pm and then 5pm on Fridays, when there’s also two-for-one drinks deals.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Tue to Sat 4pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3198796. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com
BEST FOR… PINOY PARTYING
14. Kitakits Kafe & Klubb
Sway along to power ballads from resident band Resound before DJ Mhel raises the tempo. There’s live music every night (except Fridays), when the venue turns into a throbbing dance club. If you fancy some Filipino cuisine, dive into the varied menu of meaty Filipino and pan-Asian staples.
Marco Polo Hotel, Al Muteena Street, Deira, Dubai, Sat to Thur 6.30 to 3am, Fri 11am to 4pm, 6.30 to 3am. Tel: (04) 272 0000. Metro: Salah Al Din. facebook.com/kitakitskafeandklubb
15. Club Se7en
See energetic b-boys pull off stomach-churning stunts at this old favourite Bur Dubai haunt, which recently took on an all-new edgy dance troupe. Filipino bands play a broad range of styles including reggae, R‘n’B, jazz, house and pop – this long-running haunt is one to put on your list.
Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, 2B Street, off Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, Karama, Dubai, daily 7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3771213. Metro: BurJuman.
clubsevendubai.com
16. Maharlika Café
Don’t be put off by the disco ball, Maharlika often hosts heavy metal acts as well as more eardrum-friendly singers – and they’ll take requests. When the neon-lit stage isn’t in use, the DJ spins a kitsch combo of offbeat ’80s tracks and current-day chart hits. Decor aside, Maharlika’s a fairly casual spot serving Filipino street food and colourful, keenly priced cocktails.
President Hotel, Trade Centre Road, Karama, Dubai, daily 6pm to 2.30am. Tel: (04) 3346565. Metro: ADCB. presidenthoteldubai.com
17. Boracay
This cabaret-style club is the place for an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza that won’t break the bank. Its sequin-clad dancers and a 36-strong band run the gamut from K-Pop to Beyoncé and even a camp take on the Beauty And The Beast theme tune. With heartfelt renditions and an unpretentious crowd, Boracay is a great alternative to the town’s more glam spots.
aAsiana Hotel Dubai, Salahuddin Road, Deira, Dubai, daily 7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 6082170. Metro: Salah Al Din. boracayclub.me
BEST FOR… NOVELTY FACTOR
18. Cirque le Soir
Contortionists, fire breathers and even snakes have been known to grace this tamer sibling of the risqué London nightspot, although the freaks ‘n’ beats formula isn’t to everyone’s taste. Dress to impress.
Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Mon to Tue and Thur to Sat 10.30pm to 3am. Tel: (050) 9955400. Metro: World Trade Centre. cirquelesoir.com
19. The High Mile Club
One of those odd and appealing bars you stumble across in old Dubai, this airline-themed haunt is a hidden gem. Bathed in blue light, the surreal cabin-style space might not please claustrophobics, but sci-fi fans will enjoy feeling like they’re inside a spaceship. The place also serves some surprisingly tasty curries – the ideal end to a night on the tiles.
Manhattan Hotel, Al Musalla Road, Al Mankool, Dubai, daily noon until 3am. Tel: (04) 3259000. Taxi: Manhattan Hotel
20. GuGu Boat
With room for 90 people, this vessel for hire stands out in a city awash with impressive yachts. Hop aboard and cruise along the creek while taking in stunning marina views. On the lower deck you’ll find a glass-bottomed dance floor and DJ booth, while there’s a bar up top.
Marina Promenade, next to Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Thur to Sat Dhs4,500 per hour, Sun to Wed Dhs3,750 per hour (minimum booking two hours). Tel: (050) 1275873. Metro: JLT. guguboat.com
21. Maikhana
While this Indian nightspot on the edge of Bastakiya does serve food, most guests are too busy transfixed on its in-house dancers. Some wear saris, others tiny cocktail dresses (think a South Asian take on the Spice Girls). It’s a bit like watching an audition as the women take turns shaking their stuff to Bollywood and western hits. If you get hungry, check out the butter-rich curries.
Ascot Hotel, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, daily 8pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3520900. Metro: Al Fahidi. khamashospitality.com/Ascothotel
BEST FOR… GREAT GATSBY STYLE
22. Nippon Bottle Co
In homage to the Prohibition era’s clandestine haunts, this bar’s precise location was kept under wraps when it opened a little over a year ago. Now the secret’s out, head down to the financial district to sample a selection of blends inspired by Japan’s century-old hops and malt breweries.
Dusit Thani, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3570779. Metro: Financial Centre. facebook.com/Nippon-Bottle-Company
23. Café Belge
This elegant eatery takes design cues from the pared down chic of 1920s Brussels. Wash down your moules-frites with premium continental hops, such as Hoegaarden, Grand Cru and Leffe, then sample delectable desserts including raspberry-poached pear with chocolate crème anglaise.
The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai, Sun to Thur noon until 3pm, 6pm to 2am, Fri 12.30pm to 4.30pm, 6pm to 2am, Sat 6pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 3722323. Metro: Emirates Towers. facebook.com/cafebelgedifc
24. Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant
A cosy 1920s-style joint, Speakeasy offers themed nights, live music, a jukebox and darts, plus bar food and a selection of draught hops. Be sure to check out its night brunch, Thirsty Tuesday – a steal at Dhs159.
Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4398888. Metro: JLT. ramadaplazajbr.com
25. R Trader
Dubai’s wheelers and dealers can do mischief at this Prohibition era-inspired watering hole. Live jazz comes courtesy of the glamorous Rita & The Rogues – the in-house ensemble play five nights a week. Divided into themed zones, the drawing room, pantry, dining room and study, this sophisticated spot is a designated selfie-free area. Sip aperitifs and share some witty conversation.
Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon until 2am. Tel: (04) 3435518. Metro: Emirates Towers. rtraderdubai.com
The post 25 cool, unusual and alternative bars in Dubai to try appeared first on What's On Dubai.