Party in style at Abu Dhabi’s best bars
The UAE capital is home to some of the hottest bars and pubs in the region. Residents and tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to quality venues for enjoying a refreshing beverage or two. From buzzy bars that are perfect for watching sports, to idyllic coastal venues with views to die for, here are our picks for the best bars in Abu Dhabi.
BEST BARS IN ABU DHABI
Drink an appetising cocktail, dance the night away and have the time of your life at these bars.
RAY’S BAR
Taking the first spot on our list of best bars in Abu Dhabi is Ray’s Bar. Located at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, this pub offers more than a chic ambience. Perched on top of the tower at Level 62, this pub is one of the most exclusive party joints in the city. Not convinced? Ray’s Bar has won several awards too.
Featuring everything from aged drinks to Arabic specialities, Ray’s Bar is a great place to spend weeknights. Patrons are expected to dress the part. But one thing is for sure, it’s one of the best dance bars in Abu Dhabi.
- Average price for two: AED 350 | AED 40 for a pint of beer
- Location: Level 62, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Al Khubeirah
- Timings: 05:00 pm to 03:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-811-5666
BUDDHA BAR BEACH
Looking for a bar experience by the beach? Look no further than the Buddha Bar Beach at St. Regis. Abu Dhabi’s best-kept secret, this beach bar offers everything from an impressive drink menu to tasteful interiors, coastal views and excellent food. It is also a popular romantic restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
Going for the first time? Make the most of your experience by trying any of Buddha Bar’s signature cocktails. We recommend the Bubble Wap — a mix of champagne, elderflower liquor, rose syrup, and crystallised rose petals. With a selection of the best-mixed beverages in the city and a backdrop of music courtesy of the best international DJs, it’s no wonder why Buddha Bar in Abu Dhabi has a reputation for being the best.
- Average price for two: AED 430 | AED 40 for a pint of beer
- Location: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
- Timings: Monday to Thursday 05:00 pm to 12:00 am | Friday to Saturday 01:00 pm to 01:00 am | Sunday 01:00 pm to 02:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-498-8888
STARS N BARS
Next up on our list of notable bars in the capital is Stars N Bars. Considered one of the best sports bars in Abu Dhabi, this place can be a great weekly hangout, whether you want to party with friends on the terrace or dance to the beat of live music. It is one of the top places for shisha in Abu Dhabi.
Aside from a swanky bar, party brunches on Fridays are a major draw for patrons here. With ladies’ nights running on Wednesdays, Stars ‘N’ Bars is one of the best spots to enjoy any event, from bachelorette parties to birthday celebrations.
- Average price for two: AED 375 | AED 40 for a pint of beer
- Location: Emporium Building, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 pm to 02:00 am | Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm to 03:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-565-0101
FILINI GARDEN
You will want to book your table here in advance. Bar-goers from across the city travel miles to visit Filini Garden. This isn’t surprising — think Bellissima ladies’ night, mixed drinks galore and a charming garden-style ambience.
Their bar menu takes inspiration from famous Italian personalities such as Valentino, Gianni Versace and Roberto Cavalli. Don’t prefer alcohol? Filini also offers an alcohol-free bar menu with beverages like Strawberry, Vanilla and Honey Spritz.
- Average price for two: AED 445 | AED 45 for a pint of beer
- Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Marina
- Timings: Monday and Friday 05:00 pm to 03:00 am |Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday 05:00 pm to 01:00 am | Saturday 12:30 pm to 02:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-656-2000
CHAMAS CHURRASCARIA AND BAR
Prefer to wine and dine? Enjoy succulent cuts of meats straight from a skewer or head upstairs to the bar and sip a caipirinha while taking in the spectacular views of the marina — that’s just a taste of what a day is like at the Chamas Churrascaria and Bar, one of the best Brazilian restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
You can have your pick of any meats from the Brazilian barbecue and have regular access to the bar. Make sure to try their champagne!
- Average price for two: AED 800 | AED 40 for a pint of beer
- Location: InterContinental Abu Dhabi
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 06:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-800-423-463 | +971-56-680-2161
BACK YARD BISTRO
Next up on our list of popular bars in Abu Dhabi is the Back Yard Bistro. From delicious bar bites like loaded potato skins and chicken wings to a great selection of mains, the menu offers much to choose from. Plus, this casual bar is as fun as the funky interior.
From exotic spirits to mixed cocktails, draught beers and shots, this place has it all. The terrace is transformed into an air-conditioned tented space to keep patrons comfortable during Abu Dhabi’s hottest months with screens showing the latest sporting events from across the world.
- Average price for two: AED 260 | AED 23 for a pint of beer
- Location: The Hub, Level 4, World Trade Centre
- Timings: Saturday to Wednesday 12:00 pm to 02:00 am | Thursday and Friday 12:00 pm to 03:00 am
- Contact: +971-50-114-3666
IRIS
A typical girls’ night doesn’t get any better than at this Yas Island bar. There is live music, courtesy of the impressive lineup of DJs who are scheduled to perform every week.
Of course, patrons can always consider the seafood menu too, which adds to the beachside experience. Seating is limited so make sure you and your posse get there early to reserve your spot.
- Average price for two: AED 365 with alcohol
- Location: Yas Yacht Club, Yas Marina, Yas Island
- Timings: Sunday and Monday, Wednesday to Friday 06:00 pm to 03:30 am | Saturday 12:00 pm to 03:30 am | Closed on Tuesday
- Contact: 055-160-5636
HAMILTON’S GASTROPUB
For some hearty pub grub and a whole lot of fun, Hamilton’s Gastropub is the best place to be. A prime Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi bar, this watering hole features trendy industrial-style décor and an interesting bar menu. Notable drinks popular with patrons include Hamilton’s Signatures like the Splendid Negroni, an infusion of Campari, gin and sweet vermouth infused for 30 days.
The Dry Bar with non-alcoholic drinks is also popular with guests with items like Mint Julep made with intensified black tea, mint and maple syrup. With a reasonably priced food menu, a night at Hamilton’s is sure to be memorable. All in all, Hamilton’s definitely deserves a spot as one of the best pubs in Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, it offers the best ladies’ night in Abu Dhabi.
- Average price for two: AED 370 with alcohol | AED 42 for a pint of beer
- Location: Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island
- Timings: Monday to Friday 04:00 pm to 02:00 am | Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am to 02:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-697-0000
VELOCITY
One of the best sports bars in Abu Dhabi, Velocity at the Marriott Hotel is a hotspot for bar-goers who love to catch up on the latest tennis and other sporting matches with drinks. The place has several television screens which show almost every sport you can imagine.
Add some live music and a variety of culinary selections, and you can see why this place is a draw for sports fans. Alcoholic beverages offered at Velocity include everything from an assortment of vodkas and blended whiskeys to liquors, tequilas and more.
- Average price for two: AED 350 | AED 44 for a pint of beer
- Location: Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street
- Timings: 03:00 pm to 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-304-7777
TRADER VIC’S
Rounding up our picks for top bars in Abu Dhabi is Trader Vic’s. Located at the Beach Rotana, this place exudes tropical vibes, a fact that’s reflected in everything from the ambience to the food and delicious bar menu.
To bump things up a notch, try Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Roa Ae, a specially crafted drink. Make sure to bring your friends along for a fun time.
- Average price for two: AED 375 with alcohol | AED 39 for a pint of beer
- Location: Beach Rotana
- Timings: Saturday to Wednesday 05:00 pm to 02:00 am (Bar), 06:00 pm to 12:00 am (Restaurant) | Thursday and Friday 05:00 pm to 03:00 am (Bar), 06:00 pm to 12:00 am (Restaurant)
- Contact: +971-2-697-9011
FAQS
DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A RESERVATION BEFORE HEADING TO A BAR IN ABU DHABI?
Although you can simply visit a bar in Abu Dhabi, you should make a reservation if you plan on dining with a large party.
ARE THERE ANY NIGHTCLUBS IN ABU DHABI?
Yes, some of the best nightclubs Abu Dhabi worth checking out include Hysteria, Vertigo and Onyx.
And that wraps our picks of the best bars in Abu Dhabi. It’s time to party and have some fun!
Looking for other bars in the capital? You might also want to visit the British pubs in Abu Dhabi for an exhilarating time.
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