The Best Bars in Abu Dhabi

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
7 Places
@afar
Abu Dhabi's hotel bars and lounges are hot spots for expatriates and tourists who seek libations after spending a day at work or under the desert sun. For tourists, the only place to legally consume alcohol is at a hotel or resort. From beachside cabanas to smoky lounges and a sports bar near the Yas Marina, there is plenty of wine, beer, and liquor to go around. Some live music too.  Credit: Collected by Andrea Rip, AFAR Local Expert

"The Pool Bar For a nightcap, head to the enchanting Pool Bar, and as you sip your concoction, enjoy the cityscape all lit up. From here you can take in a view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Al Maqta Bridge. The bar is open from 9am to 11:30pm, and the dress code is casual."

Stars N Bars

Sports bar · Abu Dhabi

"American Bar Overlooking the Yas Marina Overlooking the Yas Marina, this upscale take on an American sports bar is a perfect place to unwind. This bar is very popular with sports enthusiasts of all countries due to the number of televisions and breadth of broadcasts. The establishment serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, in addition to a large menu dominated by delicious American fare."

Photo courtesy of Stars 'N' Bars

Cipriani

Italian restaurant · Abu Dhabi

"Italian Fare in Abu Dhabi Stylishly lavish interiors are mere footnotes at Cipriani Yas Marina. Featuring classic Italian fare, the restaurant's dishes are surprisingly authentic and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic night out. To make things even more memorable, after dinner take a walk around the marina which is spectacularly illuminated in the evening."

Photo courtesy of Cipriani

Cabana Beach Bar & Grill

Restaurant · Abu Dhabi

"Brunch by Day or Evening Reprieve The St. Regis Hotel has several lovely restaurants along the waterfront at its Corniche location in Nation Towers. Asia de Cuba dances to its own beat with refined elegance coupled with a lively beach beat that invites anyone in off the street to enjoy award-winning food. For a beautifully appointed, classy indoor experience, or a airy veranda opened during winter on the beach, Asia de Cuba is a bar of choice for expats and tourists. For me, it's the perfect place to meet people and unwind after a long work week. Packed on winter weekends for signature cocktails the bar also appropriately serves the Cuba Libre. Asia de Cuba also delivers a brilliant Friday Brunch. The bright atmosphere encourages guests to enjoy the start of the weekend in the UAE with a fusion of Asian and Cuban flavors that will do the tango across your tongue."

Ray's Bar

Bar · Abu Dhabi

"Best Bar (and Bathroom) View On the 62nd floor of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel, Ray's Bar does sunsets and beautiful Abu Dhabi city views brilliantly. If you're a woman, you'll also be lucky enough to take in the tremendous view of the Corniche while you touch up your lipstick. The menu of creative wines, beer, and cocktails - like this rendition of the moscow mule, keeps guests quite happy. On Thursdays, for happy hour, cheesy popcorn is served with drinks to celebrate the start of the weekend."

Belgian Café

Belgian restaurant · Abu Dhabi

"A Bit of Belgium in the UAE For the beer connoisseur, a stop at the Begian Cafe will have you trying loads of flavors with friends, fellow travellers, and expats. In the wintertime, the outdoor patio opens up to long tables and benches for friends to gather and enjoy the clear skies and gentle Arabian breeze. Monday, the restauarant serves up all you can eat mussels—which is my favorite day to visit. Belgian Cafe celebrates nearly anything from hoildays to a Brew Festival on Tuesdays. They are also popular with their happy hour every day from 4:00pm to 6:00pm."

Hidden Bar - Gin Bar

Bar · Abu Dhabi

"Abu Dhabi did not miss out on the speakeasy trend, and while the name of the Hidden Bar is a bit on the nose, it’s a perfect cocktail destination before dinner on Al-Maryah Island—as well as a great dim-sum spot in its own right. Tucked away behind a large wooden door at the end of a dark corridor in the Rosewood Hotel, Hidden Bar’s warm, mod decor and quiet ambience will inspire you to talk in hushed tones over a classic old-fashioned or martini. In cooler months, it offers what most speakeasies do not—a cozy outdoor terrace where you can sip a drink while taking in the Abu Dhabi cityscape from across the water."

Photo courtesy of Rosewood Abu Dhabi