Although Dubai may be famous for its mind-blowing architecture, world-class event hosting, unmatched hotel accommodation, and Michelin star restaurants, many people are surprised to hear that Dubai is also home to many bars, pubs, and nightclubs!
While it would be nearly impossible to rank every pub in Dubai, the following eleven pubs are an illustration of some of the best on offer and the variety of pubs for patrons to experience:
1. Grapeskin Grape Bar and Kitchen
Situated in the courtyard of the La Ville Hotel and Suites City Walk, the Grapeskin Grape Bar and Kitchen is a popular hangout spot in the late afternoon and evenings, although it can be a hidden gem for those that don’t thoroughly explore the courtyard!
Although the Grapeskin Grape Bar and Kitchen is known for its cool, laid-back atmosphere, the staff is professional, attentive, and well informed on the menu and the different wine/drink pairings on offer to suit any palate.
The highlight on the menu would be their extensive cheese selection and platters, which are perfect for sharing and discovering a new favorite cheese/wine pairing! Therefore, it is recommended that new customers take advantage of their Grape and Cheese Discovery tour, which is held every day from 4 pm to 12 am.
Alternatively, swap out cold platters for a hearty meal with their Mussels Monday, which includes the option of a delectable mussel hot pot both with/without a bottle of wine, depending on your preference!
Finally, the Grapeskin Grape Bar and Kitchen host a generous happy hour every day between 4 pm to 8 pm, which has a large array of wine, cocktails, and beer on offer!
In conclusion, because of its unique combination of fun – laid-back bar, excellent professional service, and world-class wine pairings, the Grapeskin Grape Bar and Kitchen is a must-visit!
- Address: Al Multaqa Street, La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk
- Opening hours: 4 pm – 1 am every day
- Website: https://livelaville.com/dining/grapeskin/index.aspx
- Phone number: +971 4 403 3111
2. Goose Island Tap House
Voted Pub of the Year in 2021 by Timeout Dubai, the Goose Island Tap House is an award-winning pub and restaurant with close ties to its Chicago brewery and its globally recognized beers.
Goose Island Tap House strikes a wonderful balance between being a “fun local pub” with numerous activities for young professionals, such as billiards, live sports, and Dubai’s only indoor golf simulator, while having the drinks and food selection of a world-class establishment.
One of the main attractions of the Goose Island Taphouse includes a designated tasting room, where you and a group of friends can be taken on a tasting tour of over twelve different beers!
Alternatively, there are some menu highlights for those seeking pub food with a modern twist, particular favorites of mine being the Caul-Me Vegan Wings served with vegan blue cheese dip and truffle aioli house fries topped with parmesan cheese.
- Address: Lazuward S W – Jumeirah Village
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 2 am (Wednesday to Sunday) and 4 pm – 2 am (Monday to Tuesday)
- Website: https://jumeirahvillage.fivehotelsandresorts.com/meet-mingle/goose-island-tap-house-five-jumeirah-village
- Phone number: +971 4 455 9989
3. Bridgewater Tavern
Bridgewater Tavern capitalizes on the appeal of a classic gastropub with friendly, attentive staff, a laid-back atmosphere, and a varied, hearty al la carte pub menu.
Although the food is fairly standard fare for an international pub mirroring traditional American cuisine, there are some unique spins on the Tex-Mex formula, such as the Fully Loaded Waffle Fries for the more adventurous (and hungry!) patrons.
However, what the menu may lack in nuisance, it makes up for in no-nonsense quality meals for all patrons to enjoy!
Furthermore, the Bridgewater tavern has an extensive drinks menu, with some unique options on offer, such as Japanese beers, New Zealand and South African wines, and an extensive cocktails/mocktail menu.
- Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Business Bay
- Opening hours: 4 pm – 1 am (Sunday to Thursday) and 4 pm – 2 am (Friday to Saturday)
- Website: https://portal.marriott.com/dxbjw-jw-marriott-marquis-dubai-uae-hotels-dining/bridgewater-tavern
- Phone number: +971 4 414 6412
4. Bar Buci
Frequently cited at the very top of many lists of “Dubai’s top pubs and bars,” Bar Buci is an upper-class vintage jazz bar situated in the Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel.
Sporting sweeping views of the surrounding ocean and a Parisian theming, Bar Buci prides itself on bringing world-class French cuisine and mixology to its patrons via exquisite service and attention to detail.
The highlight of Bar Buci’s extensive drinks menu, which includes beverages from almost every country imaginable, is their tailor-made cocktail menu with unique combinations carefully crafted by in-house mixologists. Wherein the descriptions of house favorites such as Le Tabou or Epicureanism are just as enticing as the contents!
Furthermore, Bar Buci has cigar pairings, as well as shisha options from the UAE, Turkey, and Russia for patrons looking for a unique dining and leisure experience.
- Address: Lobby Level, Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel
- Opening hours: 5 pm – 2 am (Sunday to Friday) and 4 pm – 2 am (Saturday)
- Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/al-qasr-bar-buci
- Phone number: +971 4 432 3232
5. Buddha Bar
Due to the growing global popularity of Asian cuisine in the 21st century, it is unsurprising to find a pan-Asian bar at the top of many lists of “Dubai’s best pubs.”
Buddha Bar’s two stories provide patrons with varying experiences to cater to all customer needs. While the Sodo dining room offers patrons sweeping views of the Dubai Marina to compliment flavors from Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine, the upstairs Dragon bar features a resident DJ for party goers throughout the week!
Buddha Bar’s menu includes various Asian cuisines classics such as tempura, sushi, wagyu platters, noodles, mochi, and dim sum. However, a particular favorite is the Seventh Heaven Brunch every Saturday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
In conclusion, whether it be a laid-back weekend brunch or a midweek party, Buddha-Bar has a host of options to suit all their customers’ needs!
- Address: Grosvenor House Dubai – Al Emreef St
- Opening hours: 7 pm – 1 am (Sunday to Thursday), 7 pm – 2 am (Friday), and 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm/8 pm – 2 am (Saturday)
- Website: https://www.buddhabar-dubai.com/
- Phone number: +971 4 317 6000
6. Lock, Stock, And Barrel
Located in the Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai, Lock, Stock, and Barrel prides themselves on being one of the UAE’s most awarded and beloved party bars!
Known for its unique blend between American-industrial rock music/theming and one of the best hangouts for live music, Lock, Stock and Barrel looks to merge world-class entertainment and service with urban food truck catering.
Some highlights on the food menu include classic American cuisines such as Bourbon Short Ribs with Cajun charred corn, mac & cheese, and coleslaw or Tex-Mex twists on Arabic classics like their buffalo chicken flatbreads.
While the drinks menu includes an impressive array of spirits, wines, and beer, a particular highlight for large party events includes “The Big Boys,” namely 1.5 liter and 3-liter options of Moet Chandon Champagne!
- Address: 8th Floor, Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai
- Opening hours: 4 pm – 3 am (Monday to Saturday) and 2 pm – 3 am (Sunday)
- Website: https://lsbdubai.com/
- Phone number: +971 4 423 8309
7. Fibber Magee’s
One cannot begin to make a list of top pubs to visit in Dubai without including some Irish pubs on the list, as Irish culture is inherent in the establishment, longevity, and appeal of global pub culture!
Situated in Saeed Tower 1, Fibber Magee’s Dubai’s oldest Irish pub, meaning that its menu, décor, theme, and homely feel have been painstaking replicated to mirror real Irish pubs.
Some menu favorites include traditional Irish stew, cottage pie, the “Pig Out Platter,” and Fibber’s apple crumble. However, the menu also includes heart pub fair from other cuisines, such as McDonnell’s Irish curry McDonnell’s curry chips.
Along with an extensive drinks menu, including the bold statement of featuring the “best Guinness in town,” Fibber Magee’s often plays host to live music, both contemporary and Irish/folk-influenced.
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to posts on their website and social media pages to stay abreast of any/all promotions and events that may be happening throughout the week!
- Address: Saeed Tower 1 – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 1
- Opening hours: 8 am – 3 am every day
- Website: http://www.fibbersdubai.com/
- Phone number: +971 4 332 2400
8. McCafferty’s Irish Pub
From one Irish pub to another, we have McCafferty’s Irish Pub situated in Jumeirah Village.
Although McCafferty’s is an excellent pub, it does sit lower compared to Fibber Magee’s on the basis that McCafferty’s is a franchise, meaning the pub doesn’t quite have the same feel/authenticity as Dubai’s oldest pub.
That being said, all McCafferty’s three locations across Dubai come highly rated, as their global presence denotes a level of service, food quality, drinks quality, and entertainment to please any fans of Irish hospitality!
Along with traditional live Irish music throughout the week, McCafferty’s have daily happy hour specials to keep the good times rolling (12 pm – 8 pm on Sunday to Thursday, 3 pm – 8 pm on Friday, and 11 am – 8 pm Sunday.)
While McCafferty’s has an extensive al la carte menu (for both kids and adults!), they also host brunch every Saturday between 1 pm and 4 pm, which includes signature roasts of beef, chicken, turkey, and an Impossible vegan option!
- Address: JVC – Jumeirah Village
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 2 am (Sunday to Thursday), and 11 am – 2 am (Friday to Saturday)
- Website: https://mccaffertysjvc.com/
- Phone number: +971 55 784 9220
9. JB’s Gastropub
As one of the most popular pubs along The Walk of Jumeirah Beach Residence, you’ll seldom find JB’s Gastropub bustling with patrons looking to enjoy a unique blend between American and British pub culture and cuisine.
As evident by the title of “Gastropub” and the Best Pub Food award from Time Out Dubai in 2021, the appeal of JB’s Gastropub is their unique al la carte menu that caters to all palates.
Although all their food is of high quality, a particular standout for groups of people is their signature Boards & Wines, Hotdogs & Brews, Tacos & Tequilas, and Sausage By The Meter. All of which feature diverse food items with complimentary drinks!
Along with a world-glass food menu, JB’s Gastropub has its own signature cocktails, a particular favorite of mine being the Gentle Smoke which combines the smoky flavor of Gentleman Jack whisky with the freshness of Earl Grey Tea and Elderflower!
- Address: The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 2 am every day
- Website: https://rotana.menu/en/amwajrotana/jbsgastropub/menu
- Phone number: +971 4 428 3084
10. Barasti Beach Bar
While the traditional mold of a pub may conjure up images of smoky billiards halls and carpeted floors, it would be amiss to negate the overlap between pub culture and beach bar culture, hence the inclusion of the Barasti Beach Bar on this list.
Situated on a private beach, the Barasti Beach Bar is a favored spot for sunny days and balmy nights, where a resident DJ and party atmosphere are the norms.
Consequently, the Barasti Beach Bar’s menu keeps it fairly simple and light with seafood, burgers, and pizzas. However, make sure to try their Stanbroke Australian rib eye, strip loin, and/or tenderloin if you’re in the mood for something a bit more filling!
- Address: Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort & Marina – Dubai Marina
- Opening hours: 9 am – 2 am (Sunday to Thursday), and 9 am – 3 am (Friday to Saturday)
- Website: https://www.zomato.com/dubai/barasti-le-m%C3%A9ridien-mina-seyahi-beach-resort-marina-dubai-marina/menu
- Phone number: +971 4 318 1313
11. The Eloquent Elephant
As a fitting end to our list, we have The Eloquent Elephant, which is renowned for its views of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
As the name implies, The Eloquent Elephant prides itself on world-class dining and luxury akin to its homage to English/international cuisine and its world-class location and views. However, these English routes are not forgotten, as it remains an excellent spot for traditional pub fairs, quiz nights, and live sport (although making a reservation is recommended!)
A menu highlight would be the aptly named “Great British Weekend Roast,” which happens every Saturday and Sunday. The roast includes a tailor-made “roast of the day” or “homemade pie & mash” for any British ex-pats pining for a taste of home!
- Address: Taj Dubai – Burj Khalifa Street
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 1 am (Sunday to Thursday) and 12 pm – 2 am (Friday to Saturday)
- Website: https://theeloquentelephant.com/
- Phone number: +971 4 438 3100