The 5 Best Breweries in Dubai
Nothing beats a pint of refreshing beer to end the day, except for a pint of specially crafted ones that are sold nowhere besides at our favorite breweries in the city.
Dubai is no stranger to the beauty and beckoning of this classic drink, which is why we love the fact that several breweries are popping up around the city.
To find out which ones are especially amazing at their craft, we went and asked around to give you Dubai’s best breweries.
How We Picked Dubai’s Best Breweries
Before we get right into our list of the best breweries in Dubai, here are the factors we considered for our entries on this list:
1. McGettigan’s
| Criteria | Rating |
| Beer Selection | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Food Menu | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Part of McGettigan’s global brewery chain, McGettigan’s offers a more worldly drinking experience that goes beyond its origins in the UK.
The food and drinks, which we think are its strong suit and unique selling point, are a combination of dishes inspired by Ireland and America, Asia, and beyond.
But what makes it even better is that its beer selection is a healthy combination of internationally crafted draught options and popular bottled brews.
The menu certainly has withstood the test of time as this pub is one of the oldest in Dubai.
The ambiance is great, too. With a spacious drinking area, a hops garden, — a rare sight in Dubai — and live Irish music, McGettigan’s certainly perfects the typical Irish pub atmosphere.
However, the empty spaces of the pub, while these could prove to be relaxing, do take away some of the liveliness and jolliness that we’d come to expect from this kind of space.
Besides that, the lack of dedicated smoking areas tends to fill up the interior with the strong scent of smoke, which was kind of upsetting.
But that’s okay because it is completely offset by the numerous entertainment features the pub has. Brunches, stand-up sets, live music, and sports viewing parties fill up the nights.
The service is alright. It is mostly efficient and accommodating, but it does slow down when the place is getting filled to the brim.
Pros
- An international selection of crafted draught beers
- A diverse range of food options that complement the beers
- Mostly efficient service
Cons
- The palace smells of cigarettes
- Service significantly slows down when it is busy
Client Reviews
Will always be my favorite pub
“I was here 4 years ago last time and when I came 2 days ago nothing seemed familiar!! All is new and it has become much bigger and more comfortable! It’s an awesome place to eat, drink, dance, play billiards! The food was delicious 😋 live music was great 👍 people were drunk and happy 😊 really nice place! I recommend it!” – Natalia Barabanova, Google Reviews
One of the best places in the area
“One of the best places in JLT and Marina neighborhood to bring your friends to watch sports events. Huge place comprising several seating areas under one roof.
The best part, is there are many pool tables available to have fun with your friends. Rates are not so high and food quality is good.
It’s busier on weekends so if you’re planning to go there on weekends, better book a table in advance.” – Mohammad Khan, Google Reviews
2. Fibber Magee’s
| Criteria | Rating |
| Beer Selection | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Food Menu | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
One of Dubai’s oldest Irish breweries, Fibber Magee’s reimagines its homely iconic status on the ground floor of a five-star hotel, elevating the experience for all.
Known for its iconic authentic Guinness, the pub also features a varied selection of brewed hops from the milder and sweeter side to the stronger, darker ones. Whether it’s to your taste or not, the authenticity is undeniable.
And when it comes to its dishes, we love the wide range of Irish and English food selection it has.
From all-day breakfasts to the iconic fish and chips, Fibber Magee’s brings the iconic dishes of Western Europe to Dubai.
That being said, the foreign menu may not speak to everyone’s taste buds, save for European ex-pats.
Another great thing about Fibber Magee’s is the distinct industrial aesthetic of wood, metal, and brass, juxtaposed against the hotel’s sleek and luxurious interior styling.
We love the old-school masculine energy the pub gives off that just speaks volumes about the kind of people who enjoy going here, us included!
The service is also just as great because of its attentive and thoughtful approach to its customers. We loved watching the staff treat its regulars like old friends coming in for a visit.
Pros
- Authentic Guinness
- A variety of hop selections
- Authentic Irish-English food
- No-frills ambiance
Cons
- Food may taste weird for non-European eaters
Customer Reviews
Feels like I’m in Ireland
“Fibber Magee – One of the best Irish pubs in Dubai. You will be transported to Ireland once you enter the🚪door- great ambiance and crowd! It’s a small pub but quite cozy and I just loved its interiors! Walkable distance from the World Trade Centre Metro.
The service is good as well. And, Happy hour is just wow! 🤩 Yes, you can grab a chilled GUINNESS pint for only 36AED during happy hours. GUINNESS is the Irish dry stout beer and well the healthiest beer! 🍺 😉” – Mighty Mak, Google Reviews
Great Irish pub!
“Great Irish-themed pub with a lively ex-pat clientele.
A good selection of food is available on the menu at decent prices.
All the usual draft beers are available along with A huge selection of spirits.
Toilets were fresh and clean.” – Donald MacLeod, Google Reviews
3. Distillery Dubai Gastropub
| Criteria | Rating |
| Beer Selection | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Food Menu | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Found in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Distillery Dubai Gastropub offers amazing views of the Burj Khalifa, which, we found out, is an amazing accompaniment to our craft beers.
It’s got an adequate range of draught beers such as Budweiser, Carlsberg, Peroni, Magners Cider, Asahi, and Corona. However, it is not the most extensive spot, so some beer lovers might find its selection disappointing.
On top of that, its extensive list of spirits and liquors makes it feel like its curated selection of beers was an afterthought.
However, its food shines as its kitchen elevates ordinary pub grub into international dishes that go with both high-end wines, and the humble yet well-liked draught beer.
We definitely recommend the bao buns beef and the steak sandwich if you are looking for a more filling meal, and the Naan’izza for when you’re looking for something to share.
When it comes to ambiance, the luxurious beer garden that gives way to the view of the Burj Khalifa is the perfect spot for ending a long day at work.
On top of that, it has blossomed into a great social spot with its live jazz music drawing in people from around the area.
However, it is brought down by the fact that it does not have its own restroom, which can be quite a struggle when we are 3 pints down, and we need to relieve ourselves.
Despite that, the service was attentive and quite accommodating. We love how its team manages to be efficient even during happy hours.
Pros
- Offers an amazing view of the Burj Khalifa
- Excellent service
- Elevated pub food that goes well with many kinds of drinks
Cons
- Craft beer selection is limited
- No restroom on the premises
Client Reviews
Definitely recommend.
“I have visited Distillery for dinner and drinks and was very impressed first by the staff, every single person is so attentive and very hardworking, April was all the time checking if I need anything; the place is at a good location in downtown; DJ is very good, music is so great for the pub. Nice atmosphere and very delicious teriyaki prawns. Definitely recommend.” – Yuli Semchi, Google Reviews
Excellent service
“Tried this place during the weekend. Excellent service. The bar bites were DELICIOUS & the best part is that the quantity is reasonable, unlike other spots. The freshness and flavor in the food was AMAZING” – Grace Odipo, Google Reviews
4. Goose Island Tap House
| Criteria | Rating |
| Beer Selection | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Food Menu | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Goose Island Tap House is a multi-award-winning brewery that started in Chicago and has become a destination for beer connoisseurs for its variety of hops on tap.
The winner of Dubai’s Best Bar for Hops in 2022 boasts about 20 types of draught that are all available on tap, as well as a decent selection of bottled beers.
It is also known for being one of the largest craft hops in Dubai, so there is always something for everyone.
When it comes to food, it has all the class bar grubs, from fries and pizza to chicken wings and burgers. And while we find the selection to be too basic for its acclaim, the flavors were, nonetheless, amazing.
When it comes to ambiance, Goose Island Tap House has it in spades. We love how alive the space feels with weekly events, beer pong tables, golf simulators, and pools.
The space feels like every friend group’s favorite hang-out spot rather than a pub you go to for special occasions, and we love the casualness of it.
However, when it comes to the service, it often slows down, because the staff seems to be spread thin, especially during peak hours. It does not help that its extensive hop selection means that the bartenders need time to go around its large bar.
Pros
- Award-winning brewery with a large selection of draught beers
- Energetic ambiance with great facilities
- Offers classic bar food
Cons
- The food menu is too basic for its acclaim
- Service is often slow
Client Reviews
A great place to chill and catch up with friends on an afternoon
“This is becoming a Saturday afternoon regular spot for a few beers and some snack bar food. There is no brunch here on a Saturday which is fine but the bar is usually pretty busy most of the day which gives a good atmosphere, not too loud and crazy but certainly enough to get into the spirit of things.
The choice of beers is large and they have a good selection on tap and in bottles. It’s nice to see a bar with more than just Heineken.. also, there is a good happy hour offering 2 for 1 on a nice number of drinks.
There are lots of screens which usually show some kind of live sports.
The staff is always on point, friendly, and knowledgeable and it’s always the same faces which is nice as you get to know everyone.
Overall, we enjoy the bar for a beer and would recommend it to anyone who is after a place to chill and catch up with friends on an afternoon.” –Matthew Boyne, Google Reviews
Stepping into Goose Island Tap House is like entering a haven
“As a passionate Manchester United fan, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect spot to catch the latest game. Recently, I had the pleasure of discovering Goose Island Tap House in JVC, and I must say, it’s quickly become my go-to destination for both sports and culinary delights.
Stepping into Goose Island Tap House is like entering a haven for sports enthusiasts. The vibrant atmosphere, buzzing with anticipation, immediately sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. With multiple screens strategically placed around the venue, ensuring that no angle of the game is missed, you’re truly immersed in the action.
While my team didn’t manage to secure the victory that particular evening, the disappointment was quickly overshadowed by the exceptional service and delectable food. The truffle fries, in particular, were a culinary revelation. The crispy fries, generously coated with fragrant truffle oil, were a symphony of flavors that tantalized the taste buds. I sincerely hope they never remove this dish from the menu; it’s a true gem.
While the prices may be on the higher end, the overall experience was good. The combination of a lively atmosphere, exceptional service, and delectable food makes Goose Island Tap House a must-visit for sports fans and foodies alike. I highly recommend checking it out for your next game night or casual dining experience.” – neotroublemaker, Google Reviews
5. The Tap House
| Criteria | Rating |
| Beer Selection | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Food Menu | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Another pub with amazing views of the Burj Khalifa, because why not? The Tap House pairs its unrivaled address with high-quality brewed pints with hops on tap from Ireland to the USA, The Netherlands, and Singapore.
With more than 20 varieties, its beer selection is as extensive as the large breweries in the city, and we love how it curates pints from many different countries allowing everyone to enjoy a taste of home, where they are from.
On top of that, we love that The Tap House has its house brew, The Nosedive, which is uncommon with these kinds of popular breweries.
When it comes to the food selection, we love how elevated the grub is, but not to the point where we feel like we need to dress up in our best just to sit there.
The dishes, such as the beer cheese fondue, and the artisan sausage platter are perfect for a casual yet sophisticated night paired with excellent pints.
It also has burgers, flatbreads, mains, and some desserts for those looking for a more complete dining experience.
And while we love the well-curated space the Tap House has, the ambiance feels more like a restaurant rather than a space for sitting down and enjoying pints with mates. This often leads to an experience that feels more stifling than it should be.
On top of that, the place feels too quiet for some lively conversations, and the lack of any amenities such as billiard pools, forces us to do nothing but just sit down.
The service is excellent, efficient, and accommodating in every sense of the word. But the way its staff approaches its customers feels more professional than warm, like dining at a gourmet restaurant than drinking at a bar.
Pros
- Has extensive international certifications and memberships
- Complete services for asbestos removal
- Expert and excellent service
Cons
- Does not offer any complementary service pre and post-removal
Client Reviews
I highly recommend
“Great place by the beach, ladies’ night from Monday to Saturday 4 pm to 8 pm. Our waitress Jenna is very cute and nice, enjoyed the place a lot. I highly recommend” –Bernaz Belibagli, Google Reviews
This place was superb
“This place was superb. We were served by Miss CC and she was excellent in her service. Super welcoming place, accommodated our customization requests and the food was great too. A must-visit place near the Burj Khalifa for drinks and dinner.
Vegetarian options: Limited options for vegetarians but they can be customized per your request.” – Romy Ammar, Google Reviews
FAQs about Breweries in Dubai
We hope this helped you find your favorite brewery in Dubai. Also, if you’re looking for more drinking spots, then check out these articles: