Dubai’s Must-Visit Cocktail Bars
Dubai is a city made for those who love the nightlife. Not convinced yet? There are 424 bars around the city offering everything from ordinary drinks to carefully curated creations.
Now, if your idea of a great night out involves sipping on cocktails while enjoying good company, we take you “sip by sip” around the best cocktail bars in Dubai.
Electric Pawn Shop
Website: https://www.electricpawnshop.com/
Address: The H Dubai – 1 Sheikh Zayed Road – Trade Center 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 50 586 5510
Operating hours:
- 6:00 PM to 1:30 AM from Sunday to Thursday
- 6:00 PM to 3:0 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 265 for two people
For a cocktail bar in Dubai named Electric Pawn Shop, you can expect the energy to be electric and the drinks to be eclectic.
Electric Pawn Shop was created by one of Dubai’s top DJs Lobito Brigante, a cocktail bar inspired by New York’s underground scene with details from the rustic pawn shops of Hong Kong.
The moment you step inside the bar, you’ll be greeted by a barage of neon lights that add life to the industrial interiors.
Of course, underground music is playing in the background to get you into the zone for some drinks and a good time.
The drinks at Electric Pawn Shop are reflective of its vibe – dystopic and somewhat rebellious – yet surprisingly good.
We loved the Pawn Shop Coconut Bacardi Blanca, the Causeway Bay Bloody Mary and Wrong Island Iced Tea.
Now, if you came in hungry, don’t worry because the bar also serves some good fare. Try their Tokyo crispy sea bass katsu curry, sizzling Muay Thai ducking noodle or supreme tender beef cheek.
Pro tip:
Come to Electric Pawn Shop from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM every Sunday to Thursday and get double the drinks for the price of one with their Office Strike deal.
Amelia Restaurant and Lounge
Website: https://amelialounge.com/ameliadubai/
Address: Address Sky View – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 328 2805
Operating hours:
- 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 555 for two people
Amelia is not only a popular cockitail bar in Dubai but an institution for those who seek a unique fine dining – and drinking – experience in a space that literally takes you back in time.
Being in the iconic Address Sky View, Amelia is a favorite among the hip and trendy crowd with its steampunk inspired theme complete with all the elaborate details.
Born in Beirut, Amelia quickly became the talk of the town not only because of its unique design but also because of its world-class food and drinks menu.
To get started with your night, you’ll be treated to a Japanese-Peruvian menu featuring classics like ceviche, tiradito and cono de tacos all featuring the freshest ingredients.
Main courses include lamb chops, pollo asado and bacalao negro. And to end a great meal, you have to try their passion yuzu cheesecake and lukuma tiramisu.
Ready for drinks? You’ll be spoilt for choice at Amelia. You can go with the classic Amelia or Reincarnation, but you can also ask the mixologists to surprise you with something adventurous.
Pro tip:
Are you vegetarian? Ask the staff for the vegetarian menu, so you can enjoy excellent food while sticking to your lifestyle.
Alma Bar
Website: https://sucredubai.com/2023/06/13/alma-bar/
Address: Podium Level – Gate Village 05 – Trade Center – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 227 5569
Operating hours:
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Monday to Thursday
- 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
- 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM every Sunday
Price:
- Approx. AED 420 for two people
Alma Bar is a cocktail bar in Dubai that brings the IT crowd of DIFC for drinks and conversations in a space that promotes art, creativity and culture.
Located inside the much-celebrated Sucre, Alma Bar is lavish and elegant with its gold decorative elements and heavy drapery.
But your eyes will be drawn instantly to the three massive digital art pieces right behind the stage, offering a stark contrast to the richness of the entire bar.
Alma Bar hails from Soho, London, so you can expect some well-crafted libations here. But before you get the drinks flowing, the food menu is just as good.
The Iberico Wagyu charcuterie is a great way to start the evening while the grilled octopus, truffle rigatoni and angus ribeye are must-tries.
Moving on to the drinks, Alma Bar has an impressive selection of signature cocktails, special agave cocktails and a long list of classic libations – from whiskeys to vodkas.
If you don’t know what to choose, we recommend New Fashioned and Brandy Alexandria or the Batanga and Lost in the Forest if you’re looking to try their agave-focused cocktails.
Pro tip:
Looking to unwind after a busy day? Visit Alma Bar between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM for “Out of Office,” a special happy hour where you get a selection of drinks for only AED 38 and some special bites to get the night started.
Galaxy Bar
Website: https://www.galaxy-bar.com/
Address: Near Four Seasons DIFC Unit C-01 – Ground Floor – Gate Village Building 9 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 50 513 5908
Operating hours:
- 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM from Tuesday to Wednesday
- 9:00 PM to 4:00 AM from Thursday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 380 for two people
For a cocktail bar in Dubai that will give you an out-of-this-world experience, Galaxy Bar is aptly named. Located in the heart of DIFC, it has all the makings of a great night out – from its drinks to its ambiance.
The brainchild of Natasha Sideris, Galaxy Bar pays homage to the owner’s Greek heritage with a design that mimics the night sky in Athens.
The magical ceiling is paired with marble, gold and velvet accents that get you in the mood for an intergalactic experience.
But what really makes this spot extra special is the feeling of exclusivity. That’s because it can only accommodate 30 guests. So, if you want to be where the well-heeled crowd is, this is the place.
Of course, Galaxy Bar has a celestial drinks menu with Cassiopeia, Aquila and Cancer as our favorites. No wonder, the bar has been named one of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023.
Pro tip:
Getting a seat at this exclusive cocktail bar can be quite the challenge. So, make sure to book that reservation at least a few weeks ahead to secure your spot to a journey to the stars.
Zuma Dubai
Website: https://zumarestaurant.com/locations/dubai/
Address: Podium Level – Gate Village Building 3 – 06 Al Mustaqbal Street – Trade Center – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 425 5660
Operating hours:
- 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM for lunch, 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM for dinner from Monday to Wednesday
- 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM for lunch, 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM for dinner from Thursday to Friday
- 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM for lunch, 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM for dinner every Saturday
- 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for lunch, 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM for dinner every Sunday
Price:
- Approx. AED 550 for two people
Ask the locals where they go to for a great Japanese meal and some drinks after, most of them will point you to Zuma, one of Dubai’s best cocktail bars.
Located close to the Burj Khalifa, Zuma is a local favorite not only for its impressive beverage list but also its excellent food featuring authentic Japanese flavors.
In fact, you should start your night with a good meal here with a premium selection of sashimi, sushi, nigiri and maki rolls that will instantly transport you to Japan.
For that full-on experience though, you have to try one – or more – of their signature dishes including our favorites gindara no saikyo miso yaki, gyuhire sumibiyaki karami sauce zuke and taki taraba kani.
The drinks list is just as impressive, especially with the sai sekkei re-engineered classics that will let you explerience a modern twist on the Izakaya-style of drinking.
Pro tip:
If you’d like to pay Zuma Dubai another visit, come in for the Baikinga Brunch where you get to feast on a live station brunch filled with the restaurant’s best selling dishes.
Monkey Bar
Website: https://www.monkeybardubai.com/
Address: Trade Center Street off Sheikh Zayed Road – Trade Center 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 210 2566
Operating hours:
- 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday
- 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 365 for two people
Monkey Bar is everything you wouldn’t expect in a typical cocktail bar in Dubai – and you’ll love it.
Think lush greens, tropical decor and bright colors, all on a rooftop overlooking the Museum of the Future.
And while there aren’t any monkeys in the area, you’ll surely feel like you’re in the jungle with this unique tropical tiki-style vibe.
Once you’re past admiring the space, start choosing from the extensive list of Latin American bites and drinks.
If you want something light, try the pulled chicken bao or Peruvian empanada. But if you’re hungry enough for a full meal, go for the beef ribeye skewers.
But the cocktails here are the real showstoppers, and you can expect them to be as bright as the space.
We recommend the Bini’s Goes to Swartzwald, Viex Ti-Carre and Espresso Martiki by Martin Hudak.
Of course, Monkey Bar also has some staples including wines, whiskeys and tequilas.
Pro tip:
If you want to enjoy Monkey Bar during the daytime, stay at the 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central where you can also take a dip at the amazing rooftop pool overlooking the Museum of the Future.
Mimi Kakushi
Website: https://mimikakushi.ae/
Address: Four Seasons Resort – 23A Street – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 379 4811
Operating hours:
- 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Monday to Thursday
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM every Friday
- 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for lunch, 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM for dinner from Saturday to Sunday
Price:
- Approx. AED 400 for two people
Mimi Kakushi may be best known as a popular Japanese restaurant, but becoming part of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 has also cemented its name as one of the best cocktail bars in Dubai.
Located at the chic Four Seasons Resort, Mimi Kakushi takes you back in time to Osaka in the 20s when everything was a bit more glamorous and extravagant.
From its beautiful interiors to its expertly curated menu with both eastern and western touches, you can’t go wrong with choosing Mimi Kakushi as your nightout of choice.
Before we get into the drinks, let’s talk about the menu first, one that offers a fresh twist to classic Japanese dishes.
You have the bestselling tempuras, gyozas, nigiris and maki rolls that are classic Japanese comfort food.
But you also have meat, poultry and seafood choices that will surely be a treat to your taste buds. We especially love the grilled fresh unagi, Japanese Wagyu tenderloin A5 and the steamed king crab leg with ponzu butter.
Don’t skip on dessert and order the special ispahan chawan mushi or the tokoroten with mango sorbet. Ah, decadent!
Of course, we’re here for the drinks and we guarantee you’ll have a grand time choosing which libation to try first.
In fact, the only limit here is your alcohol tolerance – and budget – because Mimi Kakushi’s drinks range from the regular cocktails to the ultra expensive ones that are sure worth every dirham you spend.
If you’re feeling like a king for the night, go for the Kori Kakushi or ice ceremony for AED 1,500. For sure, this will be an experience that you won’t forget for a long time.
Pro tip:
Overwhelmed with all your options? Go for the Geisha instead, so you can enjoy a special chef’s selection of either sashimi or nigiri.
Blind Tiger
Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/al-naseem-blind-tiger
Address: Jumeirah Al Naseem – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 323 232
Operating hours:
- 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 520 for two people
Blind Tiger is considered a hidden gem of a cocktail bar in Dubai being located in the exclusive Jumeirah Al Naseem. But once you find it, we’re sure you will come back for more.
Being in the Turtle Lagoon, you’re transported to a tropical paradise that invites you to let loose and relax. Inside, the decor is dark and lush for a touch of elegance.
If you’re visiting during the winter months, the terrace is the perfect spot for a sundowner session while you relax in one of the beautiful velvet sofas.
That chic aesthetic continues to the bar’s bites and drinks that are created with such attention to detail to make you feel extra special.
We love the truffle and avocado roll, beef bao bun and Maine lobster roll. But if you’re looking for something light, we recommend the charcuterie with a selection of cold cuts and matured cheeses.
Blind Tiger’s signature cocktails are also created to impress. Go for the Himachi and Formosan if you like fruity notes and Ghosted or Ox-Ned if you want something strong.
Don’t want any alcohol on your drinks? The bar also has a decent mocktail selection for you to enjoy.
Pro tip:
Treat yourself to a mid-week night out at Blind Tiger’s Jazz Exclusive happening every Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
Sit back and enjoy classic jazz music over bar bites and cocktails with your friends.
Salmon Guru
Address: The Opus by Omniyat – 803 Al A’amal Street – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 52 814 9537
Operating hours:
- 12:30 PM to 2:00 AM from Monday to Friday
- 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Saturday to Sunday
Price:
- Approx. AED 250 for two people
If that name didn’t catch your curiosity, Salmon Guru’s neon lights, in-your-face interiors and eclectic drinks selection should. After all, it’s one of the best cocktail bars in Dubai for a reason.
Born in Madrid, the brainchild of the legendary Diego Cabrera packs a lot of character in an intimate space made especially for those who appreciate eccentric style.
Although smaller than your typical hotspots, this cocktail bar makes up for it with its loud neon lights, signs and decor.
But before you think otherwise, know that Salmon Guru’s food and drinks can rival those with more “formal” settings.
For starters, the cocktail selection is nothing like you’ve never seen before served in unique cocktail vessels that add drama to the experience.
Care for something strong? Go for the Old School or Carnaval. Going for something refreshing? You won’t be disappointed with Guaracha and Tears of Heaven.
But if you’d rather just focus on having a good time, you can always ask one of the bartenders for recommendations or let them surprise you with something great.
And while you’re here for the drinks, it would be a sin to miss out on the food. We’re talking about 120 days grain fed beef cheek, Wagyu beef tonnato or chuck beef short ribs taco bao.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to order the tapas for sharing to complete your Spanish experience at Salmon Guru.
We recommend their El Abuelo Premium Cecina de Leon or Filetes de Anchoa.
Agora Cocktail Bar and Social Club
Website: https://agora-dxb.com/
Address: The Edition Hotel – Ground Floor – Dubai Fountain Street – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 58 592 5823
Operating hours:
- 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 400 for two people
Agora is a cocktail bar in Dubai where the trendy crowd of Downtown Dubai go for a cosy date or a night out with friends in a laidback space.
Here, it’s all about old school glamor, so bring out your beautiful little black dress or fancy trousers to blend right in.
But it’s not just the vibe that makes Agora elevated. It’s also the bar’s focus on botanical ingredients including an exclusive selection of juniper libations created by the master Simone Caporale.
What you get here is a cocktail menu that combines lush ingredients with classic techniques with a few avant-garde details in between for the ultimate indulgence.
We’re talking about Habana Libre, Kalamansi, Agora Espresso and Downtown Spritz, all made with surprising concoctions that you’ve never tried before.
Agora also has an excellent food menu with classics like the sea bass carpaccio, pizzetta tarftufo and chicken sous vide and corn.
Pro tip:
Experience a different side of Agora every Friday and Saturday with Agora Night where you can enjoy your drinks with a live set by famous DJ PINK JC.