The Best Speakeasy in Dubai
You’ve probably heard the word “speakeasy” at some point, especially if you love the night life. But have you ever wondered exactly what it means?
Well, we have a little history lesson for you. In the 1920s, particularly during the prohibition era, a speakeasy was a place that sold alcoholic beverages illegally.
Today, speakeasies are no longer underground establishments, but they still keep that sense of mystery by being small and hidden, adding to their charm.
Curious now? We rounded up some of the best speakeasy spots in Dubai just for you.
Flashback Speakeasy Bar and Lounge
Website: https://www.paramounthotelsdubai.com/dubai/restaurants-bars/flashback
Address: Paramount Hotel Dubai – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 55 180 7559
Operating hours:
- 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 365 for two people
Flashback is exactly as its name suggests, a speakeasy in Dubai designed to take you back to the prohibition era when these secret bars became prominent.
Located in the Hollywood-themed Paramount Hotel, Flashback is the nearest thing you can get to the OG speakeasies, from its interiors to its cocktails.
Pick your spot in the bar and listen to music from the retro gramophone while you enjoy your cocktail and some bites from the bar menu.
And yes, all the cocktails here are served in vintage teacups just like they were in the 1920s. So, if you want the full retro vibe, this is the place to be.
Pro tip:
Experience Flashback’s Murder Mystery Immersive Musical Show every Thursday from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM for only AED 299 per person.
Blind Tiger
Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/al-naseem-blind-tiger
Address: Jumeirah Al Naseem – 906 Jumeirah Street – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 323232
Operating hours:
- 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 520 for two people
Blind Tiger is a luxury after dark speakeasy in Dubai that’s known for being hard to find since it’s located at the Turtle Lagoon in Jumeirah A Naseem.
A speakeasy was also called a blind tiger in the past, which inspired the name of this chic bar. And while it’s hard to find, patrons say that once you find this venue, you’ll never want to leave.
We can’t blame them because Blind Tiger has everything you’d expect in a speakeasy. For one, you have the option between its indoor area and outdoor terrace if you want to enjoy the moonlight during winter.
The bar also has an impressive selection of bites and cocktails that are crafted by the bar’s expert mixologists.
Don’t miss trying their famous Blind Tiger Slider, Maine Lobster Roll and Korean Fried Cauliflower.
Blind Tiger’s signature cocktails are just as impressive with our favorites being the Himachi, Formosan and BT Boulevard.
But if you’d rather have drinks without alcohol, they also serve mocktails including the Ooba, BT-Time and Mandarin.
Pro tip:
Are you a fan of snacking on fruit? Ask the staff for the exotic sliced fruit platter for a taste of the tropics on your plate.
Stella Dubai
Website: https://www.stella-dubai.com/
Address: Address Fountain Views – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 54 505 0107
Operating hours:
- 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 250 for two people
Stella Dubai is not just any ordinary speakeasy in Dubai. It’s a hidden gem that’s designed to promote connections and foster creativity in a safe, vibrant and music-filled space.
In fact, the experience begins right when you enter the rather discreet entrance that’s created to be an optical illusion.
Once you’re inside Stella, you’ll be greeted with an explosion of color, touches of gold and a lively atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
And the drinks menu is everything but ordinary. You have the choice between the classics and Stella’s own creations that’s part of the bar’s commitment to helping guests create wonderful memories.
While you sip on your favorite cocktails and share great conversations with family and friends, Stella’s music alchemists will take care of the beats that will set the mood for a good time.
Pro tip:
As much as Stella is a hidden gem, a lot of patrons still frequent this bar. So, if you want to secure a table, you need to make reservations before your visit.
Nonsense
Website: https://dubai.reducethenoise.com/dubai/nonsense
Address: Ground Floor – The Wharf – Bluewaters Island – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 58 566 7673
Operating hours:
- 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 320 for two people
For a speakeasy in Dubai to be named Nonsense, you might not expect a lot. But the moment you enter this space, you’ll know that it’s anything but nonsense.
But before you get to enjoy this space, you need to find it first. Yes, It’s in Bluewaters Island, but you don’t see any signs leading to this secret location.
Here’s a little trick though: if you find VAGA restaurant, you’ll find Nonsense inside. But don’t expect to get in easily because you’ll need a special code to gain access to the bar.
But we tell you, all that challenge will pay off once you’re enjoying this late night speakeasy, especially if you love futuristic design.
The moment you enter the bar, you’ll be greeted with beautiful lighting and 3D mural projections that will make you feel like you’re in another dimension.
But once you settle in the bar, you’ll also appreciate the 1920s look with its unique interiors and plush velvet chairs.
You’ll see the same combination of past and future in Nonsense’s cocktail menu made by psychedelic mask-wearing baristas.
Go for the Coquette if you like fruity flavors or Love in Harlem if you’re looking for something strong.
Pro tip:
Before visiting, you need to go to Nonsense’s website and ring the doorbell to play a game. Here, you’ll be given some challenges before you can find the special code to enter Nonsense.
Keep in mind that if you don’t have the code, you won’t be allowed to enter the bar. Rules and challenges also change every week to fit the bar’s theme.
7 Tales
Website: https://www.7talesdubai.com/
Address: Al Emreef Street – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 402 2222
Operating hours:
- 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Monday to Thursday
- 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 90 for two people
7 Tales is a unique speakeasy in Dubai created by Chef Jason Atherton and located within his famous Dubai hotspot City Social.
What makes 7 Tales different from other speakeasies is its Izakaya-style concept that honors the bar culture of Japan. In fact, once you enter the bar, you’ll instantly be transported back to 1960s Tokyo.
Being located on the 44th floor, 7 Tales also gives you some of the most beautiful views of Dubai Marina.
But the real highlight here is the unique drinks menu that’s expertly curated by the bar’s mixologists.
We especially recommend their Myamoto Musashi – Way of the Warrior, Takeda Shingen – Tiger of Kay and Date Masumne – One Eyed Dragon.
If you’re a negroni fan, you’ll love the specialty negronis at 7 Tales including the Umami Negroni, Ube Negroni and Negroni Sbagliato.
Oh, and you can’t have drinks without some snacks. The bar’s Crispy Togarashi Squid, Black Truffle Arancini, Wagyu Beef Sliders and Lobster Buns are must-tries.
Pro tip:
Don’t just try the negroni. Get the chance to win another drink for free by buying one of the bar’s signature negronis. Here, you’ll get the chance to roll a dice and win another negroni.
Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Website: https://www.honeycombhifi.com/
Address: Level 2 – Pullman Downtown Dubai – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 412 6666
Operating hours:
- 7:30 PM to 2:00 AM from Tuesday to Thursday
- 7:30 PM to 3:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 310 for two people
Honeycomb Hi-Fi is probably the most unique speakeasy in Dubai because it’s the first listening bar in the city.
This homegrown concept focuses on music and attracts audiophiles who appreciate good records while enjoying their favorite cocktails.
Honeycomb Hi-Fi will make you feel like you’re in a vinyl record shop with its walls filled with all these classic records.
The dim lighting sets the mood for the listening sessions that are played using the speakeasy’s High-Fidelity Ojas sound system.
And while you’re lost in the music, you can also enjoy classic Izakaya dishes created by Chef Matt Abergel as well as an extensive bar menu.
Aside from the classics like sake, shochu and yuzushu, we also recommend the Stereo Spritz, Manga Rita and Honeycomb Highball.
Pro tip:
Always check Honeycomb Hi-Fi’s listen calendar to know about its listening sessions and DJ sets.
Moonshine
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/moonshine
Address: Wise Guys Restaurant – Gate District – The Marble Walk – Trade Center – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 52 450 7795
Operating hours:
- 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM from Tuesday to Thursday
- 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 190 for two people
Moonshine is perhaps the most authentic speakeasy in Dubai, from its name to its location.
In fact, the excitement already begins before you enter this bar. If you know the Wise Guys Restaurant in DIFC, you need to find that turquoise fridge to gain access to Moonshine.
And yes, you’ll enter the bar through that fridge and inside, you’ll be transported to the 1920s when speakeasies first became popular.
Moonshine is named after the beverages that’s produced under moonlight and every detail of this bar is inspired by its name.
The same unique flair is visible in the bar’s bites and drinks menu. In fact, you won’t find any of the usual cocktails here since everything is curated by the team of mixologists at Moonshine.
We especially love The Dolly, Mr. Pickles and Peach Moonmosa. For the food, we’re sure you’ll love their Togarashi Seared Tuna, Pulled Dug Crostini and Peri-Peri Wagyu Meatballs.
Pro tip:
Moonshine only accepts a limited number of guests. So, make sure that you booked your table to secure a spot on your night out.
Gohan
Website: https://lacantine.ae/gohan/
Address: Emirates Towers Hotel Entrance – Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 352 7105
Operating hours:
- 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Tuesday to Wednesday
- 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM every Thursday, Sunday and Monday
- 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 280 for two people
Gohan is a Japanese restaurant and speakeasy in Dubai that’s located inside La Cantine Du Faubourg.
With the name Gohan meaning “meal of any sort,” this speakeasy is all about small and intimate gatherings but packaged with quality and flavor.
This small windowless bar room is designed by London-based Studio Pireajean Lees and it’s everything you’d imagine an intimate Japanese speakeasy should be, from its lanterns to its red theme.
Gohan’s food menu is inspired by elegant street food with a curated selection of sushi, gyoza and skewers. Of course, you can’t miss the drinks menu consisting of classic Japanese favorites.
Pro tip:
Are you a fan of sushi? Visit Gohan every Tuesday night from 7:00 PM to midnight for Sushi Matsuri.
Here, you get to enjoy a curated selection of sushi while the DJ plays upbeat R&B and hip hop tunes.
Nobu Prive
Website: https://noburestaurants.com/dubai
Address: 22nd Floor – Atlantis The Palm – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 426 0760
Operating hours:
- 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 460 for two people
Nobu Prive is perhaps the most luxurious speakeasy in Dubai on this list – and it’s easy to know why. It’s in Nobu, one of the most luxurious restaurants in the city.
Located within Nobu at the 22nd floor of Atlantis The Palm, this weekend hotspot is reserved for those who crave for a luxurious nightlife experience without thinking about the budget.
And with only 43 seats available every night, you’re not only getting luxury but also exclusivity in this nightlife venue.
Even entry to Nobu Prive isn’t easy. In fact, you only have three very limited options to experience this exclusive venue.
For one, you have to be a black card member to gain instant access to Nobu Prive. If you’re not privileged enough to be granted one, you can book a minimum spend table of AED 1,000 per person.
If you’re willing to pay, you can make a reservation, although there’s a wait time for this. Some diners at Nobu Dubai also get a unique chance to enjoy Nobu Prive if they get picked for spending on dinner at the restaurant.
Now, if you do get in, you get to indulge in a one-of-a-kind bar experience with a food menu including Wagyu Dumplings and Wasabi Sour Cream Tacos.
Of course, drinks here are anything but typical. With the price you’re paying, you can expect nothing but the best artisanal cocktails curated by world-class mixologists.
Pro tip:
Want to be part of Nobu Prive’s exclusive club? Build your reputation by dining frequently at Nobu Dubai. Who knows, they might just grant you unlimited access just like they do for loyal diners.
Storyteller by BABA
Address: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 5547 498
Operating hours:
- 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 190 for two people
Storyteller by BABA is not just a speakeasy in Dubai, but it’s also the smallest bar in the city with only 25 seats available at a time.
Located at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, this secret bar is pretty hidden. In fact, you’d need to find that hidden door within the resort to gain access to this luxurious bar.
But once you find it, Storyteller by BABA will surely impress you with its sleek interior, dim lighting and intimate setup that adds to the charm of this venue.
Of course, the real highlight here is the drinks with a carefully – and theatrically – curated cocktail menu by two of the city’s best mixologists, Dipem Sharma and Marco Basso.
In fact, Storyteller by BABA can customize a drink based on your preference, making your drinking experience personal and memorable.
Pro tip:
Since the bar can only accommodate 25 guests at a time, it’s very important to book a table if you want to enjoy an unforgettable night out at Storyteller by BABA.