Dubai’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse, with numerous activities and events you can attend. But if you prefer a classic night out in a bar, there are still many interesting options for you to choose from.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go Out
When enjoying the nightlife of Dubai, it is important to keep in mind some ground rules. First of all, you should know that the alcohol-related regulations in the emirate are rather strict, implying that drinks can only be served in licensed and authorized establishments.
Additionally, visitors in their early twenties should carry their identification documents with them, as alcohol is only served to customers who are at least 21 years old, and it is normal for bars and pubs in Dubai to verify it.
Another rule you should know as a foreign visitor is that you are not allowed to drink alcohol in public. Of course, the bars won’t serve you drinks to go, but if you’re ordering bottled beer, make sure to drink it before going outside.
And last but not least, Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drunk driving. So even though renting a car is a must for getting around the city comfortably, you should make sure there is no alcohol in your system before starting the engine.
Top Bars and Pubs to Visit in Dubai
With all the rules out of the way, we’re ready to explore the bar scene of Dubai. As you would expect, there are hundreds of establishments of this kind scattered around the city, so we will only be covering the most outstanding, prestigious, and luxurious pubs you can attend here.
Goose Island Tap House
Goose Island Tap House is one of the most reputable pubs in Dubai. Well-known for its selection of craft beers, this establishment also hosts amazing sports-watching evenings and has a kitchen with delicious burgers, starters, and snacks.
The pub also hosts regular events such as the Sunday Roast & Happy Hour, where you can either save some dirhams on a meal or enjoy some exclusive dishes and cocktails that are not available during normal hours.
Location
The brand has recently started expanding, and now there are two different Goose Island tap houses in the city: the Five Luxe JBR branch in the Dubai Marina neighborhood, and the Five Jumeirah Village branch in the Jumeirah Village circle.
LookUp Rooftop Bar
Rooftop nightlife establishments are incredibly popular in Dubai, and while most of them are clubs with high-energy parties, there are several bars that offer a more relaxed atmosphere. LookUp is a great example of this, as this lounge is a perfect place for a chill night out.
On top of amazing views of the city’s skyline, LookUp offers a beautiful pool, a wide selection of meals, and an exquisite assortment of cocktails. Unlike many other bars on our list, LookUp does not host any special events or parties, creating a calm and comfortable setting for its visitors.
Location
LookUp Rooftop Bar is located in the Al Satwa community, placing it between Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Bay.
Fibber Magee’s
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you should definitely consider visiting Fibber Magee’s, the oldest Irish pub in Dubai. Aside from a classic selection of drinks and measles, Fibber Magee’s offers a diverse entertainment calendar with live music events planned for every night of the week.
This pub holds the highest positions in most ratings and is one of the first establishments you will find on Google. It is self-labeled as “Dubai’s best-kept secret”, and even though the statement is clearly outdated, the venue definitely deserves the attention it gets.
It is worth noting that the place tends to get rather crowded in the evenings, which might either be an advantage or a downside depending on your mood. Compared to other pubs and bars in Dubai, Fibber Magee’s also has much longer operating hours, as it closes its doors at 3 am.
Location
Fibber Magee’s is situated on the Sheikh Zayed Road, almost exactly across the road from the Dubai World Trade Centre.
McGettigan’s JLT
Continuing the subject of Irish pubs, McGettigan’s JLT is a great alternative to the previous venue on our list. While offering a similar set of meals and drinks, this pub has a completely different vibe to it.
Here, you can also enjoy some live music, but the events organized by the venue tend to be more thrilling and interactive. They host special Halloween parties, retro-style disco nights, quizzes, and other types of entertaining activities. The selection of drinks is rather wide, as it includes signature and classic cocktails, shooters, mocktails, and other special beverages.
Location
McGettigan’s JLT is located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers development, next to the Dubai Marina neighborhood and close to the famous Palm Island.
Monkey Bar
If you’re up for a more lively experience instead of classic Irish pubs, Monkey Bar would be a great place to consider. It is a venue with a rather universal appeal, as it includes both a set of seats and a dance floor.
Monkey Bar hosts local DJs and various parties every night, welcoming visitors to its rooftop jungle. Even though it is not the most luxurious and prestigious establishment in the city, its combination of greenery and stunning views creates a unique vibe and allows this bar to stand out among its competitors in the area.
Location
Monkey Bar is situated in the Trade Center area, right next to the Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The neighborhood is packed pretty densely, so we recommend locating the entrance with a map app to avoid any confusion.
The Black Sheep
Moving back to more traditional experiences, next on the list we have The Black Sheep, a well-known British gastropub in Dubai. Even though the venue does host some special events from time to time, most visitors come here for its amazing selection of drinks and meals.
The Black Sheep offers a menu of beverages for any taste, as it includes wines, beers, ciders, gins, classic and special cocktails, and a variety of stronger drinks such as bourbon, rum, or tequila. It operates from 12 pm until 2 am with no days off, making it both a great place for a night out and a decent option for a tasty lunch.
Location
The Black Sheep is located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers area, right across the road from the Dubai Marina neighborhood. The pub operates in the Cluster T, making it super easy to be located while driving on Al Sarayat street.
JB’s Gastropub, Amwaj Rotana
Another gastropub you could visit in the same area is called JB’s. It has a similar laid back and relaxed atmosphere with a slightly different assortment of foods and beverages. It combines dishes from British and American cuisines, making it a universal fit for almost any taste.
Compared to The Black Sheep, JB’s Gastropub has a wider selection of beverages. This is especially true for wines, cocktails, and beers, as the assortment is truly impressive here.
Location
JB’s Gastropub operates in a great location in the Dubai Marina neighborhood. The place is equally great for a dedicated visit and a casual stopping by while exploring the area.
McCafferty’s
McCafferty’s is another classic Irish pub in Dubai with all the features you would expect from such a venue. It hosts electric sports-watching evenings, vibe-setting live music performances, and interesting parties with local and international performers.
The establishment is known for its diverse menu with delicious snacks and classic dinner options. The assortment of cocktails is rather limited here, but it is compensated by a rich selection of stronger drinks.
Location
McCafferty’s has three different branches in Dubai – one in the Jumeirah Village area, one in the Al Furjan neighborhood, and another one in the Wafi City Mall. The service at all three branches is virtually the same, so you can just pick the closest one for a visit.
Reform Social & Grill
Reform Social & Grill, also known as RSG, is the last gastropub we have on the list. Just like the other venues in this niche, it offers a calm atmosphere that is perfect for lunches and relaxed evenings.
With RSG, we recommend checking up with the event calendar, as the vibe of this place changes dramatically throughout the week. Its assortment of, as they call it, “Happenings” includes schnitzel nights, quizzes, cocktail nights for ladies, and even curry nights.
Location
Reform Social & Grill is situated in The Lakes, within the Emirates Living District, right between The Emirates Hills and Emirates Hills 2.
Treehouse Dubai
Treehouse Dubai is an open-air lounge located in the Business Bay of Dubai. This prestigious venue is situated on a rooftop, with stunning views of the city complementing the exquisite decorations of the bar.
Unlike most other pubs and bars on our list, Treehouse has a dynamic menu, meaning the assortment of drinks and meals offered here changes almost every day. The selections of bites and beverages might be rather limited, but it is compensated by the electric parties hosted here.
Location
As we have already mentioned, Treehouse Dubai is situated in the Business Bay area, right next to Dubai Opera and fairly close to Burj Khalifa.