Picture the scene: you’ve been at brunch with your mates all afternoon, you’ve stretched out your drinks for as long as you can and now you need to decide your next move.
Do you call it a day and head home for some Netflix and sofa time or gather the troops and move on to a post-brunch party?
We always vote for the latter. So here are just some of the many brilliant venues hosting after-parties in Abu Dhabi.
Highly Commended
Belgian Café Abu Dhabi
If you’re not ready to call it a day yet, this is one of the best places to go. When the weather is cool, the outdoor terrace turns into one big party and dancefloor, and the inside is just as buzzing. The resident DJ sets the mood perfectly and it’s the ideal end to your day out in the capital.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (50 723 5441).
Heroes
If brunch has you in the party mood, head to the Friday After Brunch (or FAB) event at chilled-out pub Heroes. For Dhs139 per person you can get three hours of free-flowing house beverages and bar snacks (if you can handle any more food). DJ Ash is also there playing the best 90s tunes.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street (02 616 6166).
Nominees
Buddha-Bar Beach
Once you’ve finished working through one of Saadiyat Island’s brilliant buffets, you can head to this pretty beach bar for some creative mixed drinks and cool tunes. Big name DJs regularly play here, and whether you’re relaxing on the outdoor terrace or in the stylish dining room, the vibes are always totally incredible.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).
Filini Garden
Boasting one of the best spots on Yas Island to have a sundowner, Filini Garden has been impressing guests and the Time Out team alike since it opened in 2018. It bagged our Best Ladies’ night award at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Music & Nightlife Awards 2019, and the after-brunch party is always packed out, too. Anyone who’s anyone heads here once they’ve finishing feasting at venues across Yas Island, and many make the trip over from the rest of the city as well.
Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Loca
Mexican spot Loca keeps the party going long after you’ve eaten your last fajita. The live band plays until 8.30pm, after which a DJ takes over until the small hours. With super Mexican mixed drinks in every possible fruity flavour and tasty bowls of guacamole to keep you going, you’ve got everything you need for a brilliant night out.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
McGettigan’s
If you want somewhere lively this is the place to be. It also has a dancefloor and music from a live band and DJ if you’re keen to try and burn off some of those calories from your heavy session at the chocolate fountain. It might not be the fanciest venue in the capital but it’s definitely one of the most fun and the least pretentious.
Al Raha Beach Hotel & Resort, Channel Street (02 652 4333).
Stars ’N’ Bars
This sports bar is far from sophisticated. The whole concept is really very silly, and that’s 100 percent a good thing. One corner is dedicated to retro arcade games, while the stage on the opposite side of the room is filled by live bands blasting out rock and pop hits during the Friday brunch after-party. The outdoor terrace is also perfect for a spot of people-watching and for taking in the bright lights of Yas Circuit as you let your food go down. The package is Dhs99 for free-flowing drinks between 5pm and 7pm.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
The Retreat
Bubbalicious at Fairways is one of the most talked about party brunches in the capital, and none of its guests are in the mood to go home once they’ve had an afternoon of exploring the many food stations and dancing to the live entertainment. The Retreat offers great deals on house beverages (Dhs160 from 4pm until 8pm), and a fun and casual place to hang out as you catch up with friends long into the night.
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Al Nakhl (02 616 9999).
Victor’s Bar & Restaurant
With unlimited starters and a choice of pub grub classics such as pies and burgers, the FAB brunch at Victor’s is a bit of a bargain at Dhs199. But you shouldn’t go home once you’ve finished eating. Live music carries on through the evening and the happy hour runs until midnight.
Hilton Capital Grand Hotel, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 666 5508).
Winner
Velocity
Following the Marriott Downtown’s popular Eat. Play. Laugh. party brunch, Velocity is incredibly busy for the rest of the night. Happy hour runs for a full 12 hours and offers hops, grapes and premium beverages for Dhs24. Next time you’re thinking of where to go after a big feed, check this place out, it’s absolutely buzzing.
Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi, Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (02 304 7777).
