Whether you’re after post-work drinks, a date night or a catch-up with your pals, Abu Dhabi has loads of bars to grab a drink at, shoot some pool or watch live sport.
The Time Out team has been out and about checking out all the very best and newest bars in the capital, and we’ve reviewed them all.
We review everything anonymously too, so you can be sure that we’re telling you the truth (for more on the review process click here).
Fancy trying somewhere new this week? Read on. For more reviews, click here.
December
Stratos Revolving Lounge & Bar
Beautiful vistas, good vibes and amazing deals, the capital’s only revolving bar offers unbeatable sights of downtown Abu Dhabi.
Read the full review here.
Hoods Resto & Bar
A quirky location that begins outside of the Villagio Hotel & Resort, where you walk through a front gate to enter a makeshift village street. Inside you’re greeted with playful décor with the restaurant on one side and the bar on the other.
Read the full review here.
November
Diablito
Searching for a bit of Basque in Yas Island? Mediterranean eats and vibes are on the table at this waterfront bar and restaurant. Grab a table outside to enjoy marina views.
Read the full review here.
Bambu
Searching for a lounge in Abu Dhabi to put you in a great mood? Newly launched Bambu is a jungle-themed bar serving up Latin and pan-Asian dishes surrounded by highly Instagrammable décor.
Read the full review here.
October
Backyard Bistro
BYB, as it’s called by fans, is the place to go for pumping music and casual, fun crowds. The food is good ol’ classic bar grub and there is a lengthy happy hour that goes from noon to midnight.
Read the full review here.
West Bay Lounge
You will feel like you’re on vacation at this breezy lounge at the Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche, especially after the recent revamp, thanks to its glass exterior, deck overlooking the gorgeous shoreline for prime sunset snaps and enhanced menu. Grab one of the many seats – or better yet, a hammock.
Read the full review here.
September
Manhattan Lounge
Laced in subtle luxury, perfect for a bespoke mixed drink and quiet chat, this old-school lounge bar is cooler than you might expect.
Read the full review here.
TEN 11 Beach
TEN 11 Beach is one of the newer spots to open on Mamsha Al Saadiyat – made for swimming, Instagramming and chilling – with a light bite and a drink. However, don’t get distracted by the naughty fries or açaí bowl (if you’re feeling healthy) and miss trying out the full dinner and dessert menus because a lot of care and detail goes into the delicious dishes.
Read the full review here.
Wet Deck
Head to the stylish W Abu Dhabi for a trendy poolside club with an equally cool vibe. Grab a seat on one of the levels, be it the pool area itself in a sun lounger or cabana, or on the lower level with a plush sofa, then enjoy the gorgeous views.
Read the full review here.
August
Belgian Café
Belgian Café is a bricks and mortar chameleon. Need a place to watch the game? Dinner with the in-laws? Chilled catch up with the gang? This place changes its colours to fit your needs. We love it, you will too.
Read the full review here.
Iris
If you cast your peepers over one view this evening, make sure it’s an Iris vista. Tranquil vibes and the kind of Yas Marina views that will have the likes flowing in from followers, Iris is a sight to behold in more ways than one.
Read the full review here.
July
Jazz N Fizz
Make your evening pop with a visit to this sky-high establishment. With vibes that will soothe both you and your back pocket, catch a half-price happy hour and forget the office woes with mellow tunes.
Read more here.
June
Marta Bar
A bar at Louvre Abu Dhabi you say? Seamlessly shifting your culture fix into evening drinks, this secluded spot at one of the capital’s most important arts destinations is comfy, sophisticated, and while erring on the spenny side, is one to revisit in a heartbeat.
Read the full review here.
W Lounge
Overlooking the world famous Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit, it’s safe to say a pitstop at W Lounge will help you get your evening into top gear.
Read the full review here.
May
Beach House
Looking for a sundowner spot with class by the bucket (and spade) load? Then this could be your new go to. Want to know why?
Read the full review here.
March
Victors
Consistency is an undervalued quality in the Abu Dhabi pub scene, but Victors has that, along with refreshing pints and filling grub, in spades. Dig in.
Read the full review here.
February
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McGettigan’s
They say you can never have too much of a good thing and they (whoever they are) may be right. But not when it comes to this Irish chain. A brand-new branch has opened at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi and before we arrive, we’re expecting more of the same. Top food, a lively atmosphere and a great place to watch sport.
Read the full review here.
January
Harvesters
We have a soft spot for pubs and bars with a little bit of character. We’re not talking about elaborate themes, we’re on about venues that are a little worn around the edges. They’ve stayed the same for years and see a steady stream of people flow in through the doors night after night having stood the test of time. And in all the years we’ve been visiting Harvesters it has hardly changed a bit. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – as the saying goes. Do we still love it?
Read the full review here.
Jazz@PizzaExpress
Now, we know what you’re thinking, Jazz@Pizza Express might not be the first place you’d think of when heading out for a drink but there are plenty of reasons why the Abu Dhabi branch is well worth your time. Normally there’s a great live band, and while that is taking a backseat for the time being, there are other reasons to head along – namely some top mixed drinks deals and a cracking terrace.
Read the full review here.
December
Grills@ChillO
Located on the ninth floor of Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, the venue always enjoyed a nice view out to the Corniche, looking out over the Arabian Gulf, but those views are now enhanced by the new surroundings.Flanked by the towers of the hotel on three sides, the new rooftop terrace is an excellent vantage point for, you guessed it, killer sunsets. It’s a great place to spend a chilled evening with a few drinks and food.
Read the full review here.
Butcher and Still
This elegant venue oozes class, modelled to resemble 1920s Chicago. The bar is a destination itself and is every bit as good as the restaurant that hosts it, so don’t just think it’s a place for a pre-dinner beverage.
Read the full review here.
