Travel. It’s the word on everyone’s lips right now. From Timbuktu to Tanzania, everyone is talking about flights, visas and whether the extra baggage allowance is worth it (always is, FYI).
But what if we told you there was a way to skip around this blue marble we call home without ever leaving Terra Firma?
Allow us to take you around the world in nine of Abu Dhabi’s brilliant bars.
Now boarding…
Check in for some German hops at Brauhaus
German pubs have cracked the code for a good night out: hops and sausage. And when it’s all authentic stuff, you can be assured of broad smiles and even broader bellies when it’s time to settle the bill. Cosy and welcoming, it’s also a revered place to score a seat for all the major sporting events. We call that a right result.
What to order: Absolute anything off the sausage specialities list – this is some banging bratwurst.
Beach Rotana (02 697 9011).
Get your wings at Barfly by Buddha-Bar
Barfly by Buddha-Bar definitely passes the vibe check. Be it outside by the water with your toes in the sand or inside in the uber-fly eclectic interior décor (including a giant headless statue, because why not?) it’s a top spot you’ll be swooping back to lickety split. Will it give you wings? Find out for yourself.
What to order: The truffle chicken gyoza won’t last long, so be quick if ordering with pals.
Venetian Village (056 177 7557).
Jet into Japan at Matsu
We rate Matsu highly, and you should, too. A superb collection of mixed drinks imported directly from the land of the rising sun are paired with splendid sushi, sashimi and noodles to provide an authentic layover in Tokyo. Not what you’d expect from its golf club setting, but a real hole-in-one nonetheless.
What to order: Tako sunomono, which translates as vinegared sliced octopus. A bit of us, and maybe a bit of you.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi (02 556 0096).
Receive a warm Irish welcome at PJ O’Reilly’s
No matter where in the world you pitch up, you’re never far from a cracking Irish bar. Pulling pints of the black stuff and those famed Irish hops from the Emerald Ireland, PJ O’Reilly’s is a beloved watering hole. And with a bar bites menu packing hearty faves from Ireland as well as the UK, you can be sure of a good feed, too.
What to order: Grab a slice of the Fiery Irishman pizza, topped with Irish sausage, mushroom, caramelized onion, jalapeño, rocket, tomato and a pile of mozz.
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 695 0515).
Sample Shanghai hospitality at Dragon’s Tooth
A Chinese speak-easy with a jazz riff: Dragon’s Tooth is very much in its own bracket when it comes to frosty-cool bars in the capital. The unusual medley is a sensational hit, and once you’ve stumbled across the moodily lit, Shanghai-style haunt, we guarantee you’ll have a new go-to for an awesome night out.
What to order: Crispy mango shrimp rolls are perfect travel companions.
The Galleria Al Maryah Mall (02 813 5588).
Say hola to Spanish fare at Rayan Latin Tapas Bar
This sweet Spanish spot plates up sharing-style plates as pretty as its poolside location. A striking glass wall frames pops of colour courtesy of bright umbrellas out on the terrace, while inside it’s a light, cool affair with comfortable sofas and low table made for whiling away an entire afternoon. Gracias.
What to order: The baby calamari, elevated by a squeeze of lemon and a dash of salt.
Andaz Capital Gate (056 544 8158).
Settle in for a Mexican fiesta at Amerigos
“Feed me tacos and tell me I’m pretty” it reads in neon script up on the wall at Amerigos, and that’s a mantra we can get behind. The music here is loud, the good times flow and with famous Mexican mixed drinks (you know the ones) and those crunch nachos and the vibrant tacos the signage talks about means it’s a mini fiesta every visit.
What to order: Whatever you settle on, make sure it’s slathered in Amerigos’ tasty guac.
Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2412).
Turn all American at Stock Burger Co.
America is proud of all things large, and Stock Burger Co. is no retiring character in that sense. It boasts one of the biggest collection of craft hops in the capital, and pulls them alongside some gargantuan plates that would make Uncle Sam weak at the knees. A true red, white and blue-ty.
What to order: The nacho burger combines the best of both worlds – and is about as Americana as this menu gets.
Dhafeer Street (800 78625).
Try a variety of European hops at Belgian Café Yas Island
Belgian Café is lizard-like. That’s to say this chameleon bar can change its colours to suit all. Need a screen for the big match? Gotcha. Dinner with the in-laws? You’ll have that mother singing your praises before dessert. Live music? Start tuning your air guitar. It’s all things to all people and the Belgian hops are thumbs up emojis all round. Time for you to show your colours at this Euro-slanted super shack.
What to order: Chomp on the grilled lamb chops with stir-fried green beans, onions, crispy potatoes, rosemary glaze and herb gremolata.
Radisson Blu Hotel (02 656 2406).
