WINNER
PJ O’Reilly’s
It’s been a successful year for the friendly Irish bar. Not only did we crown it our Pub of the Year at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Music & Nightlife Awards 2019, but we also can’t get enough of its pub grub. This venue has been satisfying Abu Dhabi residents for over 26 years and the popular venue shows no signs of slowing down yet. The good-value plates mainly feature speciality meats, and all the staples like pies, burgers and fish and chips are done very well indeed.
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (02 695 0515).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant
We always feel at home in this British-style pub, and people don’t just flock here for the long happy hours and numerous ladies’ nights. Highlights of the extensive menu (we know it well) include some rather huge hotdogs, lighter bites like kale and quinoa salad, sophisticated flatbreads topped with hummus and lamb kofta and utterly irresistible quesadillas. It’s far more than your average pub grub, and right now is the perfect season for making the most of the recently revamped outdoor terrace.
Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3325).
Victor’s Bar & Restaurant
Since opening in 2017, this pub has become quite the institution. Whether you want to sing karaoke, watch sport or dance to tunes from a live band you can do it all here. The food is one of the main reasons why it’s become such a big hit, and it does the classics like Shepherd’s pie, curries and burgers all perfectly. There’s also some more sophisticated options like the hummus trio starter if you fancy being a bit more fancy.
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 666 5508).
NOMINEES
Belgian Café Abu Dhabi
This welcoming spot has been a regular haunt for the people of Abu Dhabi for years. Whether you’re after the classic Flemish dishes or pub food staples such as fish and chips or burgers, the food here is super. We recommend going for one of the meaty platters if you’re in the mood for a big feed.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Captain’s Arms
An old-school English pub in the quaint Village area of one of the capital’s most historic hotels. It’s great value and there’s a full meu of pub grub, however it’s hard to look past the fish and chips when it comes to choosing. There aren’t many frills here, but that’s fine by us.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (02 697 4482).
Fado Irish Pub & Restaurants
It’s not like we’re short of Irish pubs here in Abu Dhabi, and in McGettigan’s and PJ O’Reilly’s there’s a couple of big hitters for Fado to contend with. That might be why mixed in with the Irish dishes are the likes of tacos and foods from around the world. Despite the myriad of cuisines, we’re still happy to come here and chow down regularly.
Oryx Hotel, Zayed the First Street (02 692 2218).
Harvester’s Pub
A Downtown pub that you have to go underground to enjoy, Harvester’s is a smoky, dimly lit place that’s great to meet the fellas but probably less suitable to take your in-laws. Nonetheless, if you’re after a plate of fish and chips with a pint of hops, you will be kept happy here.
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown, Zayed the First Street (02 615 6666).
Heroes
Another subterranean pub that doesn’t offer much in the way of glitz and glamour but more than makes up for it with good vibes, bargain drinks and tasty food. The burgers are good, but the salads are also surprisingly tasty. Great if you want to catch live music, too.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (02 616 6132).
McGettigan’s
If you’ve been in the UAE for any amount of time, you’ll be aware of this place. The Irish chain is massive and it’s known for its big parties, screening of live sport and fun atmosphere. Almost as important is the surprisingly classy food – the wings are pretty special but whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy it.
Al Raha Beach Hotel & Resort, Channel Street (02 652 4333).
Porters English Pub
A venue that does what it says on the tin. Proper food, proper drinks and proper pub entertainment. The Friday brunch is a good way to see what this place is all about, with super roasts, bountiful portions and no end of good times.
Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza bin Zayed Street (02 495 3936).
