Location
Ray’s Bar is on the 62nd floor of the recently opened Jumeriah at Etihad Towers, it boasts plush furnishings and low lighting all aimed at making your night out an intimate experience. Whether you are trying to channel James Bond or Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, Ray’s Bar promises a classy affair.
Service
What makes this bar great is the attentive interaction from bar staff and their expertise of blend mixing. Service is prompt and well thought out, and the bartenders tend to begin with a conversation about your favourite mixed blend or preferred flavours (sweet, fruity, sharp or punchy). We opted to sit at the bar which led us to talking to the bartenders about Ray’s Bar speciality in old school blends and also their special range of signature drinks. One very popular blend is the jelly mixed drinks which were being ordered left right and centre. Cute cubes of frozen jelly are placed in a glass then topped up with fruity beverages and juices.
The bartenders at Ray’s Bar are very talented, mixing drinks with confidence and flair. Top notch service is obviously important to them and this shows. They are more than willing to stir up a sweet signature drink from their extensive beverage menu or make something else of your choice. The beverage list is extensive offering up bubbly, grape and other types of drinks to cater to anyone who prefers something a bit purer and neither shaken nor stirred. The grape list has vintages from all corners of the world and the very cool menus have pop art on the pages, which is fun and adds a nice touch.
View and atmosphere
Being located on 62nd floor of the hotel adds to the ambience of Ray’s Bar and you can take in the high altitude panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and cityscape. This glamorous bar keeps its lights low and lures guests into a chic environment of alcoves, velvet drapes and smooth jazz tunes. Ray’s Bar is in a class of its own and has added luxury to the capital’s bar scene.
Food
The food is very good indeed, offering up Asian influenced tapas which are very tasty. The setting is also perfect for after-dinner drinks. Although this is an up market spot, the portions are surprisingly big, making it seem more worthwhile.
Pros
This is a seriously sophisticated bar perfect for pre or post party drinks. You won’t be disappointed with the view and will enjoy a grown up evening out, lapping up the luxury that Ray’s Bar has to offer. The private booths are perfect for a birthday or other special occasion.With live DJs, private rooms and stunning views, this bar is a fun experience and is sure to be one of the most visited bars in Abu Dhabi in 2012. Make sure you put Ray’s Bar on your list.
Cons
Some may find the touches of zebra and cow hide upholstery over the top, and if you want to drink bubbly or speciality blends you will be forking out some serious cash to drink here. Selecting a beverage from the classic blends list though will prove money better spent.
Ray’s Bar, open daily 5pm-3am, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Rd (02 811 5555).
