Lads. They get a bad name don’t they?
Even saying the word we picture a rowdy bunch of young men out for drinks to shout about sport and be loud and obnoxious, but that’s not really the case. Is it?
Look around Abu Dhabi and most young men don’t fit the stereotype.
Think less noisy football fans and more young men with quaffed hair, brightly-coloured shirts and a distinct lack of socks. Then again, maybe that’s a stereotype of millennials.
Each to their own.
Heading out with the boys this summer? Here are five spots to enjoy some time with the guys this summer in Abu Dhabi.
Cooper’s Bar and Restaurant
It’s been a popular destination among expats for years and it’s easy to see why. With the atmosphere of a British pub, the inviting venue has some top grub and great deals on drinks to encourage guests to spend a few hours with with friends. In fact, it’s a challenge to pay full price for a drink. You can get discounts on house beverages from noon onwards, then after 8pm ‘Crazy Hour’ kicks in with bubbly, premium beverages and hops for Dhs19 and eight selected mixed drinks for Dhs119. Then from midnight to closing short drinks are on offer for Dhs20. That’s pretty good value and it makes getting a round in have less impact on your bank balance.
Daily noon-2.30am. Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3333).
Hamilton’s Gastropub
Ok, so this cool, chic bar is on Saadiyat Island but it’s worth making the trip if you don’t live close by. First of all there’s a free pool table, so you can challenge your mates to a few games if you’ve got the skills and you won’t have to put dirhams down to play either. But, obviously, there’s more to this trendy destination than a pool table. Hungry? You can sink your teeth into some great grub at this gastroub, with loads of delicious dishes on offer from amazing scotch eggs, cheese boards and fish and chips to bangers and mash. Plus, with a happy hour from Sunday to Wednesday offering a generous 50 percent discount on all beverages, it’s great for a midweek catch up with some friends.
Daily 4pm-2am. Hamilton’s Gastropub, Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000).
Harvester’s
Okay, if you’re looking for cheap drinks with friends then this popular capital destination is probably your best bet. The long-standing location has recently launched an epic happy hour that has to be seen to be believed. The daily happy hour offers a list of selected drinks for as little as Dhs18 each, and it’s on from noon until 10pm. It sounds pretty good to us, and we’re sure there aren’t many places in the capital where you can hand over a Dhs20 note for a drink and expect to get change.The promotion is running all the way through until September 30, 2019 so it’s definitely one to check out this summer.
Daily noon-2am. Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown, Madinat Zayed (02 615 6461).
Heroes
Is the summer sun getting you down? We hear you and you’re not the only one mopping the sweat from your brow. If escaping the scathing sun is top of the priority then head downstairs to Heroes where you can enjoy some time with friends away from the heat. There’s live music throughout the week from th award-winning The International Playboys and a daily happy hour too. The friendly pub offers a selection of drinks for as little as Dhs23, and you’ve got until 8pm every day to make the most of it. So gather your mates and settle in for a night at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi?
Daily noon-4pm. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah (02 616 6132).
Stars ‘N’ Bars
This Yas Island hangout has been attracting groups of people for a few drinks and a few laughs for years. With loads of screens showing live sort, daily drinks deals, happy hours and some top bar food, too, it’s a good options for a few hours with some friends especially if there’s a match on. One corner is dedicated to retro arcade games, as well, while the stage on the opposite side of the room is regularly filled by live bands blasting out rock and pop hits to the packed dance floor. Sounds like fun to us.
Sun-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Sat noon-3am. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
Velocity
If you and your mates are mad for sport then this is probably the place to be. There are so many screens all over this cool sports bar that it’s nearly impossible to miss a moment of action if you’re watching some live sport. But it’s not all about the screens. The inviting venue serves up som top bar food from the classics to more modern fare and with a daily happy hour, you can get great deals too. From Sunday to Wednesday you can get drinks for Dhs24 from opening until midnight. Plus, there’s a weekly quiz night too if you fancy something a bit more challenging an you think you and your friends are the smartest in the city.
Sun-Wed 4pm-2am, Thu noon-3am, Fri and Sat noon-2am. Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 304 7777).
