Bright and shiny new venues pop up in the city all the time and it’s exciting to try somewhere new when going on a night out.
That being said, keeping a bar going for decades is not to be sniffed at, and we owe the capital’s veterans our custom as much as the latest openings.
Sadly, not all restaurants and bars manage to stand the test of time, so anywhere that has more than two decades under its belt should be celebrated.
Welcome, then, to Trader Vic’s at the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, which has been providing people with an eclectic menu (and fantastic cheese balls), incredibly strong mixed drinks and live music for years.
On our latest visit to the stalwart we can see why it has remained popular. There’s a fun Polynesian theme and it feels a world away from the hipster bars and chic grape nights elsewhere in the city. Plus there’s a canoe hanging from the ceiling. We love it.
From the fixtures and fittings, you can tell this venue has been around for a while but the worn-in feel only adds to its character.
There are lots of mixed drinks for groups that come presented in extravagant bowls and vessels, but we’re enjoying something a little more basic. (Although we wouldn’t say no to a drink served in a giant seashell or a koi carp if you ever want to offer us one.).
The atmosphere is relaxed and there are a few other people dotted around the venue enjoying a quiet drink on a midweek night.
It’s casual, it’s fun and we can definitely picture ourselves having a night out here with a group of friends in the future.
It’s not always about the glistening new bars, you know?
