Looking for somewhere to whet your whistle after a busy day of exploring around Downtown Dubai?
Whilst you cannot grab an alcoholic drink within Dubai Mall, there are plenty of places you can head to nearby to relax and unwind at the end of the day in the Downtown area of Dubai.
Whether it’s a beer at a bar you’re after while catching up on international sporting news or you prefer a cocktail in a luxury lounge whilst soaking in some of the world’s most rocking cityscape views, you can find it all in Downtown Dubai – even if it’s not obvious at first!
Before we dive into Dubai’s Downtown Bars, you may also be interested in:
- Is it legal to drink alcohol in Dubai? Things tourists need to know
- Spectacular spots in Dubai for Sundowners
- The best of Dubai’s rooftop bar scene
Pubs & Bars around Downtown Dubai
Double Decker Swissotel Al Murooj
Top on the list of the most popular sports bar in downtown Dubai, this British-themed pub, with its London Bus and Underground ambience, is the perfect place for a taste of home. Double Decker bar is a popular place for live screening of sports events.
Their menu includes their special Mexican Platter, Fire Alarm Burger and Buffalo wings. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, it is a great place to enjoy good music, mingle with fine folk, enjoy great drinks, and share good vibes.
Don’t miss their rocking Friday afternoon Double Decker Pool & Brunch package.
Where to find Double Decker: Swissotel Al Murooj Hotel (formerly Roda Al Murooj), Dubai. Open daily 12:00 pm to 3:00 am, with a daily Happy Hour 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Learn more at www.swissotel.com
Distillery Gastropub
Experience Dubai’s epic hipster scene at this late-night gastropub. Only a 10-minute walk from Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, Distillery is the perfect hangout spot for a fun meal and drinks with friends. With a vast range of exotic spirits, outlandish cocktails and craft beer, Distillery certainly does live up to its name.
Looking for a chilled-out spot that offers post-work happy hours, fun ladies’ nights and weekend brunches, Distillery is the place to be. They also offer Late Brunch, every Saturday – great value food and drinks from 8:00 pm to 11:30 pm.
Where to find Distillery Gastropub: Souk Al Manzil, Downtown Dubai. Open Monday to Sunday 3:00 pm to 3:00 am.
Learn more at www.distillerydubai.com
CLAW BBQ Crabshack and Grill [NB CLAW is now in JBR]
With its American diner ambiance and energetic vibe, CLAW BBQ is home away from home. Known for its mouthwatering Texas Beef Brisket, Texas Toast, Jumbo Shrimp, Pork Ribs, Burgers, Hot Wings and many more irresistible bites, this vibrant restaurant is a must-visit for everyone – one of the few open from lunchtime daily.
Complete with a Jukebox at the corner, its bar boasts of an unrivalled selection of beverages served in moonshine jars and pitchers. Expect to see beers on tap, a large selection of rum and the widest selections of tequila in the city. You won’t miss any of the international sporting action with the bar filled with 50″ TVs and the CLAW Barn private games room.
A typical American sports bar in downtown Dubai, Claw BBQ offers both dine-in and delivery options for meals. Souk al Bahar is easily accessible from Dubai Mall over a footbridge.
Where to find Claw BBQ Crabshack and Grill: Level 1 Souk al Bahar, Downtown Dubai . Open midday to 2:00 am daily.
Learn more at www.clawbbq.com
Bar prices in Dubai should be listed inclusive of 7% Municipality fees and 10% Service Charges. VAT of 5% is added to the net value of the mentioned prices. Learn more about Dubai Tourist Taxes here.
Bars & Lounges in Downtown Dubai
Karma Kafe
Only a 2-minute walk from the popular Dubai Fountains and with a great view of the iconic Burj Khalifa, the Karma Kafe is one of the top Asian themed bars in Dubai. With its red and black décor, Karma Kafe is a hidden gem within Souk Al Bahar that offers a fusion of Pan-Asian and International dining, music and drinks.
Cozy and intimate, the Karma Kafe is a great spot for enjoying drinks with friends. It is a bubbling nightlife destination perfect for every type of guest. You can also check out evening brunch at Karma Kafe
Where to find Karma Kafe: Level 3 Souk Al Bahar Mall, Downtown Dubai. Open Monday to Friday 5:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturday 1:00 pm to 1:00 am & Sunday 4:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Learn more at www.karma-kafe.com
Taikun
Taikun restaurant and lounge is a sleek, sexy, and trendy bar featuring a dark, serene interior, an incredible Japanese-themed back garden, gurgling waterfalls, and beautiful Bonsai trees.
Located very close to Burj Khalifa, it has one of the best lounges in Downtown Dubai. If the stunning ambiance does not do it for you, the menu certainly will. Taikun boasts mouthwatering signature dishes like the flamed beef nigiri with wasabi cream cheese and boneless braised wagyu beef short ribs.
With a premium collection of spirits on their drinks menu, it is the perfect place for a first date or a night out with the girls.
Where to find Downtown Toko: Vida Downtown Hotel, Downtown Dubai. Open Tuesday to Saturday 7:00 pm to 3:00 am
Learn more at www.taikundubai.com
Neos Bar
Found at the backdrop of the shimmering Dubai skyline, Neos Bar boasts of a panoramic view of the city. Of all Downtown Dubai bars, Neos is the top choice for the city’s elite crowd with the best views.
Looking down upon the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, Neos Bar is the best place to experience culinary finesse and an exciting array of exotic signature beverages. Nothing beats dining so close to the stars.
Where to find Neos Bar: 63rd Floor, Address Hotels Downtown, Dubai. Open Monday to Saturday 5:00 pm to 2:30 am, Happy Hour 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Learn more at www.addresshotels.com
Buhayra Lounge
A list of lounges in downtown Dubai would not be complete without the exotic Buhayra Lounge. Featuring traditional Arabian décor, music, cuisine and shisha, the Buhayra Lounge has a beautiful palm-fringed poolside and comfortable Arabian tents where you can enjoy exotic drinks and dine on their famous Hot Mezze Platter, Cheese Sambousek, Sangria, Margarita Pizza, Kunafa, and of course, Shisha.
The Buhayra Lounge is the best place to enjoy a magical, glamorous Arabian Night as the sun goes down over Burj Lake.
Where to find Buhayra Lounge: Palace Downtown, Dubai. Where to find Neos Bar: 63rd Floor, Address Hotels Downtown, Dubai. Open daily 8:00 am to 1:00 am, Shisha available from 4:00 pm.
Learn more at www.addresshotels.com
Looking for where to stay in Downtown Dubai? We have a comprehensive guide to the best Downtown Dubai accommodation options here.
Mosaic Pool Lounge & Bar
Want an awesome top view of the bustling Downtown Dubai? Check out the beautiful Mosaic Pool Lounge and Bar on the rooftop of Sofitel Downtown.
With its spectacular Infinity Pool, unending list of exotic handcrafted cocktails and terrace views of the city, this has got to be one of the most frequented rooftop lounges in Downtown Dubai. There’s a super-relaxed vibe here and an extensive happy hour each evening from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm making it one of the evenings most chilled destinations.
Where to find Mosaic Pool Lounge: Sofitel Downtown Dubai. Open daily 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Happy Hour from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Learn more at www.sofitel-dubai-downtown.com
At.mosphere
Looking to dine at ‘the top spot’ in Dubai?
Known as the world’s highest restaurant, At.mosphere restaurant in Burj Khalifa is the most coveted location for enjoying fine dining while absorbing the magnificent sunset and panoramic view of the Arabian Gulf. Be prepared to be wowed by their popular foie gras, oysters and wagyu tenderloins specials.
Consisting of a black-tie restaurant and a lounge, At.mosphere is one of the most exclusive bars in Downtown Dubai. With its wide array of drinks, afternoon tea and cozy, after-dinner drinks, it is a perfect combination of elegance and class – but expect to pay for the privilege too! Minimum spends apply, and it costs extra for window-side seating.
Where to find At.mosphere: 122nd Floor, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai. Breakfast 7:00 am to 12:30 pm; Lunch/Afternoon Tea 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm; Dinner 5:30 pm to 10: 30 pm; Lounge until 1:30 am.
Learn more at www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
Information originally published August 2020, updates have been made as of February 2022. Always check with the venue prior to visiting in case there are special opening hours, restricted hours or changes in special offers.
Where to stay around Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is one of the city’s most central locations – with a price tag to match! That said, you can still nab yourself a bargain if you shop around. You can find our guide to the best hotels near to Dubai Mall here, or check our both hotel and Airbnb options in the Downtown area of Dubai:
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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