Black Tap
The New York City export first arrived at Jumeirah Al Naseem last year, and it has wasted no time in plotting its Dubai takeover. From hipster brews to massive shakes, this trendy urban spot is making waves.
Open Sat-Wed 11am-midnight, Thu-Fri 11am-1am. Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR (04 399 9076).
Copper Dog
From the tartan upholstery to the extensive variety of malt beverages, Copper Dog feels pulled straight from the Highlands. This Scottish is right at home on Dubai’s pub scene. It has that elusive lived-in feel that many bars have tried and failed to replicate, right down to the odd creaky floorboard. And there's free pool.
Open Sun-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. Doubletree by Hilton Dubai – Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR, (04 559 5355).
JB’s Gastropub
One of the more established pubs on The Walk, JB’s has industrial fixtures and a warm vibe. It’s big, it’s spacious and it’s more often than not busy. With good happy hour deals and some proper pub grub, it’s a smashing place to while away some time.
Open Sat-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Fri noon-3am. Amwaj Rotana, JBR (04 428 3084).
Lock, Stock & Barrel JBR – The Walk
How could we not mention this enormous bar in JBR? It’s hugely popular (and a Highly Commended winner in our Bar of the Year category 2019) thanks to its industrial vibes, brilliant daily happy hour, pool tables, two-floors, live music, sports screens and top-quality bar food. If you’re after indoor vibes, there’s nowhere better.
Open Mon-Thu 4pm-3am, Fri 1pm-3am, Sat-Sun 2pm-3am. Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR (04 392 7120).
McGettigan’s JBR
Another of Dubai’s favourite institutions that’s been on something of a growth spurt, the Irish pub’s fifth Dubai bar brings something of a refreshing twist on many bars in the area – it’s smoke-free. That aside, it looks and feels like McGettigan’s, and that is winning it loyal punt-ers already. Expect the same craic, grub, sport and beverages that you’d find at its JLT, DWTC, Souk Madinat and Dubai International Airport siblings.
Open Sun-Thu 12.30pm-3am, Fri-Sat 10am-3am. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk, JBR (04 453 5267).
Pure Sky Lounge
When all is said and done, sometimes you just can’t beat a top view out over the Arabian Gulf, and this place delivers it in spades. Set up on the 35th floor of the Hilton in JBR, this white-washed terrace bar has views of the Palm in one direction and the Ain Dubai develop-ment on the other, so it’s great for visitors.
Open Sun-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri-Sat 2pm-2am. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk, JBR (04 374 7888).
Quench
This sports bar has only recently opened up, but it already delivers relaxed drinks, pub grub and bar games. On a Wednesday there’s live music from Carrie Gibson’s Nuva band – so expect jazzy vibes from 9pm and if you’re a budding musician then head down to JBR on a Thursday and take part in open mic night. The bar snacks menu boasts all the usual suspects including burgers, curries, pasta and nachos.
Open daily 4pm-3am. Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, JBR – The Walk (04 448 4862).
Ramusake
It’s a dimly lit venue with graffiti-style art on the walls. It feels edgy (as much as Dubai ever does) and is filled with a well-heeled set, so make sure you’re not too casually dressed. The venue draws its design inspirations from the 1920’s “Show Era” Tokyo combined with a ’Blade Runner-esque’ futuristic twist. There’s large selection of sharing dishes and an extensive mixed drinks menu, which can be enjoyed indoors or on their terrace bar. The ladies' night is always packed.
Open Sat-Thu 6pm-2am; Fri 1pm-2am. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai - Jumeirah Beach, www.ramusake.ae (04 559 5300).
STK JBR
With sister restaurants in London, New York and Miami, the uber-trendy steakhouse brand fits well with Dubai’s nightlife and dining scene. The space itself is cool and moodily lit, with bold artwork adorning the walls and cherry blossom trees among the tables. STK’s bar is the ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink, but it’s also worth a visit if you’re not dining at the restaurant.
Open daily 5pm-1am. Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR (04 323 0061).
Trader Vic’s
With laid-back beach vibes, tropical drinks and old-school Polynesian décor, there are a lot of reasons to like Trader Vic’s. Created by Vic “The Trader” Bergeron in 1934, the brand has become massively popular all around the world, and nowhere more so than in the UAE. And if you’re not on holiday you’ll feel like you are once you’ve had your first sip of the bar’s signature Polynesian mixed drinks.
Open Sun-Wed 5pm-3am; Thu-Sat 4pm-3am. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, www.tradervicsjbr.com (04 318 2530).
