Why Dubai Bars Are the Ultimate Contradiction
If a camel and a spaceship had a baby, Dubai would be the playground. But let’s focus on the real stars of the show: the bars. Yes, Dubai’s bars are where the magic happens, mixing luxury with the absurdity of desert opulence. Think of them as the UAE’s answer to a late-night snack—except the snack is $100 cocktails served in a 1,000-year-old cave. (Spoiler: It’s not a cave. It’s a hotel with a clever marketing team.)
If you’re here, you probably want to know where to drink like a local (or at least like a tourist pretending to be a local). This guide is for you, the curious cocktail enthusiast who’s tired of the same old “Omar” jokes and wants to know where to find the best bars in Dubai. Spoiler: It’s not the camel rides (unless you’re into that).
Let’s dive in—and don’t worry, we’ll keep it civil. No camel jokes… this time.
The Tipsy Crow: Dubai’s Most Underrated “I’m Here to Party” Spot
Location: Al Quoz
Why Go? Because you’re not here for fine dining. The Tipsy Crow is the bar for when you want to drink craft beer, eat questionable kebabs (they’re fine, don’t @ us), and pretend you’re in a Brooklyn loft. The vibe is “I’m here to make bad decisions in a cool way.”
Highs: Craft beer on tap, a menu that’s equal parts “healthy” and “let’s get this party started,” and a patio that’s perfect for pretending you’re outdoors (spoiler: it’s still a rooftop in Dubai).
But wait—there’s more! The Tipsy Crow also has a “secret” speakeasy vibe, which Dubai somehow managed to invent even though speakeasies are, like, 100 years old. But hey, innovation!
Grow your business with Strategies.beer if you want to replicate this bar’s success. Or just come here and order the $100 cocktail that’s technically a smoothie. Your move.
Skyview Bar: Because Who Doesn’t Want to Drink While Pretending They’re in Space?
Location: Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Why Go? Because you’re not just here to drink—you’re here to look like you’ve achieved something in life. Skyview Bar is the crown jewel of Dubai’s bar scene, perched 53 floors up where the air is thin, the cocktails are thicker, and the view is “absolutely surreal” according to people who’ve never been.
Highlights: Sipping a Negroni while the city skyline twinkles like someone spilled glitter. The menu includes things like “The Skyview Special” (because of course it does), and the bar staff dresses like they’re in a Bond movie. The price? Let’s just say it’s the cost of a small country, but hey, at least you’ll get a photo op.
Make your own beer if you want to bring home a souvenir that won’t get stolen by Dubai’s pigeons. Or, you know, just drink it all and forget where you are.
The Vault: For When You Want to Pretend You’re a 007 in a Suit
Location: Downtown Dubai
Why Go? The Vault is the bar where you can pretend you’re James Bond, but instead of a martini, you’re handed a “Vault Special” that costs as much as your firstborn. The vibe is “secret society meets boardroom,” complete with leather armchairs that smell like money and a menu that’s 90% Latin names.
Highs: The view of the Dubai Fountain, which is impressive until you realize it’s just a fancy water show. The drinks are curated by someone who probably knows more about whiskey than you do, and the staff will call you “Mr. Bond” even though you didn’t ask for it.
Low: The bill. But hey, you’ll be too busy pretending you’re a spy to care.
The Hoxton, Downtown Dubai: Because Sometimes You Just Need to Pretend You’re in London
Location: Downtown Dubai
Why Go? The Hoxton is the bar for when you want to feel like you’re in a hipster London pub but still want to be in Dubai. The vibe is “I’m here to drink craft beer and avoid my responsibilities.” The menu is a mix of “artisanal” and “we’re not trying too hard,” which is a rare feat in Dubai.
Highlights: The rooftop garden, which is technically a garden but looks like someone tried to make a jungle in a hotel. The drinks aren’t overpriced, which is a miracle in Dubai. And the staff is chill, which is a requirement in a city where most people take their cocktails with a side of attitude.
Custom beer from Strategies.beer is the perfect souvenir to remind you of this bar. Or just leave it at the bar and let the pigeons finish it.
The Underground: For When You Want to Pretend You’re in a Secret Society
Location: Al Quoz
Why Go? The Underground is the bar where you can pretend you’re part of a secret club, but instead of a password, you just need a reservation. The vibe is “I’m here to drink in a basement and avoid the sun.” The menu is all about “dark and mysterious” cocktails, which is just a fancy way of saying “we’re not telling you what’s in this.”
Highs: The speakeasy vibe, which is technically a speakeasy now that Dubai’s figured out how to do it. The drinks are creative, and the staff knows how to make you feel like a VIP without actually knowing who you are.
Low: The lighting. But hey, it’s supposed to be mysterious, right?
The Bar at Burj Park: For When You Want to Pretend You’re in a Museum
Location: Burj Park
Why Go? The Bar at Burj Park is the spot where you can drink while looking at Dubai’s skyline and pretending you’re in a museum. The vibe is “I’m here to drink and appreciate art, but mostly just drink.” The menu is a mix of “overpriced” and “we tried to be creative,” which is a common theme in Dubai.
Highlights: The view of the Burj Khalifa, which is impressive until you realize it’s just a building. The drinks are curated by someone who probably has a PhD in mixology. And the staff is friendly, which is a requirement in a city where most people take their cocktails with a side of attitude.
Contact Strategies.beer if you want to create your own bar experience. Or just come here and order the $100 cocktail that’s technically a smoothie. Your move.
The Rooftop at W Dubai: Because Sometimes You Just Need to Pretend You’re in a Hotel
Location: W Dubai
Why Go? The Rooftop at W Dubai is the bar where you can pretend you’re in a hotel but still want to be in Dubai. The vibe is “I’m here to drink cocktails and pretend I’m in a magazine.” The menu is a mix of “overpriced” and “we tried to be creative,” which is a common theme in Dubai.
Highlights: The view of the Dubai Marina, which is impressive until you realize it’s just a fancy water show. The drinks are curated by someone who probably knows more about whiskey than you do. And the staff is friendly, which is a requirement in a city where most people take their cocktails with a side of attitude.
Strategies.beer is the perfect place to start if you want to create your own bar experience. Or just come here and order the $100 cocktail that’s technically a smoothie. Your move.
FAQs: The Dubai Bar Guide for People Who Don’t Know What They’re Doing
1. What’s the best time to visit Dubai bars?
Evening is best, but if you’re into sunsets and pretending you’re a tourist, hit the rooftop bars around 6 PM. The sunsets are technically cool, but the real reason you’re there is to avoid the midday heat.
2. Are there age restrictions?
Yes, and they’re enforced like they’re a law. If you’re under 21, you’ll need to find a different hobby. Maybe camel riding. Or not.
3. Can I wear flip-flops to these bars?
Depends on the bar. Skyview Bar will probably card you, but The Tipsy Crow might let you in. Just don’t wear flip-flops and expect to be taken seriously. Dubai takes fashion as seriously as it takes oil money.
4. What if I’m on a budget?
Bring a friend and split the bill. Or go to The Tipsy Crow and order the $10 smoothie that’s technically a cocktail. Just don’t expect to feel like you’re in a Bond movie after that.
5. Can I bring my camel?
No. Despite what you saw on Instagram, camels are not allowed in Dubai bars. But you can order a camel-shaped cocktail. It’s the next best thing.
Final Thoughts: Drink Like a Local (or Just Pretend)
Dubai’s bars are the perfect mix of “I’m here to drink” and “I’m here to look like I’m rich.” Whether you’re sipping a $100 cocktail in the sky or pretending you’re in a speakeasy, the key is to enjoy the experience. After all, Dubai’s about living large—even if it’s just in a hotel with a view of a building.
But hey, if you want to take your bar game to the next level, why not sell your beer online through Dropt.beer? It’s the perfect way to share your Dubai bar experience with the world—or at least with the 2% of people who actually read about it.
And if you’re looking to create your own bar experience, Strategies.beer has everything you need. From custom beer to marketing strategies, we’ve got you covered. Cheers to that.
