Dubai Bars with Unique Cocktails

This is a small conceptual speakeasy bar with original decorations that include a starry sky over Athens, a monumental bar counter made of Lemurian blue granite, and the vibrant atmosphere of contemporary Attica’s capital. The bar features unique signature cocktails, some of which are based on brandy from the Greek liquor brand The House of Metaxa, a long-time partner of the bar. The top items on the bar menu are Andromeda (gin, peach, basil), Pillar of Heaven (gin, vermouth, miso-based umami distillate), and Thunderbird (mezcal, grapefruit, white pepper). The waiters and bartenders are happy to provide recommendations to anyone struggling with the problem of choice. Advance booking is recommended.

This is a secret Japanese izakaya and music bar, hidden behind a backdoor in the vinyl record store on the second floor of the Pullman Hotel. It is one of Dubai’s best bars, offering a vast selection of sake, shōchū, umeshu, Japanese beer, and signature cocktails with an original Asian twist. We recommend the Manga Rita, which is based on tequila with umeshu, and also contains Japanese sudachi citrus fruit, pineapple, and chili pepper. Another excellent choice is the B*tches Brew, made with sake, vermouth, and apple cordial. That said, Honeycomb Hi-Fi is also renowned for its kitchen, having earned several prominent regional awards in its first year of operation. It is a perfect option for an end-of-week dinner with friends.

This intimate jazz bar at DIFC features a slightly old-fashioned atmosphere, outstanding acoustics, and probably the city’s most beautiful ceiling fresco. It also offers a small but creative cocktail menu dedicated to music. The best options include the Jasspresso Martini with notes of chocolate and vanilla and the mezcal-based Side Winder with a citrus taste. You can also ask the bartenders to mix any classic cocktail. Hidden in the heart of Gate District 2 and sitting no more than 40 people, it's hard to access. If it’s your first visit, be sure to book the table in advance and call ahead for directions to the entrance.

This is one of Dubai’s most fashionable and entertaining bars, inspired by 1970s New York Chinatown establishments. The cocktail menu is impressive and avoids boring classics. The best cocktails include the Wrong Island Iced Tea (rum, mezcal, Cointreau, cola), the Love Hotel 75 (gin, aniseed, yuzu sorbet), and the signature Electric Pawn Star Martini (plum wine, vodka, passion fruit). The bar also features a small but interesting menu with Asian appetizers, intriguing main dishes such as seabass katsu, and some desserts, a pleasant industrial interior, and avant-garde music.

This is the perfect bar for an afterparty following a dinner at the Gaia restaurant located one floor above. It is the best nighttime project from the Fundamental Hospitality group and one of Dubai’s most successful speakeasy bars. Its cocktail menu is inspired by Greek culture and the European tradition of digestifs. The signature mixes include chamomile infusion, homemade syrup made from pineapple rind, and other unique ingredients. Strictly speaking, NYX is one of the most popular secret night bars in the DIFC district. It accommodates around 60 people and frequently hosts celebrities from around the world, so advance booking is a must.

This is one of Dubai’s most flamboyant speakeasy bars: it is opulent in an Oriental way, decorated like a luxurious Bedouin tent, and relaxed in a European manner, hosting regular costume parties and featuring Western DJs. The best cocktails on the menu are the Hakawati Gimlet (gin, yuzu, bergamot, basil) and the Dallah Negroni (gin, Campari, coffee). The ideal time to visit is from Tuesday to Saturday, starting at 11 pm and continuing into the night. The best option is to book a table at the Middle Eastern restaurant Alaya, located just above LY-LA, and then continue your night at the bar.

The lounge with a view of the gulf inside Il Ristorante at the Bulgari Hotel is the most “public” in this selection, but it is also one of the region’s most distinguished. Despite its Italian heritage, the menu at Bulgari Bar offers some original mixes inspired by local products and tastes. We recommend the Lemon-Knees (gin, lemon, honey) and the So-Fig (vodka, lime, fig) sours, as well as the Souk Lento (whiskey, bitter, kiwi, persimmon). Choose the homemade focaccia, arancini with veal ragout, and the assortment of classic Italian cheeses and meats from the Antipasto menu. Advance booking is required for end-of-week and weekend visits.