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With very few exceptions, hotels are the main focus for
nightlife, since they are the places that can serve alcohol.
Bars
The
rule of thumb seems to be anything so long as it’s
Western, with English pubs the current preferred choice
of watering hole. The Tavern at the Sheraton Resort &
Towers, & Harvester’s Pub at Sands Hotel are
the best flag-fliers. The Gauloises Club at Le Meridien
is the latest chic nightspot to arrive in the capital.
Dress is smart, & although it does have a ‘no
rules’ night, this really means designer jeans &
Versace T-shirts. US bars are also popular, especially
Heroes (Crowne Plaza) & Island Exchange (Abu Dhabi
Grand), while the Hilton has two excellent live music
venues: Hemingway’s & the Jazz Bar. The adjoining
Tequilana is also worth a look, particularly if the karaoke
urge gets the better of you. Other popular venues include
PJ O’Reilly’s, an authentically Irishy pub at
the Abu Dhabi Grand, & 49er’s, at the Dana Hotel
– a combination Tex-Mex diner, bar & nightclub,
depending upon what time you arrive, & hugely popular
whenever.
Classic
Bars (Wine Bars)
There
are very few wine bars, but Chequers at the Sands Hotel
is definitely worth a viewing. The selection is excellent,
with superior bar food culled from rabbit, venison &
other game, while the new black & chrome decor will
appeal to 80s nostalgists.
Music
clubs (Piano Bars)
Last
but not least, there are several piano bars where more
sophisticated evening entertainment can be had. Vincent’s
Bar at the Crowne Plaza & The Piano Lounge at Abu
Dhabi Grand are two of the best.
Dancing
Nightclubs
are numerous, although most of them aim for a broader
appeal by providing food earlier in the evening. Among
the more popular venues are Colosseum at the Marina Club,
with consistently good live music, Le Gauloises Club at
Le Meridien, & Illusions at the Abu Dhabi Grand.
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