20 Best Bars in Abu Dhabi: Cocktails, Pubs and Hidden Spots
The bars worth booking: from the 62nd-floor views at Ray's to the speakeasy secrets tucked inside Rosewood, ordered by where you want to be.
Abu Dhabi's bar scene has crystallized into something proper in the past two years. You're not hunting for the one good cocktail anymore; you're choosing between rooftops, speakeasies, listening bars, and waterfront perches, each with its own temperature and tribe. This list ranks 17 verified venues by neighborhood and drinking style—where to go when you want views, where to go when you want to talk, where to go when you want the room to move around you. Reservation policies vary: some take walk-ins gladly, others need booking weeks ahead. Check before you leave the hotel.
Level 62, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Al Bateen · Cocktails, live DJ · AED 52/person average; Sun–Thu 5pm–1am, Fri–Sat 5pm–2am
stockPerched on the 62nd floor of the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Ray's Bar is a contemporary cocktail haven that offers breathtaking city views and an inviting atmosphere. This stylish venue attracts both locals and visitors with its creative cocktails, diverse drink selection, and an Asian-inspired menu featuring delightful snacks, with the ambiance enhanced by live music and DJ performances that keep the energy high. Book a table if you're going Friday or Saturday; weekday evenings you can often walk in off the street.
Library Bar
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen · Literary-themed cocktail lounge · AED 77/person average; Sun–Thu 5pm–1am, Fri–Sat 5pm–2am
With high ceilings, wood panelling, plush velvet seating and book-inspired prints lining the walls, the space gives gentleman's club vibes, with the best seat in the house at the bar at the back of the room, where you'll get to watch the bartenders whip up fantastical concoctions. Sunday to Thursday 5 PM to 8 PM offers Book Club, where you get free-flowing beverages for two hours and 30 per cent off savings on bar bites for AED 150 per person. Recently listed in the Top500 Bars in the World, Library Bar promises a creative front on mixology and an evening into the world of crafted drinks led by its award-winning Head Mixologist Ryan Remulta.
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
Pier 71, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island · Mediterranean-Asian rooftop lounge · Sunset sessions AED 150; Sun–Thu 5pm–2am, Fri–Sat 5pm–3am
Set on Pier71 – the hottest entertainment destination on the Yas Bay Waterfront – Siddharta is the ultimate sunset spot offering incredible views of the Arabian Gulf. The menu is best described as 'East meets West', fusing Mediterranean and Asian flavors perfect to share, ranging from sushi, dumplings and tapas to pasta and steaks, with signature cocktails and classics with a Mediterranean touch, crafted by expert mixologists. As the sun sets, the atmosphere intensifies with a live DJ, dancers, and acrobats on weekends and on ladies' nights (Thursdays).
Hidden Bar - Gin Bar
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island · Speakeasy, gin cocktails · AED 54/person average; -
Tucked away in the Rosewood Hotel, the Hidden Bar is a trendy speakeasy offering a warm and modern ambiance, with a cozy outdoor terrace with stunning views of the cityscape, making it an ideal spot for sipping classic cocktails like old-fashioneds and martinis. The bar also serves distinctive gin cocktails and light snacks, including a signature Gin O'Clock experience featuring an array of delectable food options. This is the sort of place that rewards discovering it yourself; book ahead if you're set on a table.
Niri
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche · Japanese-inspired cocktails · -; -
Minimalist, quietly cool and one of the city's most stylish after-dark addresses, Niri does Japanese-inspired cocktails exceptionally well, with flavours like yuzu, lychee, sake and cherry blossom woven into drinks that feel refined without being overly serious. This is where to go if you want your cocktail to feel like a thought, not a production. The room is small and gets booked; plan accordingly.
Saikindō
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island · Japanese listening bar · -; -
Hidden inside Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, the Japanese-inspired listening bar revolves around good music, sharp cocktails and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay for another round. Vinyl spins throughout the evening while bartenders turn out beautifully crafted drinks that feel thoughtful without being overly complicated. Book ahead; the room holds maybe a dozen people at the bar.
Azura Panoramic Lounge
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Downtown · Revolving rooftop cocktails · -; Tue–Sun 4pm–1am, closed Mon
Abu Dhabi's only revolving lounge sits high atop the Le Royal Méridien and offers 360-degree panoramic views of the skyline and the Arabian seascape, with a full rotation taking ninety minutes, so by the time dessert arrives, the view has slipped from daylight into dusk and on to the city's night-time sparkle. It also features Tales of the Orient nights (Thurs/Fri, 5–8 PM): storytelling plus themed cocktail plus dim sum pairing. Because of its size and secrecy, it's often busy — arriving early or booking is wise.
Taparelle
Saadiyat Cultural District · Mediterranean cocktails, restaurant · -; -
Part restaurant, part creative hangout, Taparelle brings a softer European energy to Saadiyat Cultural District, with cocktails that lean floral, citrusy and Mediterranean-inspired, matching the artistic, relaxed mood of the venue itself. This is where to go on an evening when you want to move between eating and drinking without leaving. The room feels like it belongs to people who think about art.
The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar
Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Downtown · Wine, tapas · AED 49/person average; -
The Warehouse Wine and Tapas Bar at Pearl Rotana Abu Dhabi offers a chic urban vibe, with industrial decor, fine drinks, and delicious light bites. Features include a bar/lounge, beer, counter seating, full bar, happy hour, and indoor smoking area. Book a table for the wine list; this is not a background-music kind of place, but one where you actually want to be sat somewhere that has sightlines.
Glo
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island · Poolside rooftop cocktails · -; -
Nestled on the open-air terrace / pool deck of Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Glo operates as the hotel's signature poolside lounge & rooftop bar, thriving on al fresco energy — guests sip cocktails under the stars, framed by sculptural canopy structures and views over the Al Maryah Island waterfront. This is your answer if the night is warm and you want to sit outside with a cocktail and watch the city glitter. Walk-ins welcome most nights outside of events.
Dragon's Tooth
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island · Cocktail lounge, speakeasy · -; -
Dragon's Tooth is a cocktail lounge that doubles as a drama — a portal from Rosewood's opulence into vintage intrigue, where each drink is a little performance. While it's hidden and refined, the staff are warm and the drinks adventurous. Because of its size and secrecy, it's often busy — arriving early or booking is wise. This is where to go if you want the bartender to take your drink as seriously as you do.
Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar
12th floor, Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel, Khaleej Al Arabi Street · Rooftop, wood-fired cuisine · -; -
Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar is Abu Dhabi's first brick oven restaurant, offering a unique culinary experience from the 12th floor of the Aloft Abu Dhabi, with a real garden oasis, and the stylish rooftop terrace comes with plenty of comfy seating and lots of greenery. Come here if you want to eat properly and drink well without the noise level of a full club. Book ahead for sunset.
18 Degrees Bar & Terrace
18th floor, Andaz Capital Gate, Downtown · Rooftop cocktails, views · -; -
Found on the 18th floor of the Andaz Capital Gate, 18 Degrees Bar & Terrace brings a stylish and elevated cocktail experience to Abu Dhabi, with the rooftop located at 'the bend' of the building, also known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi. Sip innovative signature cocktails alongside timeless classics, complemented with fine spirits and plenty of beers, paired with delectable bar bites. The angle of the room means every seat has a view; this is a spot for occasions.
Yas Marina Circuit, Emporium Building, Yas Island · Sports bar, Tex-Mex · -; -
stockStars N Bars is known for its Tex Mex and BBQ cuisine as well as its variety of cocktails and drink specials. The atmosphere was lively without being overwhelming, and the marina view made the evening feel special, with delicious food, spot-on drinks, and friendly, attentive staff. This is the place to go if you want American-style sports bar energy with actual food on your plate and a marina visible from your table.
Porters English Pub
G Floor, Grand Millennium Hotel, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Al Wahda · English pub · -; -
Discover the charm of British hospitality at Porters English Pub, offering delicious cuisine and a wide selection of drinks in Abu Dhabi. A classic English pub with reasonable prices (27 AED for half a pint of beer, 45 AED for a cocktail), offering karaoke on Sundays, ladies night (3 free drinks) on Mondays and Tuesdays, and brunch on Fridays, with daily live band. Go here if you want familiarity, live music, and a room full of expats telling stories that are probably true.
Easy Tiger
Al Ain Palace Hotel, Downtown · Bar, casual cocktails · -; -
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Easy Tiger, a stylish bar in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain Palace Hotel, where great drinks and atmosphere come together. Discover Easy Tiger, a lively bar in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain Palace Hotel, where vibrant ambiance meets delicious drinks and unforgettable experiences. Walk-ins are welcome; the room doesn't pretend to be what it isn't, which is a relief.
The G.O.A.T
Zayed The First Street, Al Danah Zone 1 · Live music bar, gastropub · -; -
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The G.O.A.T Abu Dhabi - a premier live music bar with great food, drinks, and unforgettable performances. The G.O.A.T Abu Dhabi is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy a fun night out filled with music, great food, and a lively atmosphere. Come here on a night when you want someone on a stage doing something live, and you want the room to move to it.
Perlage
The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Global Market Street, Al Maryah Island · Champagne lounge · Champagne hour Tue–Thu 8pm–10pm; Tue–Sat 8pm–3am, closed Sun–Mon
Perlage is an elegant and stylish new champagne bar partnering with renowned Maison Perrier-Jouët, with a curated list of champagne-based cocktails and its sophistication making it a distinctive addition to nightlife in Abu Dhabi. Exuding elegance, the restaurant follows a thematic colour scheme of red, from drapes to velvet sofas to even table tops. Book ahead; the room is small and the crowd knows to arrive early.
Cooper's
Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Salam Street, Eastern Ring Road · Sports bar gastropub · Happy hour 12pm–8pm daily; Sun–Thu 12pm–2am, Fri–Sat 12pm–3am
Cooper's is one of Abu Dhabi's most popular and awarded pubs that offers something for everyone, with the best live music in Abu Dhabi with amazing daily deals such as daily happy hours and all-inclusive drinks packages, the Saturday Brunch is known to be one of the best in town and live broadcasts of major sporting events from around the world are screened throughout the venue, and features a large outdoor terrace which is perfect for enjoying amazing food and drinks in the fresh air. Come here if you want to watch football and eat proper pub food.
ANNEX
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina, Downtown · Three-level club, lounge, rooftop · -; Thu–Fri 10pm onwards, Sat 5pm–late
Located at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, this multi-level social space features an array of distinct dining and entertainment experiences, with Annex Club on the ground floor drawing partygoers with its energetic performances by both international and local DJs, Annex Lounge on the first floor providing an interactive experience with a game of pool, and a sophisticated al fresco haven on the second floor where Annex Rooftop offers unparalleled views of Al Bateen Marina and an outdoor fire pit coupled with a sophisticated food and beverage offering. Book ahead; this is a destination spot, not a walk-in kind of place.
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