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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