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Popular Nightlife | Miscellaneous Nightlife Tips | All Tips (125)  | |  |  | TRADER VIC'S Bar & Restaurant: The most potent cocktails in town... | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
Trader Vic's is a collection of restaurants that incorporates different cultures from around the world, whilst maintaining a mostly Polynesian theme. It is also the only upscale group of restaurants operating worldwide. Forgive me for putting this tip under "Nightlife", but it's simply more appropriate as we never come here to eat ;-) The first Trader Vic's in the UAE opened in both Abu Dhabi & Dubai in 1994 and in 2005 a 2nd restaurant was opened in Dubai at Madinat Jumeirah. To me, Trader Vic's is just like a Bulgari necklace: I love them both so very much, but can't really afford it! I will admit that the atmosphere, food & world-famous cocktails are superb, but they come at a price. A simple bar snack of 4 veggie spring rolls will set you back Dhs 56.- (15 US Dollars!), so you can imagine what a main course must cost. I've had dinner here once & it was good, but in my opinion the prices were still not justifiable. Also, the restaurant tends to be very dark, and I for one like to see what I'm eating. If you choose to splash-out & have dinner, reservations are essential.
Dress Code is Smart-Casual. Jeans are ok, but no sandals or sneakers. No baseball caps. The true magic starts when it comes to the cocktails: they are BIG, colourful, gorgeous and the most potent you'll find in the whole city. And this is what most people have come here for - to grab a highly fought-over space at the "MaiTai Lounge Bar" & drown themselves in concoctions with exotic, strange & funny names. I "quizzed" the bartender on the various ingredients & differences of certain cocktails on the list, and his knowledge was flawless & his smile endless - the staff in this place are fantastic. I like coming here for a few "winding-down" drinks after work. Seating is limited (35 seats), but most patrons don't mind having to stand up with their favorite cocktails to enjoy the great atmosphere. There's also a live Cuban band who play live every night from 09:00pm onwards. TIP: If you want to enjoy the most dangerously delicious cocktails in Dubai & survive with your bank account in tact, get there early and enjoy their Happy Hour with 50% discount, every day from 06:00pm - 08:00pm (after discount, a cocktail will cost around Dhs 25.- which is about 7 US Dollars) How many can you drink in 2 hours, eh? Haha! My Tried, Tested & Recommended Cocktails: Tiki Puka Puka: similar to a Mai Tai, but a lot bigger & stronger (see pink drink in photo) Mini Hunni: Minty-fresh with lime & a lot of kick (comes with free mini doll) Potted Parrot: a smooth but potent blend of rums & tropical juices. Rum Giggle: great for sharing with friends. PeachTree Punch: thick, fruity and more "gentle" with less percentage. Opening Hours: Lunch Hours: 12:30pm - 03:00pm. Dinner Hours: 07:30pm - 11:00pm. Mai Tai Lounge: 06:00pm - 01:30am. NOTE: Happy Hours only apply to Trader Vic's in the Crowne Plaza. Leave a Comment Theme: Eating and DrinkingAddress: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, DubaiPhone: +971-4-305 6388 / 99Directions: Commercial Tower entrance (right side), 3rd floor (there's a big sign) LOCATION MAP: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/direction/dubtcWebsite: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hd/dubtc
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| | | | Issimo Martini Bar: Issimo Martini Bar in the Hilton Dubai Creek | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Issimo is located in the Hilton Dubai Creek, just off the lobby. It is billed as "Dubai's most cosmopolitan venue", and if that is true then I shudder to think what other bars are like! Not that Issimo was terrible, but it wasn't anything special. We stopped in for a drink one evening, after returning from a trip into the desert. The bar was fairly busy, but there were tables available. Although we were seated in a non-smoking area it was still a bit smoky. And it was very loud - there was a large screen on the wall and they were showing the Live 8 DVD, with various bands thrashing it out. Not really helping to create a stylish "Martini Bar" atmosphere.
We were dressed very casually and were still served, though most people were smart casual. Leave a Comment Theme: Eating and DrinkingAddress: Hilton Dubai Creek, Beniyas Road, Deira, DubaiPhone: +971 4 2271111Website: http://www.hiltondubaicreek.com/ Other Contact: info.creek@hilton.com
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| | | | GENERAL TIPS & INFO: Bouncers, Rules & Getting into Dubai nightclubs | Tip Rating: | | | | |
It's easy to have some wild nights & crazy parties in Dubai (I have pictures to prove it...) but you have to make sure that you stay within relatively strict guidelines. Dress code, not getting too "steamy" and hands-on with your date in public & early closing hours are just some of them. So: Inform yourself, prepare yourself & enjoy yourself! TIP: Please note that the legal "partying-age" in Dubai is 21 yrs. You may be asked to present your ID at the door. >>> 99% of all clubs & bars are located in hotels, as only hotels can apply for a liquor licence in the UAE.
When going out in Dubai, dress codes vary from establishment to establishment. If you are planning on "bar-hopping" throughout the night follow these guidelines and you won't be left standing outside because you are underdressed... MEN: Some places (Irish pubs, etc.) are very relaxed when it comes to dresscode for men. To play it safe though, men should wear - a shirt with collar - good-quality jeans or proper trousers (no shorts!) - proper shoes (no sandals or sports shoes/sneakers). Then no bouncer should have a problem letting you in. LADIES: For us girlies, pretty much anything goes... sorry guys! Even the more upmarket places don't have a problem if you show up in jeans and a sexy top, or short skirts, or boots, etc. Some bouncers may have a problem if you are wearing sneakers/sports shoes. But usually they are glad to see girls wanting to party at their club and will let you in without any trouble. Leave a Comment Theme: Nightclub
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| | | | DOUBLE DECKER BAR: Double your Fun; take it to another level... | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Amongst the pretentious, overly-cheesy, eager-to-please glitz & glamour of Dubai, the Double Decker Pub promises a welcome lack of sophistication: down-to-earth, rough around the edges, care-free fun. The menu features British Pub-Grub classics with yummy dishes from Scotland, England & Ireland, as well as some international favourites. The drinks promotions border the obscenely generous, it's dark & sweaty, and whether you want to or not: chances are high that you'll get sucked into a 7-hour visit that will end in you doing something you shouldn't. Sound good? I guess I'll see you there then! THEME NIGHTS from Oct. 2007 onwards: Mondays - "Pitchin": Men's night out with discounts on pitchers & kegs of beer. Tuesdays - "Shaken & Stirred" Ladies Night: 10:00pm - 03:00am. Ladies get 2 complimentary drinks - get the equipment from the bar & make them yourself! Wednesdays - "Car Wash" 70s Night: 09:00pm - 03:00am. Resident DJ with 70's music throughout the night & drinks discounts. Thursday is "Lairy" Party-Night in Dubai, so it's busy & bustling! Ladies get *2 for 1* on cocktails, house & sparkling wine from 9pm - midnight. RE-CHARGE: The Notoriously Dangerous Brunch! (featuring that dreaded Karaoke...) Every Friday, 12noon - 04:00pm. Undoubtedly the best value for money in town! Indulge your stomach & your liver on an all you can eat & drink buffet, including house beverages (beers, wine, spirits) for Dhs 119.- !!! For those of you brave or stupid enough, it's also Karaoke time from 3pm - 8pm. And just when you thought you can't take any more, all day until closing time (at 03:00am) the bar spoils us with 50% discount on all drinks, which is a great deal for the usually expensive alcohol in Dubai! (with the discount, a Jack Daniel's & Coke will cost you Dhs 13.- & a Vodka Mixer Dhs 11.-) 1 US $ = 3.67 Dirhams We celebrated a friend's 30th birthday on a Friday at Double Decker and needless to say, when we finally crawled home it was difficult to remember any specifics... all we remembered is that we had an awesome time!
Smart-Casual (well, more casual than smart really ;-) MEN: No shorts, no sandals. Jeans, sneakers & t-shirt are fine. LADIES: No beach wear, anything else goes. This place also shows major sporting events (FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, etc.) on several large TV screens. Opening Hours: Daily from 12:00noon - 03:00am. Leave a Comment Theme: Eating and DrinkingAddress: Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, DubaiPhone: +971-4-321 1111Directions: LOCATION MAP: http://www.rotana.com/location-10-2.htm Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites Off Sheikh Zayed Road Adjacent to Dubai Int'l Financial Centre PO Box 117546, Dubai - UAEWebsite: http://www.rotana.com/property-10.htm Other Contact: Email: almurooj.hotel@rotana.com
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| | | | THE APARTMENT Lounge & Club: Make yourself at home... | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Many moons ago, there once existed a small, bland & boring sports bar on the ground floor of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. One day, Dubai's glitz, posh & sensual interior designers got their hands on the little sports bar and "voila!": the Apartment Lounge & Club was born. With a capacity for 400 people this is just large enough for fun, and small enough to seem somewhat cosy and exlusive... and we danced happily ever after... On a weekend (Thursday & Friday evening) mostly Dubai's beautiful people, the bored & wealthy & also the wanna-be's come here for drinks & a good time. But on a Wednesday, be prepared to step into a time-machine of cheesiness, for it's 80s night :-) I love 80s music - it's perfect for dancing & singing along (come on, admit it... you know the words ;-) I've been to loads of "retro-parties" but this was truly one of the best I've experienced in a long time... Even though this is a 5-star hotel, even though many of the patrons looked like fashion models, the atmosphere was relaxed & extremely fun! Nobody gave anyone any disapproving looks, 90% of the patrons were women & half of the men were gay. Literally EVERYONE was on the dance floor immediately. There's something fantastic but also something universally weird about a group of women in the 21st century shrieking like teenagers, as soon as they hear the first few beats of a Wham! song... haha! Wednesdays: "REWIND" - Ladies Night & 80s Night! No entrance free and 2 free cocktails for ladies from 09:00pm - 02:00am. Try the Berry-Fizz-Martini; it's gorgeous. There are various special events nights throughout the week, and this club has also seen a few of the internationally famous "Miss Moneypenny's" Nights as well :-)
Smart-Casual Club wear. Designer T-shirts, jeans & trainers accepted. No sandals, no shorts, nothing "too worn & torn". Make a little bit of an effort! I've also been here on other evenings, and the DJ plays a mixture of funky and deep house music. Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 08:00pm - 03:00am. Leave a Comment Theme: NightclubAddress: Ground floor, Jumeirah Beach HotelPhone: +971-4-406 8000Directions: Jumeirah Beach Road, next to Burj Al ArabWebsite: http://www.jumeirahbeachhotel.com/dining/the_apartment/ Other Contact: E-mail TheApartment@jumeirah.com
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| | | | GINSENG The Lounge: Dive into a sensual "miniature Buddha Bar" | Tip Rating: | | | | |
You almost feel like you are part of a small elite that has discovered a secret hideaway, a place which you may mention with a whisper of knowledge and a wink of your eye. I've never seen this place overly crowded during the week; the door attendants make sure of that (but you definitely need reservations on a Thursday night). With a modest seating capacity of 65 persons this truly is "private". The decor in this lounge is breathtakingly simple, yet intense and mysterious; dark with incredibly low lighting and candles ablaze. Sexy ethereal house beats play in the background, fusing Asian chants with gothic undertones. The cocktails are divine, as is the food. TIP: To indulge & still escape with your bank account in tact, take advantage of their early-bird special offer: place your order for any food & drink before 09:00pm & enjoy 50% off your bill for the rest of the night! This offer is valid each & every single day. Happy Hour is from 07:00 – 09:00pm daily with special priced cocktails.
Dress Code is Smart-Casual, so I wouldn't show-up with sandals. (This place is sexy; don't you want to fit in?) Try their selection of unique Martinis (e.g. Rasbertini, Cran-Apple-Tini and Lychee Martini) & new-age cocktails such as (my favourites) Lemongrass brulee & Tropical Breeze. And also don't deny yourself their gorgeous menu selection with culinary creations from the Pacific Rim. I recommend the Veggie Spring Rolls, the Sushi platter, deep fried mushrooms, various Dim Sum and the sensationally sinful deep-fried sesame Brie cheese... NOTE: Unfortunately the atmosphere of this cozy, hidden haunt deteriorates somewhat towards the wee hours, as the music transforms into harder, less mesmerizing dance tunes. Leave around midnight to avoid the poor choice of music spoiling the mood. No longer need we miss a charming scene like this: In some secluded rendezvous that overlooks the avenue, with someone sharing a delightful chat, of this & that with cocktails for two. ("Cocktails for Two - Spike Lee) Opening Hours: Friday to Wednesday 07:00pm - 02:00am. Thursdays 07:00pm - 03:00am. (NOTE: Exactly next door you'll find the new (2006/07) nightclub "Blush": www.clubblush.net) --> UPDATE April 2008: "Gemini Nights" every Tuesday - receive 2 for 1 cocktails all night long. * Leave a Comment Theme: Eating and DrinkingAddress: Ground floor, Pyramids at Wafi City MallPhone: 00971-4-324 0000Directions: Entrance near Planet HollywoodWebsite: http://www.ginsengdubai.com/ Other Contact: 00971-4-324 4777
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| | | | ROCK BOTTOM Cafe: 10 years, going strong and no end in sight | Tip Rating: | | | | |
No matter how many new & pumping clubs open up around town, at least once a month I find myself being drawn-back to this place... it's a tradition, a legend, a classic. If you're looking for a fancy clientele with zen interiors and sophisticated cocktails: this is not the place for you ;-) This is a place where you'll get laughed at for showing up with a shirt & tie or a Burberry purse - so just relax, kick back & go with the grubby, jagged & rocky flow. First opened in August 1996, Rock Bottom's has had its ups-n-downs, but at the end of the day if you've been having a boring & expensive night at any of the new & flashy clubs in Dubai, walk into Rock Bottom's and you're always guaranteed a great crowd, great music & an atmosphere you can't beat! Like most nightspots in the city, it transforms from a casual restaurant in the early evening to a pumping club towards the wee hours... Food is good & affordable, with your usual burgers, lasagnes & grills but unfortunately no nice vegetarian choices. The decor reminds of an American biker-bar (actually, they have 3 bars in there so you never have to go thirsty), with pool tables, dining booths in red leather & a medium-sized dancefloor & stage for the live bands. > Ladies Night (2 free drinks) EVERY NIGHT exept Thursday! > TUESDAYS: Free champagne (or Vodka Mixers in an authentic Rock Bottom's Mug) for ladies all night. > FRIDAYS Karaoke & select drinks for only 2 Dhs (50 $cents!) for ladies! No matter what night of the week, what time of the year, you'll always find a great crowd and pumping music (everything from Rock oldies, Pop, Dance, Reggae, etc.) with the DJ & live band switching places every 30-45 min.
BOYS: Smart-casual. Jeans are fine, but just to be safe guys should wear shirt with collar. Sneakers are fine but no sandals. GIRLS: just bring a smile and I.D. and in you go. Opening Hours: 7 days a week, 12noon - 03:00am. TIP: If you're feeling brave, try the notorious "Bullfrog" - all white spirits with a dash of Blue Curacao & Red Bull (it comes in a pint glass) --> UPDATE April 2008: This year's TimeOutDubai Awards rated Rock Bottom's number 16 out of the top 50 nightclubs in the city. Leave a Comment Theme: NightclubAddress: Regent Palace Hotel, Bur DubaiPhone: 00971-4-396 3888Directions: On Trade Centre Road, Bur Dubai, exactly opposite Bur Juman Shopping Centre... any taxi driver knows!Website: http://www.ramee-group.com/
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| | | | How to find ALL the best nights-out in Dubai: So many clubs, so little time! | Tip Rating: | | | | |
If you are visiting Dubai as a tourist or living here, come Thursday night we are all faced with the same question: Where to? Since 2003 numerous hotels have popped-up all around the city, and with them countless new nightspots. (only hotels can obtain the licence to serve alcohol, therefore nightclubs are located within hotels or under management of a hotel. Very rarely do we have nightclubs/bars that have separate premises). Partying in Dubai is definitely great for the ladies: Almost all bars/pubs/clubs have regular ladies nights with special offers & plenty of free tipple ;-) To find out what is happening where & when, I find the TimeOut website & Mumtazz very useful. Another great website is DubaiNightPlanner.com- Check-out their regularly updated list of events including everything from nightclubs, restaurant-specials, theatre, or even upcoming concerts! Of course, if you're in the UAE you can also tune into the various English-speaking radio channels for updates on the nightlife scene. REMARK: Please note that the legal "partying-age" in Dubai is 21 yrs. You may be asked to present your ID at the door. OPENING HOURS: It's sad, but true: all bars & nightclubs in Dubai close the latest by 03:00am (by law) ALSO: Many clubs in Dubai have a "couples only" policy, meaning that couples & single girls are allowed, but not single men. (Sorry guys!) Some clubs will ask for an entrance fee from single men (which can be quite high!), but if you wait outside for a group of single girls and ask if you can simply walk in with them, most ladies do not mind.... especially if you offer to buy them a drink as a "thank you"!
When going out in Dubai, dress codes vary from establishment to establishment. If you are planning on "bar-hopping" throughout the night, follow these guidelines & you won't be left standing outside because you are underdressed...! M E N: Some places (like Irish pubs, etc.) are very relaxed when it comes to dresscode for men. To play it safe, though, men should wear a shirt with collar, good-quality jeans or proper trousers (no shorts!) and proper shoes (no sandals or sports shoes/sneakers). Then no bouncer should have a problem letting you in. L A D I E S: For us girlies, pretty much anything goes... sorry guys! Even the more upmarket places don't have a problem if you show up in jeans and a sexy top, or short skirts, or boots, etc. Some bouncers may have a problem if you are wearing sneakers/sports shoes. But usually they are glad to see girls wanting to party at their club and will let you in without any trouble. Leave a Comment Theme: OtherWebsite: http://www.timeoutdubai.com/events/index.php Other Contact: http://www.mumtazz.com/dubai/
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| | | | TRILOGY Nightclub: Once, twice, three times EXCLUSIVE | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Trilogy is one of Dubai's newest, hottest, fanciest (most expensive) & most impressive nightclubs, with 3 inside levels (capacity 2000 people) and a rooftop bar (capacity 400 people)... you get the picture: it's BIG! Of course, it helps their reputation by having Dubai's most famous landmark as a backdrop; the Burj Al Arab. The impressive interiors are a fusion of Moroccan design & warehouse/industrial roughness, which definitely makes this a place to see and be seen. Unfortunately, such a "hip & cool" reputation comes at a price and you'll soon find out how extremely overpriced the drinks are! The music style of the club ranges far & wide, but can mostly be described as modern dance music with funk, house (tribal, funky, chilled, etc.) drum 'n' bass and so on. I've been here twice & I can imagine that if this is your scene, a fun night is to be had. I prefer less "hyped-up" clubs so you won't see me here very often. NOTE: This is one of the clubs that can get extremely crowded. It's best to arrive early to avoid queuing or even being turned away at the door! If you worry about fire safety or are claustrophobic, don't come here! I still haven't figured out why they don't have more emergency exits in this place... ALSO: Please note that the legal "partying-age" in Dubai is 21 yrs. You may be asked to present your ID at the door.
Dress code is funky, sophisticated club wear. Shirts with collar (men) no shorts, no sandals, no sports shoes, no ripped jeans, no UAE National attire. NOTE: Many clubs in Dubai have a "couples only" policy, meaning that couples and single girls are allowed, but not single men. (Sorry guys!) Some clubs will ask for an (high!) entrance fee from single men, but if you wait outside for a group of single girls and ask if you can simply walk in with them, most ladies do not mind... especially if you offer to buy them a drink as a "thank you". Opening Hours: 09:00pm - 03:00am Closed on Sundays. --> Click here for info on the Madinat Jumeirah itself: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tp/15115e/ Leave a Comment Theme: NightclubAddress: Madinat Jumeirah, DubaiPhone: 00971-4-3666 730Directions: At the entrance of the Souk Madinat Jumeirah LOCATION MAP: http://www.madinatjumeirah.com/location/Website: http://www.madinatjumeirah.com/i/downloads/Trilogy.pdf
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| | | | BOUDOIR: Where ladies endulge & men wish they could... | Tip Rating: | | | | |
One of Dubai's most exclusive, expensive and pretencious night spots, its decor reminds of a set from "Moulin Rouge" with dark-red velvet seating, heavy curtains & candlelight. There is an air of romance & passion, enflamed by the French Renaissance period, yet with an added twist of Baroque arrogance. Neverthess, if you can get in (the bouncers have been known to be rather "picky") you quickly adjust to the overpowering athmosphere and with the right crowd the night can be quite enjoyable. Whilst girls are often spoilt, the guys might find themselves broke by the end of the night... this place does NOT come cheap! A simply vodka & coke costs Dhs 48! (13 US Dollars!) From 07.30 pm until midnight you can have dinner to the Jazz & Latino lounge music along with classic tunes by Shade, Shirley Bassey, Barry White, etc. By midnight, the lights go down, the music goes up and the DJ takes it to the next level. Creating his own club atmosphere with Funky, Latino, Filtered & Tribal house music along with the hottest and latest R&B grooves. The dance floor isn't really a dance floor, but a small & sufficient space near the DJ booth. SPECIAL EVENTS: Sundays - free Bellini's all night for ladies. Monday - Jazz Night. Tuesday - Champagne Night: Complimentary Champagne all night for ladies. Wednesday & Friday - R&B Nights. Free cocktails for ladies 'til midnight on Wednesday's & ladies get treated to free champagne on Friday's.
Dress to impress! This place is very "chic" to the point of almost snobby. So dress up, glam up and walk in. NOTE: Take your I.D. with you! Legal partying-age in Dubai is 21, and this is one of the clubs that basically checks everyone! Opening Hours: 07:30pm - 03:00am Seeing her skin feeling silky smooth Colour of cafe au lait, Made the savage beast inside Roaring till it cried More, More, More! Now he's at home doing 9 to 5 Living his brave life of lies, But when he turns off to sleep All memories keep More, More, More. Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir? Voulez-vous coucher avec moi? (LaBelle - Lady Marmalade) Leave a Comment Theme: OtherAddress: Dubai Marine Beach Resort & SpaPhone: 0971-4-345 5995Directions: Jumeirah 1, Beach Road, opposite Jumeirah MosqueWebsite: http://www.myboudoir.com
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on April 17, 2008
on January 6, 2008
