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 its
Western, with English pubs the current preferred choice
of watering hole. The Tavern at the Sheraton Resort &
Towers, & Harvesters 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: Hemingways &
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 OReillys, an
authentically Irishy pub at the Abu Dhabi Grand, & 49ers,
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. Vincents 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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