If there’s one city that knows how to serve style with a splash of something strong, it’s Dubai. From skyline-kissing rooftops to smoky speakeasies and gilded lounges with European flair, the city is a haven for the discerning drinker. In a place where the sunsets are cinematic and the cocktails theatrical, the bar scene is nothing short of spectacular.
Whether you’re in search of the best rooftop bars in Dubai or craving an Old Fashioned with a side of Gatsby-esque glamour, The Good Life Guide brings you a curated edit of some of the best bars in Dubai.
Hendricks Bar – Timeless Sophistication with a Twist
Hendricks is a gentleman’s club reinvented for the modern cocktail connoisseur. Tucked within the Four Seasons at Jumeirah, this dark wood and leather-clad enclave oozes old-world charm with a distinctly London sensibility. Martinis are expertly shaken tableside, cigars are optional, and the service is impeccable.
Vibe: Think Savile Row in the desert
Go for: The classic Gin Martini – crisp, cold and executed to perfection
Best for: A quiet power drink or discreet rendezvous
Mercury Rooftop – Stargazing with a Side of Sparkle
For panoramic views that could make a Bond villain blush, Mercury Rooftop at the Four Seasons DIFC is an unmissable gem. The vibe is celestial, the crowd glamorous, and the Champagne list… extensive.
Vibe: Dubai skyline meets Mediterranean rooftop chic
Go for: A glass of vintage bubbles as the sun sinks into the Arabian Gulf
Best for: Rooftop reverie and post-dinner sparkle
TOMO – Izakaya Nights Done Right
TOMO, meaning “longtime friend” in Japanese, lives up to its name with warm hospitality and Tokyo-level authenticity. Hidden within the Raffles Hotel, this understated gem is one of the most refined spots to sip sake and sample rare Japanese whiskies while gazing out over the cityscape.
Vibe: Tokyo twilight in the heart of Dubai
Go for: Premium sake flights or an expertly poured highball
Best for: Intimate conversations and refined late nights
Nola – A Taste of New Orleans in the Emirates
If your soul yearns for live jazz and your spirit needs a Southern-style cocktail, Nola Dubai is your answer. This speakeasy-style haunt brings Big Easy flair to JLT, complete with exposed brick, vintage vibes, and serious mixology chops.
Vibe: Jazz Age revelry with a Southern drawl
Go for: The Sazerac or a barrel-aged Old Fashioned
Best for: Date night with rhythm
S Bar – Where Sleek Meets Chic
Inside the stylish SLS Hotel, S Bar feels like sipping in a glossy fashion editorial. Towering ceilings, velvet textures, and statement lighting create the perfect backdrop for some of the best cocktail artistry in the city.
Vibe: Haute couture meets high spirits
Go for: The signature mixologist’s creations – expect drama in every glass
Best for: Pre-party glamour or chic catch-ups
Churchill Club – Members-Only Magnificence
Discreet, decadent and deliciously exclusive, Churchill Club is a members-only bolthole that’s strictly invitation-only. Hidden in plain sight, this elegant retreat channels old British luxury, complete with fine cigars, vintage spirits and a clientele who appreciates the finer things.
Vibe: British aristocracy meets desert discretion
Go for: Rare Cognac, aged whisky, or the feeling of being in the know
Best for: Closing deals or sipping secrets
The Good Life Awaits
Everything is another level in Dubai, sometimes quite literally. You do not go out just for a drink in this desert paradise. You go out for an experience. From soaring above the skyline or tucked away in velvet-draped lounges, the city’s bar scene promises spectacle, sophistication and no shortage of style.
So next time you find yourself craving a perfectly chilled Martini or a rooftop moment worth capturing, let The Good Life Guide lead the way.
