Discover the Best Dive Bars in Dubai

Dubai is renowned for its extravagant rooftop bars, high-end nightclubs, and luxurious beach clubs. However, there are times when you simply want to unwind in your casual shorts, t-shirt, and flip-flops with a refreshing drink in hand. For those laid-back evenings, nothing beats the charm of Dubai’s dive bars. These establishments are completely unpretentious, where sticky floors and a hint of nostalgia create a welcoming atmosphere. Here, drinks are reasonably priced, and there’s no strict dress code to worry about.

Whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away or just enjoy a quiet drink by yourself, these dive bars offer the perfect escape. You might also like: Dubai’s best entertainment bars

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Where to Find Dubai’s Best Dive Bars

WINNER

Rock Bottom

Credit: Rock Bottom

Rock Bottom, a legendary nightspot, has been a staple for many long-term residents of Dubai. Located in Barsha Heights (formerly known as Tecom), this no-frills nightclub is a popular choice for those winding down their evenings. The venue boasts pool tables, live music, enticing drink deals, and a selection of classic bar fare such as pizza and burgers. It’s the perfect place for a fun-filled night that often ends on the dance floor, solidifying its reputation as one of the best dive bars in Dubai.

Ramee Rose Hotel, Barsha Heights, @rockbottombarsha (055 200 9223).

HIGHLY COMMENDED

The Hungry Monkey

Credit: The Hungry Monkey

This quaint little bar, nestled within the Donatello Hotel in Al Barsha, offers everything you need for a relaxed night out. With its cozy corners and no windows (making it feel perpetually night), it provides comfortable seating and a variety of board games to keep the fun going. With wallet-friendly drink deals, this charming dive bar is the perfect spot to bring friends and make lasting memories.

Donatello Hotel, Al Barsha, @hungrymonkeydubai (050 707 5307).

Brooklyn Bar Dubai

Credit: Brooklyn Bar Dubai, Elite Byblos Hotel

Inspired by classic New York dive bars, Brooklyn Bar offers a relaxed setting with a menu featuring American favorites like chicken wings and cheeseburgers, with prices starting at Dhs48. Situated in Al Barsha’s Elite Byblos Hotel, it uniquely blends Geordie, Dubai, and New York cultures. The bar serves as a hub for sports enthusiasts, particularly Newcastle United fans, who gather here on matchdays for a lively atmosphere. Brooklyn Bar also features a well-maintained pool table and regularly hosts competitions for patrons, ensuring a straightforward yet vibrant experience.

Elite Byblos Hotel, Al Barsha Road, elitebybloshotel.com (050 141 6955)

SHORTLISTED

23rd Street Sports House

Credit: Instagram @23rdstreetsportshouse

If you want to catch a big game away from the crowds at Dubai’s popular sports bars, look no further than 23rd Street Sports House, tucked away conveniently in Al Barsha. This hidden gem offers an extensive eight-hour happy hour from Monday to Friday, along with quiz nights, karaoke, live music, and billiards, all in a relaxed setting. Whether you pop in solo or with friends, you’ll feel right at home here.

Grandeur Hotel, Al Barsha, @23rdstreetsportshouse (056 273 8306).

Bodega Garage

Credit: Instagram @bodegagarage

Gather your friends for a night of karaoke at Bodega Garage, a Filipino hotspot where you can sing your heart out every day from 7 PM to 9 PM. After your performance, enjoy live entertainment from local Manila-style resident singers and bands, including the lively five-piece group Soul Tronic. Follow the venue’s Instagram page for exciting promotions and offers—you could even win prizes for your singing! The menu features burgers, pizzas, pasta, and Pinoy delights like crispy fried chicken skin with vinegar dip to keep you energized throughout the night.

Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha, an IHG Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha @bodegagarage (04 704 0811).

Goodfellas

Credit: Goodfellas

If you’re a Leeds fan, you’re likely already familiar with this dive bar in Barsha Heights, where football supporters gather to catch matches. Beyond football, Goodfellas is known for its friendly atmosphere, enticing drink deals, and a generous 10-hour happy hour. The menu is filled with pub favorites, from wings to pizzas and burgers, all served in a low-key environment that exudes charm.

Ramee Rose Hotel, Barsha Heights (055 200 9201).

High So

If you’re searching for a vibrant dive bar experience in Dubai, make sure to visit High So. Its industrial-style decor, marked by exposed ceilings and neon lights, draws inspiration from the electrifying nightlife of Tokyo, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. Here, you can relish a mix of international bar bites, live entertainment, and endless karaoke. The drink prices are reasonable, with glasses of grape starting at Dhs49 and mixed drinks at Dhs45. While the vibe is laid-back initially, the energy quickly escalates. High So also offers various themed nights and live acts, making it a dynamic spot to enjoy.

City Max Hotel, Al Barsha (050 100 7046).

Nexa Lounge

Credit: Nexa Lounge Dubai

Nexa Lounge stands out as a versatile dive bar, open daily from noon until 4 AM. Whether you’re looking for a quiet lunch pint, post-work drinks, or late-night snacks, this lively venue has it all. With music spanning every genre, from rock to K-Pop, and a lineup of live bands and DJs, there’s never a dull moment here. Sports are screened on the big screen, and the bar runs discounts and promos for various professions. Don’t miss their unlimited Korean street food buffet every weekend for just Dhs59, including a drink, before dancing the night away!

Donatello Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha @nexalounge (050 257 3466).

The Boston Bar

Credit: The Boston Bar

For fans of the ’80s sitcom Cheers, The Boston Bar in Bur Dubai is a must-visit. This cozy, old-school bar is themed around the beloved TV show and serves an all-American menu featuring burgers, fajitas, and even sausages by the meter. With a solid selection of draught beers and regular happy hours, it’s a budget-friendly choice for a fun night out. While you might not be a regular, this dive bar is definitely worth a visit.

Jumeira Rotana, Jumeirah (04 308 4342).

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