Trader Vic's JBR
(+971 55 623 1620). You’ll have no problem spotting it as the ‘little black door’ is actually huge. All you need to do is knock to enter and wait for it to swing open. Once inside, you’ll find a classy, club-style lounge complete with crystal chandeliers hanging from leather-clad ceilings, opulent furnishings and distressed-brick walls. The resident DJs play neo-soul and classic jazz. Open from 7.30pm to 3am from Monday to Sunday.
seAfRont settings Want to feel the sand between your toes? With the JBR skyline as its backdrop and views of Palm Jumeirah, Bliss Lounge (taxi: Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, +971 4 315 3886) is a chi-chi little locale frequented by the ‘in’ crowd seeking top DJ action, custom cocktails and chilled beach vibes. Open daily from 12.30pm to 2am. So photogenic you’ll feel like you’re starring in a magazine shoot, The
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Jetty Lounge (taxi: One&Only Royal Mirage, +971 4 399 9999) rocks white linen style with beautifully landscaped surroundings. Bag a cabana on the beach. Open daily from 2pm to 2am. Further along the coast, Key West Bar & Grill at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa (taxi: Pearl Jumeira, +971 4 376 6000) opens early every evening for aperitivo hour, offering a boutique collection of drinks from the Caribbean and Latin America. Take a wander across the white sand beach and chill among the coconut palms. Open daily from 5pm to 1am.
CAsUAL HAngoUts If you're tickled by novelty cocktail cups, Trader Vic’s JBR (taxi: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, +971 4 318 2530), has you covered. The Tiki-themed venue is the place to go for Mai Tais, Tiki Puka Pukas and JBR's bespoke Koana Puffer concoction, in photoworthy containers. Grab a seat on the outdoor terrace for views of the
Arabian Gulf towards Palm Jumeirah and try to time your visit during happy hour (5-8pm, Sunday to Saturday). With its large outdoor terrace Café Artois by Bridgewater Tavern (taxi: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, +971 4 414 6755), is ideal for a chilled afternoon in the sun, with tasty barbecue food and a huge craft hop selection to enjoy at the picnic tables. Open from 4pm Sunday to Thursday and from noon on Friday and Saturday. A long copper bar, dark wood floors and exposed stonework shipped all the way from Scotland lend Copper Dog (taxi: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Dubai – Jumeirah Beach, +971 4 559 5355) a cosy country atmosphere just like the original Scottish Highlands pub. Choose from a broad menu of drams, craft hops and pub grub enjoyed to live music. It’s also a nice spot for a quick nightcap. Open from 5pm to 2am Sunday to Thursday and from