You’ve probably noticed, but the city is buzzing right now. As the summer heat has faded away, people have begun descending en masse to bars and restaurants across the city, bringing with them that lively atmosphere we’ve so missed.
And to add to the ambience, many venues are bringing back live music in Abu Dhabi this month (for those resident bands who never stopped performing: We see you, and we love you).
Wondering where to go to be serenaded, to rock out, or to dance your socks off this month? These are all the must-visit live music nights and venues across Abu Dhabi to visit now.
49ers
Longstanding American sports bar 49ers has been a popular late night haunt for more than 25 years now. The hops are cheap (starting from Dhs23 during the daily happy hour between noon and 8pm) and the food is certainly tasty (three appetisers for Dhs69, yes please), but we think the real draw is that it’s one of a few top spots offering live music in Abu Dhabi every night of the week. Filipino band Groove Hearts play here daily from 9pm, and we’re big fans of the resident trio who keep the atmosphere electric whether it’s a quiet Monday or a lively Friday night.
Daily 9pm onwards. Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah, 49ers.ae (02 645 8000).
Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar
Fans of this fabulous rooftop bar will already be familiar with the open mic nights, and these are making a return every Wednesday night between 7pm and 11pm. Hosted by Marvin Lee, you can expect to hear a range of artists perform.
Wed 7pm-11pm. Aloft Abu Dhabi, near ADNEC, Al Rawdah, @brick.abudhabi (02 654 5000).
COYA
While the food at COYA is top notch (we handed it our Best Latin American Restaurant gong for a reason, after all), it’s the atmosphere that keeps us coming back again and again. And if you head there on Thursdays, you’ll be able to enjoy live music from Cubache, a Cuban five-piece band, from 10pm onwards. The newly launched Azucar live music nights also coincide with the creation of the expanded mixed drinks menu, so be sure to sample that while you’re there, too.
Thu 10pm onwards. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, coyarestaurant.com (02 306 7000).
Fado
There’s a good reason to visit Fado every night of the week, from the pub quiz on Mondays to the ladies’ night on Wednesdays. And if you visit on Fridays, you’ll be treated to a live band performing between 8pm and midnight. The current band is House of Flames, but keep your eye on @fadoabudhabi for when different acts are announced.
Fri 8pm-midnight. Oryx Hotel, Khalidiya, @fadoabudhabi (02 692 2218).
Hemingway’s
A popular haunt for watching the sport, when the screens are blank you can head here for live music in Abu Dhabi instead. The Once Duo band performs here on Thursdays between 8pm and midnight, on Fridays from 9pm until 1am, and on Saturdays between 7pm and 11pm.
Thu 8pm-midnight; Fri 9pm-1am; Sat 7pm-11pm. Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche (02 692 4999).
Heroes Never Die
Recently resurrected as Heroes Never Die, the well-known sports bar and live music venue is now being operated by Stars ‘N’ Bars. Speed Wagon are the resident band, and you can catch them here from 9pm on Mondays for Industry night, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10.30pm. It’s one of the best spots for live music in Abu Dhabi with good reason.
Mon 9pm onwards; Fri-Sat 10.30pm onwards. Millennium Downtown Abu Dhabi, Al Danah, @heroesneverdie_abudhabi (050 525 6364).
Jazz & Fizz
With a name like Jazz & Fizz, it’s hardly surprising that you can head here for live music in Abu Dhabi. Every Friday, the QBand duo perform Latin music here between 10pm and midnight, which is obviously best enjoyed with a glass of fizz in hand while enjoying the view from the 36th floor.
Fri 10pm-midnight. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 813 7777).
José by Pizarro
First opened back in March, Spanish restaurant José by Pizarro is a relative newcomer on Abu Dhabi’s nightlife scene. The intimate space plays host to German Cova, an accomplished flamenco-slash-classical guitarist, between 7pm and 11pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Dig into excellent tapas plates while the soothing sounds take your evening up a notch.
Tue-Sun 7pm-11pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road West (02 811 5666).
Lock, Stock & Barrel
Dubai-export Lock, Stock & Barrel is well-known for its live music nights, and you can experience them here in Abu Dhabi every Wednesday night between 8pm and 11pm. While enjoying the live performances, you can pay Dhs200 for unlimited food and house beverages during that time, too.
Wed 8pm-11pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, lsbabudhabi.com (04 423 8308).
McCafferty’s
Irish pub McCafferty’s is packed seven days a week, and we’re sure the fact that there is live music daily is a big factor in this. The line-up changes week to week, with performances from Irish band Half Cut, Irish trio Aon Sceal, Fergal O’Neil and more. The timings vary, but there’s a good chance that no matter when you visit you’ll see someone performing, with live music from 7.30pm on Tuesdays for ladies’ night, from 8pm on Thursdays, traditional Irish music from 8pm on Wednesdays, and from 2pm until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, gig times depend on that day’s sporting fixtures, as the bar shows everything from rugby and GAA to football and F1.
Various timings, open daily 9am-2am. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, mccaffertysyas.com (058 598 3623).
Paco’s
Over in Al Ain, you can catch the band Bandit at Paco’s every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening between 9pm and 1am. Mexican food and live music? We’re sold.
Thu-Sat 9pm-1am. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain (056 685 3832).
Paradiso
Mediterranean restaurant Paradiso launched a new live music night in Abu Dhabi at the start of September. Every Friday between 8pm and 11pm, guitarist Ley will be performing alongside singer Claudia Lang Lenton.
Fri 8pm-11pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, paradisoabudhabi.com (050 437 2869).
Peach Garden
Another option in Al Ain, Peach Garden has live music from Mirage daily between 11pm and 3am.
Daily 11pm-3am. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain (056 685 3832).
Penelope’s
French restaurant and jazz bar Penelope’s now has Australian Rebecca Melrose as its resident singer, with the artist performing five nights a week. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you’ll get to tune into contemporary hits, while Wednesdays are all about Latin tunes. And on Fridays and Saturdays, Melrose will be belting out a mix of smooth jazz and 80s classics.
Tue-Sat 8pm-11pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island, penelopes.ae (050 204 2475).
PJ O’Reilly’s
One of the oldest bars in the city, PJ O’Reilly’s has long been known for its live music. On Thursdays between 8pm and 11pm, Martin Looper will be singing, while on Fridays Alron Mat will perform until 11pm. For the Saturday after-brunch entertainment, Phil will perform live from 8pm until 11pm.
Thu-Sat 8pm-11pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Danah, pjspubabudhabi.com (02 695 0515).
Porters English Pub
While Porters might perhaps be better known for its karaoke, you can see the professionals in action six nights a week. Metro Band performs here between 9.30pm and 2am from Monday to Thursday, and between 10pm and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Mon-Thu 9.30pm-2am; Fri-Sat 10pm-3am. Grand Millennium Al Wahda, @portersabudhabi (02 495 3936).
Saadiyat Beach Club
If you’re looking for Latin beats, look no further than Saadiyat Beach Club on a Thursday evening. The newly launched Ritmo de la Noche night will see a live band perform as you dig into Latin plates between 8pm and 11pm, with the evening priced at Dhs199 per person. Get your dancing shoes on.
Thu 8pm-11pm. Saadiyat Island, saadiyatbeachclub.ae (050 132 8425).
Sorso
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi will be expanding its music offering after the summer, with a four-piece band performing from Wednesday to Saturday between 9pm and midnight. Watch the sunset or go for dinner at the award-winning Li Jiang before heading here for live music to end your night.
Wed-Sat 9pm-midnight. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta (02 818 8888).
Stars ‘N’ Bars
When they’re not performing at Heroes Never Die, Speed Wagon are hitting the stage at Stars ‘N’ Bars. The band will perform a mix of rock ‘n’ roll classics and radio hits every Wednesday from 7pm for ladies’ night, from 7pm on Fridays, and from 4pm on Saturdays for the after-brunch party. And, on the second Thursday of the month, Speed Wagon will perform South African hits from 9pm as part of the bar’s South African theme nights.
Wed, Fri 7pm onwards; Second Thu of the month 9pm onwards; Sat 4pm onwards. Yas Marina, Yas Island, abudhabi.starsnbars.ae (02 565 0101).
Tavern
Old school pub Tavern at the Sheraton along the Corniche has live music from 9.30pm until midnight from Wednesday to Friday, and on Sundays and Mondays. On Saturdays, the band rock up from 8.30pm.
Sun-Mon, Wed-Fri 9.30pm-midnight; Sat 8.30pm-midnight. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche (02 697 0260).
The G.O.A.T.
Resident band G.O.A.T. Beatz performs at this venue on the 17th floor of the Cristal Hotel from 9.30pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 10.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Mon-Thu 9.30pm onwards; Fri-Sat 10.30pm onwards. Cristal Hotel, Madinat Zayed, @goat_auh (050 499 3953).
The Warehouse
Popular date night spot The Warehouse has live music every weekend. For tapas night on Thursdays, singer Tito will be there serenading you with Spanish and Latin music, while on Fridays, you can hear live music from Erick Machado. On Saturdays, the Fado E Amigos offer will see you enjoy unlimited grape or hops for Dhs165 as Monica Ferreira performs.
Thu-Sat 8.30pm onwards. Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, near ADNEC, Al Rawdah (02 307 5552).
