Amidst the glittering skyscrapers and luxurious hotels, where neon signs blend with the glimmer of gold, lie places you won’t find on any map. They are hidden behind secret doors, heavy velvet curtains, and the facades of antique shops that seem frozen in time. These are speakeasies-bars that live by their own rules, where every sound, every glance, every sip is part of a secret ritual, accessible only to those who know how to touch this hidden reality.
Born during the era of Prohibition in America, speakeasies became sanctuaries for those seeking pleasure in the shadows of prohibition. The name “speakeasy”-“speak quietly”- hinted at the caution required to enter these establishments: whispering the password, murmuring your order to the bartender as if fearing the walls might eavesdrop. Times have changed, but the essence remains. Today, it’s not about illegality but about a carefully guarded secret, one that must be earned.
In Dubai, where the legality of alcohol is a matter of status and geography, speakeasies have taken on a unique character. They are like pocket universes, tucked away within the vast city, places for those who aren’t chasing the lights of the main streets. Here, there are no accidental guests. Entry is reserved for those in the know. The atmosphere? A blend of neon twilight, jazz rhythms, and the aroma of aged whiskey. The bartenders here are like alchemists, mixing not just ingredients but stories. Every cocktail is not just a drink but a moment that stays with you, even after the glass is empty.
We’ve gathered ten of the best hidden bars and speakeasies in Dubai, places that turn an evening into a journey and a cocktail into art. Don’t look for them on maps. Simply trust your intuition, listen to the whispers of those who know, and allow yourself to dissolve into the night. After all, sometimes the most important thing isn’t to find-it’s to let yourself get lost.
10. NYX Dubai
Location: Basement of Gaia Restaurant, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Gate Village 4, Podium Level, UAE
Opening hours: Daily from 9:30 PM to 3:00 AM
Contact: +971 52 573 6219
Instagram: @nyx__dxb
Dress code: Smart & Elegant
NYX Dubai is not just a bar-it’s a journey into a world of nocturnal mystique and refined tastes. Tucked away in the basement of Gaia Restaurant in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), it remains hidden from the casual passerby, adding to its allure for those who seek exclusive venues.
The interior of NYX Dubai blends elements of modern decadence: dim lighting, mirrors in ornate frames, velvet sofas, and music that creates an atmosphere of mystery and comfort. Every detail is meticulously crafted to immerse guests in the unique ambiance of the venue.
Visitors often praise the exceptional service and the skill of the bartenders, who craft signature cocktails inspired by Greek mythology. Each drink here is a story in itself, designed to surprise and delight guests.
The dress code at NYX Dubai-Smart & Elegant-underscores the venue’s status. This is the perfect spot for those who appreciate luxury in its most refined form and seek unforgettable experiences in the heart of Dubai.
9. Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Location: Level 2, Pullman Dubai Downtown Hotel, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
Opening hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 7:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday–Saturday: 7:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Contact: +971 4 412 6666 | WhatsApp: +971 54 289 1688
Instagram: @honeycombhifi
Dress code: Smart casual. No sportswear, flip-flops, or sleeveless shirts for men.
Honeycomb Hi-Fi is a rare gem in the Dubai nightlife scene-an eclectic fusion of a Japanese izakaya and a vinyl listening bar. Located on the second floor of the Pullman Dubai Downtown, this hidden venue is tucked behind the storefront of a cozy record shop, lending it a subtle speakeasy flair.
The space is defined by honeycomb-like wooden acoustic panels, giving the interior a warm, subdued glow. Retro touches-Bruno Rey chairs, Takumi-style rugs-highlight the Japanese influence in both form and feeling.
At the heart of the venue lies the “Listening Room,” equipped with a custom-built Ojas sound system. DJs spin everything from hip-hop and jazz to funk and soul, creating an audiophile haven with rhythm at its core.
Curated by renowned chef Matt Abergel, the menu brings izakaya staples with a twist-crispy chicken wings filled with mochi, buttery scallops spiked with wasabi, and other thoughtful dishes that hit all the right notes.
Honeycomb Hi-Fi is where music lovers, foodies, and design enthusiasts find common ground-a soulful hideout in the middle of Dubai’s buzzing Business Bay.
8. Bund Lounge by Shanghai Me
Location: DIFC, Gate Village, Building 11, Podium Level, UAE
Opening hours: Thursday–Saturday: 12:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Contact: +971 4 564 0505
Instagram: @shanghaimedxb
Average spend for two: 350 AED
Step back into 1930s Shanghai-the golden age of Eastern glamour. Bund Lounge is elegance in its purest form. Deep reds, gold accents, and the soft glow of paper lanterns reflected in mirrors make the space feel like a scene from an old movie.
Cocktails are crafted in the best traditions of Asian mixology-balanced, refined, and full of nuance. Don’t miss the "Emperor’s Elixir," a bold blend of oolong tea, aged rum, and ginger syrup that’s as sophisticated as the setting.
This is a venue for those seeking a fusion of oriental opulence and contemporary cocktail culture. Bund Lounge doesn’t shout-it seduces.
7. Secret Room
Location: Address Dubai Mall Hotel, Downtown Dubai, UAE
Opening hours: Wednesday–Saturday: 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Contact: +971 52 885 7207
Instagram: @secretroomdxb
Minimum spend: From 3000 AED per table
True to its name, Secret Room is a place that thrives on mystery. There's no flashy entrance, no neon signs-only those in the know gain access through a hidden door, password required.
Inside, it's all about discreet luxury: grand crystal chandeliers, plush leather seating, and an opulent mix of black and gold. The ambiance whispers exclusivity.
This isn’t your average bar-it’s a private sanctuary for the city’s creatives, collectors, and enigmatic personalities. The music flows from hypnotic beats to sultry R&B, setting the tone for deep conversations and unfiltered moments.
Secret Room isn’t the kind of place you stumble into. It’s a destination. And once you’re in, you’ll understand why it’s one of Dubai’s most coveted hidden gems.
6. Ongaku by Clap
Location: DIFC, Gate Village, Building 11, Level 9, UAE
Opening hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Contact: +971 4 569 3820
Instagram: @ongakubyclap
Dress code: Smart & Elegant
Cocktails from: 70 AED
Tucked discreetly inside the acclaimed Japanese restaurant Clap, Ongaku is a bar with its own distinct identity. The name means “music” in Japanese, and the venue lives up to it in every sense.
With low lighting, retro vinyls spinning, and drinks infused with Japanese flair, Ongaku instantly evokes the vibe of a back-alley jazz bar in Tokyo. The atmosphere is intimate, hushed, and magnetic.
Order the Tokyo Twilight -a blend of sake, yuzu, and warming spices-and you’ll feel like you’re strolling through the quiet streets of Kyoto under a soft, neon glow.
This is more than just a bar. It’s a portal-a quiet retreat from the chaos, perfect for those seeking elegance, depth, and a moment of stillness within the night.
5. Blind Tiger
Location: Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Opening hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Contact: +971 800 323232
Instagram: @blindtigerdxb
Dress code: Smart & Elegant
Average spend for two (with alcohol): Approx. 520 AED
Blind Tiger is soaked in old Hollywood mystery and charm. Behind a nondescript door lies a moody, elegant cocktail bar where privacy and sophistication take center stage.
This isn’t just about drinks-it’s about atmosphere. Vintage interiors, leather club chairs, glowing lamps, and rich wooden accents create a space that feels more like a private members’ club than a typical lounge.
Jazz melodies linger softly in the air while the low lighting gives everything a cinematic glow. It’s easy to imagine yourself in a noir film, drink in hand, secret on your lips.
Blind Tiger isn’t for the casual night out-it’s for those who appreciate ambiance, discretion, and that magical alchemy between mood and mixology.
4. Ly-La
Location: Basement of Alaya Restaurant, DIFC, Gate Village 4, Podium Level, UAE
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Contact: +971 56 680 0430
Instagram: @lyladxb
Dress code: Smart & Elegant
Estimated Spend for Two (with alcohol): Around 100 AED
Ly-La is a true hidden gem-an underground oasis in the vibrant heart of Dubai. Nestled beneath Alaya restaurant, the venue unfolds like a secret world inspired by Middle Eastern elegance and modern design.
The interior whispers luxury: soft lighting, silk cushions, arched architecture, and subtle notes of oriental spices in the air. Everything is curated to awaken the senses and slow down time.
Music here isn’t background noise-it’s a companion to conversation, with deep rhythms and flowing melodies enhancing the ambiance.
Ly-La is for those who value intimacy, aesthetics, and the quiet thrill of discovery. Every visit feels like stepping into a secret ritual-where taste, scent, and sound blend into one harmonious experience.
3. Aether
Location: W Dubai – The Palm, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Opening hours: Daily from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Contact: +971 4 245 5800
Instagram: @aetherdubai
Dress code: Smart Casual
Aether is where science and magic collide. Located at the ultra-modern W Dubai – The Palm, the bar feels like a futuristic laboratory designed by an alchemist. Copper pipes, glass vessels, and shadowy lighting set the scene for an experience that’s equal parts mystery and sophistication.
Here, every element has intention-from the sleek, minimalist décor to the way drinks are presented like mini art installations. Even the soundtrack is part of the spell, balancing urban edge with sonic depth.
Aether is for the curious, the cultured, and the bold. It's not just a place to drink-it's a playground of senses where every visit feels like you're part of a beautiful experiment.
2. Chanca
Location: Restaurant Village at Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, UAE
Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Contact: +971 4 316 9600
Instagram: @chancadubai
Dress code: Smart & Elegant
Average spend for two (with alcohol): Approx. 325 AED
Chanca is where Latin energy meets refined Dubai luxury. Tucked away in the chic Restaurant Village at Four Seasons, it’s not just a bar-it’s a celebration.
Live music, fiery rhythms, and magnetic vibes invite you to leave the ordinary behind. Here, the carnival never ends.
The décor blends handcrafted folk art with warm earthy tones and contemporary design, creating a space that’s both festive and intimate.
Whether you're sipping, dancing, or just soaking in the joy, Chanca is an escape into rhythm, color, and connection. A place where you don’t just pass the time-you live it fully.
1. Moonshine
Location: Precinct Building 4, Gate District, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
Opening hours:
Monday–Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday–Saturday: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Contact: +971 52 450 7795
Instagram: @moonshinedubai
Dress code: Smart & Elegant
Moonshine is a time machine to the Prohibition era, where every guest steps into a secret, stylish underworld. Hidden in the basement of a historic DIFC building, the venue is only accessible via a secret code-a ritual that makes entering feel like crossing into a story.
The interiors transport you straight to the Roaring Twenties: leather chairs, vintage posters, old photographs, and flickering candlelight set the scene for a cinematic evening.
Here, drinks are more than cocktails-they’re tributes to an era where every indulgence carried the thrill of rebellion.
Moonshine is for lovers of history, style, and seductive mystery. Each evening here feels like a private party lost in time, where jazz, shadows, and elegance reign supreme.
Speakeasies aren’t just bars-they’re portals.
Portals to other worlds, where time slows down, conversations deepen, and cocktails become stories in a glass. Each of these venues offers more than just a drink-they offer a feeling. A whisper of mystery. A sense that you’ve stepped into a secret that not everyone gets to know.
So, if you ever find yourself in Dubai and hear rumors of an unmarked door, a bar that’s hard to find but impossible to forget-don’t walk past it. Open it.
Something unforgettable is already waiting inside.
Comments