Suave
Suave by name, suave by nature. Inspired by the swinging sixties, more than 200 colorful glass-encased vinyl records decorate this plush bar, which can be found at the top of a mirrored spiral staircase from the Mediterranean restaurant Basko. Here, the soundtrack is just as important—and eclectic—as the drinks, switching seamlessly from funk to disco to jazz. The decor, by Barcelona-based designer Lazaro Rosa Violan, is decidedly retro with red suede seating and clusters of tassels lining the ceiling, from which ornate mother-of-pearl chandeliers hang. There’s no menu, but bartenders are ready to take requests or surprise you with the flavor of the night.
Monkey Bar
When 25Hours Hotel One Central opened at the start of 2022, it brought a new brand of cool to the city. Instrumental to that was Monkey Bar—the original is found in Berlin, and gets its name from its rooftop position overlooking the monkey enclosure at the city’s zoo. While the Dubai outpost may not have monkeys, it does offer a spectacular view of the Museum of the Future from its jungle-inspired terrace. Berlin’s underground feel is experienced in the Dubai outpost during regular themed nights, where people come together to listen to sets from up-and-coming regional DJs. Drinks are fun and flavorful and the classics are given a little dash of something extra, such as the Espresso Martini by Martin Hudak, which is made with pineapple rum.
