< PreviousLive music 40 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Heroes Never Die This well-known sports bar and live music venue has everything from ladies’ nights to wings night, happy hour and live sports broadcasted on the big screen. As for live entertainment, you can catch the resident band Speed Wagon come the weekend. It’s one of the best spots for live music in Abu Dhabi with good reason. O Open Mon-Thu 3pm-3am; Fri-Sat 3pm-4am, Sun 3pm-3am. 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. Every Friday, the QBand duo perform Latin music here between 10pm and midnight, which is obviously best enjoyed with a glass of of something cold in hand while enjoying the view from the 36th floor. Take a mate or enjoy solo, you’ll feel welcomed in no time. O Open daily 4pm-2am. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, sofitelabudhabicorniche.com (02 813 7777). Lock, Stock & Barrel Dubai-export Lock, Stock & Barrel is well- known for its live music nights and you can experience them every Friday night between 8pm and 11pm. While enjoying the live performances, you can pay Dhs200 for unlimited food and house beverages during that time, too. O Open Mon-Wed 4pm-2am; Thu 4pm-3am; Fri noon-3am; Sat 2pm-3am; Sun noon-2am. 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. O Open daily 9am-2am. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, mccaffertysyas.com (058 598 3623). Paco’s Over in Al Ain, you can catch the live music from Tuesday to Saturday thanks to its in- house band and feast on Mexican specials with a side of football. Be sure to book your spot during peak sporting season and enjoy endless entertainment. O Open Mon-Wed 3pm- 2am; Thu-Sat 1pm-3am, Sun 3pm-2am. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain, radissonhotels.com (056 685 3832). Paradiso Mediterranean restaurant Paradiso’s live music night is set to return in the winter, but in the meantime, guests can enjoy a live DJ performance from Wednesdays to Sundays. “It’s one of the best spots for live music in Abu Dhabi” Heroes Never DieStars ‘N’ BarsLive music TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM AUTUMN 2025 43 featuring chicken wings, burgers and moreish bar bites. O Open daily 9pm-3.30am. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain, radissonhotels.com, (056 685 3832). PJ O’Reilly’s One of the oldest bars in the city, PJ O’Reilly’s has long been known for its live music. For dinner with a side of entertainment, head to this hotspot at Le Royal Meridien on Sundays for full-blown roast with roaring live tunes. From bands to singers, PJ O’Reilly’s offers it all. O Open daily noon-1am. 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 put down the mic to watch band, H2O perform every Friday. What’s more, the quintessential English hot spot turned 13 in September. Not that you need an excuse to visit... O Open Mon-Thu 3pm-3am; Fri-Sat noon-4am, Sun noon-3am. Grand Millennium Al Wahda, milleniumhotels.com (02 495 3936). Sorso The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi makes a sophisticated option to hunker down with a plus one. Whether you are there for ladies’ night or the Tuesday quiz night, you might also be treated to a performance by Tracey Preston, a former contestant on The Voice USA, often takes requests on her social media ahead of appearing at the venue. So be sure to submit the tube you would like to hear and it may just happen. O Open daily 5pm-2am. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta, sorsoabudhabi.com (02 818 8888). Stars ‘N’ Bars An American sports bar concept that was in fact born in Monte Carlo over in Monaco, this is the place to play. Packed full of sports memorabillia and a huge selection of hops, dive deep into the arcade and foosball tables, while listening to live musicals throughout. This is the spot to tell your friends about. O Open Mon-Thu noon-2pm; Fri-Sat noon-3am; Sun 11am-2am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, abudhabi. starsnbars.ae (02 565 0101). Tavern Old school pub Tavern at the Sheraton along the Corniche makes a great after-work option for many reasons. Its authentic, cosy vibe has live music served with traditional British dishes. Game on? Head here to watch all the action too. O Open daily noon-3am. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche, sheratonabudhabiexperiences.com (02 697 0260). The G.O.A.T You can find live music on the 17th floor of the Cristal Hotel from 4.30pm each Sorso O Open Mon-Thu noon-11pm; Fri-Sat noon-1am; Sun noon-11pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, paradisoabudhabi.com (050 437 2869). Peach Garden Another option in Al Ain, experience vibrant nightlife at Peach Garden, a Filipino- themed nightclub in Al Ain. Enjoy live band performances, themed nights, and a menu Live music 44 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM day. Resident band G.O.A.T. Beatz perform alongside a resident DJ, so be ready to sing your heart out any day of the week. Just be sure to wear your comfy shoes. O Open daily noon-4am. Cristal Hotel, Madinat Zayed, @goat_auh (050 499 3953). The Warehouse Head to The Warehouse on Thursdays to enjoy a dedicated evening of tapas and a live singer belting out Spanish and Latin tunes. The live music continues into Friday evenings while on Saturdays, a live Portuguese artist takes the stage, O Open daily 5pm-2am. The Warehouse, Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, near ADNEC, warehouse.pearl@rotana.com, (02 3075552). Best karaoke spots Whether you’re hitting the high notes like Beyoncé or mumbling your way through Bohemian Rhapsody, there’s a karaoke spot in Abu Dhabi with your name on it. From buzzing sports bars and retro British pubs to neon-lit K-pop booths and late-night Filipino favourites, the capital has something for every kind of performer. So warm up those vocal cords, choose your go-to track and get ready to bring the house down (or at least get a few cheers from the crowd). Here are the best places in Abu Dhabi to sing your heart out – no talent required, just guts and good vibes. Shams Boutik Ready to live out your K-pop dreams? Step into private coin karaoke booths at Al Wahda Mall or Shams Boutik Al Reem and belt your heart out to your favourite hits for just Dhs45 for 30 minutes. Whether you’re chasing that K-drama moment or just vibing with your tone-deaf homies, this experience has all the lights, mics and photo ops to make it a memory worth snapping. O Prices vary. Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am- 11pm, Sun 1am-10pm. Al Wahda Mall & Shams Boutik Al Reem, @kbox.uae. Sing Galing Bar & Restaurant Over on Al Meena Street the mic is always hot and the energy never drops. Open every night, this all-out karaoke spot is a go-to for anyone ready to belt out their favourite hits, whether you’re a pop princess, rock king, or power ballad pro. With open mic nights, live tunes from EMS and a buzzing crowd every evening, it’s a party that doesn’t quit. O Prices vary. Open daily 4.30pm-3.30am. Sing Galing Bar & Restaurant, Al Meena Street. facebook. com/singgalinghawthorn, (056 236 5068). Taste of Korea Another Korean restaurant that just can’t resist handing out karaoke microphones with the all-you-can-eat barbecue. Unlike some of the specialist singing joints, there might be a few fellow diners who are more interested in their kimchi than your Kenny G, but if you can’t resist dinner with a mic then come ready to sing. This is a great option for a birthday or just after work on a Tuesday. O Prices vary. Open daily 2pm-3.30am. Cristal Hotel, Electra Street, Madinat Zayed, (056 396 0639). The WarehouseBURGERS BURGERS BURGERS BURGERS BURGERS BURGERS BURGERSTIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM AUTUMN 2025 47 Burgeneers Bun roll please for the best burgers in the capitalBest burgers 48 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM M aybe* we’re being dramatic (*we definitely are), but we think humanity peaked when the first person decided to put meat and other ingredients between buns. Alas... we’ve come a long way since then, and the capital offers up everything from classic beef burgers to smashed burgers, vegan options and everything else in between squidgy, fluffy bread. If you’re a burger-lover too, you’re going to want to read on for the definitive guide to the best, most bodacious burgers in the city. Here are the best burgers in Abu Dhabi, as revealed at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards. WINNER 3B, Burger Brisket & Beyond If you’re craving a burger that hits all the right notes, 3B is the place to be. Known for its juicy, flame-grilled burgers, this spot in Abu Dhabi’s Corniche area is all about big flavours. You’ve got the crispy blooming onion, honey-glazed smoked short ribs and, of course, burgers that everyone raves about. Whether you’re into smoky, sweet, or savoury, the menu’s packed with all the must-try comfort food vibes. Make sure you also try the chicken-loaded fries, which are smothered with cheese. It’s comfort food at its best. So grab a seat and dig in. O Open daily noon-1am. Unlicensed. Corniche, @meat3b (02 235 8744). HIGHLY COMMENDED Maxzi The Good Food Shop If you only order one thing at Maxzi The Good Food Shop, make sure it’s the bona fide, utterly brilliant Maxzimum Meat Lover Burger with a wagyu patty, slow-cooked brisket, and crispy beef bacon. While it might not be solely a burger joint, this place does some of the best in the business, with an assortment of starchy sides that make for the perfect complement. O Open Sun-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Unlicensed. Yas Mall, maxzi.ae (056 996 6540). Pickl Consistently packed with regulars and first-timers destined to become regulars once they’ve realised how good the burgers are, Pickl is famous in the city for its tasty, juicy beef and incredible fried chicken. What started as a small concept in Dubai has expanded to the capital and beyond, meaning we can all enjoy its patties that come slathered in cheese, the secret Comeback Sauce, and, of course, pickles. We’re forever grateful. O Open daily 10.30am-midnight. Unlicensed. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, eatpickl.com (02 886 7844). SHORTLISTED Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes The burgers at Black Tap might just be the most hyped in the city. One bite, and you’ll quickly realise the hype is justified. An Instagram sensation, this famed New York eatery serves up immense burgers with a whole host of toppings, from the classic all-American cheeseburger to those loaded with pear bacon jam or smoked gouda and truffle. Wash it all down with craft hops or one of its legendary crazyshakes. O Open daily noon-midnight. Licensed. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, blacktap.com (02 446 5128). 3B, Burger Brisket & Beyond Maxzi The Good Food ShopTIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM AUTUMN 2025 49 Boo Burger Coming in hot from the UK, Yas Mall’s Boo Burger does serve brilliant buns. Using only the best British and Irish-sourced products, the premise here is more fast food than fine dining, but really, that’s what a good burger joint is all about. Menu highlights include the OG Classic with an Angus beef patty, white onion, cheese, ketchup and mustard, as well as the Big Boo complete with an Angus beef patty, smoked beef rashers, crispy onion, lettuce, tomatoes and more. Fries are golden and perfectly crisp, and the shakes are just the right sidekick to your burger fix. It’s the kind of spot that makes a quick bite feel like a proper treat. O Open Sun-Thu 10am-12.30am, Fri-Sat 10am- 1.30am. Unlicensed. Yas Mall, boo-burger.com (02 671 0007). Burger28 If there was an award for the most creative burgers in Abu Dhabi, it would go to Burger28, hands down. Nestled in the Mussafah community and set up by a former vegetarian (yes, really), there’s plenty Three to try Pizzerias Antonia Trattoria If you prefer enjoying your pizza in a casual setting, Antonia Trattoria’s Al Zeina location is where it’s at. Known for its tasty plates with an Italian nonna’s touch, chef Simone Federici created traditional Amalfi- inspired dishes, with one of our top orders being the 50-year-old sourdough starter. The sourdough pizzas, however, are particularly moreish, and where you should focus the majority of your attention. O Open Tue-Thu 8am-10.30pm. Fri 8am- 11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm, Mon noon- 10.30pm. Unlicensed. Al Zeina, Saadiyat Island, antoniarestaurant.com (02 622 0480). Marmellata It’s safe to say that father-and-son duo Raj and Sebastian Dagstani know a thing or two about pizza. They are the brains behind this hole-in-the-wall pizzeria down at Mina Zayed. Drop in for a rotating menu of pizzas that range from the traditional to more regionally inspired, using local ingredients like mushrooms grown in the desert and figs from Liwa. They don’t take reservations, so be sure to arrive early to bag a seat. O Open Wed-Sun 4pm-9.30pm. Unlicensed. Mina Zayed, @marmellatalove (055 802 9355). NAPO Pizzeria If you’re always on the hunt for an insider spot during your travels, Napo Ristorante in Abu Dhabi is the place you’ve been looking for. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Al Bateen, this charming restaurant is easy to miss — unless you spot the lively crowd on the plant-filled patio. Inside, the upbeat atmosphere is complemented by lively Italian tunes, and even if you don’t speak Italian, you’ll be singing along. O Open daily noon-midnight. Unlicensed. Al Bateen, @napo.ristorante (02 554 4614). “Burgers are literally served through a hole in the window” Burger28Next >