The Best Yas Bay Bars to Visit Before the Guns N’ Roses Etihad Arena Concert

The best place to hang out, before the curtains go up…

Whether you’re a stand-up comedy connoisseur, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame season ticket holder, a musical theater fanatic, or you just collect concert wristbands like Infinity Stones—we trust you’ve made your way to Asia. Journey to the Etihad Arena in Siwan. But if you’re just checking in and heading back straight after the show, you’re really missing out on Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment scene. These are just some of our favorite Yas Island legends…

best for vibes

Lock, Stock and Barrell

Just a few steps away from the majestic Etihad Arena, this local hotel offers exceptional relaxation and revelry, the perfect companion for a night out at the Etihad Arena. You can take part in daily promotions and themed events, the food is always on the last end of the bar grub classics, and the ambiance, while always on, goes the extra mile on concert nights. The only downside, if you don’t get in early, you might have to queue.

Yas Bay, Yas Island, Thursdays 8pm-11pm. @lockstockuae

Cafe del Mar

Also along the waterfront (just off the marina), the outpost of the United Arab Emirates’ carnival enclave, Café del Mar, seems to have established quite a following. Lagoon pools, boutique beaches and the big beat of Ibizan are a rare but very popular combination for Abu Dhabi’s many suitors, and one of the most popular weekly appointments is the Saturday BBQ pool party. Held every Saturday between 1pm and 5pm, this water fest includes unlimited select beverages, unlimited BBQ plates, pool, towels and lounge chairs.

Yas Bay Waterfront, Saturday 1pm-4pm, from AED 499. Tel: (0)50 402 2283. @cafedelmarabudhabi

McCafferty’s

Yas Bay’s gleaming F&B jewel box recently took on a new emerald glow with the opening of McCafferty’s Irish Bar. Operating out of the Yas Island Hilton in Abu Dhabi, the absolutely sprawling capital-crazy lodge is now pouring out pints of the black stuff and generally adding some delicious Galway cheer to the vibrant retreat on the southern tip of Yas Island Voice. In addition to its superb wine selection, McCafferty’s is known for its Emerald Isle hospitality, live music, bold happy hour deals (noon to 8pm daily) and a menu of authentic pub food.

in the carnitas

in the carnitas, on Pier 71 in Yas Bay, it has a Latin appeal that cannot be cultivated without sincerity — people will see through a gimmick and move on if there is no meaning behind it. On top of that, the promotion includes Taco and Margarita Night on Tuesday (Dhs250), Ladies Night on Thursday (with bottomless margs), Brunch on Saturday (Dhs199 for soft drinks, Dhs299 for families) and happy hour Monday to Friday from 4pm to 7pm and a canvas depicting La Carnita’s popularity comes alive with colour.

Yas Bay, Yas Island, noon to 2am daily (1pm to 2am on Saturdays). Tel: (050) 185 8068, @lacarnita_auh

stuff stuff

Super-stylish Asian decor, strong promotions, a menu of Asian dishes (with no real commercial appeal) and a convenient Pier 71 location make this restaurant a no-brainer for those looking for a pre- or post-concert vibe.

Yas Bay, Yas Island, Tuesdays 6pm-1am. Tel: (02) 235 8663, abudhabi.asia-asia.com

best for family

central

Central is easily one of the most exciting locations on the Yas Bay waterfront (it’s next door to its cousin venues Lock Stock and Barrell). Why? It’s a triple threat – great American fast food, live bowling near a licensed bar, and a range of modern and retro arcade games – VR stuff, full-sized air hockey tables and “play and earn” Token transactions. A huge hit on the little ones, and likely a similar hit on the wallet. If you still want to go out.

Central, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Monday to Thursday 4pm to 12am, Friday to Sunday 12pm to 3am. @central_uae

lighthouse

Music rang in our ears when we heard the news that popular Dubai restaurant The Lighthouse was expanding into the capital. Since then, The Lighthouse has won over many Abu Dhabi residents for its fresh and varied menu selections, warm service and convenient location on the Yas Bay waterfront.

@thelighthouse_ae

best for entertainment

Penelope’s

I’m going to come out right away and say, PenelopeBrasserie & Jazz Bar Américain at Yas Marina is one of the coolest and most exciting openings in Abu Dhabi in 2022. It’s a bit far from Yas Bay and is perfectly walkable, but taxis are more cost-effective in the warmer months. Penelope’s offers a decidedly Riviera vibe, a sizzling Mediterranean menu, modestly chic cocktails and, unlike some of the other ‘claimants’ in the country, genuine jazz. There’s something particularly sparkling in the bones of Penelope’s, owned by local hospitality legends Layla Kardan (Papillion, Dubai) and Hamdan Al Khafaji (La Carnita), whose concept was conceived by Eddie Ghazal (Canary Club, Dubai). The logo of this all-star trio has been clearly imprinted in the design style of the entire venue.You can read the full review here.

Yas Marina, Yas Island, 6pm-2am daily. Tel: (02) 635 1116, @penelopes.ae

Siddhartha Lounge

You win ‘Favorite Bar’ at the What’s On Awards 2023 ABU DHABI 2023 – Siddharta Lounge at Buddha-Bar in Yas Bay showcases a lightning-quick dash of laid-back luxury, with stunning rooftop views and a contemporary twist menu as its big sister in Dubai. Add cutting-edge surf, cool funk beats, gorgeous entertainment, and sophisticated Buddha-Bar mixology and menu, and you’ve got an award-winning venue.

@thetrilogybybuddhabar

best for pizza

Akihabara Street

If you haven’t tried a pizza at Japanese street food phenomenon Akiba Dori, then *shake your head*. See we are not angry, we are just disappointed. Here you can enjoy Tokyo-inspired Neapolitan pizza, as well as red hot pastries and sandwiches. Waygu dumplings are very popular. Mama mia san *Japanese-Italian* gesture.

Pier 71, Yas Bay Waterfront, Dhs179 on Fridays, noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 770 7949, @akibadori

emmy square

New York-based pizzeria Emmy Squared is now open, serving epic American-style ‘Za slices in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Bay. The purveyor of premium carbohydrates serves up Detroit-style pizza—a unique square pizza with a “crispy bottom, fluffy focaccia-like dough, caramelized cheese “frico” crust and signature sauce. stripe.” We were big fans of the Detroit base’s innovative top line and rich, buttery flavor when we visited.

Yas Bay, Yas Island, noon to midnight daily. Tel: (02) 235 8763, @EmmySquaredPizza UAE

Best for foodie experience

Heaven

One of Yas Bay’s leading culinary lights, Paradiso is Groupe Barrière’s latest project in Abu Dhabi, a restaurant built on three Michelin-starred talents, Chef Pierre Gagnaire (Fouquet’s) and Queen of French Gastronomy. Based on the culinary vision of chef Nicole Rubi (the woman) after LPM), with a culinary identity “somewhere along the Mediterranean coast”. @paradisoabudhabi

Zela

It may only be a little over a year old, but Zeera has been deliberately planning to conquer the capital’s South Asian culinary scene from the start. As part of the Buddha-Bar Yas Bay trilogy, it promises a razor’s edge of sophistication, a soundtrack of exceptional taste and stunning views of Pier 71, but its menu is what most Abu Dhabiis whisper excitedly about Content. @thetrilogybybuddhabar

hunter and barrell

Australian steakhouse Hunter & Barrel is one of Dubai’s most popular ‘food spots’ and now the capital has its own steak destination. Competing for the most cost-effective steak restaurant in the capital. @hunterandbarreluae

Generation view

One of Dubai’s most popular ramen joints is now serving ramen to customers at Pier 71 in Yas Bay. Known for its noodle feats wobbly in hio, miso and tofu soup, this authentic Japanese ramen house is a bright spot on the capital’s Asian food scene. @daikanizakaya_ae

Image: Supplied