This newly opened speakeasy bar in Madinat Jumeirah has a lot of things talking in its favor; it ticks all the boxes for an American diner come cocktail bar, they are trying to take their drinks seriously and they serve food that’s more than decent. But they are missing a few vital things to reach all the way. 1. Music - to proclaim yourself to be a speakeasy bar, but to play (extremely) loud top 50 hits, is not the correct modus operandi. 2. Drinks menu - a round of applause for having a menu with the classics, but is there really a need to list ALL the classics? Where’s the creativity and inventions? 3. Eggs - a whiskey sour is shaken with the egg white, to add it as a floating foam from a soda siphon is not ok.
Come here for the visual vibe, and listen to the music in your head - Libby Holman and Trixie Smith, for example - and enjoy the classics.
Atmosphere: 5/8
Situated in the very touristy Madinat Jumeirah, it’s unfortunately quite easy to see that this place already already has fallen victim to the pressure to appease the tourists - so much would have been won if they would go the full nine yards as a speakeasy bar.
Cocktails: 6/8
Up to scratch cocktails with a few minor hiccups (mentioned above).
Bartenders: 5/8
While technically competent, a few of the bartenders seem to lack one of the most important competences behind the bar; being the social chameleon and talking to the guests. I enjoy discussing the cocktails, but I feel kind of lonely when there’s no interest on the other side of the bar.
Ice: 6/8
Laser cut stylized ‘A’s for the premium cocktails, but to keep ice that fine in a cooler box in the bar is kind of like putting a silk hat on a pig - get a proper freezer and keep the ice chilled properly.
Madinat Jumeirah