Being one of the classic cocktail bars in Dubai Marina, Bar 44 has a lot to live up to, and being situated on the 44th floor in Grosvenor House, the location is hard to beat. But when entering the bar, it shows that it has a few years up on some of the newcomers previously rated here, and that probably needs to be addressed if they want to keep up with the competition. The cocktail list is condensed yet ambitious, but a higher level of creativity would be welcome - let the bartenders showcase their knowledge more. Last but not least - with apparent ambitions to be one of Dubai’s few vintage waterholes, please introduce some more cocktail-apt playlists - contemporary crowd-pleasers are not fit for sipping an Old Fashioned.
If in Dubai Marina, the place is definitely worth a visit - go for the powerful cocktails, and enjoy the more than reasonably priced bar snacks accompanied by a hard-to-beat view from the 44th floor.
Atmosphere: 6/8
A classical bar that would benefit from a worthier playlist and a more creative cocktail menu.
Cocktails: 6/8
Respectable cocktails often with a twist - the next step is to work on a more creative presentation.
Bartenders: 6/8
Ambitious and interested bartenders that know their trade - perhaps a bit too comfortable socializing with each other rather than engaging with the guests.
Ice: 7/8
Big and clear ice cubes with a stylized ice stamp - this is good shit! A big ice block for display and ice craftsmanship (which they apparently have some days) would render top score in the category.
Grosvenor House
Al Emreef Street
Dubai Marina