This worldwide concept has been a member of the Dubai bar scene since almost 15 years, and it’s hard to fault their concept - with influences from China, Tibet and the Ottoman era, the place is decorated like a scene from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and the place seems to be packing full houses night after night. What strikes me though is that the place is mostly filled with tourists - for sure its location in the mouth of the Dubai Marina will attract a crowd, but still, they should be able to appeal to at least the business side of the residents. Having said all this, the bartenders do know their trade and when they have time, they deliver solid vintage cocktails as well. Light up the bar a bit more, put in a bartender more in each bar and take a field trip to Sexy Fish in London to be menu-inspired - and you’re on to something big(ger).
Go here if you’ve never been, opt for the more boozy cocktails and bring your pocket flashlight.
Atmosphere: 6/8
Buddha Bar has a self-acclaimed black belt in atmosphere, but partly due to the sheer size of the venue and partly due to the dimly lit bar, it isn’t very accommodating for long cocktail sessions.
Cocktails: 6/8
A solid base of somewhat exotic signature cocktails that at first glance strikes you as creative - look harder and you may find them a bit too crowd pleasing and fruity.
Bartenders: 6/8
The steady flow of Buddha Bar signature cocktails leaving the bar doesn't give much time over for the bartenders to take care of the guests at the bar counter.
Ice: 6/8
They do a lot of right with their ice - give these guys an ice stamp and a big ice block for show, and they’re home.
https://www.buddhabar-dubai.com/
Grosvenor House
Al Emreef St
Dubai Marina