18 of the best North American and Caribbean restaurants in Dubai
Excuse us while we drool into our lap…
The next time you find yourself craving a decent burger, tangy wings, loaded fries or a slab of meat, check out one of these all-American restaurants and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Or, if it’s Caribbean food you’re looking for, while Dubai doesn’t have many options, the ones we do have are superb.
Here’s our top picks for the best North American and Caribbean restaurants in Dubai.
ALSO READ: 18 of the best Mexican and South American restaurants in Dubai
North American
Black Tap
Hailing from New York City is fun and vibrant burger joint, Black Tap. From what started as a hidden gem in Jumeirah Al Naseem has progressed to seven locations around the GCC thanks to its colourful and crazy shake creations, tasty fully-loaded sliders and the kind of fries you just don’t want to share.
Black Tap, Jumeirah Al Naseem or Rixos Premium JBR or Intercontinental Festival City. blacktapme.com
Blaze Burger
At risk of this becoming a ‘where to find the best burgers’ article, we just had to include Blaze Burgers in the list. Located in JBR, they found their niche and stuck to it, offering some of the best burgers in town. There’s a huge variety of toppings and flavours on the menu, so you can choose to really experiment or stick with a classic.
Blaze Burgers, Plaza Level, Sadaf 4, The Walk, JBR, daily 10am to 2am. Tel: (800) 25293. blazeburgers.com
Chicago Meatpackers
If there’s one thing Chicago Meatpackers does well, it’s meat. Which is handy as there’s not much else on the menu. This restaurant gets maximum points purely for the fact it allows pets inside, so you can enjoy a steak, burger or rack of ribs with your pooch by your side.
Chicago Meatpackers, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 580 7983. chicago-meatpackers.com
Claw BBQ
Self-proclaimed divebar, Claw BBQ, can be known as a bit of a tourist spot thanks to its Souk Al Bahar location. However there’s still some great deals to be found for residents, including a Tuesday ladies’ night which offers girls unlimited cocktails, house spirits and wine.
Claw BBQ Crabshack & Grill, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 432 2300. clawbbq.com
FireLake Grill House
FireLake Grill House has a stunning rooftop terrace which just reopened for the winter months. There’s a barbecue-style ‘Backyard Brunch’ every Friday which serves up grilled treats inspired by the Mid-Western part of America. Not to mention there’s stunning views of Dubai Canal and Burj Khalifa.
FireLake Grill House, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront, Business Bay, daily 4pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 249 7800. radissonhotels.com
Hard Rock Cafe
This world famous restaurant really needs no introduction. You’ll find all of the iconic memorabilia, live bands and comfort food that you’d expect at any Hard Rock outlet. The venue itself is huge and hosts weekly events such as resident rock band performances.
Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai Festival City, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 232 8900. hardrockcafe.com
Ketch Up
Take a stroll along Bluewaters to find casual dining restaurant Ketch Up. They specialise in burgers, and great ones at that. On the menu you’ll find a few interesting concoctions including a Mexican burger with guacamole and jalepeno peppers or a seafood burger with salmon fillet and tiger prawns.
Ketch Up, Bluewaters, daily 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 399 9404. facebook.com/ketchupdxb
Lock Stock and Barrel
If you’re looking for tasty comfort food, bar snacks, drinks deals, live entertainment and a buzzy atmosphere, both of Lock Stock and Barrel’s branches will give you all of that. One of Dubai’s stalwart venues, LSB always attracts a busy crowd for after-work drinks, sports fans for live match showings and fun-lovers for their weekend brunch.
Lock Stock and Barrel, Grand Millennium Barsha Heights or Rixos Premium JBR, Sun to Thurs 4pm to 3am, Fri & Sat 2pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 514 9195. lsbdubai.com
Mighty Quinn’s
Mighty Quinn’s is where meat-lovers come to feast. The NYC-born smokehouse offers wood-smoked dishes aplenty at its JBR and Dubai Mall outlets. Leave your vegan friend at home and make sure you try their smoked lamb shoulder for a true taste of ‘Murica.
Mighty Quinn’s, JBR and Dubai Mall, daily 10am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 380 1888. mightyquinnsbbq.ae
Nola
Inspired by New Orleans, Nola Eatery & Social House is a buzzy after-work spot tucked away in JLT’s Cluster P. The outdoor terrace is particularly lovely to enjoy a couple of drinks or a meal from their well-varied menu. Just make sure you book in advance if you want a table guaranteed.
Nola Eatery & Social House, Armada Blue Bay Hotel, Cluster P, JLT, daily noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 399 8155. nola-social.com
O’Leary’s
Don’t be fooled by the Irish-sounding name, O’Leary’s is an all-American sports bar. Recently opened in Dubai Creek, the Boston-themed bar offers everything from wings and grilled steak to pasta and quesadillas. Check it out for one of the next big sports games.
O’Leary’s, Hilton Dubai Creek, Sat to Weds noon to 1am, Thur & Fri noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 212 7570. olearys.ae/dubaicreek
Perry & Blackwelder
One of the things Perry and Blackwelder does really well is breakfast, you know the type where you’re feeling worse for wear and a decent afternoon brekkie is the only cure. But that’s not all you’ll find, this American bar also serves up some mean burgers, hot dogs, crazy shakes and more.
Perry & Blackwelder’s Smokehouse, Souk Madinat, Jumeirah, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (800) 666 353. facebook.com/perryandblackwelder
Rodeo Drive
Everyone should have Rodeo Drive on their Dubai bucket list to tick off at least once. It’s an experience that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the city. From the central mechanical bull dominating the bar’s entertainment, to the beer pong tables scattered around the venue, you’re bound to have fun here whether you like it or not.
Rodeo Drive, The Stables, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Road, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 342 5571. facebook.com/rodeodrivebardubai
Stars N Bars
Transport yourself to the coast of California at the second UAE edition of Stars N Bars. After the stellar success of its Abu Dhabi counterpart, the La Mer branch opened last year to much fanfare. It has a similar menu, with lots of picky bits to graze on throughout an afternoon of fun and drinks.
Stars N Bars, La Mer North, Jumeirah 1, Sun to Wed noon to 2am, Thu to Sat noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 349 9903. starsnbars.ae
Caribbean
Havana Social Club
Get a real taste of Havana life at this Caesars Palace Bluewaters venue. The vibe gets very lively, especially on ladies’ night, where you shouldn’t be surprised to find guests up on the floor re-enacting the moves from Dirty Dancing.
Havana Social Club, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Mon to Sat 1pm to 1am, Sun closed. Tel: (04) 526 9263. @havanasocialclubdubai
Key West
Key West has cuisine influenced by Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean, to create a glorious menu with a wide variety of tasty dishes. The restaurant backs out onto Nikki Beach Resort and Spa’s private beach, and if you pick a table on the outdoor terrace you can hear the waves crashing up against the shore.
Key West, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Jumeira, daily 5pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 376 6290. dubai.nikkibeach.com
Miss Lily’s
Straight out of New York City’s Greenwich Village, this Jamaican restaurant is as popular now as it was when it reached Dubai more than three years ago. Every inch, from the chequered floor to the striped ceiling, is a rainbow of colour. The menu is a modern twist on Caribbean tradition and following the trend of hip restaurants everywhere, it encourages sharing-style dining.
Miss Lily’s, Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 7pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 3544074. facebook.com/misslilysdxb
Ting Irie
You’ll instantly feel like part of the family when you dine at Ting Irie, as every member of staff greets you with a warm grin. There’s authentic Jamaican vibes in everything from the decor and soundtrack, to the food and drinks. Check out the cocktail menu for a true taste of Caribbean life.
Ting Irie, Souk Manzil, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 557 5601. tingirie.com
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