Bar Guide to Doha

I've gotten several requests to update the list I made and posted here before. I have done so and it's posted here:
Qatar Happening

And I will post it here:

While bars, pubs and discos aren’t the first things that pop into your mind when you think about our beloved little peninsula, we do have them here in Doha, and some of them aren’t bad.

I have endeavored to compile a list of all the bars and nightclubs in Doha. Please note that these are the opinions of the author, and that tastes vary, this guide is meant to give you a list of clubs & bars based on location, price and atmosphere, and what might not be the most enjoyable atmosphere to one person may be another person’s ultimate clubbing experience. Enjoy.

DOHA GOLF CLUB

Spike’s Lounge – You don’t need to be a member of the golf club to visit this delightful little spot. With its huge outdoor area located right next to the green, you can sit back, have a drink and forget you live in the desert as you watch the ducks waddle around the golf clubs pond. I’ve even been lucky enough to find a frog hopping around in the wet grass. The food is decent, the drinks are cheap (30QR) and the tables are made for big groups. Should be noted however, that this is a pretty quiet spot, a place to maybe start your evening with a pitcher of beer, not the place to end your evening with dancing and loud conversations, and I should mention that the service leaves much to be desired. I’ve waited up to 30 minutes to have someone bring me a menu.

RITZ CARLTON

Habano’s – Located on the ground floor Habano’s is the Ritz’s cigar bar. While the interior is small and always full on a Thursday and Friday night, it does have a lovely terrace…if you can get their early enough to grab a table on it. The drinks are excellent, with moijitos being the signature, and there’s also a fine selection of cigars. Be sure to ask the staff to marinate your cigar for you, it’s a nice treat.
As can be expected at the Ritz Carlton the prices are steep. The average cocktail will run you 60QR and cigars are around 100 QR and up. This isn’t a place to visit the week before pay day. Also, only hotel guests can make reservations (which can be problematic if you’re trying to go with a group on the weekend) so if you intend to show up after 9 o’clock, forget about it!
The atmosphere is calm, quiet and refined and mostly couples. The kind of place you visit for a quiet drink or pre-drinks before going out, not the kind of place you party the night away at.

La Mer Wine Bar – Located on the 22nd floor, this bar is the epitome of class, sophistication and over-priced bottles of wine. The only wine bar in Doha, it boasts a breathtaking view of West Bay and the Pearl Qatar, as well as a delicious selection of wines and canapés. This bar is so exclusive that you can only get to it by a private elevator located in the lobby.
The cheapest glass of wine is 70 QR; the cheapest bottle starts around 250 QR. This is not a place for the light of wallet by any stretch (however if you’re looking to impress someone, then this is the spot).
Atmosphere is EXPENSIVE!!!

Admirals – Having just gone through some impressive changes Admirals has transformed from an Arabic infused nightclub to a proper yacht club, complete with model boats, anchors, and a comfy pin-striped chairs, the perfect spot for those sea lovers among us.

I must say that the new Admirals is a huge improvement and you can't beat the terrace which overlooks the Ritz's yacht club, or the prices. With prices ranging from 30 QR to 70 QR (with the average cocktail being 55QR) this place promises to be one of my new favourite venues.

GRAND HYATT

Dunes: Dunes is the Grand Hyatt's new cigar bar. With a distinct Orient meets Arabia atmosphere Dunes is slightly different than other cigar bars in town in that it doesn't follow with the classic, dark, smokey Havana atmosphere that the others have. It's bright, clean and spacious with plenty of windows that look out across the bay to Pearl island or down into the Hyatts lobby.

Le Grill: Technically a restuarant Le Grill does boast an outdoor Sheisha terrace where you can also enjoy a drink of your alcoholic beverage of choice. So far, this is the only spot in Doha that allows this.

INTERCONTINENTAL

Paloma’s – Qatar’s original Latin themed hot spot Paloma’s has had a rise and fall in popularity over the years. One month it’s the prime place to go dance the night away and the next month it’s a place best to avoid. In general however, the music’s good, there’s lots of space to sit down and the drink prices are reasonable (35 to 40 QR).
As stated before, the atmosphere tends to vary, so it’s really hard to pin it down as a lounge, bar or disco. It starts off the evening as a Mexican restaurant and the bar crowd doesn’t generally get there till about 11ish, after which it becomes very disco in nature, sometimes boasting a scantily clad Salsa band or a DJ depending on the night.
The best thing on offer at Paloma’s is their happy hours. Every weekday evening until 7:00 p.m. drinks are two for the price of one.
Word on the street has it that Paloma’s will be reverting completely back to a restaurant in the near future, however, (near future by Doha standards meaning next two years), and that the InterContinental will be opening a new bar/lounge, name yet unknown.

W

Crystal: Pronounced Cris-Taaallll, Crystal gets its name from the champagne brand Crystal. With it's black walls, black tables, black chairs and black lights, it's the kind of place where you can sink into the shadows. Drinks here (if you can see enough to read the menu) are pricey, between 60QR and 80QR per drink on average.

Wham: Wham is supposed to be W's sheisha terrace, although at the moment they don't have a sheisha liscense. Till then it's open as a normal bar with prices similar to Crystal.

FOUR SEASONS

Library – The Four Seasons cigar bar, similar in style, price and atmosphere to the Ritz Carlton’s, but a little less crowded and happening. It’s really hard to peg this place, however every time I’ve been the seats are all taken, although it does seem to be mostly with hotel guests….but I just can’t shake the feeling that it’s like drinking in my grandmother’s living room…or an actual library. The atmosphere is sophisticated, classy and mature, the service is good, but it's not the place to go and have a rowdy time.
The snacks you get with the drinks are really good though. Yummy stuffed olives and potato chips along with the usual nuts.
Drinks are around 50 QR to 60 QR.

Hip India Lounge - Wallowing in Bollywood Funk, the Hip India Lounge takes over the Apres Spa Cafes Terrace every Thursday & Friday. Featuring Indian inspired food, drinks, Bollywood movies projected onto the walls and Bollywood music, you'd think you'd died and woke up in Mumbai. Unfortunately the drinks aren't Mumbai prices, 60 QR + is the average. It's a really nice spot on a good night though, so try it before the weather gets to hot.

SHERATON

Irish Harp – Doha’s only Irish pub, the Harp is located in the basement of the Sheraton hotel. While the venue itself is pretty large, and boasts a very traditional Irish feel and beverage list it unfortunately does not boast Irish laws. Smoking is allowed inside (unlike in real Irish pubs) and done to excess (or as the result of bad air circulation) so that one can hardly take a breath. The place is a haven for tobacco lovers, but might best be avoided by those who don’t have a fond love of cancer sticks. Unfortunate, since the drink price isn’t bad at 30QR to 50QR and the live music is quite entertaining.

The Waterhole – Located on the second floor of the Sheraton its original bar is a 70’s flavored, disco fever, neon explosion of tacky. I honestly don’t know how much the drinks are because I’ve never been able to actually make myself sit down in their faux leather seats. This place is definitely only visited by those Doha-ites looking for a little extra entertainment for their evening, if you know what I mean.

MOVENPICK

Piano Piano – Found in the old Movenpick (not to be mistaken with the Movenpick Towers and Suites) Piano Piano is a nice little spot. Appealing to the quiet drink seekers, rather than the hardcore party people, the atmosphere is laid back and the drinks on the expensive side – 35 QR to 40 QR a beer, more for cocktails. It’s worth a check out if you just want a nice evening out.

SHARQ VILLAGE AND SPA

Cigar Bar – Apparently a lot of people in Qatar smoke cigars because the Sharq Village and Spa ALSO has a cigar bar. This one is very, very Cubanesque, with its dark wood and palm leaf shaped ceiling fans, you kind of expect to see Ernest Hemingway holding up one end of the bar and Marlon Brando fanning himself at the other.
This place is pretty mellow even by Doha standards, it never seems to be very busy, its patrons mostly consisting of hotel guests. Drinks are pricey, about 60QR and above, and I can’t say that they have any signature drinks that make it worth the price. However it is a very nice quiet place if you wish some alone time with a special someone and it does have a beautiful outdoor sitting area with plush couches.

MARRIOTT

The Pearl Lounge – This two story dance club is located on the side of the Marriott hotel with its own private entrance, which, if you’re lucky, you’ll actually be allowed to get to the other side of it. The dress code at the Pearl is STRICT! No sneakers, no sandals, nice jeans or no service! It used to be no jeans on for men at all, but recently they’ve begun letting in guys with NICE jeans, no rips, no tears, no acid wash.
This is also a membership club, men either buy membership or pay over a hundred riyal to get in (and if you aren’t with a girl chances are you aren’t getting in). Girls can get in free and membership gets you entrance for two other people.
The music is usually house, and sometimes Arabic. Drinks are about 40 QR to 50 QR and I highly recommend the Bull Frogs and Long Island Iced Teas which are not light on the alcohol and will give you the energy to keep up with the fast paced music.
The Pearl is either a love it or hate it club. It really depends on your musical tastes and whether you want to dance the night away. If dancing isn’t your thing, you might want to try somewhere else.

GULF HORIZON HOTEL

Located in a dark alley in the souq the Gulf Horizon hotel does not look like it should be able to boast a licensed bar. Offering the cheapest drinks in Doha (16 QR for a beer) this dirty, packed, dank little bar is not the place most people would want to venture. Especially women. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

MERCURE

Old Manor – Found on the top floor of the Mercure, this old English Manor style pub features steaks, drinks and a keyboard player. The place is never busy and usually pretty quiet, so if you’re looking for a decent steak and a quiet beer, then this is your spot. If you’re looking for something a bit more livelily though, I’d recommend elsewhere. Drink prices are around QR 30 to QR 40.

MERWEB

Cloud NYN – I think this is supposed to be a hip hop club….Who knows. It’s loud, it’s small, it has strobe lights, and you can get bottles of booze on your table, with mixers. It’s kind of like one big late 1980’s junior high house party, only there’s alcohol and your mom won’t be looking downstairs to check on you. You can read whatever you want into that.

LA CIGALE

Madison – With a fancy new décor, Madison offers comfy cozy red pizzazz and a chic atmosphere. The entertainment is unique to Qatar’s club scene with a talented lounge singer/keyboard duo rotating every few months and playing English, Spanish, French, Italian and Arabic hits. The artists accommodate requests and even delve into some 80s favourites like Dire Straits and the Eagles.

One not so appreciated aspect of Madison, however, is the music volume. The volume is turned up to beyond the point of annoying and you’ll find yourself straining your voice to order a drink. The Karaoke element of sharing the mic with random guests was cute the first few time’s I but you’ll soon find it gets a little old.

Typically a more mature Lebanese crowd, there is good energy in the club and as the evening progresses dancing is invited on the dance floor or by your sofa. When I visited recently Madison’s was far from full, perhaps due to a new cover charge of QR 100 on Thursdays and Fridays.

This is a place which you can feel comfortable in a wardrobe choice to suit your mood. Typically you will see a range of dress from casual blue jean chic, business suits and stylish dresses.

The wine list is rather limited, the service staff efficient, but not very knowledgeable about the drink menu, however the bubbly is very reasonably priced with impressive presentation.

Sky Bar – With a breathtaking view of Doha this entirely outdoor bar promises to be one of the best lounges in Doha. There’s an excellent selection of martinis and lots of big plush couches to lounge on. Drinks range from 50QR to 60QR. The downside of this spot is the service. The waiters and waitresses would rather talk amongst themselves then serve you. This can be a bit of an annoyance if you’d actually like a drink.

RAMADA

Bubbles – Found on the Mezzanine in the newer part of the hotel, bubbles is one of Doha’s best kept secrets. With bright reds, pinks and plaids it’s a bit garish to the eyes but that’s more than made up for by excellent service, cocktails and prices. 50QR for a delicious champagne cocktail (take my suggestion and order a Marilyn Monroe or a Harvey Wallbanger. You won’t find them on the menu but the staff will know what you’re talking about). The only downsides about this place are that there are never enough seats, and the rather screeching “band” that plays at nights. It’s highly recommended that if you want to hold a conversation you’ll find a seat in the back. Believe me though, even if you’re forced to stand by the bar, this place is worth a visit.

Orions – Not a well known spot, this is a pretty decent bar. Located on the Ninth floor of the new building you can listen to Jazz every Friday or just sit around and chat to your friends. It’s a nice place to go when you’re not actually sure what you want to do and you have a big group that you need to fit. Drinks are on the cheaper side 30QR to 50QR. Perfect place for pre-drinking or all night drinking, in all honesty it’s a perfectly acceptable, I just want to chill, bar.
Manhatten – This place literally fits 10 people comfortably. It’s on the ground floor of the new part of the Ramada and I seriously think that they put it there because they just couldn’t think of another thing to do with the space. However it’s not a bad place to stop by if you’re in the mood for a quick cocktail or you’re waiting for your reservation at one of their restaurants. Drinks are about 30 QR to 50QR, and it’s usually pretty full, so you’ll more than likely end up standing.

Sherazad - Found on the first floor of the old wing, Sherazad is one of Doha’s older bars. It’s supposed to be a sports bar, and boasts a pretty big screen on which to watch sports. It’s a little on the dark and dingy side, and usually isn’t very full. However it does host the Laughter Factory every month, which packs the place and it has a surprisingly lovely outdoor terrace and serves a darn good breakfast.

Qube – Doha’s other dedicated dance club, the Qube is located behind the Ramada Plaza and is accessible through either the hotel or a private entrance. This place is positively cavernous and resembles a small stadium rather than a bar. The dance floor is HUGE and surprisingly full most of the time. It always hosts a variety of events, but in general Joe Mitri’s Thursday night is the best time to go to shake your bootie, his music is probably some of the best DJing available in Doha (however tastes differ, so you should go and decide for yourself).
If you can, try to get to the upstairs, which is a little less crowded, especially if you’re a girl (unless you want to spend the night fending off unwanted advances). Girls are allowed upstairs for free and can bring along one guy each. Keep in mind there’s a very strict ID policy at the door, so make sure you have yours with you.

RUGBY CLUB

Rugby Club – You’ll have to forgive me my directions, especially if you’re new to Doha, but the Rugby Club can be found by taking a right at Decoration Roundabout and then your next right. Hopefully someone will comment on this post with better directions.
The Rugby Club is exactly what it says it is; the headquarters of Rugby fans and teams in Doha. It houses a nice little bar, with cheap drinks, outdoor barbeque and a rather British feel. Drinks are around 20QR to 40QR, and there’s often a DJ. It’s a little on the small and dirty side, and if you like a classier drinking environment, then you’ll probably want to go elsewhere. There’s also a strict members only policy after 9:00 pm for girls and boys, so you’ll want to make sure you’re with a member or are willing to purchase a membership.