Bars and Cafes in Muscat

Bars and Cafes in Muscat

Muscat being an Islamic city is slightly discreet with its bars, and most of them are located within the confines of five star hotels, thus catering largely to tourists and expatriates. Liquor is sold only at licensed bars and restaurants, and therefore the up market bars tend to be slightly pricey. There are, however, some nice old-fashioned cafes on the town streets and a few international coffee shop chains as well. Here is a guide to the Bars and Cafes of Muscat.

Starbucks

For loyal, quality conscious visitors, who swear by their brand, there is a Starbucks outlet located on the beach stretch that passes between the Intercontinental Hotel and the Crown Plaza. It's nestled just opposite the beach, and the glass wall offers beautiful images of the ocean. There is also a Costa Coffee outlet at Oasis by the Sea.

Al Gazal Bar

The Al Gazar Bar is nestled in the Inter-Continental Hotel at Shatti Qurm, and is an unusual and enjoyable place to clink glasses with friends over interesting conversation and great live musical performances. Frequented largely by the expat population, the bar organizes regular local dance renditions and a popular quiz night. Live Sports events are also televised on giant screens, and visitors can often be seeing cheering their favorite teams over delicious European meals.

Trader Vics

Trader Vics is a stylish and up market socializing venue housed again in the Inter Continental. The destination has a Polynesian theme and plays nice Arabic melodies and Latin music on certain days. The place is famous for its cocktails and the best in-house concoction is the Samoan Fogcutter. Don’t leave without sampling their delicious lamb chops.

John Barry

John Barry is a bar located in the Muscat Grand Hyatt and has an impressive ambiance of an old, deserted ship, complete with soft lights and wooden walls. This
romantic bar has a talented pianist cum singer who plays brilliant vintage tunes accompanied by an equally enchanting sax player. The drinks are regular but the Italian grub is exceptionally good.

CCC Mall

CCC Mall has a few nice nargileh cafés that serve refreshing milky tea and fresh pastries to go along with it. This is the best place to chat up with locals and learn about their customs and daily lifestyle. Visitors can also enjoy flavorsome mint tea and the hookah pipe. There are some interesting backgammon boards for the entertainment of customers.

Muscat has a few plush bars located mostly in five star hotels to offer dining, drinking and entertainment to the tourist and expat community. There are lounge bars playing soothing piano music, bars relaying live sports events on big screens, cocktail bars that whip-up ace concoctions and traditional cafes selling mint tea and flavored hookah pipe.