Nightlife Review: The EXIT Sports Bar

SPONSORED: An upbeat venue for casual fun and to watch the sport this winter. 

Amongst some of the busiest bars in Barsha Heights, you will find The EXIT Sports Bar, nestled in the corner of the Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights lobby. As we walk closer to the entrance, we are greeted by the sounds of live entertainment and a beaming smile from the manager Kateryna – we’re not sure what to expect. 

A two-minute walk from the Dubai Internet City metro station, The EXIT draws inspiration from London sports bars, though this place is not just for the “football crowd.” It’s a cosy venue with different areas, the type of place you go to catch up with an old friend and say you’d stay for an hour – when really you stay-put for the evening. This lively sports bar with an outdoor terrace is the perfect spot winter evenings and those who work in Barsha Heights and fancy an after-work drink or those who live locally for matchday gatherings, or if (like us) you love a bit of toe-tapping live entertainment. 

The EXIT Sports Bar offers a worldly menu of Scottish pie, butter chicken curry, and fish and chips, perfect for chilled Sunday afternoons filled with comfort food. We’re asked if we’re hungry and respond nervously, “we sure are”! The garlic prawns, beef brisket, and a generous portion of calamari arrive at our table shortly after. We’re informed that these are all highlights from the new menu. The prawns caught our attention due to the sizzling sounds and the enticing smell of garlic and herbs. We ravenously mop the plate with bread and agree we’d come back for these alone.

Our eyes are wide open as our mains arrive upon a one-meter platter that it takes two waiters to carry! Whilst our waiter carefully places the board on the table, we sit up because there’s so much to sample and it all smell so good! A carefully laid out selection of popcorn chicken, crispy chicken wings, cheesy jalapeño poppers, French fries, BBQ chicken and three types of burgers (beef, chicken and fish) await. At this point, we are ready to be rolled out of the venue. 

The DJ track starts to fade and there’s a tap on the microphone. Then, the live entertainment starts and the singers give it their all. Within seconds they have the full attention of the room, while belting out classics – there’s clapping and a sing-a-long and we’re fully engaged. 

With all that singing, we reach for the drinks list, opting for a classic Cosmopolitan and French Press. In addition, there’s a lounge-style menu packed with cocktails, mocktails and a wide range of draught hops. 

In between matches and live entertainment, diners have the option to battle it out on the foosball table or over a game of pool – winner buys the next French Press. 

The EXIT Sports Bar is known for its comforting food and numerous indoor and outdoor screens to watch the sport in comfort this winter. With our bellies full and a feeling of feeling thoroughly entertained – this spot did not disappoint for a casual Friday night. 

GO: Visit www.mercuredubaihotel.com or call 052 201 0437 for reservations and more information.