After a very disappointing meal at Enigma (Chef Bjorn, please come back!), The EmirEATi and I decided to cut our losses and walk next door to Q’s Bar and Lounge, a jazz bar I’ve long heard about, but haven’t managed to visit. Walking in, the in house jazz trio was in the middle of a set, and we were quickly ushered to a pair of the cushy leather seats (all very romantic — too bad our respective and super supportive spouses were working late). As former percussionists (Dan to a far greater extent than myself) we were immediately engaged by the music. While there are plenty of DJ’s across town, live music is a real treat. This talented group, led by vocals and bassist Katie Thiroux, were clearly comfortable with each other and had a wonderfully deep range on their respective instruments. Each musician was given a chance to solo (this is jazz, after all) and when they did, they did so with ease and class.
Our server Flora, who had already warmly greeted us during dinner with promises of a great table, quickly stopped by to give us the drinks menu. After a refreshing glass of Ruinart (in an iconic Versace glass, natch), I moved on to a Fresh Prince (of Bel-Air), AED85. Although the description reads a bit odd (Absolut Elyx luxury vodka, Chambord, and Butterscotch liqueur), I can promise you that the taste was delicious. Across the table, Dan made his way through a few other cocktails, before ending on a glass of potent rum from the broad list of spirits. As we were full(ish) from our disappointing dinner, we bypassed the food menu, which offers traditional bar snacks.
And that’s it. Similarly minded patrons were seated around us, enjoying the tunes and celebrating a birthday or two. The music is played at a volume that allows for conversation, but for the most part, we reserved our talking to breaks between sets. I will, of course, use this moment to gently suggest the patrons at Q’s should consider dressing a bit more for the occasion, and that cargo shorts and Toms are perhaps not a look that goes with the location. Perhaps I’ve been in Dubai too long.
Would I go back? You better believe it! The only thing stopping me is the location… I sincerely wish Q’s was more centrally located, such that it would be a great place to start or end an evening. My only other notes would be that it’s quite a dark interior and even though smokers are separated from non-smokers, the ventilation system isn’t enough to keep those nicotine smells out of one’s clothes by the end of the evening. I’ll also warn that as one might guess, this is not a cheap place to drink, but the addition of live music (to me) is enough to overlook the additional cost.
Have you been to Q’s? What was your experience?
A to Za’atar was a guest of Q’s. Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.
