Six Places in Doha to Go for a Girl’s Night Out

Let me be clear do about this – by “girl’s night out” I don’t mean “ladies night”.

In fact, what I really mean is a list of places you can go with your “squad” (although I also hate that term) or tribe (much better). I mean a place to go with drinks (or maybe not), decent food and yes, maybe, some musical stylings (preferably of the retro persuasion).

And, of course, this isn’t just limited to after 6pm fun or places with Happy Hours.

So…because, sometimes, you just need to be with your tribe, here are my go-to places for a girls night out/afternoon gathering (alert the authorities!).

Break out your best Boomerang shimmy and check out these places for your next catch up with your girlfriends:

Paloma – yes this can be hit and miss but it has margaritas as big as your head, a menu of well executed comfort food, and fun music in the form of the house band. What to Order: The margaritas during Happy Hour and a taxi. Fun Factor: YASSSSS if only for the kitsch band and people watching. You know you want to.

Nobu Afternoon Tea – so not technically a “night out”, but an event for the tribe nonetheless. But you can watch the sunset over Doha’s Corniche while acting all dainty with one of the more innovative and sophisticated afternoon teas in town every Saturday. With savory and sweet options, this is not your grandma’s afternoon tea.

Think creamy matcha caneles, black cod in butter lettuce and crabcakes with a spicy sauce. What to Order:  Classic Tea Set QR195 – choice of one Ikaati tea, coffee or mocktail and inclusive of unlimited matcha tea. Sparkling Tea Set QR240 – inclusive of one glass of Louis Bouillot Rosé and a choice of one Ikaati tea, coffee or mocktail and  inclusive of unlimited Matcha tea. Fun Factor: There is no 80s music but it’s Nobu people. And you get THAT view and the black cod. And…Nobu.

Isaan – Spicy food, awesome cocktails and an exotic vibe make for a lush evening out at the Grand Hyatt Doha. This is great food (served tapas style) and meant for sharing, so order up and spice it up. they also have a private room when you want something a little more secluded (or for a special occasion). What to Order: Mondays are Curry Night – all you can eat for a very reasonable QR95. You’re practically making money on that deal. Fun Factor: Low key but you can always head to Dunes Bar next door for something more raucous.

Barefoot Thursdays – One of the sleeper success stories of this past winter, every Thursday night from 12 October the Four Seasons Doha turns its beach area into a giant BBQ, dance floor and very cool hangout place. What to Order: At QR250/QR350 it’s hard to find a better deal. Try the delicious BBQ lobster delivered fresh to your table. Fun Factor: Great music, even better food and no shoes required. Enough said. Book early and book a big table – this will be popular.

Sakura – Dinner and a show you say? This Teppanyaki joint at the Radisson Blu has dutifully been serving up good Japanese food and even better entertainment for many years. Who doesn’t love the egg trick? Or their name spelled out in fried rice? What to Order: Pull up a seat at the counter and prepare for the show. You can choose from the extensive a la carte menu or head for the Teppanyaki. My favorite is the prawns and wagyu. Fun factor: Too cramped for dancing and you may fall into the koi pond, but the fun is in the show and your friend’s inability to catch that bowl on cue.

41D WS – An unusual inclusion but one I think will resonate. American style comfort food served in a stylish dining room with a more than excellent retro playlist (think ACDC with your burger).

The menu is like a phone book (remember them?), the service fun and attentive. This is a place for a casual catch up over burgers, a shake and some fun conversation.

What to Order: The burgers are hard to beat. The Fat Elvis was a stand out – peanut butter aioli (geddit?) and beef bacon – as was the salty sweet Reuben egg rolls. Beware – the portions are HUGE. Fun Factor: High, especially if you love a bit of retro rock (you shook me all night looooong) with your food and conversation.

So dear readers – where do you like to go for a a night/afternoon out with your besties?

Please read my small print here. Please. Go on. For me.