Stars and Bars
We all know the island, we all know the circuit, but what about the marina on Yas Island? Unless you have a boat (or know someone who does) you might have missed the capital’s hippest new port. If you haven’t been, Stars and Bars is all the excuse you need – during the Formula 1, the hip younger sister of the original location in Monte Carlo was absolutely heaving and for good reason.
Like the Formula 1, the atmosphere is loud and fun, with vintage rock blasting, sports memorabilia everywhere and live sports on TVs all around. We especially love the booths with the race car seats (that actually recline) and the massive semi-private booths with their own TVs. There’s even a live DJ spinning your requests.
Despite the massive million dirham yachts outside, the menu is laid back, with big fat burgers, chicken, steaks, salads, pizzza and Tex Mex - nothing is pretentious and everything is good.
We started with a selection of tapas, confirming the American opinion that everything goes with ranch dressing, especially the delightfully messy drumsticks. We went on to wallow in the chunky chilli cheese burger and chicken tacos, both also a little messy and fabulous for it.
Think it’s not classy? Between the high class Voss water, the über-swank boats outside and the Yas Hotel across the water, Stars and Bars is all about understated style – like a Texas oil baron.
Somehow we saved just enough room for dessert and it’s a good thing. The cheesecake was cheesy and decadent, the brownie and ice cream nothing short of divine, the sorbets and ice cream refreshing and delicious.
Laura Fulton
What? Stars and Bars
Where? Yas Marina
Cost: Most mains between 50 and 100 - check out the 1.1 kilo side of beef for two only AED 189
Why? With its great grub and easy atmosphere, this glorified burger joint delivers the spirit of the F1 year round
Why not? A little noisy so not romantic unless your idea of romance involves roller coasters instead of candlelight
We say: Head on out for a rocking good time; keep an eye out for live music and comedy acts to come – the entrance to the marina is at the track end of Yas Tunnel, just opposite gates 5 and 6 of the circuit
Contact: 02 565 0101
