Live rock
Regular live bands make this a strong choice for rock and metal fans, including occasional extreme-metal gigs.
Oak Live Bar
Al Barsha
Oak Live Bar is a compact live music bar in Al Barsha for nights built around rock, metal and local bands. You can catch regular gigs, join Monday jam sessions or settle in with drinks while the music takes over.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
223 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Jam nights
Monday jam nights welcome local musicians and pair uncertain performers with support, making it easier to join in.
Strong sound
The sound system was praised during a special event, which matters in a small, music-first venue.
Genre variety
The programme is not limited to rock: reviews mention comedy, drum and bass, electronic nights and different music genres.
Free popcorn
One reviewer specifically liked the complimentary popcorn served as a bar snack.
Easy parking
Parking is available behind the hotel, with valet parking also mentioned by a customer.
Tips for a Better Visit
Reserve ahead. Reserve for special events because the small room can fill quickly.
Check inclusions. If paying an entrance fee, ask which drink is included before ordering extras.
Try Monday. Monday is the night for open jam sessions with local musicians; activity may build later in the evening.
Expect noise. Choose this for dancing and listening rather than conversation, as the small venue gets very loud.
Check parking. Use the parking behind the hotel or ask about valet service.
Verify timing. Confirm the event start time before committing your evening, since one advertised 8 PM show began close to 10 PM.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel - Al Barsha Rd - behind Mall Of Emirates
Al Barsha First - Al Barsha, Dubai
| Mon | 1:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Tue | 1:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Wed | 1:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Thu | 1:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Fri | 1:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Sat | 1:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Sun | 1:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
Popular Mentions
Punk rock karaoke
The bar has hosted punk-rock karaoke for visitors wanting a more participatory music night.
Open Mic Jamming
Open-mic jamming is a recurring reason some customers visit.
French fry
One reviewer singled out the fries as a dish worth trying.
Stand up comedy
Wednesday stand-up comedy is another event mentioned positively in the reviews.
Common Concerns
Tight space
The bar is small and can feel cramped, particularly during metal shows or when larger groups visit.
Slow service
Service was described as friendly but not fast; one reviewer waited 20 minutes for fries.
Smoke smell
One Friday-night visitor left smelling strongly of cigarette smoke and wanted better ventilation.
Event delays
A special event advertised for 8 PM reportedly started close to 10 PM without an explanation.
Billing issues
A reviewer warned that bills can be wrong, so check the total carefully before paying.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Oak Live Bar is a small, music-led venue in Al Barsha where the main draw is live rock and metal. Reviews mention local bands, regular extreme-metal gigs, punk-rock karaoke and strong performances from acts such as Justice For All and Twenty to Top. It is a place to listen, dance and drink rather than hold a quiet conversation.
Monday is useful if you want to do more than watch: the weekly jam night invites local musicians to play, with support arranged for people who feel unsure. Comedy nights, drum-and-bass events and other electronic shows broaden the calendar, so checking the event schedule matters. The room’s intimacy is part of its character, but it can become cramped during popular metal shows or for larger groups.
Service feedback is mixed: staff are often described as friendly and attentive, while another reviewer waited 20 minutes for fries. Food opinions range from tasty fries, pasta and sliders to complaints about limited or below-average options, and drinks can feel expensive. For a special event, reserve ahead and check the start time.
One reviewer paid a 100 AED entrance fee that included one drink, but had to pay extra after finding the inclusions unclear. Parking behind the hotel and valet service were both mentioned.