Craft by Side Hustle — Attraction in Abu Dhabi

We recently celebrated my husband's birthday at this venue and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Friends joined us from Sharjah, Dubai and Fujairah and every single one of them was thoroughly impressed by the delicious food, vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service.

Since my husband is lactose intolerant, I had arranged for a special fruit cake to be delivered for the celebration which took place during their Saturday Brunch. The communication with the team via both email and phone was outstanding - professional, timely and extremely helpful. It was honestly one of the best service experiences I've had with restaurant staff.

From coordinating the cake delivery with the team to staying in touch while we were en route on a party bus from Sharjah, everything was handled with care and precision. George, the Manager on Duty, personally introduced himself with a warm smile and made sure the cake was received and presented exactly as planned. He continued to check in on us throughout the brunch to ensure everyone was having a great time and had everything they needed.

As for the service during the brunch itself - Stanley, our waiter, was absolutely outstanding. From the moment we arrived, he greeted us with enthusiasm and ensured our glasses were never empty. He was so attentive with our drinks, offering to refresh or suggest alternatives when below halfway. His energy and attentiveness truly elevated the experience.

We thoroughly enjoyed not just the wide variety of cocktails, beers and other drinks on offer, but also the impressive quality and balance of the cocktails themselves - something that truly stood out. It's not often that you find a place where each cocktail had the right mix of flavours, strength and presentation. A personal highlight for me was trying Japanese whiskey for the first time - it was smooth and instantly became a new favourite, easily taking the place of my usual Old Fashioned.

The presentation of the birthday cake was timed perfectly with the dessert course and it was a hit! Everyone enjoyed it along with the fluffy beignets, mud cake and cheesecake.

Over the next few days, our friends continued to rave about the event. They loved the lively music, the upbeat and welcoming staff - especially Stantley - and the overall vibe of the brunch. Many of them mentioned they'd definitely be back, some even planning to return with their children.

This was more than just a birthday brunch. It was a beautifully coordinated and joy-filled celebration. A huge thank you to George, Stanley and the entire team for making...

This is in Abu Dhabi stands out as the city’s first microbrewery, offering a genuinely distinctive experience for beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike!🍻 The venue’s craft beer selection is impressive, with a rotating line-up of house-brewed ales and lagers that cater to a range of palates.🍼🤗 Options such as the golden stout and American pale ale have received particular praise, and the taster flights allow guests to explore different brews before settling on a favourite🤍... The brewery’s commitment to freshness and variety is evident, with up to ten unique beers available at any given time💯

The food menu is inspired by southern-style smokehouses🖤, featuring dishes like burnt ends, beef brisket, and Cajun po’boys🖤🖤. Portions are generous, and the kitchen’s attention to detail is frequently noted, with highlights including the burgers, sliders, and onion rings!. the overall standard is high, and the menu pairs well with the brewery’s drinks🍻

One of the venue’s most appealing aspects is its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.... The staff🤍 are routinely described as attentive and knowledgeable, often taking the time to discuss beer recommendations or share the story behind the brewery🤙🏻 The ambiance strikes a balance between lively and relaxed, with spaces suitable for both social gatherings and quieter conversations. The presence of a dart game adds a classic pub touch, encouraging a sense of camaraderie among guests and providing an engaging diversion alongside the food and drink!💝

Sooo, Craft by Side hustle delivers a memorable experience through its combination of inventive craft beers, hearty food, and a convivial setting.... The inclusion of games like darts, alongside attentive service and a diverse crowd, cements its reputation as one of Abu Dhabi’s top spots for both locals and visitors seeking a casual yet quality-driven gastropub...

This place is interesting but requires some work on menu and concept. Here are more details:

Food

The best thing we tried there was beef, it also goes with the sauce which really complements it. We also got salmon and chicken - fish was okay, chicken was a bit dry

However, other positions from menu were just a disappointment. Dry chicken and not the best sauce for the chicken salad, dry flat fish cutlets for the fish and chips. Dessert are VERY sweet, which is a problem for me personally

Beers and other drinks

My boyfriend who is into beers was happy with their degustation set and some beer options. But one time we came and found out that his favorite type of beer was out of the stock. Cocktails are okay but not exceptional. Prosecco was cool

Service.

Very nice and friendly people, always ready to help

Atmosphere.

Generally it’s more like a pub/party place, so those who like this kind of culture will definitely enjoy. I personally didn’t have any problem with this, we still were able to talk, music was not insanely loud

Conclusion: this place deserves attention since it’s one of a few in the country which makes their own beers. However, I have mixed feelings about our experience there and for now it’s 3 stars. Menu definitely need to be changed, if it’s specialized in meats - let it be meat menu only. Cocktails card also needs more work but again, maybe the place should concentrate on beers only idk. It feels like the owners didn’t have a precise clue on what they want and went all sides, making a local beer bar + party cocktails bar + typical American food place + typical UK pub. I wish this place to find its own path in the gastronomic world and hope next time it will be...