Rock Bottom Tecom Guide 2025: Prices, Timings, Dress Code, and Best Nights in Barsha Heights

Created by: Trevor Pennington
Completed on: 2 Oct 2025
Categories: Lifestyle & Nightlife

If you want a loud, budget-friendly night with a live band, big portions, and a packed dance floor in Barsha Heights, you’re likely thinking of Rock Bottom in TECOM. It’s the go-to for late nights, throwback hits, and wallet-friendly drinks. Before you head over, here’s exactly what to expect-timings, prices, dress code, and the smart moves to get the most out of your night.

Rock Bottom Tecom pulls a mixed crowd-after-work groups, long-time Dubai expats, first-time visitors-because it delivers the same thing, every time: loud music, decent food, and a party that runs late.

When people say "Rock Bottom Tecom," they’re referring to this venue:

Rock Bottom Café (Barsha Heights) is a casual American-style bar and late-night club known for live bands, DJs, big-value food, and daily drinks deals. Also known as Rock Bottom Tecom, it operates inside a hotel in the Barsha Heights district and is typically open until late (often close to 3 AM on busy nights).

TL;DR

Vibe: Live band + DJ, crowded after 10 PM, late close, rowdy in a good way.
Costs: Pints ~ AED 30-45 during promos; mixed drinks ~ AED 35-60; cover charge may apply on peak nights (often AED 50-100 with a drink).
Dress code: Casual-smart works; avoid beachwear and flip-flops at night.
Best nights: Weekends get packed; midweek ladies’ nights run often-arrive early.
Location notes: Barsha Heights (formerly TECOM); nearest Metro on the Red Line; taxis are easy.

What "Rock Bottom Tecom" actually is

Locals still say “TECOM,” but the area is officially called Barsha Heights. Rock Bottom here is the Dubai classic-part pub, part nightclub-with a stage for the house band and a DJ who keeps the floor busy after midnight.

Barsha Heights (TECOM) is a mixed-use district in Dubai known for mid-range hotels, pubs, karaoke bars, and late-night dining. TECOM keeps nightlife affordable compared with hotspots like Dubai Marina.

Expect upbeat rock, pop, and throwback hits early, then commercial dance and crowd-pleasers late. There’s a proper menu if you want dinner first-think burgers, steaks, wings, and sharing platters.

Where it is and the easiest way to get there

Rock Bottom sits inside a hotel in the middle of Barsha Heights, which means you’ve got multiple transport options. Driving is fine, but most people take the Metro or a taxi to skip parking and valet queues.

Dubai Metro is the city’s driverless rapid transit system running across the Red and Green lines. For Barsha Heights, the Red Line is your friend.

The nearest stop commonly used is Dubai Internet City Metro Station on the Red Line, within a quick taxi hop or a 10-20 minute walk to many TECOM venues.

Taxi from Dubai Marina: ~ AED 25-40 off-peak, 10-15 minutes.
Taxi from Downtown: ~ AED 45-70 depending on traffic, 20-30 minutes.
Taxi from DXB Terminal 1/3: ~ AED 70-100, 25-35 minutes off-peak.

Parking is available at nearby hotels and street spots, but weekends can be tight after 9 PM. If you’re driving, arrive early or you’ll circle.

Timings, entry rules, and dress code

Hours can shift with season and events, but Rock Bottom historically opens through the afternoon and stays lively until late. Peak energy is 10 PM to 2 AM. On weekends and themed nights, it often runs close to 3 AM.

Age: 21+ for alcohol in Dubai; carry physical ID (passport, Emirates ID, or a valid driver’s license-photos on your phone can get rejected).
Entry: Free early; later there may be a cover (commonly AED 50-100, often includes a drink). Security reserves the right to refuse entry if you’re too casual or visibly intoxicated.
Dress code: Casual-smart. Jeans and sneakers are fine if neat. Avoid gym shorts, beachwear, and flip-flops at night.
Mixed groups: Always easier to enter than large all-male groups at peak times.

Note for Ramadan and public holidays: Live entertainment and alcohol service can change; expect earlier closures or quieter vibes. Check the venue’s social pages the week you go.

Prices and typical deals

Rock Bottom built its reputation on being cheaper than the beachfront areas. Prices shift with promos, but here’s a realistic snapshot:

Pints: AED 30-45 during happy hour; AED 40-55 regular.
House spirits and mixers: AED 35-50 (premium brands higher).
Classic cocktails: AED 40-60; pitchers or jugs sometimes AED 85-120.
Shots: AED 20-35 for house; premiums more.
Food: Burgers/wraps ~ AED 45-70; steaks and mains ~ AED 80-140; sharing platters ~ AED 90-160.
Cover charge: Often AED 50-100 on peak nights, usually with a drink voucher.

Deals rotate: happy hours (late afternoon/early evening), bucket deals, and ladies’ nights midweek with free or discounted beverages for a set time. Arrive early on promo nights-queues form fast.

Music, nights, and what the crowd is like

Early evening feels like a pub; after 10 PM it leans nightclub. The house band handles crowd-pleasers-80s and 90s rock/pop, sing-alongs-then a DJ kicks up the pace. Expect dance floor classics, chart hits, and a few rock staples.

The crowd is mixed: long-term expats who’ve been coming for years, tourists staying nearby, and office groups from Media City and Barsha Heights. It’s friendly and unpretentious. If you want dress-to-impress glam, you’re better off in DIFC or Bluewaters; if you want high-energy and value, this is the call.

Food and drinks: what’s actually good

Big portions and simple wins. Popular picks: beef burgers, chicken wings with proper heat, steak and fries, and shareable nachos. If you like a late meal, the kitchen usually runs into the night, but last orders for food can sneak earlier than drinks-ask a server when you arrive.

Drinks are straightforward: draft lagers, bottled beer buckets, house spirits, classic cocktails. If you prefer low-sugar or alcohol-free options, ask; most hotel bars now carry zero-alcohol beer and standard mocktails.

Practical tips to avoid hassles

Arrive before 9 PM on weekends to dodge the queue and lock a table near the stage.
Split your night: dinner first, then dance. Ordering all food after 11 PM can be slow when the band is on.
Bring physical ID. Door staff don’t always accept phone photos.
Mind footwear. Smart sneakers are fine; beach flip-flops aren’t after dark.
Pay in rounds. When it gets busy, batching orders cuts your wait time.
Hydrate. It’s a hot city; alternate water between rounds and you’ll thank yourself at 8 AM.

Nearby alternatives if Rock Bottom is full or not your vibe

Barsha Heights is stacked with other options within a short walk or a 5-10 minute taxi.

Lucky Voice Dubai is a karaoke club and bar known for private rooms, themed nights, and late closing in Barsha Heights.

Nelson’s is a classic British-style pub inside a Barsha Heights hotel, popular for sports screens, hearty grub, and draft variety.

Belgian Beer Café (Tecom) is a European pub with a big Belgian beer list, mussels and frites, and a chilled terrace when weather allows.

Rock Bottom itself is housed within a hotel that nightlife regulars will recognize:

Ramee Rose Hotel is a mid-range hotel in Barsha Heights that has historically hosted Rock Bottom Café and other late-night venues. If you’re booking a room, always confirm current venue operations-Dubai nightlife shifts with refurbishments.

Comparison: Rock Bottom Tecom vs nearby Barsha Heights spots
Venue	Best for	Music/Entertainment	Typical Drink Prices	Food Style	Closes (typical)
Rock Bottom Café (Tecom)	Live band + late dance floor	Band + DJ, crowd-pleasers	Pints AED 30-55; cocktails AED 40-60	American pub, big portions	Late (often near 3 AM on peak nights)
Lucky Voice Dubai	Groups, karaoke, themed parties	DJ + private karaoke rooms	Cocktails AED 50-75; bottles higher	Bar bites + sharing plates	Late (varies by day)
Nelson’s	Sports screens, pub vibe	Music low; big match nights	Pints AED 35-60	British pub classics	Late but earlier than clubs
Belgian Beer Café (Tecom)	Quality beer, conversations	Background music	Belgian drafts AED 45-70	Belgian/European	Late-ish; terrace shuts earlier

Who will love it vs who should skip it

Great if you want: value drinks, sing-along live music, late closing, and a casual crowd.
Not ideal if you want: quiet conversations, premium mixology, or a dress-to-the-nines scene.

Simple plan for a great night at Rock Bottom

Check the night’s promo on the venue’s social pages (happy hour or ladies’ night).
Arrive before 9 PM for a table and easier entry.
Order food as soon as you’re seated; late-night kitchen waits can spike.
Enjoy the band, then shift closer to the dance floor when the DJ starts.
Batch your last round before 2 AM to avoid the bar rush.

Safety, etiquette, and local rules

Legal drinking age is 21+. Always carry valid physical ID.
Respect venue staff and security calls; they can deny entry or service.
Public drunkenness isn’t tolerated outside venues; take a taxi home.
Smoking areas exist inside many bars; check signage and be mindful.

Seasonal changes and renovation watch

Dubai venues do refresh or temporarily close for refurbishments, especially in summer. Promotions can change around New Year’s, major sporting events, and during Ramadan. If you haven’t been in a while, give the venue’s latest posts a look the week you plan to visit.

Quick checklist before you go

Physical ID in your wallet
Casual-smart outfit (no beachwear)
Plan your ride home (Metro closing times or taxi)
Arrive early if it’s a promo night
Hydration plan: water between rounds

Related concepts and how they fit

Barsha Heights is packed with hotel venues, which keeps prices competitive. If you want karaoke, you pivot to Lucky Voice. If you want beers and conversation, Belgian Beer Café is the move. If you want a match on a big screen with solid pub fare, Nelson’s is reliable. Rock Bottom sits right in the middle-budget-friendly and built for noisy fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Rock Bottom in Tecom get busy?

Most nights, the switch happens around 10 PM. The band warms everyone up earlier, the crowd thickens by 11 PM, and it often goes strong until close on weekends. Arrive before 9 PM if you want a table without a wait.

Is there a cover charge?

On quiet nights, entry can be free. On busy or special-event nights, expect AED 50-100, usually including a drink voucher. It depends on the day and the lineup. Checking the venue’s social updates the day of is the safest bet.

What’s the dress code at Rock Bottom Tecom?

Casual-smart works fine: jeans, neat sneakers, shirts or tees. Avoid gym shorts, tank tops, beachwear, and flip-flops at night. Security can refuse entry if your outfit is too casual or messy.

How much are drinks at Rock Bottom?

During promos, pints are often AED 30-45. Regular prices run AED 40-55 for beer, AED 35-50 for house spirits, and AED 40-60 for classic cocktails. Premium brands cost more. Bucket deals and ladies’ night offers can lower your spend.

What’s the closest Metro station to Rock Bottom Tecom?

Use the Red Line and aim for Dubai Internet City Metro Station. From there, it’s a short taxi ride or a manageable walk depending on your shoes and the weather. Late at night, most people grab a taxi.

Does Rock Bottom Tecom serve food late?

Yes, but last orders for the kitchen usually close before the bar. If you want a proper meal, order early-ideally before 10:30 PM on busy nights-so you’re not stuck waiting when the band starts.

Is it okay for solo visitors?

Yes. Sit at the bar or near the stage and you’ll end up chatting with someone. It’s a friendly, mixed crowd, and the staff are used to solo guests grabbing dinner before the band kicks in.

What’s a realistic budget for the night?

For two people: AED 250-450 if you stick to happy hour, buckets, or ladies’ night deals. Add food and premium drinks, and it can reach AED 500-700. Ordering by the bucket or pitcher keeps costs down.

Can I book a table at Rock Bottom Tecom?

Table policies change with events and promos. On peak nights, some areas are first-come-first-served, and bookings can be limited near the stage. Message the venue’s social pages earlier in the day for the most current answer.

Is Rock Bottom in Tecom still open in 2025?

Rock Bottom has been a long-running Dubai staple. Venues in Barsha Heights sometimes refresh or renovate, so always check the latest posts the week you go for current hours, promos, and any temporary changes.

Next steps and quick troubleshooting

If it’s too packed: Pivot to Lucky Voice for karaoke rooms or Nelson’s for a pub seat; circle back later when the queue eases.
If there’s a cover: Ask if it includes a drink; if yes, factor that into your spend before you decide.
If you’re underdressed: Switch to jeans and clean sneakers-simple upgrade that usually clears the door.
If you missed the kitchen: Share a platter somewhere nearby, then return for the band + DJ set.
If Metro is closing: Book a taxi 10-15 minutes before last songs to avoid the end-of-night scramble.

Bottom line: Rock Bottom Tecom is the dependable, noisy, late-night classic of Barsha Heights. Go for the live band, stay for the dance floor, and keep your expectations simple-value drinks, loud hits, and a crowd that wants a good time without the fuss.