For a mix of hearty bites and fun with friends, Bushra Hakim visited CLAW BBQ at Hilton Bahrain in Juffair.

CLAW BBQ has been winning fans in the UAE and Qatar for quite some time and has finally landed in Bahrain. It’s exactly the kind of place you want for a night out with friends, where food, drinks, games and a bit of chaos are all rolled into one. Whether you’re here for a catch-up, a casual night out or football live streaming, it’s easy to settle in and lose track of time.

Located at the 44th floor of Hilton Bahrain in Juffair, we arrived just in time to watch the sun set over the skyline. On the inside, neon lights, bold colours and an open-plan layout make it clear that this is not a quiet, sit-and-whisper spot. Seating ranges from high tables by the bar to more secluded corners with immaculate views. Games are scattered across the floor – air hockey, Jenga, pinball, darts, mini basketball and a boxing machine that rates your punch. The air hockey turned aggressive fast, the boxing machine humbled a few people and by the time our food arrived, we were already in a great mood.

The Chips & Guacamole were first and, honestly, they deserved their own moment. Made fresh right in front of us in a traditional molcajete (Mexican mortar and pestle), this wasn’t just guac, it was a performance. Avocados mashed with tomatoes, onion, jalapeños and cilantro, brought together with a hint of lime – creamy, fresh and ridiculously good. The lightly spiced, crisp chips were sturdy enough to hold the generous scoops and sharing them was almost impossible.

For drinks, margaritas were the obvious choice here and judging by the number of them around the room, I couldn’t resist. I went for the virgin Strawberry Margarita: sweet, cold and dangerously easy to finish, with the salted rim that kept pulling me back. It paired perfectly with the Tex-Mex food options that followed.

Next up were the Fried Pickles, which sounded odd until we tasted them. Golden, crunchy on the outside, warm and tangy on the inside, paired with a blue cheese dip that added just the right amount of creaminess. The contrast worked far better than expected, and they disappeared just as quickly as the guac.

The Boneless Chicken Strips were exactly what you want them to be: crispy and juicy, paired perfectly with a house-made buffalo sauce that gave a proper kick without drowning out the flavour. The Buffalo Shrimp followed, and they were easily one of my favourite bites of the night. Giant shrimps, perfectly cooked so they stayed juicy, tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce that clung to every bite – messy, bold and totally worth it.

Amid the starters, the challenges dotted around the restaurant became impossible to ignore. One dares diners to eat 12 inferno wings in 20 minutes, promising sweat, tears, free hops after the seventh wing and ice cream and milk to ease the aftermath. Another involves finishing a seven-pound burger, surrounded by a pile of chilli cheese fries, in under 45 minutes for a spot on the wall of fame. Watching others attempt either added an extra layer of entertainment to the room.

Mains arrived while the games continued. The CLAW burger was messy, indulgent and highly recommended. A soft house patty smothered in fried cheese, topped with spicy slaw, pickles and jalapeños, it was rich, satisfying and served with spiced fries that 78 disappeared as quickly as the burger itself.

The BBQ Beef Short Ribs were fall-apart tender and full of smoky flavour. Paired with garlic mashed potatoes sprinkled with chives and a side of grilled green beans, the puréed spuds were the best I’ve had in a while. The Plank Roasted Salmon offered a lighter option. Roasted over cedar wood with mustard, the fillet was flaky and subtly sweet, served with smashed roasted potatoes, grilled corn on the cob and a fresh green salad. Both mains felt complete and balanced, catering to the different appetites around the table.

Dessert is non-negotiable. The Peach Cobbler arrived warm and sticky, full of caramelised peaches, with ice cream melting straight into it, giving that perfect hot-and-cold combination. The Old Fashioned Apple Pie followed, with a crunchy, buttery crust, tangy apples and a gentle cinnamon warmth that felt familiar and comforting.

By the end of the night, the table had moved from one game to the next, orders had been shared and demolished, and drinks had flowed freely. CLAW BBQ encourages movement, laughter and its playful energy makes it the kind of place you come back to without thinking twice. I’ll certainly be returning, especially for Taco Tuesdays, where unlimited margaritas alone are reason enough! ✤

GO: CALL 7701 0133 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.