Dubai’s dining and entertainment scene has a new star — and it’s wearing a cowboy hat. Since opening in Jebel Ali Village in September, Rodeo Drive at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about themed venues, offering a colourful blend of Tex-Mex cuisine, interactive entertainment, and a lively Western atmosphere that appeals to all ages.
Across three separate visits, Rodeo Drive proved to be consistently engaging — whether it was decorating a sequinned Stetson hat, attempting a cowboy boogie alongside professional dancers, or enjoying quiet reading time with a child in the venue’s dedicated play area. Each experience delivered something new, and each began with the restaurant’s now-signature opener: a skillet of sizzling cheese.
A Vibrant First Impression
Tucked just beyond the entrance of Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Rodeo Drive’s modest doorway leads to an unexpectedly sprawling 1,300-square-metre space. The American-inspired interiors make an immediate impact. Guests are greeted by a giant motorcycle, a modernised Statue of Liberty, tobacco-hued wooden accents, and Native American-style décor.
The venue is divided into a main dining hall and an adults-only bar area that features arcade games and a much-photographed mechanical bull — a favourite for visitors looking to test their balance and bravery.
Families are particularly well-served thanks to a supervised play area filled with books, edutainment toys, and a mini ball pit, making it easy for parents to relax while children stay entertained.
Both the dining and bar sections feature stages for live shows, with line dancers and upbeat country performances adding to the vibrant atmosphere. From afternoon families to late-night crowds, the mood remains cheerful, immersive, and unmistakably Western.
Flavour-Forward Dining
Rodeo Drive’s menu is unapologetically bold, featuring Tex-Mex comfort dishes, live-fire grilled meats, tacos, sliders, and hearty vegetarian options.
The standout favourite remains the sizzling cheese (Dh85) — a bubbling skillet of cheeses, beans, shrimp, beef chorizo, and crispy onions, served with warm tortillas. It quickly becomes a repeat-order dish.
Other notable starters include the guacamole (Dh65), topped with pumpkin and sesame seeds and paired with crunchy plantain chips. While most items deliver rich, generous flavours, the Boston clam chowder stands out as a less exciting pick.
Mains span jalapeño pesto pasta, pizzas, loaded fries, and the grill section, where the 200g tenderloin (Dh155) steals the show. Tender, juicy, and served with chimichurri butter, the steak proved so popular it became a favourite for both adults and children alike.
Top Picks:
✔ Sizzling cheese
✔ Tenderloin steak
Skip:
✘ Mac and cheese croquette
Price Range
A three-course meal ranges from Dh160 to Dh900, depending on choices.
Premium dishes:
- Seafood campechana – Dh95
- Tomahawk steak (1.3kg) – Dh750
- Brigadeiro cake – Dh55
Budget-friendly picks:
- Veggie empanadas – Dh55
- Chicken pastor tacos – Dh60
- Banana pudding or churros – Dh45
Chef’s Perspective
Helmed by Mexico City native Chef Walter Melo, the menu reflects cocina de autor — a chef-driven style focused on high-quality ingredients and scratch preparation. Melo integrates a wide variety of chillies across the dishes, not always for heat but for depth and complexity, bringing a refined Latin American influence to a fun, themed setting.
Rodeo Drive is one of Dubai’s most enjoyable new themed dining destinations, offering flavour-packed food, playful entertainment, and a warm, family-friendly environment. Its mix of Western flair and lively performances make it a standout spot for families, tourists, and groups looking for something different.
Details
📍 Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Jebel Ali Village
🕒 Open daily: 12pm – 3am
📞 Reservations: 04 259 7497
