The Best Boozy Brunch in Bahrain

Of all the places I’ve visited in the Middle East so far, Bahrain is hands down my favourite. It’s more Westernised than Kuwait, what with all the bars and abundance of liquor, but not as in your face as the non-stop party scene of Dubai. For me, it strikes the perfect balance between the two. (Of course, the fact that it’s flooded with navy men is another obvious bonus.) Undoubtedly, though, the main thing that keeps me heading back to Bahrain is an all you can eat brunch in Juffair that serves up the best party in town every Friday afternoon.

If you’ve been to Dubai, you’re probably familiar with the all you can eat, all you can drink brunch setup. Forget croissants and finger sandwiches; these brunches dish up day-long dance parties, complete with resident DJs, free-flowing cocktails and an enormous dollop of glamour. And yet, the budget-friendly brunch my friends at I stumbled upon at Big Texas BBQ & Waffle House beat any of the expensive, flashy beach-side ones we’d experienced in Dubai. No competition.

Located in the Best Western Olive Hotel, Big Texas opens its doors every Friday from 11am to 4pm to serve unlimited food and drinks for the bargain price of 25BHD (around £47). Having personally coughed up a sickening 10BHD for a single Jack and Coke in other places in Juffair, 25BHD is an incredible price, especially considering everything your little orange wristband gives you access to.

Food

There’s an abundance of food to choose from and something to please everyone.

The buffet station offers a selection of carb-loaded favourites such as mac and cheese, nachos and the best garlic mashed potato I’ve ever tasted in my life. Of course, you can find a selection of chicken, ribs and pork (all of which goes completely over my head as I’m a vegetarian).

You can also order freshly made burgers, pizzas and brisket straight to your table at any point throughout the day. And let’s not forget the waffle station where you can get made-to-order waffles to drizzle with anything you could possibly wish to.

Surprisingly for a BBQ brunch, the vegetarian options are ample and delicious. In fact, it’s got one of the best vegetarian selections I’ve come across since moving to the Middle East.

Drink

The entrance price also includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You can order a selection of beers, wines, and spirits to your table and there’s even a cocktail menu offering all the classics. It’s a sad fact of life that cocktails at all-inclusive events are often watered down or just plain badly made, but these are top-notch. Trust me, I’ve spent plenty of time personally taste-testing them.

Fun

But, while the food is fantastic and the drinks are an undeniable priority for those of us who live in a dry country, the special thing about Big Texas BBQ & Waffle House is the atmosphere. It’s the lively entertainment and general good feeling that fills the place from floor to ceiling that keeps us going back for more.

For a start, it’s without a doubt the most American place I’ve ever been to, including all the places I visited during my 3 month stay in the States. Stars and Stripes don the wood-clad walls, the place is filled with the sound of country music and everyone does a lot a whooping…myself included.

The owner sets the fun, down-to-earth tone of the restaurant. He personally introduces himself to each table and makes everyone feel like a valued customer. He also gets up on stage to announce birthdays, celebrations and, in our case, that you’re single and on the lookout for attractive men. I’m not sure how he knew that…maybe we just give off a very single vibe.

Finally, once everyone’s full to the brim with pulled pork, chicken wings and margaritas, the karaoke machine comes out and everyone inevitably starts singing Wonderwall. It’s a hoot! I’ve never been anywhere with such good, fun-filled vibes. Everyone’s wearing a smile and no one will judge you for ordering three pizzas.

So, if you ever find yourself in Manama and you’re in the mood for excellent company, delicious drinks and the world’s best mashed potatoes, look no further than Big Texas BBQ & Waffle House. You won’t regret it!