KEY:   RooftopGarden   Riverside Terrace  Live music


See also: 2017's best new outdoor bars and restaurants in Bangkok


 

72 Courtyard

Acres of concrete, plants and steel are devoted to communal courtyards and nightlife venues at this community mall. Perhaps best are the potent cocktails at Evil Man Blues and the warehouse-style clubbing experience at Beam. Also check out the cocktails and karaoke at Savoy, the Mexican-inspired tapas of Melbourne-born Touche Hombre, the Spanish tapas of Toro and the Korean fusion of Hopeland

72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7999. Open daily 6pm-2am

 

 

A Bar  NEW!

We love this rooftop bar's split floor, split liquor drinking experience, where you can mull over the dark-spirit cocktails downstairs or ascend to the carefree alfresco of the top bar, where the specialty is gin. Don’t miss the Botanist Fashioned (B365), which mixes house coffee and vanilla syrup with an oak-barrel and “secret ingredient” aged Beefeater gin. The result of the aging is a spirit with notes of smoky caramel—a gin cousin of whiskey.
 
37-38/F, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5555. Open daily 5pm-1am (A Bar Rooftop), 7pm-1am (A Bar)

 

 

Above Eleven 

On top of its great views of the city skyline, another thing Above Eleven has going for it is its adventurous menu. While most other rooftop venues play it safe with homogenous international dishes, here the focus is on Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine (aka Nikkei cuisine). In small plates like acebichado rolls (seabass, ika karage, avocado) and skewers of anticucho beef heart, you’ve got a wonderful accompaniment for the views, bettered only by their signature Pisco Sour. 

33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11. 02-207-9300. Open daily 6pm-2am. BTS Nana

 

 

Above Riva

This shop-house boutique hotel in Tha Tien, the neighborhood opposite Wat Arun, is well worth a visit. Head up to its rooftop—stairs only—and you’ll find an alfresco terrace where practically every table gets prime river views. Dishes add a Thai touch to Western classics, from light bites like deep-fried calamari served with a salted egg yolk and shrimp roe sauce, to a take on osso bucco (braised veal) in massaman curry.

392/25-26 Maharaj Rd., 02-221-1188. Open daily 6am-11.30pm

 

 

Aire Bar  NEW!

All signature cocktails are B280, which in the world of rooftop bars is a steal. We can thank booze experts Bootleggers for the cocktails here, whose creations are two twists beyond typical hotel libations. The bar’s also inaugurated a new drinking tradition: Sunday Sessions, 3pm until close every Sunday B1,100 gets you a pitcher of booze big enough to satisfy a five-a-side team (but we won't tell if you share between three—just watch your step on the way out). Too cultured for bucket cocktails? Pop open a bottle of prosecco Follador, Extra Dry, Veneto, Italy, NV for B1,000.
 
28/F, Hyatt Place, 22/5 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-055-1234. Open Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 5pm-1am; Sun 3-11pm
 
 

 

Asiatique the Riverfront 

The first shopping center to sit on the riverbank is themed according to the city’s architecture of old. It includes over 1,500 boutiques covering quirky fashion and intriguing souvenirs, as well as a variety of eateries, beer gardens and wine bars. The gigantic venue is also home to a ferris wheel and stage shows. We particularly recommend the seafood at Kodang Talay.

2194 Charoen Krung Rd., 02-108-4488. Open daily 5pm-midnight. Free ferry from Sathorn Pier

 

 

Attitude

This rooftop restaurant-slash-bar sits on the 26th floor of the riverside Avani hotel. It's all very sharing- and booze-friendly, which translates to artfully presented tapas plates with the odd nod to Asian flavors.

26/F, Avani Riverside, 257 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-431-9100. Open daily 5:30pm-1am

 

Baan Puen

Located on the rooftop of the long-standing-yet-always-happening Ekamai Shopping Mall, Baan Puen lives up to its name, which literally translates to "a friend's house." You can expect to hear lots of Thai and international covers performed acoustically, to go with simple spicy dishes whipped up by one of the partner’s aunts. 

3/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 061-824-1747. Open daily 6pm-2am

 

 

 

Blue Parrot NEW!

Here’s a restaurant plucked straight out of vibrant Phuket and squeezed between Bangkok’s drab high rises. Behind tiki-looking wooden-panel doors, you’ll find a yard brimming with coral reef-inspired colors, a pool, and even a petanque strip. The open-air setup lets you kick back on a sunbed or in a mini cabana, while there's a dedicated play area to keep the little ones occupied. Taking cues from his homeland, French chef Nicolas Valanchon keeps things light and easy with the likes of marinated prawn skewer (B430) served with to-die-for pomme dauphine, and chilled soups like carrot and coriander with salad (B180).  
 
50 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-235-4822. Open Wed-Sun 11:30am-11pm; Mon 11:30am-11pm
 

 

 

Brewski   NEW!

Brewski feels like going to the rooftop of your condo for a beer. Shelves and lights made from plumbing fixtures add the requisite industrial touch. The best views are to be had from the balcony bar stools at the edge of the venue set 30 floors above the ground. Grab a draft La Chouffe (B280/pint) and chow down on Thai beer snacks like sai krok Isaan (Thai-style pork sausages with fresh chili, ginger and peanuts, B120).
 
30/F, Radisson Blu Plaza, 489 Sukhumvit Soi 27, 02-302-3333. Open daily 5pm-1am
 

 

Bunker

The top floor of this modern American restaurant hides a few outdoor tables, where a brutalist raw concrete balcony overlooks Sathorn Soi 12. Fresh, simple, well-executed, original yet devoid of gimmicks, there's a reason Bunker’s food has people excited. Some of it verges on tapas portions, but the flavors are anything but small: wagyu tartar spiked with daikon radish; cured foie gras paired with candied cashew and chili mango; smoky wagyu short rib glistening with fat. 

118/2 Sathorn Soi 12, 092-563-9991. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight

 

 

Le Cabanon  NEW!

Another old-house-turned-restaurant in the rising Narathiwat neighbourhood, Le Cabanon serves up Mediterranean seafood dishes in a setting that evokes holiday homes in the French coastal town of Cap Ferret. Enjoy an evening out on the dark wood terrace under sky-blue beach umbrellas with dishes like the scallop carpaccio (B450) followed by grilled lobster (B900-1,800). 
 
44 Akhan Songkhro Soi 3, 092-568-0444. Open Tue-Fri 5-11pm
 
 
 

 

Changwon Express at Flow House  NEW!

Located above urban surf park Flow House, the upstairs bar is an inner-city oasis. Outside on the balcony, let the artificial turf, palm trees, wicker beach loungers and sound of rushing water whisk you far away from hectic city life. Pull up a stool at the long bar overlooking the wave machine, watch the tricks (and wipe-outs) below, and knock back the exotic, dark purple Stone Head with Butterfly Pea (B200) beer. 
 
A-Square 26, 120/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26,  095-445-1465. Open daily 5pm-midnight
 
 

 

Char

Over at the grill at one of the latest rooftop bars in town, they cook up some amazing beef from Australia's Darling Downs. Char takes up the top two stories of Hotel Indigo, with a stylish dining room downstairs and the rooftop bar up above to benefit from those amazing views across Bangkok's "Embassy Row." 

25-26/F, Hotel Indigo, 81 Wireless Rd., 02-207-4999. Open daily 6pm-midnight. BTS Phloen Chit

 

 
 

 

Ciao Terrazza

Italian cuisine courtesy of one of Bangkok's most lauded chefs (Norbert Kostner), a riverside terrace and the Mandarin Oriental's iconic Author's Lounge in the background make this one of the river's easiest spots to recommend. It's more casual than the other restaurants at Bangkok's oldest hotel (though they'll still shoo you away if you turn up in shorts), dishing out Italian staples like wood-fired pizzas, and meatball and fondue.

Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40, Oriental Ave., 02-659-9000. Open daily 6-10:30pm

 

 

Cloud9  NEW!

Silom’s Cloud 47 has been reborn in this down-to-earth (now ninth story) poolside bar. Drinks are fruity and easy to down, and perfect for post-work thawing of the brain cells. The food, too, will pleasantly lull you into near-hibernation. Pair comfort classics like the barbecue pork ribs (B680) with the Red Velvet cocktail, a mix of tequila, triple sec, pomegranate syrup and some sour mix in a glass rimmed with salt and rosemary and finished off with fresh pomegranate. All signature cocktails are B320. Has this become our after-hours staff lounge? Absolutely. Would we suggest it for Saturday-night shenanigans? Probably not.
 
9/F, Haven’t Met Hotel, 188/1 Narathiwas Rd., 02-233-4442. Open daily 5pm-midnight
 
 

 

Coastal  NEW!

This low-key bamboo shack on the lawn of Kram restaurant (see below) is classier than your typical Koh Phangan joint. Pull up a stool and enjoy some laid-back conversation with the bartender or claim a patch of grass out on a lawn strewn with old-style mats, triangle cushions and coffee tables. The Sweet Juan (B280) mixes chili-infused tequila with fresh pineapple juice, lime and cilantro, garnished with a slightly burnt big chili, for a flavor that's fresh with just a hint of fire, is the perfect hangover-cure.
 
113 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 098-253-9356. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-1am; Sat-Sun 3pm-1am

 

 

The Commons

Good food takes center stage at the loft-like, open-plan community mall from the siblings behind Roast cafe. The ambitious project works kind of like a food court, only a really, really good one. Diners can order their favorite dishes from the various food kiosks—fusion burgers from Soul Food 555, Mexican from Barrio Bonito, pies from Holy Moly, to name a few—then dine at the central communal area inside or outside. The coffee from Roots is some of the absolute best in town. 

335 Thonglor Soi 17, 089-152-2677. Open daily 9am-midnight

 

 

The Courtyard (House on Sathorn)

The name says it all. At the very center of The House on Sathorn, the beautifully restored mansion next to W Hotel, you’ll find this open-air courtyard, prettily decked out with chic furniture that sticks to the overall vintage tone. Chef Fatih Tutak whips up comforting yet delicate food and dessert but the highlight may well be the much-hyped afternoon tea set (B1,350), which lets you go crazy with refreshing sorbet, scones, sandwiches and other delicacies with a choice of TWG tea from the House collection, under the shade of the patio umbrellas. Available from 2:30-5:30pm daily.

The House on Sathorn, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. Open daily noon-midnight

 

 

Craft

This outdoor bar serves only craft beer. There are 20 labels on tap rotating monthly and 50 bottled varieties, with a particular focus on hoppy, high-alcohol-content IPAs from familiar names like Deschutes, Rogue and Anderson Valley. 

16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-3220. Open daily 2pm-12am. BTS Asoke

 

 

Cru Champagne  NEW!

The bar’s located on what used to be a helicopter landing pad on top of the five-star hotel Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Access Cru from a little elevator at Red Sky, which drops you out right on top of the hotel, where you get a stunning, 59th-floor, 360-degree view of Bangkok. The drinks list is all about Champagne, so come prepared to order a bottle of G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut (B5,400).
 
59/F, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-1234. Open daily 5pm-1am
 

 

 

The Deck  

Book in advance to get one of the best spots at this hotly in-demand restaurant right across the water from the Chao Phraya's star attraction, Wat Arun. The menu of classic Thai dishes like beef massaman curry with roti and pad Thai is of a bankable standard, but you can also trust in their European grill dishes such as the New Zealand tenderloin or roasted rack of lamb. Spread over two alfresco stories, we recommend you request the top tier to get the perfect river view as the backdrop to your meal.   

Arun Residence, 36-38 Soi Phatu Nokyung, Maharaj Rd., 02-221-9158/9. Open daily 11am-10pm, Fri-Sun 11am-11pm 

 

Freebird

Designer Alan Barr’s striking reinvention of a house at the quiet end of Sukhumvit Soi 47 puts the backyard to use with some lively and lounge-y garden furniture. The restaurant brings together freshly brewed coffee, modern Australian cuisine and well-paired cocktails. The charming garden patio is made for outdoor brunch. 

28 Sukhumvit Soi 47, 02-662-4936. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight, Sat-Sun 11am-3pm

 

 

Goji Terrace  NEW!

This alfresco bar is located round the back of the Marriot Marquis hotel, facing right onto Benjasiri Park. As a result, there’s a residential-neighborhood feel to drinking here that feels totally unlike Bangkok. Booze focuses on draft beers like Brewdog Punk IPA 5.6% (B230 for 250ml; B350 for 470ml), Maisel's Weisse Original 5.2% (B200; B330) and La Chouffe 8% (B240; B370). 

L/F, Marriott Marquis Queen's Park, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5999. Open daily 6am-11pm

 

Hi-So and Park Society 

This rooftop serves up one of Bangkok’s most stunning sunset scenes—looking straight over Lumphini Park and onto the gleaming skyscrapers of Phloen Chit. Maybe that’s why it’s one of the few spots that attracts a local crowd, one that like to knock back Champagne and smoke cigars while reposed on the almost-too-comfy scarlet daybeds. Oh, and they give out enough complimentary cashews and olives to make you say, “let’s screw dinner.”

29/F, Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. Open daily 5pm-1am (Bar). MRT Lumpini

 

 

 

Il Fumo

This grand old villa reborn as a cocktail lounge and Italian grill restaurant boasts some of Bangkok's most incredible cocktails—head bartender Pailin “Milk” Sajjanit just got named Southeast Asia Bartender of the Year at the 2016 Diageo World Class awards. The adjoining restaurant specializes in charcoal-grilled cuts of seriously premium meat (Spain’s dry-aged rubia gallega is the star of the show), best enjoyed on a seat from the spacious garden terrace.

1098/2 Rama 4 Rd., 02-286-8833. Open daily 6pm-1am

 

 

 

Kram 

Retro house, big garden, unfussy Thai dishes—a classic restaurant formula that sadly seems to be in decline. This place does it just right with great dishes such as gaeng kua poo bai chaploo (curry with crabmeat and wild betel leaf) and khao soi gai (Northern-style noodles with chicken). Inside is homey and relaxing, but the best spots are outdoors where you’ll find bean bags and movies projected on the wall.

113 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 092-938-6690. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm; Sat-Sun 11am-11pm

 

 

L’Appart

The top-floor fine-dining venue of the Sofitel Bangkok is about as lofty as they come. Looking to embrace the Gallic roots of the hotel chain, the decor makes you feel like you’re dining in a grand Parisian apartment thanks to the parquet flooring, stately fireplace and wood paneling. But we say head to the outdoor balcony for an impressive panorama of Sukhumvit.

32/F, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Rd. (between soi 13 and 15), 02-126-9999. Open daily 5pm-midnight for drinks and 7pm-10.30pm for dinner

 

 

 

La Casa Nostra

The renovated house on Soi Goethe sits peacefully in grounds that include a cozy outdoor terrace where you can dine outdoors, lounge on a sofa or play a game of petanque. The chef, Nino Scognamillo, takes La Casa Nostra in a comforting direction with creations like grilled Sardinian pecorino cheese with eucalyptus honey and fresh figs, paprika-spiced roasted octopus on potato veloute, and plenty of pasta dishes. Owing to the partnership with Global Vineyards, their wine menu is a peach. 

22 Sathorn Soi 1 Yaek 2 (Goethe), 02-287-2402. Open daily 11:30am-midnight

 

 

Lhong 1919  NEW!

While we were ogling the makeover of Warehouse 30’s old storage facilities on Charoenkrung, local design firm PIA Interior went and did the same over on the Khlong San side of the river. Lhong 1919 takes a group of old warehouses and a Chinese shrine dating back to King Rama IV (1851-1868) and turns them into 6,800 sq meters of co-working space, eateries and art and design shops spotlighting the work of young artists. This winter, you’ll find us perched at Rong See Rim Nam (the newest brainchild of iBerry) eating miang dok bua (lotus petal wrap with Thai-style condiments, B230) by the river.
 
248 Chiang Mai Rd., 091-187-1919. Open daily 8am-8pm

 

 

Mikkeller

While its younger counterpart upstairs is known as one of the fancier restaurants in town, the original beer house on the bottom floor is about as casual as it gets with unassuming blonde wood tables, bare white walls and lots of space to move around. Its 30-strong on-tap selection of craft is one of Bangkok’s largest, as is the menu of 250-plus bottled beers. The spacious lawn hosts some fun garden barbecues, too.

26 Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9891. Open daily 5pm-midnight. BTS Ekkamai

 

 

The Missing Burro

This Mexican spot sits in a garden down the surprisingly peaceful Thonglor Soi 7, far from the bustle of the main drag. And the Mexican owners’ traditional corn tortilla tacos are so good you’ll want to keep the place a secret. The carnitas (braised pork) comes with a mind-blowing sauce made with imported Mexican chilies. Other fillings include al pastor (spiced marinated pork with pineapple) and choriqueso (house-made chorizo mixed with melted cheese). Wash your meal down with a Day of the Dead beer or margarita.

145 Thonglor Soi 7, 090-913-2131. Open daily 5-11pm

 

 

Mojjo  NEW!

Bangkok's newest Cuban-themed bar sits on the 32nd floor of the Compass SkyView Hotel, where it offers rum-heavy drinks amid sweeping views of Benjasiri Park and downtown. Step inside and be greeted with mid-century Cuban furnishings and green Havana hues. Intricate tile-work and floor patterns transport you, mojito in hand, right back to the 1950s. Outdoors is a spacious open-air terrace complete with comfortable armchairs. Start your night with The Ruby (B370), an easy-to-drink mix of Belvedere vodka, elderflower syrup, strawberry puree and cranberry juice. Above it sits the rooftop Vanilla Sky. 
 
32/F, Compass SkyView Hotel, 12 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-011-1111. Open daily 5pm-2am
 

 

Myst

Out front of Thonglor's molecular cocktail specialist sits a spacious outdoor terrace with lots of couches, while inside the purple-lit glass-house you'll find nightly live bands—plus room for dancing before moving onto the neighboring clubs. Cocktails stick to molecular techniques, like the Flaming Lamborghini (Blue Curacao, Sambuca, Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlau and Fireball).

171 Thonglor Soi 10, 080-770-9800. Open Mon-Sun 6pm-2am

 

 

Nowhere   NEW!

Ekkamai’s new rooftop restaurant might only be six floors up, but there's nothing obstructing its cool, 180-degree views of the neighborhood. Once up there, you'll be greeted by bare concrete steps in the center of a minimal glass cube. And thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy sunset from either in- or outdoor tables. The continent-spanning dishes play with global flavors, from a Thai plahang tangmo-derived watermelon salad (with spinach, bonito flakes, shaved Parmesan cheese and sumac vinaigrette, B210) to pulled pork and mango quesadilla (B229).
 
6/F, Tha City Loft hotel, Ekkamai Soi 6, 094-516-6663. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight

 

 

Octave 

A rooftop bar with the added bonus of being right by Thonglor, this place is our favorite diversion tactic to use on out-of-town friends when they start mumbling “skybar.” Cocktails don’t come quite at street-level prices, but you do get a stunning view of downtown Sukhumvit, coupled with an upbeat crowd of tourists.

45/F, Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Soi 57, 02-797-0000. Open daily 6pm-1am

 

 

Penthouse Bar + Grill Rooftop   NEW!

The much-anticipated, garden rooftop of the Park Hyatt is finally open. Above the grill and the secret whiskey bar with intimate live piano is an elegant space that’s necessarily exclusive, only able to accommodate 80 guests. The rooftop also has its own signature menu of four sophisticated cocktails (all B360), but you’re free to order from the grill and bar below, too. The same goes with the wine list—127 labels of it (from B340/glass)—meaning there’s no reason not to pass the sunset at this open-air spot. Our favorite mix is the Le Pierriot cocktail, made of Cointreau, lemon, a red wine reduction, Thomas Henry tonic and Pernod, which adds a satisfying finish to a very smooth drink. 
 
34-36/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd., 02-012-1234. Open daily noon-2pm, 6-10:30pm 

 

 

Play Yard

At this sprawling live music, rising indie bands look to make their name playing to an easygoing crowd of heavy drinkers. In between sets, stake out a table in the beer garden for some spicy gab glaem (drinking food) and a big bottle of Leo beer—better yet, a tower.

Lad Phrao Soi 8 (Yak 3), Lad Phrao Rd., 085-146-8017. Open daily 6pm-1am. MRT Phaholyothin (Exit 1)

 

 

Rawee Ganraya  NEW!

The Raweekanlaya is a new boutique hotel in the Old Town whose grand colonial structure can be traced back to the late 1800s. Now there’s a genuine reason to settle yourself down on its terrace shaded by gorgeous old banyan trees: a new Thai menu that spotlights ingredients plucked straight from the hotel’s organic garden, such as beetroot and roselle. Try the grilled beef steak with sticky rice and Thai melon salad (B640) to go with a refreshing butterfly pea or pandanus juice (B80).
 
172 Krung Kasem Rd., 02-628-5999. Open daily 6:30am-10pm
 

Red Sky 

The 55th-floor view from Centara's rooftop puts this bar in the same league as high flyers like Vertigo at the Banyan Tree. Alfresco dining and drinking takes place under a swooping, red-lit arch, while chef Hugo Coudurier's seasonal menus spotlight classic, rich steak dishes. Don't miss the US grain-fed beef tenderloin—a menu staple and proven crowd-pleaser.

 55/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-6255. Open daily 6-11:30pm

 

 

Salt

These things we know: the sun will rise, the sun will set and Salt’s glass box, alfresco terrace and wooden house will be packed with Ari’s beautiful 20-somethings. A meal of sushi and wood-fired pizza sets the foundation for deceptively strong fruity cocktails and well-priced wine, all served up to an of-the-minute, popsanova-free soundtrack. This cool season, there are few other places we’d rather be.

Ari Soi 4, 02-619-6886. BTS Ari. Open daily 5pm-midnight

 

 

Sala Rattanakosin

Sala Rattanakosin calls itself a restaurant with guest rooms, and half of the renovated four-story building is dedicated to fine wining and dining. The design keeps remaining traces of the original building and accompanies them with a minimal blackand white theme. Chef Tony Wrigley whips up some pretty impressive Thai food on the riverside terrace, and there’s also a rooftop bar where you can sip excellent cocktails with a view.

39 Soi Tha Tien, Maharaj Rd., 02-622-1388. Restaurant open daily 7-10:30am, 11am-4:30pm, 5:30-10pm; rooftop bar open daily 4pm-midnight

 

Credit by: www.facebook.com/samsarabkk/

Samsara

Tucked down a little alley behind Wat Pathumkongka in a charming old wooden house, Samsara makes a charming first impression. The place feels halfway between a gallery and a friend’s house, brimming as it is with personality: expect to find colorful vintage furnishings, all sorts of cat-related curios and paintings hanging on the wall. Most of the tables are set out on the terrace and reservations are a must for the ones with the best views. The tasty Thai cuisine is augmented by Japanese touches since some of the owners hail from Japan.

1612 Songwat Rd., 086-978-9331,02-639-6853. Open Tue-Sat 5pm-midnight 

 

Sheepshank

This restaurant run by Somkiat "Joke" Pairojmahakij of Seven Spoons is set in what was once an old boatyard right by Phra Arthit Pier, meaning you can still see remnants of this former life, in the form of the old pulleys, crates and buoys that adorn a dining area that's been polished up in an industrial style. The food focuses on Modern American comfort dishes, while they also serve a decent selection of wines and craft beers.

47 Phra Athit. 02-629-5165. Opening Tue-Thu 5:30pm-midnight; Fri-Sun 5:30pm-1am

 

 

Schneider Haus NEW!

Just in time for the winter breeze, Bangkok’s newest beer garden has opened in Ari. With links to Bavaria’s Schneider Weisse brewing company, Schneider Haus is set in a spacious house hidden in Ari Soi 4 that comes with a nice garden, perfect for this time of year. Pretend it’s properly cold out with a heartwarming bowl of German venison stew (B390) and a big glass of the eponymous beer (B260/500ml).
 
Ari Samphan Soi 4, 098-426-9456. Open daily 5-11:45pm
 
 

Siwilai City Club  NEW!

Giant tie-dye daybeds and hammocks take over a sand-colored terrace looking out over extraordinary Phloen Chit views. This acts as the focal point for two different wings: one dedicated to dining, the other drinking. The six different eateries are all tied together by one common thread: local ingredients used to create Western dishes, often with a Thai twist. The Eatery is Siwilai City Club at its most ambitious, offering inventive morsels like a mushroom panna cotta (B350), while next door’s The Deli offers braised beef brisket in ciabatta (B350) and an Angus beef burger with jaew sauce (B350).
 
5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5631. Open daily 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight

 

Sky On 20   NEW!

Take the small staircase up from the 25th floor and be greeted by an open-air space filled with a mix of circular couches and low seating in pastel grays. The laidback garden vibe is complemented with a few trees wrapped in fairy lights, but otherwise the decoration is toned down from your usual rooftop bar, allowing the views to speak for themselves. Our favorite dish: the parma ham pizza (B430).
 
26/F, Novotel Bangkok Hotel, 19/9 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-009-4999. Open daily 5pm-2am

Skytrain Jazz Bar 

It’s long, steep climb to the top—and you may not get a seat on weekend nights—but Skytrain Jazz’s rooftop location and grungy shophouse location gives it a wonderfully gritty urban feel. Sip on Singha as the BTS rattles past, basking in the pale light of Century Movie Plaza’s giant marquee. This is not a rooftop bar to escape the big bad city, it’s where you come to remember why you love it.

5/F, 6 Rangnam Rd., 02-640-0303. 089-895-4299.  Open daily 5pm-1am

 

Souffle and Me

Chef Thanunya “Gai” Kaikaew is the only female chef from the Iron Chef Thailand TV show. Her specialty lies in sweets, so it’s no surprise that desserts star at her restaurant. The lovely wooden house and garden it inhabits wouldn’t be packed out on weekends were it only for vanilla souffles, though. Thanunya also has a solid savory menu with plenty of brunchy nods; and she is backed by impeccable service.

417 Narathiwas Soi 24, 02-674-0442. Open daily 11am-10pm

SpareParts  NEW!

The top two stories (plus half a rooftop) of Charoenkrung hipster hangout FooJohn Building is a new barbecue and bourbon house. Deli-Q food truck's Texas-born owner Caitlin Lee Chullasapya takes care of the rooftop smoke pit, where she smokes her ribs (starta at B420) for 6-8 hours, along with delicious Sriracha-marinated chicken wings (B180).
 
3-4/F, FooJohn, 831 Charoenkrung Soi 31, 087-593-9973. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-midnight
 
 

The Speakeasy 

This rooftop cocktail lounge takes you back to the jazz age. The two-story space sports prohibition era-inspired decor, featuring lots of dark woods and Art Deco touches. A balcony on the 24th floor lets you take in 180-degree views of Bangkok’s business district, while an alfresco rooftop offers a more leisurely atmosphere. 

24-25/F, Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan, 55/555 Lang Suan Rd., 02-630-4000. Open daily 5:30pm-1am

 

 

Steve Cafe 

Located in the small community behind Wat Devarajkoonchon, next to Thewet Pier, the venue is a 60-year-old house that’s been made bright and bold with a few licks of paint and the addition of some wooden furniture. The food is mostly typical Thai dishes served on plain dinnerware; it’s not the most authentic, but it’s very pleasant and comforting. Try the highlight kua gling moo (stir-fried minced pork with herbs). Steve’s casual and simple vibe makes for a relaxing experience—one that’s only enhanced by the sunset views and sounds of the river.

68 Sri Ayutthaya Soi 21, 081-868-0744, 02-281-0915. Open daily 11am-10.30pm

 

 

The Summer House Project

Starchitect Duangrit Bunnag followed up Never Ending Summer with this Euro bistro with a vast terrace that leads right up to the water. Comfort food like fisherman’s stew, crab cakes and beer-battered fish and chips go down as easily as bar manager Dheeradon Dissara's Thai-infused cocktails. Try the Gold Gold Gold (prosecco, mango puree and gold leaves) and Pina Pamila (Malibu, rum and palm juice).

Jam Factory, 41/5 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0953. Open daily 11am-11pm

 

 

Supanniga x Roots  NEW!

This is the riverside Thai restaurant Bangkok's been waiting for. The third branch of Supanniga sits on the deck of Tha Tien’s Riva Arun, where the scenery is paired with decor that's a cozy mix of earthy tones and vibrant splashes of yellow and orange, and the food (Trat and Khon Kaen cuisine in flavorful standbys like chili paste crabmeat, B240) is complemented by a special coffee menu from Roots. 
 
Riva Arun, 392/25-26 Maharaj Rd., 02-714-7608, 02-015-4224. Open daily 11:30am-10:30pm
 
 
 

 

Tacochela  NEW!

Mikkeller, the Danish microbrewery that opened a bar in Ekkamai in 2014, follows it up with a new Ari bar and restaurant specializing in tacos. Fun and playful, with rainbow-colored chairs and brightly painted window frames contrasting with the exposed white brick. The laidback beanbags from the lawn of Mikkeller Ekkamai (see above) also make a return, albeit in a smaller outdoor space. As for the tacos, go with the fried barracuda (B280) coated in a crispy thin batter and drizzled in spicy mayo, or the beef steak (B220) with herby chimichurri sauce.
 
Ari Samphan Soi 1, Phahon Yothin Rd. Open Tue-Thu 5-11pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-midnight
 
 

 

Tha Maharaj

This themed community mall looks to recapture the charm of the old town's architecture. The riverside pavilion consists of over 50 open-air restaurants and shops spread over seven buildings styled in keeping with the area's former reputation. There's also a riverside promenade and community garden. As well as shops dedicated to fashion and beauty, you'll also find specialists of antiques and Thai amulets. Dining highlights include new branches of pizzeria Peppina and brunch spot Gram.

11/1, Maharaj Rd. 02-866-3163-4, 090-926-5265. Open daily 10am-10pm

 

Top Knot

Sitting on top of Hotel Once, this multi-level bar and grill offers 360-degree views from its upper level. You come here for quiet, intimate evenings and small gatherings among friends in an area of the city which is only just waking up to nightlife—but which has the authentic atmosphere of old Bangkok. The food menu however is not so Thai, offering a selection of barbecue specials like pork, chicken, beef, salmon and shrimp as well as pastas. To drink, it's cocktails or local and imported beers.

8-9/F, Hotel Once Bangkok, 2074/99 Charoenkrung Soi 72/2, 02-688-2596. Open daily 6pm-midnight

 

Uno Mas

Alfresco 54th-story views complement fresh, Mediterranean decor that feels anything but stuffy. It's a fitting backdrop for an equally laidback menu of authentic tapas: some 40-odd treats like Joselito ham, live Boston lobster sashimi, oysters, Cochinillo suckling pig and wild porcini mushroom croquettes. Thirsty? There's a whopping 36 wines by the glass here.

54/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-6255. Open daily 4pm-1am

 

Vanilla Sky Rooftop Bar  NEW!

This rooftop bar takes over the top of the Compass SkyView Hotel, with views stretching over Thonglor in one direction and towards downtown from the other. Despite some simple, wooden furniture upholstered in vibrant prints, and a sprinkling of palm trees, the massive marble bar backlit with colored LED lights retains a distinctly “sky bar” vibe. Our favorite drink, the Honey Spice (B350), sees dried chili-infused gin mixed with homemade honey-and-rosemary-infused syrup and tonic water, garnished with dried chili for a well-balanced kick.
 
35/F, Compass SkyView Hotel, 12 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-011-1111. Open daily 5pm-2am  
 
 

Vertigo 

The space is looking kind of tired now by comparison to rooftop newcomers like Sofitel So and Marriott Sukhumvit, but one of the city’s first sky-high dining options remains a popular choice for special occasion dining. Make sure you book a seat by the railings in advance then head up over 60 floors to drink and dine with incredible views of the city. 

61/F, The Banyan Tree, 21 Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. Open daily 5pm-1am

 

Viva & Aviv

Viva & Aviv has long been the best riverside tip for a spot of daytime drinking. Soak up the river view and breeze while watching the tourist boats plying up and down the river, and enjoy the range of inventive cocktails along with the funky house soundtrack spun by Thai and international DJs.

River City Complex, 23 Yota Rd., 02-639-6305. Open daily 11am-midnight. Sri Phraya Pier

 

 

Wanderlust

Yes, this rooftop joint does use fake grass (and even grass-covered tables), but we like the laidback atmosphere and good tunes. The mismatched wooden sofas and rattan chairs make it feel a little like a traditional riverside restaurant, but the clientele is way less tourist-y. Most of the cocktails are girl-friendly—sweet and sour, pretty and not too strong. Try the strawberry mojito (classic mojito with strawberry juice) or Ocean 10 (a Long Island ice tea with blue caracao).  

5/F, Nakiya Restaurant Building, Thonglor Soi 13, 088-696-9445. Open daily 6pm-2am. BTS Thong Lo