The buzz: It is possible to keep it casual and not drain the ATM to enjoy some decent vino and good grub at a wine and cocktail bar. Or at least that was the aim of the owners (who also run Molly Malone’s Irish Pub) when they took over this location, which used to be Italian eatery Contrazi, on the popular Sukhumvit Soi 11. To back it up, Zaks boasts a cellar filled with bottles from more than 20 different suppliers.

The décor: Zaks offers two spacious floors and an outdoor terrace. They completely ditched the stark, all-white décor you may remember from Contrazi in favor of warmer tones to convey a more-relaxed environment. It’s not exactly striking, more reminscent of many Bangkok’s wine bars and restaurants, but we liked the rustic chandeliers and white board ceilings.

The music: The place has been open for only a few weeks, so there’s no set style or live music lineup yet. But during our last visit, they were playing lounge beats as background music. We did see a DJ booth, though, so perhaps resident and guest DJs are to come.

The price: House wine starts from B100/glass, or you can opt for a bottle, the prices of which range from about B1,000 to around B4,000. Not just a place for wine lovers to get their fixes, Zaks also has signature cocktails (B190-250), created by the restaurant manager Keoma, a mixologist from Rome. Try the Cinnamon Mojito or Grey Ginger.

The crowd: It’s a thorough mix here with office workers who are catching up with friends after work, friends of the owners and Soi 11 partygoers who are looking to kick off the night.

Why you’ll come back: It’s cheap, especially if you’re content with sticking to the house wines. The cocktails are pretty unique and interesting. The food—we tried their hamburgers—is good, too. And its prime location in the heart of Sukhumvit Soi 11 offers you and your friends a good meeting/starting off point for nights out in Soi 11’s clubs.