Entering RCA from Rama 9, you’ll be greeted by this newest member of the dance zone. Onyx is owned by the people behind longstanding clubs in Bangkok like Slim and Demo, who wanted to launch a new joint for electro lovers—which, of course, means proper lighting and a powerful sound system. Taking design cues from Eastern European architecture, the bar’s exterior is big on symmetry, while inside there’s a curvy balcony, with couches and curtains lining the VIP zone. Bangkok DJs familiar from nights out at Demo provide the soundtrack, with international names dropping by monthly. There are plans for more international gigs, too, which is good news since we haven’t heard from LED in quite some time. 

 

A recent addition to Block C of RCA, just a couple of steps away from Cosmic Café, is Mimp Tattoo. Run by professional tattoo artist Anon “Mimp” Peranantapanya, who has over 10 years’ experience in Thai/Japanese-inspired body art, the clean, industrial-inspired shop is far removed from your usual clingy tattoo studio. Sketches of the artist’s old works are displayed all over the place, almost as if in a gallery, with leather couches and a wooden table providing a comfortable spot to discuss your ink job. Rest assured all the gear is carefully cleaned using an Autoclave sterilizer. Tattoos start from B2,000. 

 

Nestled in the walkway along RCA Block C, Coffee Teria’s blank facade makes it look like it’s perpetually closed, but inside you’ll find a cute living room-like cafe serving Thai-style coffee (from Chiang Rai) at reasonable prices. Expect bare brick walls and a coffee counter painted red and black. A hot latte or cappuccino starts from B45, while it’s B55 for iced options (B10 more

for syrups like hazelnut or caramel). Homemade muffins and brownies are also available. 

 

RCA has become a bit of a hotspot for bike lovers. Not only is it home to the giant Triumph bike showroom and 808 Café offering bike accessories, but it’s now welcomed the Vespa empire, with the Go Ves scooter showroom and Vespa Bar right next door. The showroom displays the latest Vespa models and accessories, while the bar next door provides a space for bikers to sit and chat over draught beer and Italian dishes like mixed cold cuts (B650) and choices of pasta like Carbonara (B200) and Aglio Olio (B150). There are some seats outside, where faux grass adds to the beer garden mood, while live band perform daily inside. As for beers, Hoegaarden, Stella Artois and Leffe are available on tap along with a wide choice of imported bottles from St. Bernardus, Rogue and Estrella Damm.