Launched at the start of the year, this miniscule cafe in the multi-label boutique Liberty Area One serves coffee from Ceresia Roasters (try the Wild Honey roast espresso, B55) and baked goods from Conkey’s like almond chocolate croissants (B50). There’s also a few standard mixers (all B120) and Japanese craft beers (from B180).

 

 

The rock-centric/retro Irish pub serves European and Thai fusion food like the Castle Bar Cheese Steak (B250) and Castle Ribs (B220), paired with on-tap beers Carlsberg, Paulaner Hefe-Weizen and Kilkenny. Expect live acoustic acts Wed-Fri and EPL matches on the weekend, with the guys from 1979 Vinyl and Unknown Pleasures spinning from time to time.

 

For an alternative late-night hangout, check out this new project also run by the owner of Liberty Area One. The moodily-lit bar gives off the vibe of a decaying, time-capsule mansion, and serves cheap Jamesons (B150) plus standard beers like Beerlao (B150) and Leo (B100). It opens just three nights a week, attracting the same faces from Moose and Happy Monday.

 

---

Best of the Rest

For a shopping sesh that won’t break the bank, the mall has (Un)fashion (094-421-2411. Open daily noon-9pm), which specializes in rare leather shoes, bags and accessories for men and women. Check out its Facebook page for the latest collection updates. For shirts and old polos, head over to VTG (089-121-0969. Open Tue-Sun 3pm-9pm), which belongs to the same guy as its neighbor, longstanding after-work hangout Happy Monday (02-714-3953. Open Mon-Sat 7am-midnight). They also do a hair-cutting service for around B400-500.

 

Right opposite the mall, Health Land (02-392-2233. Opens daily 9am-11pm) has exceptionally clean facilities, well-trained staff and wallet-friendly prices. Foot reflexology is B300 (one hour), while traditional Thai massage is B500 (two hours). They also offer more fancy spa packages.

 

 

Bangkok foodies can’t get enough of gourmet burgers, and Burger Factory (02-714-4249. Open Sun-Thu 11:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-midnight) was one of the first on the scene. Try the signature bacon and cheese Factory Burger (made with Australian beef, B300), or go healthy with the grilled salmon burger (B310). Looking for a lighter option? Head over to Ebisu Sushi (087-719-1888. Open daily 5pm-11pm; Sat-Sun noon-3pm), which serves fish from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market and beef from Hokkaido and Kagoshima. It also launched a new menu earlier this month.