Bamboo Bar

The venerable Bamboo Bar has been around for ages and for years was the Bangkok jazz bar, filled with connoisseurs as well as the see-and-be-seen crowd. The prices put it out of the reach of many mortals, but the music in this cozy L-shaped bar is first-rate and the drinks are expertly poured.
G/F, The Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Ave., New Rd., 02-659-9000. Open Sun-Thu 11-1am and Fri-Sat 1-2am.

Brown Sugar

This bar and music venue stands alone in Sarasin Rd.; while the youngsters tinker with their formats and decor, Brown Sugar has stood the test of time. With a decent selection of wine and so-so food, the in-house bands are the real reason most customers keep coming back.
231/20 Sarasin Rd., 02-250-1826. Open daily 5pm-1am. BTS Ratchadamri.

Jazzanova

A group of young executives with jazz dancing in their hearts set this place up for young, monied customers to mingle. Despite the size and décor, which are typical of a Bangkok pub (Victorian style), the place offers very good wine and food. The bands are excellent but irregular as they play there on a voluntary basis.
1/18, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-262-0909. Open daily 6pm-1am. BTS Phrom Phong.

The Living Room

Not just another outlet in a five-star hotel, this place jumps with jazz fans, especially on the weekend. Seating is comfortable, service is friendly and the acoustics are above average. Occasional home to ageing legends like Eldee Young. Worth checking out.
1/F The Sheraton Grande, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-653-0333. Open Sun-Thu 10am-midnight and Fri-Sat 11-1:30am. BTS Asoke.

Saxophone

A legendary jazz pub in Bangkok. Thailand’s top performers have played and listened to others play here. Not much in the way of style or atmosphere, but the music still rules.
3/8 Victory Monument, Phayathai, 02-246-5472. Open daily 6pm-1am. BTS Victory Monument.

ThreeSixty

Brand-new lounge located on the 32nd floor of the Millenium Hilton with a 360o view to kill for. If you don’t mind the prices or being stranded on the other side of the river, this is a good place to enjoy your wine and live lite jazz nightly.
32/F, Millennium Hilton, 123 Charoennakorn Rd., Klongsan, 02-442-2000. Open daily 5pm-1am.