The buzz: Opened back in 2014 under the name Behind the Scene Lounge & Bar, this Broadway-burlesque space on the lobby floor of the theater-themed Playhaus boutique hotel has been revitalized by six of Bangkok’s leading bartenders into a tiny but relaxing spot where the motto is, “Nothing is serious behind the curtain, except for cocktails.”    

 

The decor: The design follows the hotel’s stage play theme, but while other parts of the building represent specific storylines, the bar is decked out like a dressing room—a space where you can relax and just be yourself. Behind the red curtain you’ll find five sets of Louis XIV-style velvet sofas facing a counter bar and a liquor shelf surrounded by backstage mirrors on which are written the drink of the day. 

 

The music: It’s all about the groovy pop songs.

 

The drinks: The Diageo World Class family’s newest team—led by Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn together with Kitibordee “Gov” Chortubtim, Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana, Anakin “Ton” Wongsala, Watcharapong “Bank” Suriyaphan and Chennarong “Janz” Bhumichitr—really pushes this spot down the right craft cocktail path. Aside from all the classic and customized drinks, you’ll find 12 signature classic-with-twist cocktails on the menu, plus the occasional special drink written on the backstage mirrors behind the bar. The highlight is Earthbeet (B390), an earthy and woody drink with a beetroot-infused tequila base mixed with sweet vermouth, Campari, Cynar (artichoke liqueur) and mezcal, garnished with a slice of beetroot and torched liquorice. Aphrodisiac (B340) is a refreshing, sweet and sour choice based around bourbon mixed with rhubarb and roselle syrup and lemon served in coupe class coated with plum powder then topped with Peychaud’s bitters. We like the crisp and sour balance of C&Y (B340) that results from mixing chamomile-infused vodka with apple juice, yuzu puree, egg white and lemon topped with angostura bitters, while martini lovers shouldn’t miss the golden Dead Poet (B340), a saffron-infused gin mixed with dry vermouth and Licor 43 (vanilla liqueur) and garnished dehydrated orange—it tastes as elegant as it sounds. Got the munchies? Kha-kai (salty crispy bread sticks) are complimentary at the bar but prepare yourself before getting here if you need a proper meal.