The buzz: Take one of Thonglor’s better coffee joints, Blue Dye, transform its upper floor with some old-time USA bric-a-brac (a weathered flag here, a stag’s head there), stock up an impressive back bar and you have the neighborhood’s coolest new speakeasy bar. 

The decor: The swirling gold logo in retro-style font is matched with decorations that stick to a vintage Americana theme. Owners Kittipong “Tum” Paiboonsombut and Purilarp “Phum” Euammongkol draw on their personal stash of tan-leather armchairs, stuffed animals and patterned throws (some of it’s for sale) to give the place a well-worn vibe. Behind the massive wooden counter stand various renowned spirit labels. The combined effect is masculine and intense, but ready conversation with the bartenders and owners will soon have you ordering up another drink.

The drinks: Apart from all the classic cocktails, the bar also offers 10 signature easily named from No.1-No.10. Start with the strong hit of No.1 (B380), whose Negroni-like profile mixes gin, sweet vermouth and Campari together, topped with a bitter Angostura-flavor candy. For something lighter, No.5’s (B380) take on a gin and tonic uses plenty of cucumber and lime. Sweet-toothed? No.6 (B380) offers a tequila, honey, lime, basil and dried pineapple. 

Why we’d come back: This rare gem adds to the growing sense that across the street from Thonglor is where it’s at these days. We’d happily sink into one of these armchairs with a No.6 any night of the week. Petpailin Kirdsaeng.