The buzz: After running a coffee shop and bakery for over six years, graphic designer-cum-pancake maker Peeriya “Noon” Tomornsak closed down her café in Siam Square and moved to a more inviting location near Lumphini Park. In an area not exactly popping with nightlife options, You Bahn, which means “at home” in Thai, offers a decidedly down-to-earth café by day and bar by night.  

 

The décor: The simple loft-like décor combines exposed brick, wood and steel with colorful wall paintings and furniture, and the owner’s father’s vintage bikes collection hangs on the walls. The space used to be the office for Tula Architects Company, who now occupy the second floor, so it’s perhaps no surprise to see a mix of designer furniture like Eames’ molded chairs and bar stools. 

 

The music: Jazz by day, more upbeat indie-pop/rock and electro after sunset.  

 

The crowd: Designers and architects from the neighboring offices and Japanese expats working for The Embassy of Japan next door. 

 

The food and drinks: The café menu has been adopted from the owner’s previous venture, Let’s Sweet Pancake House in Siam Square, and focuses on pancakes and French toast. Go sweet with the pancake with caramel (B119) or banana and strawberry served with vanilla ice cream (B139), or savory with the pancake or French toast with ham and cheese (B139) or roast chicken and cheese (B139). There’s a long list of coffee made with Espressoman beans from Chiang Rai; try the double shot espresso shake with ice served in a Champagne glass (B60) or the roasted green tea latte (B60). By night, the menu focuses on easy pub grub like French fries (B100), You Bahn spicy salad (ham, celery and other salad greens in spicy dressing served with roti, B160) and roasted chicken with mushroom and green bean in seared butter and seafood sauce (B180). The beer list comprises the usual suspects like Singha (B75/90), Beerlao (B90), Stella Artois (B150/330ml) and Hoegaarden (B160/330ml), plus Weihenstephaner (B150/330ml) and the occasional special. Whiskey by the bottle is also available, starting from Regency (B420/330ml), Johnnie Walker Red Label (B1,100/1 liter), Jack Daniels (B1,600/1 liter), Johnnie Walker Black Label (B1,600/1 liter). B30 for mixers.           

 

Why you’ll come back: This small shophouse-turned-bar is good for an after-work drink or weekend pre-game. Head there early for the daily happy hour from 6:30-8pm for buy-two-get-one free Singha or house wine.