Above Eleven

Yesterday Above Eleven celebrated their hard won 10th anniversary with a bang. It’s one of those places that can go hi-so one minute and party the next. Bang back some Peruvian-Japanese treats and inventive cocktails like the Caribbean Dream (B330, whisky, Grand Marnier, cherry syrup, and pineapple) or something even more whimsical like like the Machu Peach Pichu (B310, Pisco Barsol, peach liqueur, peach puree, passion fruit, cranberry & lemon juices). Oh, and don’t miss ladies night on Wednesdays for B250 cocktails. 

33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11. 083-542-1111

Belga

What’s a Bangkok drinking guide without a rooftop bar? Part of the Sofitel, Belga is a fun date spot for a drink—and not just because of the 34th floor views. Down Belgian comfort food and choose from an expanding selection of Belgian beers. Duvel 666 is on tap for B390 but don’t miss the chance for a bottle of Orvel (B380) either. 

189 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, 02-126-9999

Blaq Lyte 11

Blaq Lyte, the neon-tinged hip-hop nightclub responsible for getting Thonglor partiers lit every Saturday night, bid farewell in 2018 but returned in June. The new Blaq Lyte is called Blaq Lyte 11 as it will be found on Sukhumvit Soi 11 at Salil Hotel. Expect hip-hop and neon. In the past they’ve hosted established international names like Andre Power from Soulection and DJ Paul from Three Six Mafia, as well as offering a stage to Bangkok's own rising talent.

Salil Hotel Sukhumvit Soi 11, 21/4 Sukhumvit Soi 11. 098-253-9356

Blarney Stone

Photo: Saturday Irish trad session in the Blarney Stone / BK Magazine

Bet you didn't expect to see a Soi 4 place on this list, huh? True, Soi 4 is a cesspool filled with bad life decisions and confused tourists, but Blarney Stone on Soi 4 is bringing some fun music and an occasional party vibe, well above the caterwauling of its neighbors. You need to catch this place on the right night, but you can have a good time swinging your Guiness to “Rocky Road to Dublin” (or U2). Also, try it on a Saturday afternoon for a traditional Irish trad session. 

21, 1 Sukhumvit Soi 4, Khwaeng Khlong Toei.

Havana Social Club

What is there to say about Havana that hasn’t already been said? At this point, it’s a bona fide institution. Though you don’t get a free hat anymore (bloody Covid), this place is a little slice of pre-revolutionary Cuba clubbing on Soi 11. This old four-story shop-house was renovated into stories of rum, DJs, and dancing, and Soi 11 wouldn’t be the same without it.

Havana Social, Sukhumvit Soi 11. 080-467-7409

Hemingway’s Bangkok

Hemingway's Bangkok is the classy way to do Soi 11 these days. The outside is usually a flurry of activity—weather permitting—and you can always get good food; if you go to Hemingway’s and don’t have their wings (B320), you are not living your best life. There’s never a bad time to go, but Happy Hour will keep you gleeful with special pricing on local beers, spirits, pints, and wine. 

19 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-653-3900

Juicy

It’s an “old school” hip hop club. How old school? Well, the mural should give you a bit of a clue. Part of the Panthera Group and found in the Sugar Club Complex, the walls sport work from graffiti artists Omeka and Dave Horgan, and there are few standup arcade machines for the hipsters to play Pac-Mac and Donkey Kong. This venue is aimed at the 90s kids (who probably weren’t even born when Biggie was on the scene). Like every club, there is a “pimped-out” VIP section suitable for two to 20 people and sofas line the walls. 

37 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 061-391-3111

Lily Fu’s

It may look design forward and classy, but don’t be fooled: Lily Fu’s can party. DJs bring the heat and there’s plenty of floor space to mingle by the busy bar. You’ll find classic but creative cocktails. The Thai negroni (B280) sticks out as a favorite, mixing Saneha gin with Campari, Chinese five spice, and 1757 rosso; the refreshingly tart Chaophraya (B260) is Phraya rum, agave, lime, chili, and ginger. But there are also delightfully simple ones like the Coconut Mojito (B230) and the Mekhong Ice Coffee (B240). 

18 Sukhumvit 11 Alley. 02-057-3079

Oskar Bistro

Another Soi 11 institution, Oskar Bistro is from the same minds behind some of Bangkok’s favorite hangs, including Sing Sing, Gigi, and now Lily Fu’s too. Oskar Bistro marries class and comfort in one inviting location, a versatile venue for a hearty meal, a bottle of wine shared with friends, and a night out dancing. Classic French and European dishes come with an Oskar twist, and the prices are reasonable. 

24 Sukhumvit Soi 11. 02-255-3377

Spectrum

Open since 2019, Spectrum is spread over three levels, making it one of the bigger rooftop bar experiences. The view is high, the style is high, and the prices are high—but what a view. All signature cocktails are B420 and include the Sex on the Roof (rum, cointreau, campari, lemon, lemongrass, honey, orange juice, and kaffir) and Kiss Me Now (whiskey, cranberry, pineapple, lime, rose syrup, and egg whites). Bottles of bubbly start at B1,200.

29-31/F, Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, 1 Sukhumvit Soi 13. 02-098-1234

Sugar Club

Coming out of the Covid doom, Sugar reigns supreme for the Soi club kids—for now. Open since 2014, keep in touch for a regular string of DJs and nightly themes. Wednesdays, for example, is WAP night which stands for, obviously, “What a Party” and it just happens to be ladies’ night. Every night is a party at this hip-hop staple. 

37 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 061-391-3111