So whether you’re after a wild night clubbing, the best drinks in town, or simply to sit with a stogie and a good single-malt, rest assured that the BK B.A.D. Awards has you covered.
We’ll see you at the bar!
= The Crowd
= The Decor 
= The Drinks
= The Prices
= The Music
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| 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Soi Nana was buzzing well before Teens of Thailand opened its doors, but no venue on the street has made as much impact on Bangkok’s bar scene. Built from the remains of a near-crumbling shop-house, the venue’s haunting Indian-style door and sticker-starred exterior concrete walls are a loud-andproud counter to speakeasy cocktail culture. Co-owner and mixologist Niks Anuman-Rajadhon stockpiles an apocalypse-ready supply of gin, while venue’s small, dimly-lit room gets rammed every weekend.
76 Soi Nana, 081-443-3784, 096-846- 0506. Open Mon-Thu, Sun 7pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 7pm-1am
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| 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 | 4.5 |
Here to give Bangkok’s clubbing scene a fresh, turnt look, Blaq Lyte foregoes the Bangkok obsession with techno or crappy EDM, playing only modern hip-hop (no mellow, old-school stuff). You can also forget glamorous, hi-so decor. Playfully underground, Blaq Lyte defines the vibe for a new generation of bright-haired Bangkok clubbers decked out in lit sportwear. The 28-year-old owner, Nick Supreda, also donates his profits to 32 Foundation, an initiative he created to help Thai orphans.
2/F, Badmotel, 331/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 098-253-9356. Open Tue-Sun 9pm-2am
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| 3 | 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
Once you’ve figured out how to open the door, you will be blessed with a drink list set in the “Past, Present and Future.” Hidetsugo Ueno from Bar High Five in Tokyo took part choosing six of his favorite classic cocktails for the menu, while Colin Chia from Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore) collaborated with Nick Wu (third in the World Class Cocktail Competition 2016) to add their “Present” versions with infusion twists. Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn from our own Backstage Bar (see Most Creative Drink List), meanwhile, graced the drinks with high-wire methods like sous-vide in his “Future” adaptations. Plus, they taste so outstanding that you don’t have to be a cocktail-snob to enjoy them.
JIA Thonglor, 225/15 Thonglor Soi 10, 092-895-3689. Open daily 8pm-2am
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| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 |
Once you’ve squeezed yourself through the low side entrance into what was once someone’s home, you’ll be greeted with a post-apocalyptic world of low-lit bric-a-brac that somehow all works. You can thank Japanese owner Hiroshi Matsui for the organic style and music lineup of world beats mixed with electronic sounds and disco vinyl. With an energy that beats most of the bars we’ve visited in Bangkok, 12x12 defines what makes a good dive bar—eclectic crowd, cheap, no-nonsense drinks, and tunes that dare to be different.
810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2, 094- 260-4713. Open Tue-Sat 8pm-2am
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| 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 | 4.5 |
Breathing new life into the Bangkok club scene by playing only straight-up hip-hop, Blaq Lyte still manages to draw one of the most eclectic crowds on Thonglor. With cheap drinks and access to the good old Badmotel drinking terrace, it’s no surprise it’s one of the most packed, and diverse, spots on the strip.
2/F, Badmotel, 331/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 098-253-9356. Open Tue-Sun 9pm-2am
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| 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 |
Years after Somrak Sila and Christopher Wise kickstarted the bar-meets-gallery shop-house thing, WTF remains the go-to place around Thonglor for a cultured but hard-drinking crowd. Low-level indie tunes hum amid Portuguese-inspired decor, though most of the patrons tend to smoke, chat and drink out on the street.
7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-1am
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| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Live molam and ya dong make a potent pairing at this barebones enclave tucked off Sukhumvit. With nights dedicated to everything from Ethio-jazz to modern boogie, you won’t find a more esoteric soundtrack in town—nor a cooler crowd, who when not cutting shapes on the cramped dancefloor can be found smoking streetside, Beerlao in hand.
3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-2am
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| 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Providing Bangkokians with a reason to still go down Sukhumvit Soi 11, the Cuba-referencing salsa speakeasy pulls in the neighborhood’s best crowd. Latin beats make way for foot-tapping chart fodder as the night wears on—and the telephone entry thingy has gotten old very quickly—but there’s still nowhere we’d rather drink around Nana-Asoke.
Sukhumvit Soi 11, 061-450-3750. Open daily 6pm-2am
 | Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 |
Basically just a bamboo shack on the lawn of Kram restaurant, Coastal serves tropical cocktails that demand you to get drunk in the daytime while spread out on one of their easygoing lawn chairs—perfect for curing your hangover and quietly catching up with friends from Blaq Lyte the night before.
113 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 098-253-9356. Open Tue-Fri 6pm-midnight, Sat-Sun 3pm-1am
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| 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3.5 |
Head barman Vipop Jinaphan (also see Sugar Ray, Best Speakeasy) pours drinks to be genuflected on at his gloriously polished bar. That might mean burning seaweed over mezcal and mixing the results with almond syrup for an intensely umami taste sensation, or cognac blended with cloves and ginger for something sweet and spicy.
235/13 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-1445. Open daily 7pm-2am
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| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 2.5 |
Hanakaruta provides one of Bangkok’s ultimate Japanese whiskey experiences. If 21-year-old Hibiki is too rich for your blood, try some of the house-infused plum wines—or the hundreds of sakes and shochus that line one of the city’s most imposing (and beautifully wood-paneled) back bars.
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| 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Teens of Thailand put Bangkok’s Chinatown on the map—plain and simple. Inspired by the mayhem-causing teenagers who rumbled through the area’s backstreets for decades, the bar’s gloomy dark wood front door, bare brick walls and vintage knick-knacks create an edgy, no-frills vibe. Its collection of gin and nightly-rotating cocktail menu are among Bangkok’s best.
76 Soi Nana, 081-443-3784, 096- 846-0506. Open Mon-Thu, Sun 7pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 7pm-1am
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| 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 |
This beautifully eclectic hub of creative types offers three unique experiences: pull up a seat in the Hong Kong diner-referencing downstairs booths to knock back the best-priced vin de pays in town; head to the second floor for live lounge music amid moody, neo-noir lighting; or book a seat at the rooftop smokehouse for Texas-style barbecue.
831 Charoenkrung Soi 31, 085-527-3511. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-midnight
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| 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 |
Drinking at Talad Noi’s bohemian live music bar feels like being invited into a band’s recording studio. As you knock back gin sours or bottles of Beerlao, the best soul musicians in the city jam on a stage that puts audience and artists on equal turf—little surprise it’s packed every weekend.
945 Charoenkrung Rd., 093-220- 0441, 095-593-9661. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight
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| 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 |
Two guys formerly from swanky Sathorn cocktail joints make a splash with a menu that’s all about rum and tropical flavors. With its white-washed bricks, mid-century furniture and colorful Portuguese tiles, Tropic City is a lesson in “now”—tasteful trends pulled together by genuinely under-theradar edge, as well as awesome new-school tropical cocktails without a pina colada in sight. Charoenkrung Soi 28, 091-870- 9825. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-1am
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| 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Walnut woods, marble, tufted leathers and cut mirrors paint a very masculine picture at the Park Hyatt hotel’s sky-high cocktail lounge. What we truly love, though, are the prices. At about B300 for a South Side (gin, lime, simple syrup and mint), you’re looking at sub-Thonglor cocktail lounge prices at a five-star hotel rooftop.
34-36/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd., 02-012-1234. Open daily noon-2:30pm, 5:30pm-midnight
| Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 2.5 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 |
Gaysorn’s ultra-fancy wine bar boasts one of Bangkok’s largest selections by the glass thanks to a state-of-the-art wine dispenser. Its lavish interior, with elegant open-pore wooden tables and swooping circular booths, stirs well with the prim-and-proper types who drink and eat here. With that said, the wine list isn’t as wallet-damaging as you might expect.
2/F, Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02- 656-1133. Open daily 10am-midnight
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| 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 |
The cocktail space that looks more like a pub is still one of Bangkok’s best spots for the golden hours when a boozy brunch transforms into a big night out. That sun-dappled terrace made for shucking oysters in the daylight gives way to a dark and club-like restaurant come nightfall. Given this place has launched dozens of mixology talents, rest assured the drinks pack a punch.
Athenee Residence, 65/1 Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Rd., 02-168- 5152-3. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-1am; Sat-Sun 5pm-1am
| Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 2.5 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 2 |
If you ever wanted to drink craft beer from the comfort of a surgical table, this is your chance. Don’t let the haunted hospital vibe fool you—this is a respectable beer-guzzling alcove. You’ll run into heaps of US expats thanks to a solid on-tap selection, beer-friendly American food and blaring ’90s rock.
2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd.; 02-650- 7589. Open daily 5pm-midnight
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| 3 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 |
Four stories of abandoned warehouse cool welcome a lineup that goes big on underground UK acts, as well as the best local DJs. Chill and drink downstairs amid stereotypically urban graffiti murals and raw concrete walls, before later heading up to the second floor’s Safe Room—a nightclub hidden in the bowels of the crumbling building.
Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. Open Thu-Sun 7pm-midnight
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| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
This tasteful balance between gentlemen’s club and European bistro has long held appeal among Silom’s serious cocktail crowd. The arrival of head bartender Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana brought welcome additions to the renowned “Art Book” drink menu, which includes must-try barrel-aged cocktails, while the elegant atmosphere and produce-driven food are as good as ever.
10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777. Open daily 5:30pm-2am
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| 2.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3 |
The groups of European tourists in tight colored trousers may detract from the underground Chinoiserie mystique somewhat, but this is still Silom’s most visually stunning bar. With an up-to-the-minute soundtrack and a solid cocktail list of reinvented classics, those button-tufted leather couches are as tempting as ever. Every Sunday, shirtless six-pack men take to the upholstered swings for what’s become one of the city’s most swinging gay nights.
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| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | N/A |
Book in advance to beat Soi Thaniya’s hard-drinking Japanese expats to a seat at the neighborhood’s most happening izakaya (Japanese tavern). With delicious drinking snacks (decadent octopus dumplings, steaming hot pots, thick-cut sashimi) and beer deals that’ll get you drunk on a budget, there’s no surprise that Shakariki’s rickety wood interior always roars with life.
Surawong Rd., 02-637-0927. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-3am, Fri-Sat 5pm-5am
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| 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 4 |
Where did Harry Styles and that one off Narcos prop up the bar when in Bangkok? The answer: nightlife kingpin David Jacobson’s bohemian drinking den, where eclectic music roars, guests knock back absinthe, and Bangkok’s hospitality industry has basically set up a gin-soaked home-from-home for itself. Last-Thursday-of-the-month pho night is a must-book event, while Wednesdays welcome some of the best jazz musicians in town.
186/3 Suan Phlu Soi 1, 095-585-1398. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 7:30pm-2am
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| 2.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 |
The neighborhood’s most luxurious cocktail bar channels ‘20s glamour through plum leathers, acres of brass and marble paneling. Outdoors, the air-conditioned terrace sits in the midst of downtown Bangkok’s skyscrapers, where well-heeled guests sip on boozy, floral punches and eat fancified comfort food like teriyaki sliders and premium cold cuts.
6/F, MahaNakhon Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. Open daily 5pm-2am
| Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 4 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 5 | 3.5 |
A renovation saw this Suan Phlu staple double in size, but don’t expect an easy time getting a table. It remains packed most nights with neighborhood drinkers looking to run through a gin-leaning cocktail list designed by owner Bard Passapong, or knock back Thai craft beers and chow down on hefty, no-nonsense burgers.
454 Suan Phlu Soi 1, 085-100-3608. Open Tue-Sun 9am-midnight
| Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 |
This slender Gallic bistro is often buzzing with a mix of locals and foreigners, many of whom are Francophones looking to sip on its solid collection of wines and rotating cocktail list. At night, the electro house soundtrack turns up and the central bar becomes a lively hearth for the rest of the house.
28/12 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-353. Open Mon-Fri 6pm-midnight, Sat-Sun noon-midnight
| Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 4.5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
The typical Irish bar exterior hides a hipster haven that has Ari’s coolest residents packing in every night for the vast selection of beers. Treacle-like black porters from Mikkeller stand alongside Beervana’s hoppiest new American imports on an ever-rotating lineup of beer taps, while the upbeat soundtrack hits all the right pre-party notes—as do the garlic fries and affordable beef steak.
Ari Soi 1, 064-146-4983. Open Mon-Sat 5:30pm-midnight.
| Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
As well as a selection of craft beers rivaled only by O’glee (see above) in this part of town, Baan Dok Kaew has an amazing back story. Creepy claims of ghost sightings haunt the 80-year-old wooden house, which retains all its rickety charm. The spicy Thai comfort food isn’t bad, either.
71 Rama 6 Soi 28, 096-886-4104. Open Thu-Tue 5pm-midnight
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| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
One of Bangkok’s first new-school tropical bars, Pakalolo takes its Hawaiian theme and adds a dose of the Florida Keys. If you hadn’t guessed from the look, this place isn’t for beardy, spirit-forward bores. Order the Lilia for a sweet, elderflower-and-thyme hit spiked with pear vodka and gin.
Ari Soi 4, 02-075-0939. Open SunWed 5pm-midnight, Thu-Sat 5pm-1am
| Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 |
These things we know: the sun will rise, the sun will set and Salt’s glass box, alfresco terrace and wooden house will be packed with Ari’s beautiful 20-somethings. A meal of sushi and wood-fired pizza sets the foundation for deceptively strong fruity cocktails and well-priced wine, all served up to an of-the-minute, popsanova-free soundtrack. This cool season, there are few other places we’d rather be.
Ari Soi 4, 02-619-6886. Open daily 5pm-midnight
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| 3.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
Steps away from the frantic bustle of Victory Monument’s street vendors, this three-decade-old jazz bar is no less lively inside. Surrounded by red brick walls and with barely a window in sight, the city’s jazz and reggae old guard—Koh Mr. Saxman (Mon), T-Bone (Fri)—perform face-to-face to a rapt audience who sip on draft beer poured into the bar’s signature saxophone-shaped ceramic tankards.
3/8 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-245-3592, 02-246-5472. Open daily 6pm-2am
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| 2 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 2 | 3.5 |
Since it opened in 1953, Mick Jagger, Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn have all pulled up a rattan chair amid its stylish jungle motifs and seductively tropical decor to enjoy the smoky sounds of visiting jazz legends (who take the stage at 8pm nightly). Even Ray Charles is rumored to have jammed with the house band in 1977.
1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000. Open Sun-Thu 5pm- 1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am
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| 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
The Phra Sumen institution offers classic Western comfort food and cocktails, and live performances by quality local jazz bands dominated by finalists of The Voice Thailand like Tissue Paper and Attention Please. Performances run from 8:30pm from Tue-Sun.
469 Phra Sumen Rd., 081-805- 7759. Open Tue-Thu 5pm- 1am, FriSat 5pm-2am, Sun 5pm-1am
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| 2.5 | 2.5 | 2 | 3.5 | 4 |
There’s no arguing with the trumpet-playing chops of owner Idris Dawud, whose father played with Art Blakey and Thelonious Monk. Complementing the smoky voices and moody tunes is decor whose blue lighting and raw brick walls channel New York jazz cliches.
8 Thonglor Soi 25, 096-989-1820. Tue-Sun 8:30pm-2am
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| 3 | 3.5 | 2 | 1.5 | 4 |
Despite some new competition across the street, this is still Bangkok’s showpiece nightclub. The main room upstairs features a “body kinetic” dance floor that pumps vibrations into dancers’ feet while live DJs push booming deep house and techno tracks through a world-class sound system. The inside feels minimal and raw with exposed rafters, simple concrete walls and tons of dance room. Don’t expect anything more than standard club mixers in the drinks department, though.
72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7750. Open Wed-Sat 9pm-2am
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| 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 | 4.5 |
Where did the crowd at Dark Bar go when Ekkamai’s underground institution closed? Here, where they were greeted by new, young Millennial clubbers who know what real hip-hop should sound like. If you’re looking to dance around a bottle of Johnnie Black, go back to Arena 10.
2/F, Badmotel, 331/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 098-253-9356. Open Tue-Sun 9pm-2am
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| 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Stepping inside Ashley Sutton’s nightclub creation conjures feelings of classic Shanghai—at least as the Western world imagines it. Wander outside its tiny dance floor through a maze of staircases, secret passages and sunken floors to find one of its bars, which serve, among other things, drinks containing Iron Balls, Sutton’s own gin.
Sukhumvit Soi 45 (next to Quince), 063-225-1331. Open Tue-Thu, Sun 9pm-2am, Fri-Sat 9pm-3am
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| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 4 |
With its tight, dark quarters, swooping neon lights and crushing bass-heavy music, Glow feels trapped in an early 2000s rave time capsule. But it’s a winning recipe for scores of locals, expats and tourists thanks to its late hours and consistent lineup of solid electronic acts.
96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-614- 3355. Open Wed-Sun 9:30pm-3am
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| 2.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 |
Whether you want cigars from Cuba, the Dominican Republic or other prominent producers, they’ll have it. It’s also an art gallery, showcasing local talent whose work stretches from eye-catching papier-mache sculptures to grand, statement oil paintings. Big-spenders take out membership packages, which run into the hundreds of thousands and furnish you with ample credit at the bar.
1/F, Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 080-587-9520, 094-647- 8888. Open daily 11am-midnight
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| 2.5 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
As if Aqua weren’t exclusive enough, it’s now also home to this Oriental Express-inspired den of cigars and single malts. From servers who feel more like personal butlers, order up South American smokes to go with your favorite decades-old Scotch.
Anantara Siam, 153/2 Mahatlek Luang Soi 1, 02-254-4726. Open MonSat 1pm-midnight
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| 2 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
With exposed brick walls, imitation chesterfields and an interior that’s every shade of dark brown possible, this cigar lounge is like a modern take on the classic gentleman’s club. It packs out with professionals and moneyed big shots who come to down fine single malts from across all the major Scottish whiskey regions and puff on quality non-Cubans plucked from its walk-in humidor.
16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-3220, 02-664-4252. Open daily 1pm-2am
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| 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
Lurking in the rafters above a cigar and spirits-specializing boutique, this offshoot bar from the renowned Speyside whiskey lets you pull up a rich, tobacco-leather wingback and knock back 35-year-old single malts with some of the best smokes from Latin America.
2/F, Cohiba Atmosphere, 63/3 Soi Ruamrudee, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9009. Open Mon-Sat noon-midnight
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| 2.5 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 |
| Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Exclusively for Citi credit card members: |
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| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
22 Sathorn Soi 1 Yaek 2 (Soi Goethe), 02-287-2402. Open daily 11:30am-midnight
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| 4 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Drinking next to an expressway is rarely as fun as at this ramshackle Surasak shop-house, where subversive art lines the walls, cheap wine pours from the cardboard cask and two chill resident dogs patrol the vicinity. Cult movie screenings, retro gaming nights and gigs from young up and comers add to the arty outsider vibes.
41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889- 8059. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight
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| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 |
Hidden down a secluded soi off Thonglor, this Japanese-run bar is basically a hipster’s wet dream—super-cool without even trying. Two vintage motorbikes mark the entrance. Duck inside and you’ll be greeted by achingly hip world music and shots of potent, vodka-and-Tabasco concoctions.
810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2, 094- 260-4713. Open Tue-Sat 8pm-2am
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| 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 |
Burnt orange walls crawling with band posters, Polaroid snaps and the odd musical instrument set the scene for this most American of American diners way out on Rama 9. Fatty’s burgers, craft beers and rocking soundtrack have found a fervent following among expats well accustomed to arguing loudly over such things.
598/66 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 081- 438-7221, 02-245-2965. Open Tue-Sun 11am-midnight
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| 2 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Nights out in Wong’s red-lit corridor of drunken expats and party boys are a Bangkok rite of passage, the after-dark, bleary-eyed equivalent to visiting Wat Pho. Make sure you have a drink in your hands at all times, since the staff are quick to kick out anyone who’s glass is empty.
Soi Sribumphen, Rama 4 Rd., 081-901-0235, 02-286-1558. Open daily 9pm-late
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| 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 |
While its younger counterpart upstairs is known as one of the fancier restaurants in town, the original beer house on the bottom floor is about as casual as it gets, with unassuming blond wood tables, bare white walls and lots of space to move around. Its 30-strong on-tap selection of craft beer is one of Bangkok’s largest, as is the menu of 250-plus bottled beers.
26 Ekkamai Soi 10, 091-713-9034, 02- 381-9891. Open daily 5pm-midnight
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| 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 2.5 |
A wall of fridges holds just about the biggest selection of brews in town at this bottle-shop-meets-beer-bar. And the best bit? Buy any six bottles and you get takewaway prices even if you’re drinking at the bar. Make sure you order up some of the awesome grilled chicken to go with.
2/7 Sukhumvit Soi 34, 02-040- 0473. Open daily 5pm-midnight
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| 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 |
Duck behind Sukhumvit Soi 26’s Casa Lapin to find this buzzing temple of niche brews, its 26 taps always hooked up to something new and fresh. The environment is friendly, weekdays see live acoustic bands take the stage, and come the weekend the place kicks into party atmosphere with DJs.
51 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 087-460-2626. Open daily 5pm-midnight
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| 2.5 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 2 |
The somewhat creepy-feeling hospital decor might seem strange from the perch of social media, but hordes of scrutinous Bangkok beer-heads count this as one of the city’s best brew haunts. Its modest but well-curated selection features globe-spanning flavors, like the wobble-causing Selassie stout and a homebrew turned international success called Nebuchadnezzar IPA.
2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd.; 02-650- 7589. Open daily 5pm-midnight.
Other branch: 593/27 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1 (Phrom Phong), 02-258-1461
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| 3 | 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
As far as “speakeasy” gimmicks go, the wall of gym lockers that hides this meticulous little den of craft libations stands apart. Once you’ve found your way in, prop up the bar and partake in boozy concoctions designed by four of Asia’s top bartenders, including our own Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn from Backstage Bar
JIA Thonglor, 225/15 Thonglor Soi 10, 092-895-3689. Open daily 8pm-2am
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| 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3.5 |
With its devilishly discreet entrance (first visit we made, we spent 10 minutes ringing the neighboring apartment’s doorbell), Q&A perfectly captures the off-the-radar aura of any good speakeasy—which it then complements with truly sensational cocktails made to the most demanding specifications.
235/13 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-1445. Open daily 7pm-2am
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| 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
By doing away with any formal bar, Sugar Ray feels more like drinking at a friend’s dining room table—one who lives in a moody, candlelit loft dripping with eclectic bric-a-brac. Fridays see chauffeured minivans pulling up to drop off Thonglor’s beau monde, who come to sip on serious, spirit-heavy concoctions.
Baan Ekkamai, Ekkamai Soi 21, 094-417-9898. Open Wed, Fri-Sat 7pm-2am
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| 2.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 |
Other bartenders whose opinions we have a lot of time for tell us that nowhere else in Bangkok man-ages to pack such intense flavors into their house infusions than Ku Bar. The results speak for themselves, poured from a meticulously crafted marble and blond-wood bar that playfully contrasts the otherwise stark, concrete space.
3/F, 469 Phra Sumen Rd., 02-067-6731. Open Thu-Sun 7pm-midnight
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| 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 | 4.5 |
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Charoenkrung Soi 28, 091-870-9825. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-1am
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| 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3 |
“Thai cocktails” used to mean kitsch, sugary stuff fixed with cheap local booze and a chili sticking out the top. Not at Eat Me, where mixologist Bun-tanes “Pop” Direkrittikul’s creations are on a whole other level. He uses actual green chili paste, toasted rice, roasted chili and shallots for flavors so powerful they can be almost too real. Our favorite, the Laab Moo (a spicy, herbal Isaan dish made with minced pork), comes topped with a crispy strip of Serrano ham, its rim flecked with a crunchy mix of cilantro, rice and mint flakes. Saep!
1/6 Phiphat Soi 2, Convent Rd., 02-238- 0931. Open daily 3pm-1am
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| 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
Have you ever wanted to taste “the savory flavors of foie gras” in your drink? We hadn’t until stumping up about B400 for this dev-ilishly secretive cocktail joint’s “Nuts Over Michelin,” which mixes goose liver with co-gnac, almond, lemon, sesame and egg white. If that doesn’t land somewhere a place in Most Creative Drinks category, we don’t know what does.
JIA Thonglor, 225/15 Thonglor Soi 10, 092-895- 3689. Open daily 8pm-2am
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| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
Originally crafted by Milk Pailin (now at Zuma) and later improved by current barkeep Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana, Vesper’s “Art Book” is one of the most widely-recognized cocktail menus in town. Highlighted by six-week barrel-aged classics, the lengthy menu’s remaining pages pay homage to some of the world’s immortal artwork—pairing boozy inspirations with each piece.
10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777. Open Daily 5pm-1am
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The main hub of action for Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn, the 2014 and 2017 winner of Diageo World Class who also appears here with his second project, Locker Room (see Best Drinks), is like a bartender’s playground. Last time we dropped by, he was whipping up spicy, fruity concoctions spiked with chipotle, snakefruit, cacao and agave nectar.
L/F, Playhaus Thonglor, 205/22-23 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-712-5747, 061-519-5891. Open Mon-Sun 7pm-2am
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| 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
Chef-partner Luca Appino and Sardinian-born head chef Francesco Deiana dish out simple, hearty Mediterranean flavors that go toe-to-toe with some of the city’s best restaurants. Produce-driven plates like fileja calabrese, roasted suckling pig and pork sausage ragu really drive home that this is so much more than a cocktail joint.
10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777. Open daily 5pm-1am
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As if the the log-cabin vibes and well-soused salarymen weren’t enough, the exemplary izakaya bites do a good job of convincing you that you’re actually in Japan. Prop up the long bar, where things get hot and heavy watching the chefs at work, and work your way through sashimi, kushiage (deep-fried everything, basically) and robatayaki (charcoal barbecue)—all made to be paired with an ice-cold Asahi, ginger highball or full bottle of sake.
14/2 Sukhumvit Soi 61, 02-714-1412. Open Mon-Fri, 6pm-midnight, Sat-Sun 5pm-11pm
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| 2.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 |
While it’s usually the happy hour (see below) that draws us here on an empty stomach, it’s the delectably delicate bar bites of chef Cyril Coccon that ensure we leave stuffed. Affordable Aussie short-rib wraps and fancy Japan-inspired sliders pack a comforting punch, while the charcuterie boards and grilled, premium proteins are perfect for sharing.
6/F, MahaNakhon Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. Open daily 5pm-2am
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Does Shakariki provide Bangkok’s most authentic izakaya experience? The crowds at its every venue would suggest so, with tables sagging under the weight of gloriously gooey okonomiyaki pancakes, smoky, deep-fried cutlets on sticks, and the best sashimi at this price point around.
Surawong Rd., 02-637-0927. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-3am, Fri-Sat 5pm-5am
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| 2.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 |
A look so swathed in brass and marble might trick you into thinking millionaires only need book their after-work aperitifs at MahaNakhon’s luxurious rooftop bar. Thanks to a happy hour that sees beautifully poured old fashioneds or negronis at two-for-the-price-of-one, that’s not the case. And the best bit: the offer lasts till 9pm.
6/F, MahaNakhon Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02- 001-0697. Open daily 5pm-2am
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| 3 | 2.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
W Bangkok’s signature lobby bar buzzes with glitzy purple decor and chic elec-tronica. The free-flow sparkling wine—Pitars Cuvee Prestige NV—deal offers itself to gents on Wed and ladies on Thu—something that has not gone unnoticed by the Silom gay scene. Head there 7:30-9:30pm.
Lobby/F, W Bangkok, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. Open daily 9am-midnight
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| 3 | 4.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 2 |
Technically an Italian restaurant, this sleek space 35 floors above Asoke lets you eat and drink to your heart’s content at just B999. That includes wine, beer, cocktails and soft drinks, as well as one main course, unlimited pizza and pasta, plus one dessert. Yours from 6-11pm every day.
35/F, The Continent Hotel, 413 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-686- 7000. Open daily 6am-midnight
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| 2.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
The frat house vibes—beer pong, air hockey, Jenga—are not to all tastes, but this is 72 Courtyard’s most consistently busy bar with good reason. Drop by Sunday for 120 minutes of free-flow pints at B999. That covers Vedett, Menabrea and Erdinger—not just Leo and Chang. But if Thai beer’s your thing, Mon-Sat 5-8pm gets you half-price Mahanakorn, Stone Head and Lamzing, plus all the big names.
G/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7770. Open daily 5pm-2am
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| 3 | 4.5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
A lot of respected food and drink figures played a hand in this place, but it’s designer Kelly Wheatley’s brutalist concrete lines that make the first impression. The imposing structure’s sharp angles and pinching alcoves wind and roll across three levels, softened by dashes of mustard and marine with polished stone and copper-toned mirrors playing a supporting role. Blending fancy and raw elements to-gether is no small feat, but Bunker is a knockout.
118/2 Sathorn Soi 12, 092-563-9991, 02- 234-7749. Open Mon-Sun 5:30pm-midnight
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| 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 |
For all Bangkok’s new-wave Chinese-themed bars, FooJohn manages to put you in mind of Hong Kong while avoiding the cliches of its contemporaries. Its downstairs Formica tabletops come straight from a stuck-in-time bingsut, while the middle floor’s throwback patterned wallpapers work in ways we don’t even know.
831 Charoenkrung Soi 31, 085-527-3511. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-midnight
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| 2 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 2 | 3.5 |
The only place in town that can make tiger print, bamboo furniture and mirrored ceilings work. Our hearts were in our mouths a few years back when they said they were giving it a refresh courtesy of P49 architects, but the resulting work is a spectacularly moody testament to tropical opulence.
1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000. Open Sun-Thu 5pm- 1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am
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| 3 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 |
The floral paintings, the neon signs, the flamingo sculptures, the vibey king-and-queen-in-holiday-mode portrait—everything at Charoenkrung’s newest cocktail bar says “fun,” which isn’t a word often associated with places pouring drinks as serious as these ones. Order the banana-infused, rum-and-whiskey laced Jungle Letter 23 or miss out.
Charoenkrung Soi 28, 091-870-9825. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-1am
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598/66 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 081-438-7221, 02-245- 2965. Open Tue-Sun 11am-midnight
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This rooftop serves up one of Bangkok’s most stunning sunset scenes—looking straight over Lumphini Park and onto the gleaming skyscrapers of Phloen Chit. Maybe that’s why it’s one of the few spots that attracts a local crowd, one that likes to knock back Champagne and smoke cigars while reposed on the almost-too-comfy scarlet daybeds. Oh, and they give out enough complimentary cashews and olives to make you say, “let’s screw dinner.”
29/F, So Sofitel Hotel, 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. Open daily 5pm–1am
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| 2.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 2 |
Leave the tequila sunsets to the hotels and head here for well-poured piscos overlooking a twinkling strip of downtown Sukhumvit—if you were smart enough to reserve the peren-nially booked-out balcony seats. As the night wears on, white dudes on dates make way for gaggles of hard-partying locals, before the whole crowd moves on to Havana Social.
33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-038-5111. Open daily 6pm-2am
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| 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
There is a reason to visit Thonburi. It stands 26 stories above the Chao Phraya, offers cocktails with a floral, flamboyant edge and serves Asian-influenced tapas plates at not-too-crazy prices. The vast space means it never feels super-crowded, which is just what we want when we’re taking a few well-poured sundowners.
26/F, Avani Riverside Hotel, 257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02- 431-9100. Open daily 5:30pm-1am
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| 2.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 2 | 1.5 |
A rooftop bar with the added bonus of being right by Thonglor, this place is our favorite diversion tactic to use on out-of-town friends when they start mumbling “sky-bar.” Cocktails don’t come quite at street-level prices, but you do get a stunning view of downtown Sukhumvit, coupled with an upbeat crowd of tourists.
45/F, Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Soi 57, 02-797- 0000. Open daily 5pm-2am
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