25 bars in Bangkok to drink beer. And only beer.

By Apiphusit Jirattitikul
| Aug 01, 2019

Beer Belly

Probably 72 Courtyard's most easygoing opening sits at the complex's ground floor and boasts of a hefty 20 beers on tap, from Leo and Asahi to La Chouffe and L’Olmaia LA5. These are served alongside East-meets-West drinking snacks like pork wontons and barbecue ribs. There's bar seating and tables outside for when the weather's fine, while inside has larger spaces suitable for playing games like jenga, chess and even beer pong—all available on the house.

G/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7770. Open daily 5pm-2am

The Beer Cap

The Commons now counts not one, but two counters devoted to niche craft beers, both on tap and by the bottle. The ground-floor original offers the biggest selection—expect the likes of BrewDog Punk IPA and Limburgse Witte—or you can also head upstairs where The Beer Cap mk. 2 serves nine rotating taps. Top marks go to the refreshing Bridge Road Beechy summer ale and the sweet-sour Duchesse De Bourgogne.

The Commons, 355 Thonglor Soi 17, 02-185-2517. Open daily 11am-1am

The Beer Bridge

The bustling bar-slash-restaurant offers some 100 labels, including the likes of Deschutes Chainbreaker and Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar on tap. Expect new brews to regularly appear on tap, like Ballast Point's Sculpin and Sculpin Grapefruit IPAs. The food side of things features classic pub grub like fried pork knuckle, braised pork orecchiette and laab moo tod (deep-fried minced pork with chilies and mint).

1/F, Portico, 31 Soi Lang Suan, 02-050-5158. Open daily 10.30am-1am

Beer Republic

Located inside the Holiday Inn Hotel Chidlom, this vast, industrial warehouse-inspired venue serves both mass and craft beers plus Thai and European bar food. Aiming for both the after-work and heavy partying crowds, they stock over 70 labels of beer. Hungry? They offer both Thai and European comfort pub food, to go with nightly live music.

Holiday Inn, 971 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-0080. Open daily 11am-midnight.

Brew - Beers & Ciders

The Thonglor institution may have closed, but the Soi 11 follow-up is still going strong. Here, you can find some 300 imported bottles from familiar importers Beervana, Brewdog, Hopsession and more. To go with, you can't beat a Daniel Thaiger burger.

30 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-255-5532. Open daily 11-2am

Brewski

This beer bar offers 30th-floor views of Sukhumvit. Along with a free and easy party atmosphere, Brewski offers an international selection of beers, with choices ranging from American craft beers to Belgian classics. There's also a decent selection of ciders (try the Zeffer Crisp Green Apple Cider from New Zealand) and Thai-style bar munchies like sai krok Isaan (Thai-style pork sausages with fresh chilli, ginger and peanuts).

30/F, Radisson Blu Plaza, 489 Sukhumvit Soi 27, 02-302-3333. Open daily 5pm-1am

Changwon Express

Craft beer enthusiast Ted Ahn pairs craft beer with Mexican-Korean fusion food at his restaurant-slash-bar, located right next to MRT Petchaburi. The second branch, above urban surf park Flow House, sticks more to burgers and pizzas to go with a drinks list showcasing Thailand’s burgeoning craft beer industry. Changwon Express’ pride and joy is their own brew, the Asoke Pale Ale; golden, hoppy and citrusy, it slips down nicely.

Changwon Express, 37 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 085-127-9009. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight

Craft

The semi-outdoor stall exclusively sells craft beers, with 20 labels on tap for Silom branch and over 40 beers on tap for Sukhumvit branch rotating monthly and 50 bottled varieties. Expect familiar names like Deschutes, Rogue and Anderson Valley, with a particular focus on hoppy, high-alcohol-content IPAs. One of our picks, The Anderson Valley Blood Orange Gose, is made from an ancient German recipe and has a unique salty-grapefruit like flavor.

16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-258-0541. Open daily 2pm-2am. BTS Asoke

G/F, Holiday Inn Silom, 981 Silom Rd., 02-630-3998 Open daily noon-2am

Dok Kaew House Bar

This bar taking over an 80-year-old, two-story house out the back of Phaya Thai not only boasts arguably the best selection of local craft brews this side of town, but also some excellent Thai food—to go with a few creepy claims that the house is haunted. Pick from an ever-rotating list of beers like Taopiphop Ale Project’s Hurtster Saison, Yodbeer’s Bearnana Wit and Outlaw Brewing’s Outlaw Mosaic IPA. Fiery food faves include leng (pork bone served with spicy soup) and sai yaang (grilled pig’s intestines) served with a tamarind-heavy jaew sauce.

71 Rama 6 Soi 28, 089-993-1663. Open daily daily 5pm-midnight

Ekamai Beer House

Set in a three-story rustic brick building, this beer house boasts 16 draft beers on tap alongside a wide selection of imported brews and international wine. Expect plenty of music on the first floor, where live bands perform every Mon, Wed and Fri nights, while the free jukebox takes over the rest of the time. The dining area on the second floor serves up Western and Thai classic dishes, plus roast lunches and dinners every weekend. Meanwhile, the third floor is a sports bar featuring a pool table, shuffle board and large TV screens showing all major sports games live.

Ekkamai Soi 2, 02-714-3924. Open Mon-Fri 3:30pm-1am; Sat-Sun11:30-1am

Fatty’s Bar & Diner

This basic, grungy space puts some serious gusto into its classic American dishes and also hosts comedy nights, gigs and movie screenings. Join the largely expat crowd and order the deep-fried jalapeno stuffed with Wisconsin cream cheese, Buffalo hot wings and Jack the Ripper (deep-fried bacon-wrapped sausage topped with peppers, onions and jalapeno cheese sauce). Reasonable prices and a rocking playlist earn it extra points. Also expect an America-centric craft beer list (from Melvin to Deschutes)—head there for "Thirsty Thursday" and B40 off 30+ beers.

598/66 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 081-438 7221, 02-245-2965. Open Tue-Sun 11am-midnight

Goldencoins

Local brewer Pipatnapon “Piek” Pumpo runs this six-tap craft beer bar that exclusively serves strains of Piek’s own Golden Coins beer. The bare-brick space in Ekamai Mall also dishes out some perfect drinking food: pulled pork burgers, fish and chips and pork knuckle. Piek launched Golden Coins back in 2011, making it one of Bangkok’s original craft beers. Unlike some of the expat beer bars around town, this one pulls in a big local crowd.

Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 092-690-9955. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Hair of the Dog

Don’t let the haunted hospital vibe scare you off, because this place serves one of the best selections of imported craft beer in Bangkok. First opened in Ploen Chit back in 2015, they have now expanded to Phrom Phong, retaining the dark vibe that goes so nicely with bitter IPAs and ‘90s rock.

2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd. 02-650-7589. Open daily 5pm-midnight.
593/27 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-258-1461. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

HOBs

Bangkok’s very first beer-centric bar has branches all over town. Our favorite is probably on the second floor of the Rain Hill community mall on the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 47. With every outlet sporting its own unique concept, the HOBs here is decked out to have the look and feel of a train station. Expect all the classic beers on tap, with a few added bottles, including a number of craft beers.

Various locations. Try 841/9 Sukhumvit Rd. Open Mon-Tue 4pm-midnight; Wed-Sun 11am-midnight

Let The Boy Die

After a nearly-two year absence from the scene, one of Thailand’s pioneering craft beer bars was recently reborn with more beer, more food and all of the old charm. It’s also kept its unique name, taken from a Game of Thrones quote—“Kill the boy and let the man be born”—and meant to symbolize the bar's position operating on the fringes of legality.The man behind the beer menu is Pieak Pipattanaphon, who’s also the founder of Golden Coins beer (and Golden Coins Taproom in Ekkamai). We recommend the Golden Coins Happy Stout, which uses chestnuts for a smooth and smoky flavor. Lovers of tropical IPAs go for the Hop Hog Handsome Hog.

425 Luang Rd., 099-493-9909

Mash

Sixteen rotating taps store both Thai and international craft beers at this Silom shop-house, including the must-try Devanom (brewed by the Ungsriwong brothers who also own Thailand’s first ever hops farm). Burgers, barbecue and bar grub fill the menu, as designed by the CIA grad owners. Don't miss the American burger, a thick brioche bun with a juicy freshly-ground 150g patty, cheddar cheese and crispy bacon.

Soi Convent, 089-692-5666. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Mikkeller

Even in an age when every ‘hood in town boasts its own tap room, few can compete with the lineup of 30 brews from Denmark and beyond at Ekkamai’s Mikkeller outpost. Bonus points for the huge front lawn (barbecue time!) and quiet neighborhood setting.

26 Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9891. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

Mikkeller Discovery

Since opening in Siam Discovery’s hip multi-label streetwear store Cazh in April, Mikkeller Discovery has been bringing shoppers respite in the form of international craft brews. Their 10 rotating taps feature Mikkeller favorites, like their Organic German Pils (B160/300) and Beer Geek Breakfast coffee stout (B210/390), alongside other brewers from Norway, the States, Hong Kong and beyond (ranging from around B140-300/200ml). They've recently introduced a menu of Asian-tinged Danish drinking snacks, too, from Boller (B90)—Thai spiced meatballs with curry sauce and house-made pickles—to a selection of hotdogs, from the classic Danish Dog (B150) to the spicy Thai Dog (B180) topped with minced meat, pickled cucumber, deep fried lime leaves and chili, each served with a side of their unique and supremely flavorful fermented potato fries.

1/F, Siam Discovery, 989 Rama I Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Mitr Bar

This is not just another typical craft beer joint. Not only does it aim to support the local craft beer scene, it is also part of the wider project Mitr Craft—Thailand’s first legal craft beer brewery—which seeks to improve the country’s economy. The project welcomes anyone to pitch their project on the website (www.mitrcraft.com) and if it gets 300 likes, it will get brewed at Mitr Craft and sold at Mitr Bar, with profits split between brewer and brewery.

3/F, 23/1 Phaya Thai Rd., 089-799-1123. Open daily 5pm-midnight

O’Glee

Situated on Ari Soi 1, this is not your average Irish bar. The decor is rustic enough, with a few industrial twists in the form of nicely-designed steel and wood table sets, but the beer selection is quite possibly the best this side of town. Highlight bottles including Mikkeller’s Not Just Another Wit and Hoppy Joe amber ale.

Ari Soi 1, 064-146-4983. Open Mon-Sat 5:30pm-midnight. BTS Ari

Pijiu Bar

All dark woods, vintage signage and spare lighting, this Chinatown beer bar swings to the sounds of upbeat piano jazz while pouring craft beers like Los Locos Mexican lager and Tuatara Weiz Guy Hefeweizen at some of the best prices in town. In the fridge you'll find beers from the top local craft brewers like Happy New Beer. Line your stomach with Chinese cold-cut platters, Sichuan chicken knuckles and dried goat meat.

16 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd., 081-839-2832 Open Tue-Sun 6pm-1am

Taproom

Located amid the greenery of Sukhumvit Soi 26, Taproom's selling point comes in the form of 26 rotating taps pouring premium brews from around the world. That means names like BrewDog, Stone, Coronado, Bear Republic, Hitachino, Flying Dog, EvilTwin, Heretic and Speakeasy. Every time a keg finishes (almost everyday), you can expect something new to be hooked up to the tap. The environment is friendly, weekdays see live acoustic bands take the stage, and come the weekend the place kicks into party atmosphere with DJs. There's another branch in Ari, too.

51 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 087-460-2626. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Casa Lapin, Noble Reform Condo, 2/9 Phahon Yothin Soi 7, 02-116-3308

Where Do We Go

This oddly named bar brings craft brews to the trending streets of Ladphrao. Where Do We Go is a tiny, loft-style bare cement room that’s decked out with huge wooden furniture and hanging bulbs. Four taps are available here and beers rotate after each barrel runs out, so check their Facebook page or chalkboard on every visit. On our last visit, they had Sandport Summer Pine and Happy New Beer Thai Wit on the taps.

Ladprao-Wanghin, 094-548-2326. Open daily 6pm-midnight

Where is My Beer?

On Nut’s homely two-story bar, Where Is My Beer? takes Bangkok’s craft beer obsession to new heights with what it calls “beertails.” The people behind local microbrewer Ladybrau whip out creations like the Dirty Flower, which adds gin, elderflower and lemon to their own Hefeweizen brew, and El Mexicano, a mix of lager, tequila, lime and mint. Not convinced? You can always stick to Zwickel and Das Weizen on tap. Add in German-inspired nibbles like cold cuts and pickles and beer-fried chicken.

26, Sukhumvit Soi 89, 083-089-8720. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-11pm

Wishbeer Home Bar

This giant warehouse serves a dual purpose as its owners online beer delivery website, leaving the gym-like space in the middle as a bar. With its scuffed flooring and furniture strewn about the place, the venue is as easygoing as they come, and the selection of brews is vast. Whether by bottle or draft, enjoy trending beer labels like Brewdog, Bavaria, Evil Twin, Chouffe and Vedett with a regular crowd of local hops enthusiasts. There's another branch across the river.

Wishbeer Home Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 67, 02-392-1403. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Wishbeer Garden, Vue Bangkok, Charoen Nakorn Soi 13, 02-392-1403. Open daily 5pm-midnight

B.A.D. Awards is BK Magazine's annual guide to all that's good in Bangkok nightlife. Read the full list here or download the PDF version here.