The brewing laws in Bangkok are changing and we are here for it. In fact, some of Bangkok’s brewers have been wildly flouting the beer laws for some time to create the dynamic beer bar scene we currently have. In short, we’re ready for more.
The annual
BAD Awards are Bangkok’s biggest homegrown nightlife awards, and were made possible by sponsors Apt 101, GulpBkk, Bootleggers, Giffard, Freedom World, Komos, Suntree Brewing, Flow Inter, and OG Kratom.
Winner for the second year in a row, Hair of the Dog is the first thought for beer lovers in Bangkok—and not just because they always have the newest brews. Hair of the Dog, with its OG location in Ploenchit and its flagship in Phrom Phong, has been hosting parties, events, and blind tastings that make it the premier venue for those who appreciate beer. With heavy tunes and a macabre design, this brand is officially a Bangkok beer staple.
Recently opening their second location in Bangkok in Phra Khanong, Burbrit brought Myanmar beer to Bangkok in a big way when it opened in 2023 in Phrom Phong. What followed was a great venue to try a broad range of beers inspired by Myanmar and a fun space—particularly in the cooler months—to sit outside and people watch and the interior is getting more lively at every visit. More than that, they boast a menu that’s a nice intro to Burmese cuisine.
Found on Sukhumvit Soi 23, Craft takes the pretentiousness out of the modern craft beer scene. With live music and DJs on the weekend, this space can get loud—and there’s good reason to, what with 40 taps and bottles from more than 20 countries. Their menu also has a pretty good selection of beer bites; it’s a sitting-and-talking-for-hours type of place.
This easily accessible Chinatown community spot with 12 taps is one of the few craft beer spots that can be a reliably good party spot, featuring live music, sports, and a good crowd under the wall of beer cans above the bar. With plenty of international options for those of you who’ve worked your way through the local brews, if you like craft beer and the premier league, this is the place to be.
A pioneer in Bangkok’s craft beer scene, Wichit “Chit” Saiklao has been busy opening up more accessible Chit Holes in Bangkok, but, for our money, you can’t beat the old faithful. The best reason to go to Koh Kret on the weekend, Chitbeer is a destination for Bangkok’s beer lovers and a testament to how far it’s come. Found on a sleepy corner of the Chaophraya, Chit Beer will never die. And, if you can’t be bothered to make the trip, in Bangkok, you’re never too far from a Chit Hole.
One of the top craft beer spots on the “other” side of the river, this brewer, Taopiphop “Tao” Limjittrakorn, famously became a politician and our city’s very own beer attack dog for brewing rights—and considering recent legislation it’s been pretty effective. The Taopiphop Bar Project doubles as Tao’s political office and features six taps and a large beer fridge. If it’s in stock, be sure to try the Tao’s Black IPA.
This spot got a mention on our list of best al fresco bars, but it’s very much worth a visit for just the beer lovers too. You’d be hard pressed to find a more inviting spot for craft beer lovers in Bangkok from the Copenhagen-born brand. It’s large, homey, and lively. With two dozen taps, you’ll find them doing special beer launches on occasion, so keep up to date. You never know the next brew they’ll bring to town.
It’s not exactly a huge space, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a beer lover in the city that doesn’t speak highly of Duke of Beerington. Found right next to the Thong Lo BTS, you’ll find a 100-strong craft beer selection that updates almost daily. The crowd here are regulars who know their beer and know that this is the space that brings some of the rarer bottles to Bangkok.
A new space on the scene, Two Palms Taproom is pretty easy to recognize due to the, you know, two palms outside, but it’s also set in a 200-year-old colonial building. Found on Phra Sumen Road in Old Town, this space is very clear about one thing: if you’re looking for Singha and Chang, get on your bike. Two Palms Taproom does local craft brews from the likes of SpaceCraft, Vana Brewing, Sunrise Brewing, Fishbridge, and Brainfill.
Another new space that opened this year, this one in Onnut, this large-windowed venue opens to a seating area and bar kitted out in bright woods and two floors of seating. The Radicle Beer Company is not yet brewing its own beer, but stay tuned. In the meantime, don’t miss out on their featured local beers and be sure to sample the menu, which really takes your average bar bites up a notch.
This one’s a bit off the beaten path up in Nonthaburi, the Devanom beers here come from brothers Nattachai “Ob” and Teerapat “Art” Ungsriwong, who have been on the Bangkok brewing scene for more than a decade. If you want those Bangkok Devanom beers but don’t like the idea of a trip out of downtown, you can still find their beers in local spots in Sathorn and on Sukhumvit like Chit Hole.
In Bangkok, there are two types of craft beer bars: those selling the latest high-priced imports, and those aiming to support local brewers. Saphan Kwai’s fantastic Eight Days a Week Home Bar, from the founders of the defunct Head Over Heels, falls within the latter. Hidden in the parking lot of a business complex off up-and-coming Pradipat Road, the bar sells only Thai craft beer. Order a beer, get some gap gleam like spicy Sichuan wings, and settle in for low-key live music or chats with the friendly owner.
In October 2023, the brewing equipment was installed so that this spot could finally brew its own beer, and these are the same minds behind Eight Days a Week Home bar in Ari. It’s Bang Na, which means real estate comes a little cheaper and the beer bars are bigger. Here you’ll find 21 taps of beer, and a lively sports bar style atmosphere with occasional live music.
This might seem like your average rooftop bar, but beer lovers know different. Sure, the cramped spaces with dozens of taps are good for some, but if you want a little skyline with your IPA, then Brewski is the spot. 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.
Thonglor’s 72 Courtyard has had something of a renaissance this year, bringing back the likes of Beam and with new offerings like Feral. Beer Belly, though, is a name we trust for beer, and the renovated space looks better than ever. It’s a great spot to stop for a creative brew before hitting the clubs, and there’s plenty of space outside to sit and party with a big group.