The Balvenie Lounge 

Lurking in the rafters above a vast cigar and spirits-specializing boutique called Cohiba Atmosphere, The Balvenie Lounge is blanketed from floor-to-ceiling in rich woods, while a few Christian Develter commissions of Cohiba-smoking celebrities add a modern touch. The drink line-up consists solely of whiskey, ranging from plenty of Japanese names to the Old & Rare Port Ellen 35.
2/F, Cohiba Atmosphere, 63/3 Soi Ruam Rudi, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9006. Open Mon-Sat 11am-midnight    
 

Hair of the Dog 

One of the most serious beer spots in Bangkok, this tiny bare concrete room has a slightly eerie atmosphere owing to the hospital-inspired decor—think surgical lighting and hospital beds doubling as tables. A rotating batch of 13 beers are on tap, supplied by all the familiar faces (Beervana, Brewdog and Hopsession) plus some new-in-town bottles. Food covers beer-friendly dishes like spicy lamb meatballs on fries (B240) and mac ‘n’ cheese (B240).    
2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-7589. Open daily 5pm-midnight. BTS Phloen Chit
 

The Garden

Inspired by New York’s Madison Square Garden, Central Embassy's grand rooftop is home to pop-up bars from Water Library, Minibar and 27 St. plus a constant rotation of live music performances from local indie bands to hip-hop DJs. Dogs are allowed in The Garden from 4-10pm for Sunset Sundays, which promise a barbecue feast and live DJs from Kolour Krew. 

5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd. BTS Phloen Chit. Open daily 10am-10pm

Hyde & Seek 

The same cozy brunch spot with strong drinks becomes a dark, mysterious and club-esque restaurant once nightfall arrives. No matter when you visit, though, the chili chocolate glazed baby back ribs (B220-390) are a must-order, along with a unique tipple from the bartender’s list of specials.
65/1 Athenee Residence, Soi Ruam Rudi, 02-168-5152/3. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-1am, Sat-Sun 11-1am  
 

Jubei Izakaya

On top of drinking food like karaage, tempura, gyoza and yakitori, this minimalist izakaya deals in shochu and sake-focused cocktails, like Jubei Stormy (sake, ginger beer and lime espuma, B220) and Shoshlet (shochu, gin, lime juice and syrup, B220). Of course, you’ll also find straight-up spirits like Kuro Kirishima imo shochu (B2,100/720ml), Manotsuru Junmai sake (B490/300ml) plus some further 10 labels. Check www.fb.com/jubeiizakaya for happy hours (two-for-one on cocktails, home-infused shot flights) and live music nights.
888/28-29 Mahatun Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd. Open daily 11am-11pm. BTS Phloen Chit 
 

La Monita

One of Bangkok’s original Mexican taquerias combines a casual, barbecue joint atmosphere with flavorful renditions of Mexican favorites like quesadillas, tacos and burritos. And despite its expansion to two branches in malls, the authentic flavors remain. Visiting La Monita is also an excuse to check out their new tequila bottles on the shelves. Go for a round of margarita shots or a pitcher to share, or opt for a light and spicy michelada (Mexican style beer cocktail that incorporates hot sauce, salt and chili) to beat the heat.   
888/26-25 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9581. Open Mon-Fri 11am-11pm and Sat-Sun 10am-11pm
 

Ogu Ogu

This sake bar is all about dangling bulbs, wooden partitions and patterned chairs for a homey and cozy vibe. Tasting flights and a menu of simple Japanese bites make it a solid choice for an after-work tipple. 
G/F, Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-108-2255. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 5-10pm. BTS Phloen Chit
 

Osito Unique Spanish 

Chef Daniel Bucher offers a serious take on Spanish food using as much local and organic produce as possible. Highlights include charcoal-smoked dishes like dry-aged tomahawk steak (B3,000/1kg), Iberico ham croquettes (B170) and seafood paella (B760). To drink, they’re big on gin—Martin Miller’s is used as the house pour, they stock East Imperial tonic and there are some 40 more labels of gin to choose from. 
888/23-24 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-651-4399. Open daily 10:30am-midnight. BTS Phloen Chit  
 

Whisgars

This branch of the Sukhumvit Soi 23 whiskey bar sticks to the same gentleman’s club decor with plenty of leather couches. The highlight is the 500-plus-strong collection of whiskey labels, from both the East and the West, as well as 200 non-Cuban cigars to try. Cocktails are available, too, with food supplied by Osito (see above). Blues and jazz provide the soundtrack. 
2/F, Mahatun Building, Phloen Chit Rd. BTS Ploen Chit   
 

Witch’s British Bar

One of Bangkok’s longest standing nightlife names is down to just the one venue now. In a dimly lit atmosphere, munch on Western favorite dishes like pizza, pasta andtapas. More exciting are the drinks: a long list of wines plus a new focus on gin and rum. 
20/20-21 Ruamrudee Vilage, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-391-9791. Open daily 11-1am