Sukhumvit is a salad bowl of cultures and cuisines, and the lower sois harbor some of the city’s most diverse eateries and hangouts, from cool restaurants to awesome bars and cigar lounges. Here are the highlights:
CRAFT 23
This open-air and pet-friendly beer garden covers a collection of restaurants and bars including Slanted Taco, Birds, and Craft on a cozy corner near the notorious Soi Cowboy. The sheer amount of lip-smacking food here is delightful, ranging from Craft’s famous pastrami sandwich, gourmet pizzas, burgers and salads, as well as much-loved Thai dishes like somtam and kor moo yang (grilled pork neck). Slanted Taco serves hand-rolled tacos and other authentic Mexican favorites. Be sure to dig into the tender, roasted chicken from Birds Rotisserie.
Craft Sukhumvit Soi 23/Birds, 02-258-0541 or Slanted Taco, 02 258 0546 Open Mon-Thu from 3pm, Fri-Sun open from noon.
Whisgars
Tucked away at the back of the Craft compound, Whisgars deserves its own mention. One of the best-stocked whiskey and cigar lounges in Bangkok, it has the style and discreet luxury of a gentlemen's speakeasy, yet featuring contemporary regular jazz and blues, the entertainment, service and crowd are distinctly hip, well-heeled and urban.
Whisgars, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-664-4252. Open daily 3pm-midnight
Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub
Known as one of the city’s most authentic and classic Irish pubs (they've even won international awards to that effect), Scruffy’s serves traditional Irish food accompanied by pints of Guinness and Kilkenny. Live sports from Ireland and across the globe are shown on multiple screens, and the atmosphere is notably cozy. The bar has a rotating list of promotions, so you can enjoy a good time without bruising your wallet.
Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-7417. Open Mon-Fri 3pm-midnight; Sat 10am-midnigt; Sun 9am-midnight.
Rossano’s Italian Cuisine
Cozied up in a tree-shaded enclave, Rossano’s Italian Cuisine sticks to its roots, serving both traditional and innovative Italian dishes. Stepping in, you’ll notice the Trattoria-style décor of red tiles and plastered walls, and the service is also up to European standards. Here, you can dig into classics like homemade spaghetti bolognese and chef’s specials. The wine selection is well-stocked too, focusing on Italian labels as one would expect.
Sukhumvit Soi 21/3, 02-260-1861. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 5-11pm.
The Kiwi Sports Pub & Grill
With the friendly and inclusive atmosphere, The Kiwi Sports Pub & Grill is dubbed Bangkok’s "Home of Rugby” with regular screenings of the most popular games on live TV. The food and drink options are great and offered at some of the best prices around.
Sukhumvit Soi 8, 02-653-3144. Open Mon-Fri 3pm-midnight, Sat-Sun 10am-midnight.