After letting Sathorn and Chinatown steal the limelight for two years on the trot, Thonglor hit back in 2016 with a vengence. That's thanks largely to The Commons and 72 Courtyard, the two F&B-focused malls which have added much-needed variety to Bangkok’s original high-end party strip.

They're not done yet, either. This Friday, the two hip malls go head to head with new openings.

At The Commons, they're welcoming Barisa, a new pop-up bar on its top-floor yard that's open only on Fri-Sun from 6pm-midnight. The menu comes from the team behind Roast on the same floor, spotlighting Middle Eastern-style spreads with housemade pita (B250), oysters (fresh or fried, from B150/piece), grilled chicken (B150) and roasted octopus (B250). Drinks take a fruity route, from the non-alcoholic Bramble (blackberry, juniper, rosemary, B140) to the boozy star fruit margarita (B280) and sangria (B280).

Meanwhile at 72 Courtyard, new Japanese cafe and izakaya Lucky Fish officially takes over the spot recently vacated by Rocket. During the daytime (10am-5pm), the venue will serve Japanese-inspired salads, onigiri, ramen, sushi maki plus coffee, tea, cold-presssed juice and smoothies. After nightfall (5pm till late), the attention will switch to yakitori (grilled meats and veggies) along with sake, beer, whiskey and cocktails. To celebrate the opening, they're offering free coffees to the first 100 customers from 10am-noon on Nov 25-27.  

As always, stay tuned to BK for more details on both venues. 

Barisa, 3/F, The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17. Open Fri-Sun 6pm-midnight

Lucky Fish, G/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-6926. Open daily 10-3am