Bangkok has many different pubs. Every local wine connoisseur has their own best bars. Covered by nondescript doors that lead to elegant spaces where a wealthy crowd enjoys glasses of floral-scented champagne; Homemade umeshu and DJs are playing reggae music all night long into the morning. You've come to the right place. Here is a list of the best bars in Bangkok, listed at random.
1. Tai Soon Bar
Best for: homemade craft beer with a classic Chinese twist
Location: 190 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Price: cocktails from 200 THB/6 USD
This two-story bar is dotted with picturesque red lanterns and is located directly opposite Jay Fai, the only Michelin-starred street food stall in Bangkok. We give you a tip: go to Jay Fai, put your name on the waitlist, then head to Tai Soon to enjoy hours of lagers, IPAs and Thai stouts. The waiting time will pass quickly.
2. Teens of Thailand
Best for: Gin Cocktails in Chinatown
Location: 76 Soi Nana, Chinatown, Bangkok 10100
Price: Cocktails from 250 THB/7.50 USD
Kratom is a natural leaf with stimulant properties native to Southeast Asia and is being used in refreshing cocktails. Try it at Teens of Thailand, along with unique juniper-scented cocktails and a great range of G&Ts. The bar is hidden on Nana Road, an alley in Chinatown.
3. Thaipioka
Famous for drinks with Thai ingredients and DJs.
Address: Salil Hotel, Soi Sukhumvit 55, Soi Thonglor 1, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, 10110
Price: Signature cocktails from 390 THB / 10.80 USD
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Thonglor area, dress to impress at this chic, low-lit bar. The bar is lively all days of the week. Close-knit seating under dim red lights provides a more intimate experience. Cocktails are presented in impressive glassware or ceramics and incorporate interesting ingredients like coconut butter, infused guava sugar, and fermented ingredients. Gin and tonic mixed with pandan leaves or lemongrass will express a unique Asian identity. It is worth noting that it is mandatory to enter personal ID when entering the shop.
4. Mala
Famous for delicious wine by candlelight
Location: 328/6, 43 Charoen Krung Road, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Mala is nestled in Bangkok's Charoenkrung district, famous for its Indie restaurants and shops. The rustic space during the day is a flower shop, in the evening it turns into an airy natural pub. The warm, candlelit interior is paired with an impressive and rotating wine list, served with casual small plates including cheese, charcuterie and gochujang crisps.
5. Tax Bar
Famous for creative cocktails
Location: 695-697 Maitri Chit Road, Khwaeng Pom Prap, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok
Price: Cocktails from 420 THB / 12.50 USD
Hidden behind a concrete wall, go up the stairs and you will find the Tax Bar. There are no signs, but you'll know you're in the right place when you see graffiti on the wall that reads "Nothing is certain but death and taxes." Tax Bar opens post-Covid with menu of vinegar-based alcoholic drinks in response to harsh government taxes on traditional alcohol and lack of support for bar and restaurant owners during epidemic. The dark and moody space continues to serve this politically-leaning menu, alongside more refined dishes like Chrysanthemum Fizz with blooming flowers floating in the glass. Tax Bar is run by the Teens of Thailand management team.
6. Pijiu Bar
Best for: Craft beer
Location: 16 Nana Road, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Thailand, Bangkok, 10110
Price: Beer from 150 THB / 4.50 USD
As a cozy bar with a classic style and a relaxed atmosphere, this address is located on bustling Nana Street, focusing on craft beer, with a fridge full of bottled craft beers and a selection of favorites from around the world. Feel free to ask questions because the bilingual staff are very knowledgeable about the various beers. Pijiu also offers an interesting menu of Chinese-style snacks such as spicy chicken and a plate of Asian-style meatballs including smoked duck, sweet grilled pork, and liver sausage.
7. Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar
Best for: Unique drinks, creative cocktails
Location: 104 Maha Set Road, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok, 10500
Price: Cocktails from 420 THB / 12.50 USD
As a luxurious bar with decor inspired by souks, this Middle Eastern-inspired space offers creative cocktails with maximum attention to detail. These drinks complement perfectly the menu of enticing snacks at the bar counter provided by 100 Mahaseth, a premium restaurant downstairs. The cocktails feature unusual ingredients like blue cheese and beef fat, creating more of an experience than just a drink. For those seeking a strong sensation, the Squid combines vodka, mezcal, mirin, and dried squid, topped with a layer of black ink. For those feeling less adventurous, the coffee cocktail is a sweet rescue that still provides a delightful sensation.
8. Untitled
Best for: Hong Kong-style cocktails, nightlife
Location: 171 Thonglor 10 Road, Bangkok 10110
Price: Cocktails start from 420 THB / 12.50 USD
Unlike many other bars on this list, you won't be able to pass by Untitled without noticing it. Covered in neon lights and illuminated pawnshop sign, this shiny bar is built to stand out. The bar counter looks livelier than the quiet atmosphere of the area. With DJs playing from 9 pm on most nights, this is the place to let loose while enjoying signature cocktails mixed with scotch, apple, and soda with barrel-aged fish sauce..
9. 12x12
Best for: Trendy beer bar, nightlife
Location: 22 Thara Rom Road 2, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Price: Cocktails from 200 THB/6 USD
Hidden on a small street and behind the gate on the small Thonglor street, this hidden bar is worth seeking out. You'll hear live DJs playing various genres, from soul to funk, reggae, and more. The bar attracts a diverse crowd from expats to punks and even artists, they make their own umeshu and serve it from the barrel (although we advise against drinking too much).
10. Smalls
Location: 186/3 Suan Plu Road 1, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120
Price: Cocktails from 300 THB/9 USD
Smalls is truly not a small bar: multi-level, with a local crowd, and extremely lively as the night falls. It's famous as a place to unwind after work. Be prepared to mingle with fellow drinkers in the truest sense of the word, as this activity is extremely fun.