The Best Cocktail Bars in Bangkok

Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, isn’t only infamous thanks to Murray Head’s song One Night in Bangkok, but also due to its eclectic and lively street life. Millions flock to Thailand every year for the extensive history, vibrant nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and the delicious, authentic Thai cuisine. Bangkok, in particular, has a broad offering of amazing sites and things to do such as the Mahanakhon Skywalk, with unmatched views of the Bangkok skyline; the Damnoen Saduak, a floating marketplace that will be unlike anything you have ever experienced; and many historical locales, such as the Wat Traimit and Wat Pho. With so many extraordinary things that will fill your days, something to consider for your evening entertainment is Bangkok’s happening nightlife and cocktail bars. What better way to relive and review your day than over a tasty cocktail in one of Bangkok’s best bars? Check out the following cocktail bars for a must-taste experience.

Cocktail Bars in Bangkok

008 Bar

88/333 Sukhumvit 55, North Klongton, Wattana District

+66 (0) 2 090 9000

18:00- late

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Bangkok loves a swinging speakeasy-themed bar, and the many bar venues in the city do this type of place well. 008 Bar is no exception. Located on the 11th floor of the akyra Thonglor Hotel, 008 Bar is a warm and inviting space with a 1930s vibe. Enjoy incredible views of the city while imbibing on a Prohibition-era themed cocktail. 008 Bar bartenders even use vintage drinks manuals from the era of secret speakeasies and bootleg booze to tempt the palate and excite the inner-history lover in us all.

Belly up to the bar with its fun and unique bar back or find a leather chair to sink into to watch the busy city of Bangkok from the top-notch view.

Maggie Choo’s

Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom Hotel, 320 Silom Road

+66 (0) 2 635 6055

18:00- 2:00

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Perhaps one of the coolest places to get a private booth- inside what used to be the East India Trading Company’s bank vaults! Sip a cocktail and feel the past come alive at this funky speakeasy. Best known for its secret-like entrance through an unassuming noodle bar, this basement hot spot is a real experience. See a live jazz show, imbibe in what is often revered as the best cocktails in Bangkok, and delight in delicious Thai fare.

Where did the name for this interesting cocktail bar come from? Legend says that Maggie Choo was a real young woman who had to resort to begging on the streets of 1930s Shanghai until she was discovered by a cabaret owner for her singing. After allegedly killing her Japanese lover, she escaped to Bangkok and soon established a cabaret of her own.

Go for the live band experience and stay for the sexy, almost-mysterious ambience that will have you dreaming of a bygone era of secret speakeasies, art deco, and suede gloves and red lipstick.

Havana Social

Sukhumvit Soi 11

+66 (0) 87 066 7711

18:00-2:00

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Another themed bar, this time 1940s prohibition, Havana Social is the place to go if you ever wanted to see what vintage Cuba with a modern element might be like to experience. Like Maggie Choo’s, this bar is one of Bangkok’s best not-quite-kept secret bars that have no visible storefront or signage, so keep your eyes peeled for a sign that says ‘Telefono’ and an old phone booth. You will need to be in the know to get into this bar, however, because to gain access, you need a secret code that you enter into a reproduction vintage phone booth. This kind of mysterious element just adds to the theme and ambience of Havana Social.

Once inside, you will notice the details that scream pre-revolution Havana bar, like classic rum drinks, crumbling plaster, and dim lights.

About Eatery Bangkok

Sukhumvit 21 Soi 3, Ocean Tower II

+66 (0) 2 665 2772

11:00-1:00 (Monday through Saturday)

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A bar and restaurant, About Eatery Bangkok, is committed to providing quality sustainable and organic food, craft beer, and wine. With a modern, warm wood, and hipster vibe, it has a welcoming-to-all element that some of the more unique venues in this list may not quite provide.

About Eatery is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, and those with those specific dietary needs will have a lot to choose from off the menu as half of the offerings are suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.

The natural wine on the menu at this locale is almost entirely local to Thailand and are curated by the About Eatery and wine guru, Giulio Saverino.

The theme of the food offerings at About Eatery is Italian and Mediterranean, and you can enjoy your craft meal while watching the goings-on in the open kitchen. Bar seating and more abundant party options, such as full tables are also available.

One thing is for sure, your meal and alcohol of choice at About Eatery will be natural and thus guilt-free.

Rise Rooftop Bar

7 Sukhumvit 20, Sukhumvit Road

+66 (0) 2 260 0555

16:00-1:00

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Rise Rooftop Bar, a modern and fun rooftop bar with an elegant, yet laid-back vibe is an excellent locale for those looking for a great view with their drink experience. This rooftop bar elevates itself above the competition with an edgy, elegant venue that serves up great cocktails and spirits for every taste.

In the mood for some craft libations? Rise has on offer exclusive wines, specially selected for the venue, signature cocktails, and a vast assortment of craft beers.

Rise serves delicious Thai-inspired bar eats that are expertly grilled, barbecued, or smoked. If you’re craving something more than just bar bites, the food menu offers more sizeable items for every appetite level.

Tuba Bar

Sukhumvit-Ekkamai

4 Ekamai, Soi 21

+66 (0) 2 711 5500

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This unique space will be like nothing you have ever experienced. Tuba Bar offers up a truly unique affair. The hippy slash Steampunk vibe makes for a laid-back space that will keep the eyes entertained all night long. Not only is there a life-sized Spiderman statue in the space, but there are also other crazy pieces of art, funky mismatched furniture, and vintage lighting. This venue could be described as half hipster haunt and half fashionable thrift store. Tuba Bar is a trendy bar smartly disguised as a thrift store.

Tuba serves up classic cocktails along with their own signature cocktails that one must try. Beer options range from local to European. The food, like the drink varieties, are both Thai and European.

Bring your camera to this unique space that is eccentric, yet laid-back and homey. As you sip your cocktails and share their delicious food offerings, snap some truly Instagram-worthy pictures.

The Iron Fairies

394 Thonglor Road, Sukhumvit 55

+66 (0) 2 714 8875

18:00-2:00

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Another unique venue, The Iron Fairies is a two-level industrial bar decked out with wrought iron, rough wood and brick, and exposed pipes to create a very hip vintage warehouse feel. Enjoy an excellent selection of local beers or one of their trademark cocktails under the dim, ambiance-setting light.

The Iron Fairies does have a limited menu, but if food, while you imbibe, is necessary, try one of their giant burger creations, a menu item they are known for.

Be on the lookout for pixie-sized fairies made of iron (hence the name of the bar) and even glass bottles of fairy dust. These whimsical/industrial additions to the décor further add to the mystifying ambience.

Brown Sugar

469 Phrasumen Road

+66 (0) 89 499 1378

17:00-2:00

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Brown Sugar has been in the bar business for over 27 years, and it shows in their trendy and fashionable venue. Known best for their live music scene, their new location (they’ve recently moved from Sarasin to Phrasumen Road) seats up to 200 people for their packed live jazz shows.

One of the most popular bars in Old City, it is wise to reserve a table or arrive far before the show goes on- well before 9 PM.

The food menu offers traditional Thai food along with the American classic- burger and fries. Drinks are varied with the standard beer options, along with cocktails, like Long Island Ice Teas.

With a respectable line up of famous musical groups, like Attention Please, Brown Sugar is a more than decent night out in Bangkok.

Smalls Bar

Sathorn, Soi Suan Phlu

+66 (0) 95 585 1398

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Smalls Bar, with its three floors in a redesigned 1960s townhouse, is a legit place for locals and travellers alike. A Moulin Rouge décor is nicely complemented by subtle music and ambient lighting, which makes for a decent venue for imbibing.

Most definitely, the happening level at Smalls is the rooftop terrace. While there are not spectacular views from the garden, there is just something special about enjoying a cocktail in the fresh, night air. The second level has a fun balcony that looks out onto the street below, and the lowest level is where the good stuff is- the booze. Speaking of the alcohol, they have a wide assortment to tempt any palate- from beer to whiskey.

Smalls Bar has come a long way since its opening in 2014 when it was regarded mainly as an expat-only bar.

Whether your choice of venue is chic or hipster, secret speakeasy or trendy rooftop bar, Bangkok’s local watering holes aim to give an unforgettable experience with funky jazz, expert cocktails and spirits, and food you’ll want to rave about to all your friends.