Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [135]
LOLLIPOP
Map Bar/Restaurant
0 2252 6413; 1 Soi 1, Th Mahanop, Banglamphu; 5pm-1am Tue-Sun; air-con 59, ordinary 42 & 59; klorng boat to Tha Phan Fah
Hidden in a residential lane in a quiet corner of old Bangkok, this wooden Thai house refurbished in pastel colours has a small but dedicated following. The Thai indie bands that play here have a reputation for being as intense as the drinks are strong.
MOLLY MALONE’S
Map Pub
0 2266 7160; www.mollymalonesbangkok.com; 1/5-6 Th Convent, Silom; 11-1am; Si Lom exit 2; Sala Daeng exit 2
The third and, we hope, final reincarnation of this Bangkok Irish staple has retained much of the faux-shamrock charm of its predecessor. Like most of its countryfolk, Molly’s is equal parts game for a quiet pint alone or a rowdy night out with your friends.
OPERA RISERVA WINETHEQUE
Map Wine Bar
0 2258 5601; www.operariserva.com; 53 Soi 39, Th Sukhumvit; 5.30pm-1am; Phrom Phong exit 3 & taxi
Decked out in leather and wood and sporting a speakeasy feel, Opera’s wine bar is more for the discreet conversationalist than the sensationalist. You’re more than likely to find something you’ll fancy from the week’s wine pics, and an attractive and extensive menu of wine-friendly Italian-style meals and snacks is also available.
PHRANAKORN BAR
Map Bar
0 2282 7507; 58/2 Soi Damnoen Klang Tai, Banglamphu; 8pm-1am; air-con 59, ordinary 42 & 59; klorng boat to Tha Phan Fah
It must have taken a true visionary to transform this characterless multilevel building into a warm, fun destination for a night out. Students and arty types make Phranakorn Bar a home away from hovel with eclectic decor and changing gallery exhibits.
RIVER BAR CAFÉ
Map Bar/Restaurant
0 2879 1747; 405/1 Soi Chao Phraya, Th Rachawithi, Thonburi; 5pm-midnight; klorng boat to Tha Saphan Krung Thon
Sporting a picture-perfect riverside location, good food and live music, River Bar Café combines all the essentials of a perfect Bangkok night out. Grab a table closest to the river to fully take advantage of the breeze, as well as to avoid noise fallout from the sometimes overly enthusiastic bands.
SHADES OF RETRO
Map Bar
0818 248 011; Soi Thararom 2, Soi 55 (Thong Lor), Th Sukhumvit; 2pm-1am Mon-Sat; Thong Lo exit 3 & taxi
As the name suggests, this eclectic place takes the vintage fad to the max. You’ll have to climb around Vespas and Gnawgahyde sofas to reach your seat, but will be rewarded with friendly service, an eclectic domestic soundtrack (the people behind Shades also run the domestic indie label Small Room) and a drink menu that includes the elusive Beerlao Dark.
SKY TRAIN JAZZ CLUB
Map Bar
0898 954 299; cnr Soi Rang Nam & Th Phayathai, Ratchathewi; 6pm-1am; Victory Monument exit 2
A visit to this comically misnamed bar is more like chilling on the rooftop of a stoner guy’s apartment than any jazz club we’ve ever been to. But there are indeed views of the Skytrain, jazz on occasion and a likeable speakeasy atmosphere. To find it, look for the sign and proceed up the scary graffiti-strewn stairway until you reach the roof.
SRIPOOM ESPRESSO BAR
Map Bar
0 2281 4445; 95 Th Chakraphong, Banglamphu; 10am-1am; air-con 3 & 16, ordinary 3, 15 & 16; klorng boat to Tha Phra Athit (Banglamphu, N13)
During the day this industrial-themed hole in the wall serves a variety of coffee drinks and homemade baked goods. At night the lights dim and espresso morphs into some of the best mixed drinks in the area. There’s a diverse soundtrack, and the room upstairs allows you to challenge your drinking mates to a game of Nintendo Wii.
TAKSURA
Map Bar/Restaurant
0 2622 0708; 156/1 Th Tanao, Banglamphu; 6pm-1am; air-con 59, ordinary 42 & 59; klorng boat to Tha Phan Fah
There are no signs to lead you to this seemingly abandoned 93-year-old mansion in the heart of old Bangkok, which is all the better, according to the cool uni/artsy crowd that frequents the place. Take a seat outside to soak up the breezes and go Thai by ordering some spicy nibbles with your drinks.
TO-SIT
Map Bar
0 2658 4001; www.tosit.com;