Bangkok’s craft beer scene is booming, and the beer bars are reflecting that. These places really put the “ayyyy” in IPAyyy, and they’re perfect for a night out in town.
Unlike the three mass-produced distributors not to be named, these handcrafted artisanal beers offer new flavours and sensations from malty sweetness to bright herbal hops. Even better, an increasing number of local bars and pubs now specialise in them. Read on for our pick of Bangkok’s best craft beer bars, and get ready to expand your palate.
[Hero and featured image credit: Josh Olalde/Unsplash]
Bangkok’s greatest craft beer bars to chill out with a cold one
Hair of the Dog
Mon-Sat, 5pm-midnight
A collaborative effort between a couple of Canadian beer lovers, Hair of the Dog is a long-standing establishment for those who enjoy a cold one. Both locations in Phloen Chit and Phrom Phong have 13 rotating taps and hundreds of handpicked bottles from the around the world, including the United States, New Zealand, Vietnam, Holland and Thailand. So whatever kind you feel like, there’s bound to be one to enjoy or to discover.
Hair of the Dog, Mahatun Plaza, 2nd Floor, 888/26 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Patumwan, Bangkok.
Brewski
Open daily, 5pm-1am
Beer and grilled meats have always been a winning combo, and Brewski’s at the top of their game on that regard. Nestled on the 30th floor of the Radisson Blu Plaza, Brewski is Bangkok’s highest craft beer rooftop bar with 12 international craft beers on tap, plus a big collection of bottles, from New Zealand and the United States to Thailand and Japan. They’ve also got some interesting beer-infused tapas to snack on, such as IPA pate and beer ceviche, as well as dishes to share with friends, including a metre-long burrito.
Brewski, Radisson Blu Plaza, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, 489 Sukhumvit Rd Tan, Khlong 30th floor, Khlong Toei, Bangkok.
Mikkeller Bangkok
Open daily, 5pm-midnight on weekdays; 11am-midnight on weekends
From Copenhagen to Ekkamai, Mikkel Borg Bjergsø, the man behind Mikkeller microbrewery, has been experimenting with flavours, textures, and techniques in the art of craft beer brewing since 2006. The bar not only offers a wide range of internationally acclaimed selections from Mikkeller, but also 30 taps of the finest beers from around the world. Mikkeller Bar offers bar snacks and small bites for beer pairing; keep an eye out for their barbecue nights, fun lawn parties held outside of the taproom.
Mikkeller Bangkok, 26 Ekkamai 10 Alley, Lane 2, Khwaeng Phra Khanong Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
Beer Pradith
Open daily, 5pm-2am
Even with the limiting laws and regulations on alcohol, Thai people with a passion still looks for ways to thrive with their craft. Such is the case with Beer Pradith as they settled into Banthat Thong road. Being a local craft beer bar and a brewery, they offer interesting IPAs very hard to find elsewhere, including their own house recipe. If you’re in the mood for an adventure or simply curious to learn more, ask for a flight of beers, each with their own interesting characteristics.
Beer Pradith, 2030 Thanon Banthat Thong, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok.
Tai Soon Bar
Open daily, 1pm-1am
Cracked cement walls, dimly-lit warm lights, red lanterns adorning the ceiling — the old Chinese shophouse aesthetic always boasts an intimate setting, and it’s excellent for sampling craft beers. Tai Soon features rotating taps of interesting IPAs, equipped with knowledgable staff to help you find your new favourite. Whether you’re looking for something more citrusy and sweet, or thick with malt, they’ve got you covered. Being located near the Michelin-starred Jay Fai is also a plus for many tourists.
Tai Soon Bar, 190 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.
Save Our Souls
Open daily, 11am-12.30am; 5pm-12.30am on Mondays
Located on the west side of the river, Save Our Souls have 11 rotating taps, as well as an array of beer cans local and international. Beers change weekly, but the popular ones will stay for a while. It’s one of those places you stumble by for a beer and end up becoming a regular, with a small living room-esque feeling, a knowledgable owner, and great food to pair. Arrive on an empty stomach because their burgers and kraprao are nothing short of impressive.
Save Our Souls, Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok.
Duke of Beerington
Tue-Sun, 11am-2pm; 5-11pm
Located near BTS Thonglor station, Duke of Beerington has established itself as a bottle shop with seats that turn into a sort of community space for beer lovers of Sukhumvit. They have three rotating taps with a large selection of craft beers by the bottle and can, so there’s always something to look forward to.
You can find more information at Duke of Beerington.