“There’s a cocktail bar there?” is a valid question. After all, you’d expect getting a good cocktail means you have to be in specific parts of Bangkok — Thonglor, Soi Nana, Sathorn, and so on — but these bars have special place in our hearts, despite their unlikely location.
Maybe Chinatown is a bit too far from you. Maybe you don’t want to deal with Sukhumvit’s traffic. We get it, and getting a cocktail catered to your liking doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stick to where new bars usually open.
The cocktail culture of Bangkok is steadily growing, and these places that are a bit off the beaten track are as perfect to get a drink and warm hospitality as any other.
[Hero and featured image credit: Messengerservice]
Most unlikely destinations for a great cocktail in Bangkok
Root Bar, Ladprao Intersection
Root Bar is one of those speakeasies that is actually hidden, and now not very much hidden because of all the customers returning for their warm, lively hospitality. There’s no menu at Root Bar, so let the bartenders concoct something up for you. The beautiful interior of tree roots and creeping branches will make you feel like you fell down the rabbit hole. Ladprao Intersection is not famous for cocktails, just unbearable traffic. This bar is making more people that side of town appreciate cocktails, and we appreciate that notion.
You can find more information at Root Bar.
Messengerservice Bar, Suan Luang
No. 19 on Thailand’s 20 Best Bars list, Messengerservice is located in Phattanakan, just a few minutes away from Hua Mak station. Their signature menus are created like perfumes — top notes, heart notes, and base notes. It’s a treat to the senses, all 36 present in the menu. The only hard part is getting there, with possibly the easiest way being from Hua Mak station off the MRT Yellow Line.
You can find more information at Messengerservice Bar.
Where Bar, Ladprao 71
The bar stays true to its name, considering we had to constantly ask ourselves where this bar is located when we headed there the first time. Once you find it, you’ll find yourselves surrounded by intimate vibes and warm hospitality. Their signatures are based on imaginative childhood stories, from Alice in Wonderland to 101 Dalmatians. You’ll also find DJs on the regular for some entertainment.
You can find more information at Where Bar.
NTX Non-Toxic, Bang Na
NTX Non-Toxic is a fun, lively place for a cocktail. Warm lights wash over the bar, with groovy retro-chic posters and decoration adorning the place. You’re free to bring some company and bond over a game of Jenga as you take a sip of their signatures and classic cocktails, as well as stay till a bit later for live music and DJs. Located near Sri Lasalle MRT station, it can be quite hard to get to, but an amazing place to hang out after a long day of work.
You can find more information at NTX Non-Toxic.
NOUN Bar
Possibly the only cocktail bar in Bang Phlat area, NOUN Bar can be found tucked away in ChangChui Creative Park. Not being really near any public transportation, it’s best to call Grab to get there. Even though it’s quite hidden in the sense that it’s hard to get to, you’ll find yourself surrounded by great vibes and welcoming hospitality. Drinks are not too complex, just enough to unwind and get some energy back in you.
You can find more information at NOUN Bar.
Plot Twist Bar, Chatuchak
The plot twists as you walk behind the curtains behind Best Western Chatuchak: You wouldn’t normally expect a speakeasy in this area, but here it is. Helmed by Nick Monthon, the bar pays homage to the bountiful harvests of Thailand and draws ingredients from each region of the Kingdom. It’s also perfect to watch the sunset, with the gorgeous view of Bangsue Grand Station.
You can find more information at Plot Twist Bar.
Nuss Bar, Tha Tien
Overseen by Nueng Ronnaporn of Mahaniyom fame, Nuss Bar is the only place as of writing that you can enjoy crafted cocktails with a view of Wat Pho directly opposite. It’s around a 10-minute walk away from MRT Sanam Chai, and it’s perfect if you’re already in the area for cultural tours of old Thai architecture, or just had a relaxing dinner at Tha Maharaj.
You can find more information at Nuss Bar.
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day and skinny legend by night, Vichayuth focuses on the hospitality industry of Thailand. You'll often find him at a bar finding new friends, discovering new drinks, and silently judging you from across the room.
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