What’s New in Bangkok: January - March 2019
Let’s see which bars, nightclubs, and restaurants have popped up in Bangkok in the first quarter of 2019!
After a few months in, we’ve got some ideas about what 2019 has to offer. Many might have been exploring a few of Bangkok’s brand-new venues. Some might even find a favorite hangout to enjoy time with their friends and partners.
But for anyone still searching for something different, this article will serve as your ultimate guide. Let us liven up your night with our list of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Got a taste for Italian or Thai cuisine? Maybe you love to hop from Korean-style and rooftop bars to cocktail and wine bars. Or perhaps you prefer to spend the night on the dance floor at nightclubs. Whatever the case, here are 25 recently opened venues in the first quarter (January - March) of 2019.
Get ready to see where should you go to celebrate the night!
008 Bar
This speakeasy bar has the aesthetics of the time of World War I. The name “008” comes from the code ‘00’, which refers to top-secret documents, and ‘8’, which stands for their location at Soi Thonglor 8.
All of these components come together and create a unique venue saturated in classic vibes from a bygone era.
As you step inside, you’re greeted with all kinds of jazz sounds in full swing. Synth jazz, swing jazz, and electronic jazz by live bands and DJs rotate on each night. (DJs on Wednesdays and live bands on Thursdays and Saturdays)
The tranquil atmosphere comes from the modern-contemporary decor with wood and leather furniture. Serving as the centerpiece is the bar counter area - shelves framed with lights, showcasing 008’s drink collection. Here, you can sit and watch bartenders create cocktails right in front of you.
The cocktail menu is quite simple; no fancy ingredients, no flashy presentations. 008 thrives on a ‘Back to Basic’ principle. Expect classic cocktails inspired by the alcohol prohibition in the US during WWI.
1826 Mixology & Rooftop Bar
A new rooftop bar in Sukhumvit, 1826 Mixology & Rooftop Bar serves drinks and food rich in narrative values. These stories are mostly influenced by other restaurants at Rembrandt such as Mexicano (Mexican), Rang Mahal (Indian), and Da Vinci (Italian).
Alternatively, they’re stories the mixologists find interesting and decide to weave into each cocktail with their excellent craftsmanship.
At 1826 Mixology & Rooftop Bar, you can enjoy cocktails and cigars out in the open-air seating area the overlooks Bangkok’s urban nightscape. Take in the spectacular view of skyscrapers in the Sukhumvit district or the nearby Benjasiri Park.
If the venue’s decor were a person, they’d have an elegant style with an air of sophistication. Decorated in mainly black and brown, 1826 Mixology & Rooftop Bar features a balcony, lounge, and bar counter. The luxurious feel is complemented by various styles of jazz, both relaxing and lively, that change as the day progresses.
7th Heaven Roofbar
Decorated in an industrial loft style, 7th Heaven Roofbar is a rooftop bar in Lat Phrao with ultra chill vibes.
The steel and glass materials give the venue a sharp, striking appearance, softened by wood accents which add warmth and coziness. Take the indoor seating right next to the stage or see a breathtaking view of the bustling Ladprao district at the outdoor area.
At 7th Heaven Rooftop, you can expect live music every day with a 60:30:10 combination of international, Thai, and 90s tunes from various styles and genres starting from 21.00.
For the food, the bar serves Thai and European appetizers and main dishes - all homemade recipes created by the 7th Heaven team and all are extremely tasty and flavorful.
As for drinks, 7th Heaven Roofbar offers a wide range of craft beers, draft beers, whiskeys, and soft drinks for non-alcoholic drinkers. At this bar, you can sip on cold drinks while chilling to quality music every night.
Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie
The Belgian bar & restaurant on the rooftop of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel is decked out in Belgian-Roman style. Brown tones from the wood decor provide warmth while iconic framed pictures and shelves of hundreds of Belgian beer bottles line the walls. These shelves are one of the most distinctive pieces in the venue.
Belga’s bar area has indoor and outdoor seating, but the latter can offer you a full panoramic view of the Sukhumvit district. In the restaurant area is an open kitchen, where you can watch the team of chefs diligently prepare the exquisite meals.
At Belga, you’ll get a taste of authentic Belgian recipes that pair fantastically with their beers. The menu includes mussels, croquettes, and french fries with your choices of mayonnaise. (They mix the mayo dip to your taste right at your tableside!)
Of course, it wouldn’t be a bar at all without the beers. Belga serves over 30 imported Belgian beer options as well as cocktails, mocktails, and soft drinks of your choice.
Cantina Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen
The second branch of Cantina Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is located in Soi Sukhumvit 11. The new venue retains all the original homey charms of Cantina’s first branch in Ari. It has an industrial look - a reminiscence of a wine cellar with brick walls and wooden floors that provide a classic, rustic look.
The heart and soul of Cantina is their original Italian pizza, made in the style of Naples/Napoli, the birthplace of pizzas. The dough rests for 48 hours before being baked into the pies we know and love.
There are also other reasonably-priced Italian dishes to savor such as pasta, risottos, steaks, cold cuts, and salads.
The drink menu is mostly wines imported from Europe, namely Italy and France, and New Zealand; these will match beautifully with Cantina’s food. For those who are thirsty for other kinds of drinks, there are options of beers, cocktails, apéritifs, digestifs, and soft drinks.
Casa Blue Craft Brews & Delicacies
The casual European craft beer bar/restaurant is located on Nanglinchee Road. The decor leans into retro vibes and uses mostly shades of bright blue.
On the walls, you’ll see inspirational quote signs, vintage movie posters, and small art pieces. These items come from the owner’s personal collection and give Casa Blue its unique appearance.
The interior is divided into the bar counter area, the air-conditioned indoor area, and the outdoor area with fans; all use the same bluish tones.
For beer lovers, Casa Blue offers 12 tabs of craft beer and many other bottled options with new selections available every week. There are also wines and single malt whiskeys as alternatives.
To go with the crisp cold drinks, there are home-cooked European and Thai dishes within budget prices. Feast on burgers, steaks, sausages & German pork knuckle, Thai one-dish meals, spicy salads, and many more.
Casa Blue is the perfect place to get some drinks and mouth-watering grubs.
CHU Chinese Bangkok
Craving for some home-cooked Chinese meals and Chinese-style cocktails? CHU is a place that can satisfy those nostalgic needs.
Here, you can feel the 80s-90s retro vibes; it’s like being pulled into one of Wong Kar-wai’s movies. With pop art and Chinese typography pieces on the walls, the place has mostly contemporary Chinese feel to it.
CHU is divided into three parts: the cafe on the first floor and the restaurant and bar on the second.
The main dining hall is painted in old rose with green and black furniture that contrasts with the pinkish tone. As you walk further inside, you’ll find a small bar with cute neon lights on the wall for some serious Wong-esque moods.
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere with international 80s-90s hits, R&B, soul, disco, and funk by DJs every Friday and Saturday night. There’s just enough groove for you and your friends to bop along.
The main culinary concept of CHU is to walk the line between street food and fine dining. They serve home-cooked meals that remind us of family recipes - fried, braised, steamed dishes and soups to enjoy with hot rice porridge and cold beers.
The craft beers are imported from Hong Kong and change every season. Together, they’re a delightful combination.
The drinks at CHU belong to two main categories. The first is Chinese style cocktails with liquors, syrups, and ingredients made from Chinese herbs. The other is international cocktails, which are generally easier to drink.
The names of signature cocktails are adapted from parts of Wong Kar-wai’s movie such as titles, character names, scenes, and quotes.
Diamond Thonglor
On the first floor of The Opus building in Soi Thonglor 10 is a brand-new hangout for EDM enthusiasts. Diamond Thonglor provides underground nightclub ambiance with lights, colors, and sounds that will bring out everyone’s inner party animal.
The nightly entertainment is provided by a variety of EDM DJs such as Yoyo, Lady Punch, Animalz Project, Hanky, Xillix, and Gail Werner in various styles like trap, dubstep, and trance.
And hear this: Diamond Thonglor holds special events every week with guest Thai & international DJs and artists bringing exciting acts to the clubgoers. The venue has welcomed the likes of Thomas Newson, Tattoo Colour, Ironboy, Mindset, and The Mousses.
FREQ Bar
FREQ Bar is a new open-air bar in Pradit Manutham on the side of Ekkamai-Ramintra Expressway. It has unrefined industrial style - naked metal structures and dark-toned furniture, softened by pots of decorative plants.
If you’re a fan of live music, you’ll enjoy the rotation of live bands and famous Thai artists in special events that FREQ Bar often hosts. Previous shows include The Old I$e (CD Guntee x Dawut) and Mean, who have certainly brighten up the nights.
Not only that you can have a great time partying here, but you can also catch major football matches on FREQ Bar’s 150’’ and 120’’ projector screens. Cheer along with other football fans and enjoy hair-raising live music all at the same time.
Getwetbkk
Getwetbkk is a new wine bar in Soi Langsuan with a chillaxing, homey ambiance. As you walk through the front door, you’ll see a facade of beige & green restroom with texts and graffiti scrawled all over the walls.
From here, enter one of the ‘stalls’ to get into the real venue.
Getwetbkk spans over two floors. The place has a raw loft style - concrete walls and bricks set on wooden structures paired with dark-toned furniture. Other decorations include eye-catching framed art and neon signs displaying the bar’s name and various quotes.
Go with the flow and relax to jazz, soul, funk, and disco tunes. The rhythms and beats shift and change as the day passes.
Getwetbkk focuses on natural wines from breweries, so their selections are free of yeast and synthetic substances. You can savor wines with characters and tastes unique to the European region; the bar offers red wines, white wines, champagnes, and sakes.
The ‘simple bar food’ served at Getwetbkk is prepared by Gaggan, the four-time champion of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking from 2015 to 2018. The restaurant focuses on progressive Indian food that pairs exquisitely with wine.
Hemingway's Bangkok
A few years ago, the first venue of Hemingway’s Bangkok - an old house in Soi Sukhumvit 14 that has stood for over 100 years - was regrettably closed. Now that the bar has returned, it’s great to see that its new home in Soi Sukhumvit 11 manages to keep the homey essence.
The venue design resembles vintage houses from 1990-2000; quaint and unpretentious. The new Hemingway’s has three areas: the front lawn, the first floor, which features the unmistakable wood bar counter, and the second-floor seating that has more lively and playful vibes.
The food and drinks Hemingway’s are well within reasonable prices. Enjoy draft beer from any of the 12 taps they offer or choices of bottled beer and spirits like vodka, whiskey, rum, cognac, and wine.
The bar also serves soft drinks like smoothies, tea, and coffee along with international food from American, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisines such as sandwiches, salads, pasta, steaks, and tapas.
Honest Mistake Bar
This speakeasy was inspired by the time around 1930-1940 when Chinese businesses were struggling to get by in a world of triads and western invasion. Also, not too long ago, Ari and Saphan Kwai were teeming with cinema/pawnshop establishments as well as stores for gambling accessories.
These elements become the main concept behind Honest Mistake Bar, shaping its design as a pawnshop ‘front’ that masks shady activities.
The bar takes over an entire 4-floor building. On the first floor is a dimly lit pawnshop, where you’re greeted by a woman in qipao. To enter Honest Mistake Bar, you need to ‘exchange goods’ by leaving a 300 THB deposit with her.
The hostess will then give you a red pouch, which allows you to get inside. (The money will be returned when you leave the bar.)
On the second floor, you’ll be walking through a diorama of a dingy neighborhood, where illegal dealings might often take place. Screens show security camera footage, and nearby is the desk of the venue’s caretaker. The area’s sole purpose is to immerse you into the experience.
On the third floor is the main bar area, designed as a gambling house and a shop for drugs and illegal goods. The place is decked out with mahjong tables, wood furniture, velvet chairs, and a long wood bar counter where you can watch the bartenders concoct your drinks.
The fourth floor is divided into two areas. The outdoor space is sparsely furnished, as to be expected of an underlings’ quarter, where they stay while guarding the boss.
The indoor area, however, is supremely lavish; red curtains and framed art pieces hung on the walls. It’s luxurious and private - fitting for a gang’s leader room.
The Hong Kong triad feel is lightened up by live acoustic music. The bands rotate international pop-jazz, soul, and funk tunes, while the DJs take over with neo-soul and house sets on Friday and Saturday nights.
For the drinks, Honest Mistake Bar proudly presents cocktails with Chinese herbs base. There are three categories to choose from: Complex, spirit-forward cocktails; Sweet & Sour, refreshing and palatable; and Flavored Gin & Tonic, new spins of the classic gin & tonic.
Libération
Take the elevator at the bright blue building in Piman 49 to the fourth floor, and you’ll arrive at a bar inspired by the World War era. Character-wise, Libération feels like a refined gentleman; its understated elegance comes from the dark wood materials and dim lights. The bar is the perfect place for a chat and drink.
The 360° round bar counter features as the centerpiece. You can watch, and wonder, as the bartenders create your drinks.
The calm atmosphere is created by the house (and a little dash of hip-hop) playlist. From Wednesday to Saturday, the venue sees DJs with energetic and exciting sets.
The drink concept is derived from the name “Libération”, divided into three categories.
‘Propaganda’ cocktails pull inspiration from propaganda posters during the wartime, while ‘Plot Twist’ cocktails takes the idea and ingredients from the first group and reimagine the drinks.
The last group, ‘Explorer’, has no fixed menu. Instead, Libération presents you with a list of their original ingredients and ask how you would like your drink prepared. (The list constantly changes.)
At the moment, there are three choices available: goat milk, cocoa, and giant water bugs.
If you want a unique cocktail experience, or drinks that take the ingredients to a new level, Libération is an excellent choice.
Lit Club
Lit Club is a new nightclub in Pradit Manutham on the side of Ramintra Expressway. The venue is decorated in muted dark tones, made vivid with dazzling lights to bring on party vibes for the clubgoers.
In the center is the DJ booth with large LED screens on each side; you can enjoy the stunning visuals, no matter where you are in Lit Club.
The playlist caters to EDM fans. The club books DJ talents every day to entertain their patrons; expect the likes of DJBenz, J-Nana, Faahsai, Joy Lila, Aiam, Monster P, Hanky, Xillix, DJ Yoyo+, and many more.
Lit Club also hosts special events frequently, with famous guest DJs and artists joining in to celebrate the seasons.
Pocha Ekkamai
Pocha recreates the iconic image of Korean streetside tented vendor during rainy nights right in Ekkamai. The venue is painted with dark colors to resemble the night sky. Red tent canopies hang overhead with plastic sheets and artificial rain for the full effect.
The interior is decorated with an artificial Beot-kkot (Korean cherry blossom) tree and red neon lights. The road markings on the floor truly make it feels like you’re sitting on the side of Korean streets.
K-pop fans can get ready to dance; Pocha’s playlists are full of popular Korean hits both old and new for non-stop fun. They also screen Korean series and movies by projecting the flicks onto the dark walls.
Want some homemade Korean food? You should drop by at Pocha! They serve mostly appetizers that go great with drinks. There are several options: sojus, makgeolli (fruit-flavored rice wine), Korean beers, Thai beers, and soft drinks.
REX BKK
REX BKK is a brand-new, Great Gatsby-themed nightclub in Soi Sukhumvit 13 that calls back to the Roaring Twenties.
On the walls are framed graphics that show the best of the era such as jazz bands, flappers in dresses, and memorable English quotes. But we think the highlight is the giant disco ball in the middle of the club that’s just the bee’s knees for any party.
Other than the main ground floor, REX BKK also has a more private loft that faces the stage directly. Patrons can enjoy the music from anywhere in the venue.
DJs spin sets of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and disco, while the live bands play international pop-rock top hits anyone can sing along to. There are also themed parties events for everyone to change it up every now and then.
REX BKK serves all kinds of drinks: Thai beers, imported beers, Scotch whiskeys, malt whiskeys, Irish whiskeys, Japanese whiskeys, gins, vodkas, rums, liqueurs, cognacs, champagnes, white wines, red wines, RTD (Ready to drink) such as wine coolers, all the way to cocktails.
Seen Restaurant & Bar Bangkok
This new Charoen Nakorn rooftop bar is located at Avani Riverside Bangkok. Designed and decorated in the 80s Art Deco style with contemporary Thai influences, the venue is divided into three zones: open-air zone, bar counter zone, and the indoor zone.
Wherever you sit at Seen Restaurant & Bar Bangkok, you can take in the view of nighttime Bangkok riverside along the Chao Phraya. The ambiance can feel different during the day, sunset, and night. The lively vibes here are provided by the DJs spinning nu-disco, soulful house, and techno sets.
Seen Restaurant & Bar Bangkok focuses on international menus such as cold cuts, tapas, salads, and steaks. What’s more, they provide gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. There’s also a sushi bar for those who crave Japanese food.
As for the drinks, other than champagnes, wines, whiskeys, vodkas, cognacs, liqueurs, sakes, and beers, you should take a sip of their signature cocktails. These are created explicitly by Seen’s mixologists to present the taste and appearance of each glass in an entirely original way.
Soho Pizza
Right next to Cantina Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen in Soi Sukhumvit 11 is Soho Pizza - a grab & go NY-style pizzeria. The storefront looks striking with red and white colors; a few high tables are laid out without any chairs. There’s also a large glass pane on the side where you can watch the pizzas being made.
There are six items on the menu: Cheese Pizza, The Green Machine, Shrimp Scampi, Roasted Mushroom, Sausage & Peppers, and Pepperoni. Get these delicious treats by the slice (120-150 THB) or the 18’’ pie (600-750 THB).
The main differences between New York and Neapolitan pizza are the NY-style’s impressive size and crispiness. Plus, Soho Pizza rests their dough for as long as 48 hours before baking them into pies with quality ingredients as the topping.
Sot Soju Bar
Take the elevator up to the eighth floor of Novotel Bangkok Hotel, and you’ll come face to face with large light brown wooden doors - the entrance to Sot Soju Bar.
The design of this Korean-style bar reminds us of traditional Korean houses with more contemporary decor. Materials like wood and leather bring warmth and coziness to the place.
You can expect authentic Korean drinks like beers and various sojus, as well as wines and soft drinks. The real can’t-miss item, however, is the soju-based cocktail creations. The food at Sot Soju Bar is mostly appetizers like pork ribs, french fries, ramyeon, and tteokbokki (190-290 THB).
Moreover, the venue hosts weekly themed events like K-pop party with hanbok (traditional Korean outfit) dress code, or even salsa, Latin jazz, R&B, and world music parties. These happenings can keep it fresh and exciting for everyone.
Spectrum Lounge & Bar
Spectrum Lounge & Bar, a brand-new rooftop bar, is located on 29-30th floors of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit. Its modern design has a blend of Thai features with the use of rattan chairs and inspirations from traditional Thai patterns, which hold it all together.
The bar is divided into two main areas: the indoor lounge and the outdoor rooftop deck, where you can gaze out at the skyscrapers in Sukhumvit. Whatever time of day you choose to spend here, you can always expect a great ambiance.
Most of the food is international appetizers - fried ‘laab’ meatballs, calamari, fried wings, cold cuts - but they also offer main dishes like pasta and steaks.
Spectrum Lounge & Bar serves a wide selection of drinks. We recommend the signature cocktails; six completely original cocktails ranging from 270-340 THB. There are also options of wines, champagnes, whiskeys, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic items.
SulBkk
SulBkk is a Korean-style gastrobar that ropes you in with its cool contemporary look. The venue leans towards loft designs with some influences of traditional Korean architecture; the plaster walls are chipped away to reveal the bricks and tiles underneath.
The high tables and barstools make the venue look more sleek and modern while the LED lights give it a colorful aura.
SulBkk has three seating zones: the bar counter, where you can watch the masterful bartenders at work, the indoor zone, and the curtained section that offers more privacy.
On the recommended list are the cocktails; SulBkk uses mainly Korean alcohols and ingredients - makgeolli, soju, Korean ginseng, and sato. And don’t leave without trying the bar’s Korean food; the chef makes good use of European twists and culinary techniques. Plus, the presentation is truly show-stopping.
SulBkk is not like most bar-style restaurants. You can enjoy some buzzing parties as well; the venue books DJs with K-pop and house sets at their weekly special events.
Thaisho
This Thai-style bar & restaurant really jumps out at you; its red lights look captivating even from the outside. The decor style can be dubbed “Raw Thai”, which breathes a new life into the classic Thai design and makes it more accessible.
The neon lights, coupled with Pha Khao Maa patterns and framed (hilarious) Thai poems, give Thaisho quirky and ultra-hip vibes.
The venue spreads across two floors, each with its own small bar area lined with rows after rows of yadong jars. You can choose to enjoy the live music downstairs or the privacy of the second floor.
As this is an authentic Thai venue, the playlists are mostly Thai beats. Every day, live bands play pop, jazz, plus Thai and international 90s top hits. In terms of music experience, Thaisho offers a fresh and wide variety.
The bar’s highlight is the yadong collection. Thaisho infused whiskeys with Thai herb mixes they cook up themselves. Try these traditional Thai alcohols as shots or in any of the yadong-based cocktails. There are also ‘bucket’ cocktails, herbal drinks, beers, spirits, wines, and soft drinks available.
As for the food, Thaisho serves appetizers and simple single-dish meals with bold flavors.
The Rose Natural Wine
After the sun sets, Hands and Heart, a white, plain-looking cafe in Soi Sukhumvit 38, is transformed into the intimate (and oh-so-romantic) The Rose Natural Wine. Red curtains, candles, and dim lights perfectly set the mood for the bar.
It’s a great place to be whether you’re with your friends, family, or significant other.
The wine list here is full of natural wines that the partner team has loved, researched, and handpicked. They’re free of yeast, additives, and fining agents, and didn't go through any filtration. Simply put, these wines are made with a natural, bare-bone method.
The Rose Natural Wine offers about 25 options of by-the-glass wines, which will change every month. This encourages drinkers to try new wines so they’ll perhaps fall in love with natural wines like the partners did. (Prices are quite friendly at 275-575 THB per glass.)
The bar serves western delectables in ‘small bites’, focusing mainly on simple dishes that aren’t too filling and pair well with wine. For example, meat for the red wines, seafood for the white, as well as basic cold cuts.
If you’re interested in developing your palate for wine, The Rose Natural Wine can give you a wine & dine experience in a more casual setting.
Thirty-Three
An ‘all-in-one’ hangout located in Soi Sukhumvit 33, Thirty-Three wraps restaurant, bar, nightclub, and lounge neatly in a bow, or in this case, a 7-floor venue. Each floor has different functions and themes. (However, only some floors are open to general customers.)
On the first floor is a bar/restaurant that looks like a miniature botanical garden. Wood furniture exudes warmth and hominess, but golden frames of mirrors and pictures provide a luxurious aura. The menu is mostly Thai fusion dishes.
There’s a small stage, where you can enjoy three live bands every night starting from 20.30. What’s more, the show doesn’t end when the singer step off, as there are also live electric piano and saxophone performances.
On the third and fourth floors is the nightclub zone with energetic EDM music and futuristic vibes. The third floor houses a DJ booth right in the middle, with sleek black bar tables and colorful lights that bring out the party mood. (The fourth floor is open for special events only.)
The rooftop bar sits on the seventh floor; it features the same setting as the ground floor restaurant. Here, you can sit among the lush plants while sipping on refreshing cocktails and taking in the nighttime view of the Sukhumvit district.
VELA
A new bar in Sanam Pao, VELA provides a spectacular rooftop for you to gaze out at the buildings along the BTS line at night.
The venue is divided into outdoor and indoor areas. The interior has a raw industrial style with dark-toned furniture and decorative plants that peppered the place.
The chill vibes are brought on by the live bands from various genres like jazz, acoustic, indy folk, pop & funk, soul, and R&B on each night. So you can enjoy every day here with a different soundtrack.
The food concept is ‘Thai Taste Twist’ - an original by Chef Bus, one of the top four contestants of Top Chef Thailand Season 1. Among the options are spicy (and non-spicy) salads, soups, fried & grilled snacks, spaghetti, steaks, and other tasty single-dish meals.
For the drinks, there are whiskeys, rums, liqueurs, gins, tequilas, vodkas, wines, and soft drinks available. However, you should definitely try the cocktails; they’re a unique concoction from VELA’s expert mixologists.