Bangkok's nightlife has always enjoyed an abundance of variety. Whether you prefer sipping an overpriced cocktail on the 60th floor, sampling craft beers with the cool kids or getting trashed with backpackers on the kerbside at a 7-Eleven, this city's got you covered. Recently, though, BKK has stepped it up a notch, with brand new joints that offer a whole lot more than “black and coke” as a house special. This week, Guru takes a look at six of these watering holes and reveals what sets them apart from the rest.
HAIR OF THE DOG
(Daily, 5pm-midnight. Mahatun Plaza Building, 888/26 Phloenchit Road, closest BTS station: Phloenchit, 02-650-7589, http://fb.com/hairofthedogbkk)
Craft beer fanatics should check out the new humble abode of the former guys behind Mikkeller, aptly (and colloquially) named after the infamous hangover “cure”. Hidden from plain sight, this joint might cause you to spend a few minutes poking your head around every nook and cranny of Mahatun Plaza. In terms of decor, imagine an operating room complete with surgical lamps, metal bar counters and stools. The space is small but cosy, despite the unsettling thoughts you may entertain about the possibility of a bloodied surgeon walking in and ordering a cold one. Thirteen craft beers are on tap -- and on rotation, as the owner likes to bring in new brews for Bangkokians to try. Keep in mind, however, that unless you're a Cicerone, it's perhaps best to tell the staff what type of beers you enjoy and let them make a recommendation. There's currently a buy two, get one free deal during happy hour (Mon-Thu, from 5pm-8pm).
Don't miss: Modern Times Lomaland. Easy to drink, this light, hoppy Belgian-style saison is the perfect beverage to cool you down on a sweltering day.
Bring: Your workmates. Its close proximity to the BTS and numerous nearby restaurants and food stalls makes Hair of the Dog the ideal place to unwind after a long day's work.
Soundtrack: An alternative rock playlist with which you're likely to be familiar.
REVOLUCION COCKTAIL
(Daily, 5pm-2am. Sathon Soi 10, 02-235-4823, closest BTS station: Chong Nonsi)
That's no typo (although some of the drinks here are seriously revolutionary) -- this branch of Revolucion is the first to open its doors outside China. Sticking to the same Cuban theme as the other three locations, the bright colours, vintage posters and a stunningly lit 8.8m bar stocking more than 500 bottles of liquor are a visual treat. You'll experience the sort of bartending flair rarely found in Bangkok -- we're talking crazy acrobatic bottle juggling you must see to believe. Word is a Cubano eatery is in the works upstairs, with Julien Lavigne in charge of the kitchen. That means you can look forward to snacking on mouthwatering gourmet food while sipping fab cocktails in a few months.
Don't miss: The signature Revolucion cocktail, containing rum, passion fruit, apple juice and syrup.
Bring: Friends who know how to have fun, appreciate the art of mixology and may shamelessly incorporate a made-up version of salsa into their dance moves as the night progresses.
The playlist: Latin lounge beats with a mix of R&B, house and funk. On Fri and Sat nights, you can expect renowned DJs to spin.
HOUSE 10
(Daily 10am-1am. Ei8ht Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55, closest BTS station: Thong Lor, 081-8371133, http://fb.com/house10thonglor)
Nestled on the corner of the Ei8ht building, this seemingly low-key bar bustles with live music and tongue-in-cheek cocktails that are considered affordable -- for Thonglorites, that is. The graffitied concrete walls and steel railings emit somewhat of an abandoned warehouse vibe, but then you have a few pieces of taxidermy and a fridge full of champagne providing understated luxury. The drink list includes everything from liquor and wine to fancy cocktails. And if you're hungry, the ample food menu is also worth a look.
Don't miss: Sex in the Kitchen, a refreshing concoction made from gin, Grand Marnier, apple juice, Japanese cucumber and lemon.
Bring: Your girls, for a chilled-out cocktail night during which you can sing along to popular songs on and off the stage (yes, open-mic amateurs are welcome -- as long as they don't attempt to sing Let It Go from Frozen).
The playlist: The live bands here cover a wide range of Thai and international songs, so expect anything -- Al Green, Passenger, Singtoe Namchok, Jetset'er or even X Thiti.
BELLE'S ROOM
http://fb.com/bellesroomsilom)
(Daily, 4pm-2am. Surasak Road, closest BTS station: Surasak, 02-630-1998,
This hidden gem on the vibrant Silom Road offers a unique cocktail experience that includes a secret door and a hidden passage (we enjoyed it so much we're not giving away the full address). It's all about handcrafted cocktails here, so the menu is very concise. And as head bartender and world-class mixologist Suwincha “Cha Cha” Singsuwan, will tell you, it's always better to let her create a cocktail to suit your taste buds -- simply tell her the types of cocktails you enjoy. Those who know their palates well might want to mention whether they like their drinks sour, sweet, fruity, chocolatey -- even spicy. Her creations are always on point, and the best part is, she doesn't keep her recipes a secret, so feel free to ask what exactly went into that shaker. Belle's Room is one of a very few places in Bangkok that uses real candles and vintage furniture that dates back 120 years, perfectly creating a Prohibition-era atmosphere.
Don't miss: If you're a rum fan who likes your drink with a sour pinch, ask Suwincha to make the Hendrick's raspberry syrup, aloe vera, grape juice, lemon and wasabi concoction she made for us. For those who know their bitters, don't forget to check out her exclusive collection.
Bring: A date. Flickering candles, sultry songs, bang-on cocktails and a secret door? Come on, this place has “romance” written all over it.
The playlist: Predominately jazz. Expect to snap your fingers to the hits of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. After 11pm, house music resets the vibe and gives Belle's Room new energy.
WHITELINE BAR & GALLERY
http://fb.com/whitelinebangkok)
(Open Thu-Sun, 7pm-late. Silom Soi 8, closest BTS station: Sala Daeng, 087-061-1117,
Bangkok's art scene is budding with new galleries and hangouts, but not many have managed to create a space that puts the “art” in “party”. That's where Whiteline comes in. Large paintings cover three white walls of the spacious warehouse location. Not artsy enough for you? One of the graffiti-style paintings depicts a three-eyed bald man with octopus tentacles on his face. It's seriously trippy, and should definitely tick the box for fans of surrealist art. A few kopitiam-style tables and chairs are set up, but these can fill up quickly, especially when there's an exhibition, a screening or a party. On Aug 15, Whiteline will be hosting Brewtopia II, a highly anticipated bash featuring a line-up of renowned artists, a large selection of local and international craft beers, food trucks such as Bud's BBQ and Cactus, a beer pong tournament and a live art exhibition. If the second edition of Brewtopia is anything like the first, it will definitely be an unmissable event. For more details, check out the bar's Facebook page.
Don't miss: The Huajai IPA craft beer exclusive to Whiteline. That's right, you won't find this brew anywhere else in the world.
Bring: Art school friends or anyone with a love for all things indie. You'll fit right in with the crowd.
The playlist: Dub reggae, deep house, techno, cool sounds from Mizuyo, MnKizzle and Maximillian -- anything not on the Billboard charts.
Not all watering holes need to specialise in alcoholic beverages, and considering the fact that Buddhist Lent is coming up, we think it's fitting to offer a sneak peek into the newly opened 1823 Tea Lounge. And yes, this place knows how to make a proper cuppa.
1823 TEA LOUNGE BY RONNEFELDT
(Daily, 10am-8pm. 1/F, Gaysorn, closest BTS Station: Chidlom, 02-656-1149, http://fb.com/1823tealoungebyronnefeldtbkk)
Bangkok has just welcomed its first specialist tea lounge from the world's oldest and most reputable tea company, Ronnefeldt. Afternoon tea here is taken to new heights, with 88 selections of the finest tea, including loose leaf, white and exclusive blends. Unlike other tea rooms in the country, where tea leaves are kept exposed inside metallic containers, 1823 Tea Lounge uses vacuum packing to keep teas as fresh and flavourful as when they were handpicked by Ronnefeldt tea experts. Two hot water taps with different temperatures are used to make the tea -- after all, a unique experience is on the menu, meaning hot water from a kettle simply won't suffice. A broad range of other beverages is also served, including blended ice drinks, fruit juices, wines, champagnes, hot chocolates and coffees. Numerous afternoon tea set options are available, but our favourite has to be the 1823 Gold Indulgence, which is served with pan-fried foie gras with caramelised peaches, a filo puff cup with Scottish smoked salmon tartar, crabmeat salad with guacamole, Battenberg cake, macaroons, scones, specialty chocolate cake imported from Hotel Imperial in Vienna and more. There's a regular influx of customers, ranging from shoppers looking for a break, ladies winding down and catching up with friends, and those searching for a casual setting for business meetings. 1823 Tea Lounge keeps it chic and sophisticated, with a certain “je ne sais quoi” that will make you forget about high tea in five-star hotels, which have the tendency to overdo opulence at the expense of quality.
Don't miss: The exclusive Gaysorn Blend. This thirst-quenching Pai Mu Tan white tea from Fujian boasts beautiful floral, mango and citrus notes.
Bring: Your family. Switch up your weekend brunch plans and opt for the long afternoon lounge instead. It's centred in the heart of Ratchaprasong, so you can munch, drink and shop without leaving the area (or getting stuck in traffic).
The playlist: Sixties and '70s music. Think James Bond tracks, The Beatles and other British artists to whom you can tap your feet while waiting for your tea to brew.
