Gaming chips won't be your reward for your bold decision at Cardroom Cocktail Club — it'll be a shot from the bartenders!
Thong Lor welcomes a new bar that is full of character. Sahutchchachai "Offie" Santrakul and cousin Peeraphat "Phat" Thayanuwat are the brains behind Cardroom Cocktail Club, between Thong Lor 19 and 21. The bar resembles a man cave, which has been built as a shrine for their obsession with cards, as both are devotees who collect decks of cards from around the world.
Finding your way in is tricky as the bar is tucked away inside what seems like an abandoned building, but try looking for card-suit symbols on the wooden door. Slip through the red curtain behind the entrance and you'll find yourself inside a well-appointed high-ceiling bar decked out with card-inspired decor. Conversation pieces that catch all eyes include paintings in Renaissance aesthetics, depicting gamblers playing cards.
A black, glossy chandelier is the bar's centrepiece hanging above the bar counter that takes over most of the room. Around 15 seats are lined around the oval counter, which looks impressive with a Rosso Levanto (wine red) marble top. Tables are also available in a limited number and they're gearing up to open a seating area on the second floor soon.
Helming the bar is Santisak "Song" Silprasert, a bartender who has completed in several mixology contests hosted by world-class spirit labels like Monkey Shoulder. The bar's eight namesake signature concoctions were crafted by Song, whose recipes were built around his takes on gambling-related movies and noted gamblers.
Four out of the eight signature cocktails I tried showcased the skills and techniques up Song's sleeves.
Rounders.
Rounders (B480) is a five-spirit cocktail that combines cinnamon-infused bourbon, Hennessy, rye whiskey, Campari and vermouth in one glass. The name might tickle movie buffs as it's named after the 1998 American film where Matt Damon and Edward Norton starred as new-blood gamblers in the underground world of high-stakes poker. Before the drink is served, pieces of oak wood are burned on a strainer to let smoke seep slowly through holes into the glass, creating an effect like a faded mist over the water's surface.
Gamblers Gamblers (B420) is a tiki cocktail that packs a sour punch, made from homemade citrus-infused vodka and limoncello. Get your camera ready for the glittery impact of golden edible glitter spraying before serving.
21.
Served in a highball glass with a plum powder rim, 21 (B480) fuses homemade citrus-infused vodka with umeshu and limoncello, representing the 2008 American heist drama film that is inspired by the story of the MIT Blackjack team.
Edward Throp.
Edward Throp (B480) is named after the American mathematics professor, who unlocked the mystery of blackjack. Glenfiddich, the 12 years edition, is the base for the concoction, with honey, vanilla and ginger reduction blending into fruity and sweet sips. Passionfruit foam creates another layer, while a tiny jack card, which is a clear nod to Throp, is placed gently for a finishing touch.
Cardroom Cocktail Club whips up a wide selection of finger foods, including Truffle root chips (B160), Golden shumai (B240) and Fried chicken wings with jeaw sauce (B190). For a proper meal, try an unconventional pairing of Chinese and Italian cuisines like Spaghetti and spicy pork dumplings (B240).
Be there on Friday and the weekend to catch a show by story girls, who will enlighten you with stories behind each signature cocktail. They're up for card games like blackjack and poker if you need company. There's a roulette wheel to bet on your luck for free drinks. Happy hour is from 6-8pm. Visit fb.com/cardroombkk.
