What’s New in Bangkok: October - December 2019
Celebrate a brand-new decade with 20 recently opened bars, pubs, and clubs in the final three months of 2019!
2019 has finally reached its final stretch; the memories of this year, whether they’re good, bad, or exhausting, are about to become a thing of the past. Let’s cherish those moments and send the year off in a festive celebration with our list of recently opened pubs, clubs, and bars.
In the last episode of this year, our picks include rooftop venues, nightclubs, cocktail bars, gastropubs, and craft beer joints. This quarter’s highlight, however, is hangouts with a creative twist, like cat café-meets-bar and board game bar!
No clue where to bring your friends and/or date on NYE? Here are 19 venues that have just popped up in October-December 2019 you should definitely check out.
(Arranged alphabetically.)
Assembly Point Thonglor
A new casual rooftop bar in Thonglor, Assembly Point Thonglor is setting itself up as a meeting spot for party lovers in one of Bangkok’s top nightlife neighborhoods. It’s where you can have a meal, sip on ice-cold drinks, and relax before & after full-blown parties at nearby venues.
Plus, you can party responsibly and safely, as Assembly Point provides car parking and budget accommodation to make sure you don’t drink & drive!
The venue is divided into two main areas: indoor and outdoor. Each of them has a distinct feel and character but retains the same laid-back setting. The exterior design was inspired by the rooftops of New York, decorated with yellow cherry lights for extra coziness.
The interior décor is kept quite simple; table sets take up most of the seating, while the more private section is carved out of sofa booths. This design choice reflects Assembly Point Thonglor’s plan to renovate its hotel section in the future. To truly reflect what the customers want, the area will be dressed according to the patrons’ feedback.
As for the entertainment, there’s Thai and international live music every Friday and Saturday between 20.00 - 00.00. After that, you can groove to easy-going house and summer mix.
A night of party wouldn’t be complete without some tasty treats. The menu is comfort Thai food such as fried rice with Chinese sausage, grilled pork jowls, and Pad Kaprow with century eggs. There are a bunch of bar bites to munch on, with prices ranging between 80-200 THB.
The drink list covers everything you would expect at well-stocked bars: wines, champagnes, beers, spirits, and – coming soon – signature cocktails.
Bafros Bar and Lounge
If you’re looking for an unusual party spot, this new hangout in Nana’s Sukhumvit Soi 11 is an excellent choice for fans of alternative dance music. Bafros puts on afrobeats, kizomba, Afro-Latin, Brazillian, reggaeton, and R&B every night starting from 22.00.
The place has a convivial aura; saturated neon lights contrast with the all-black structures. Celebrate the night in Bafros’ various zones: the dance floor, bar counter, bar tables, and VIP zone. No matter where you choose to party, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
Before you shake it out to the beats, grab a delightful dinner from Bafros’ international menus. The American, Indian, and Thai dishes go great with the range of drinks the bar serves, including cocktails, mocktails, beers, and spirits. Bafros regularly offers special deals, so you can enjoy yourself without breaking the bank.
The bar also hosts frequent exclusive events, including a party celebrating South African Miss Universe in 2019, Black Panther-inspired ‘Wakanda Night’, and dance lessons with music from various genres.
Biscuit Bar & Café
In Yaowarat’s Soi Nana is the recently opened ‘listening bar’ – Biscuit Bar & Café – which focuses on music and hair-raising sound quality.
Biscuit Bar & Café boasts an extensively analog setup – two sets of speakers, a turntable, and a mixer – giving the background music an original quality. That said, the bar also provides digital equipment for the DJs who take to the stage.
The playlist features a wide variety of genres, mostly jazz with mixes of soul, funk, electronic, house, and deep house in a breezy, melodic style.
The venue mostly focuses on a simple, laid-back setting, its homey décor designed by the partners. All furniture – from the tables, stools, to the bar counter – is handmade crafts. Being made from reclaimed wood, they still have defects and imperfections, which give them a charming, rustic quality.
Biscuit Bar & Café spans two floors, with the upstairs set as a dimly-lit lounge best served for private conversations.
As for the drinks, you’ll be spoiled with choices of aperitif, absinthe, whiskey, bourbon, beer, wine, liqueur, and many more, all imported from overseas. These are all excellent options you can try, but the can’t-miss highlight is the creative signature cocktails.
If you’re not a big fan of alcoholic drinks, the venue also serves café staples such as coffee, tea, juices, and various soft drinks. (There’s currently no food items on the menu.)
Chill Table Kitchen & Bar
In the downtown business district of Asoke sits a hangout that’s perfect for its native office crowd. Enjoy a delicious meal and an easy-going party at Chill Table Kitchen & Bar on the first floor of The Fusion Suites.
The open-air gastropub features simple décor and casual setting, where you’re free to enjoy a drink at the bar counter or outdoor area.
Every Friday between 20.00 - 22.00 the walkway that connects the two zones will be transformed into a stage for live acoustic and old school music. The mellow voices of vocalists and the soft guitar hum can make anyone’s time here memorable.
The menu consists of mostly Thai dishes (one-dish meals, shared dishes, and bar bites), as well as vegetarian options and Western classics like pork chops, sandwiches, and fish & chips.
The restaurant also serves English breakfasts from 8.00 in the morning. Whichever meal you’re craving for, Chill Table Kitchen & Bar will make sure your belly’s full.
For something to sip on, choose from a variety of options such as beers, cocktails, mocktails, wines, spirits, and soft drinks.
Crimson Room
Tucked away inside Soi Langsuan is a lavish bar inspired by The Great Gatsby. Its style borrows from the aesthetics of ‘The Roaring Twenties’ or the 1920’s – the height of jazz culture after WWI.
The décor follows a color scheme of red, gold, and black. High ceiling and stadium-style seating booths offer some extra privacy. Serving as the centerpiece is a brass chandelier above the red velveted stage, designed to resemble a set of saxophones, one of jazz’s most iconic instruments.
Crimson Room’s highlight is the daily live jazz bands: 21.00 - 00.00 on Tuesday - Thursday and 20.00 - 23.00 on Friday - Saturday. On the weekends, the fun won’t end there, as the party continues with energetic house beats from DJs.
Sip on Crimson Room’s signature cocktails – classics of the era taken on a new spin with original ingredients. However, the drinks stay true to the cocktail style of the age, using few ingredients (3-4 items) and focusing on the alcohols’ pure tastes.
If you’re not a fan of cocktails, you’ll surely love the extensive wine collection, especially the dry & fruity varietals imported from France, as well as champagnes and spirits.
Dotf
Dotf is a brand-new venue in the Kaset-Nawamin area decked out in an underground nightclub style.
Since most of the structure is black, the production systems, such as lasers and on-screen visuals in the DJ booth’s background, really pop out. Count on these special effects to bring the party to life. Dotf features two spacious floors, so you won’t have to worry about feeling claustrophobic.
The roster of DJs spin mostly high-energy EDM; previous acts include the likes of AAA+, ToBreak Tazu, Rabbiizz, Mirinda, Hanar, Hanky and more. The venue is also known for hosting exclusive events, where talented Thai DJs entertain the dance-loving patrons throughout the night.
As for the drinks, Dotf serves a wide variety, from whiskeys, vodkas, RTDs, beers, to soft drinks. We recommend grabbing your dinner before heading in, as the venue currently doesn’t offer food items.
Fetch's Tank by Dr.Fetch
Sitting on the second floor of Octo Seafood Bar is Fetch's Tank by Dr.Fetch – a brand-new hangout zone carved out of the unique cocktail bar, Dr.Fetch. Sticking close to the maritime theme, Fetch’s Tank is a distinctly styled nightclub lounge.
Structure-wise, the space is very simple. Neon lights and colorful bar tables give Fetch’s Tank a retro ambiance, but one that’s vibrant and full of party moods.
The zone is moderate in size, which means you’ll be able to watch the DJs work the crowd from wherever you stand.
If you’re looking for a music lover’s hangout, especially for hip-hop and techno house fans, then you need to check out this spot. Fetch’s Tank books a full roster of Thai and international DJs on regular nights and for special events. Previously, patrons enjoyed performances by Eli Brown, Yukibeb, Paka, and many local DJs.
As for the drinks, try one of many Dr.Fetch’s signature cocktails or opt for more familiar choices such as beers, whiskeys, spirits, and various soft drinks.
Fruit Bar the Social Club
Oh! Vacoda is an adorable avocado café by day and a hangout for fruit wine/liqueur lovers by night under the name Fruit Bar The Social Club. The venue’s concept, as well as the décor and drink selection, is designed after the owner’s personal taste.
The interior appearance gives you a distinct feeling that the place belongs to an artist who’s not afraid to express their creativity. Using mainly orange and pink tones, plus an array of colorful fairy lights, Fruit Bar The Social Club can easily pull you into its lively atmosphere.
All antiques you see at the bar come from the owner’s collection, adding a genuine vintage touch to everything.
Artsy paintings and quirky posters lend the venue a unique character. Walking further inside, you might find yourself in a secret nook, complete with an altar where devotees of the green fruit can worship their lord supreme. The hip vibes are brought alive by a diverse playlist of tribal, reggae, and swing jazz.
The drinks at Fruit Bar The Social Club let fruits shine as the main ingredient, as the menu consists of mostly fruit wines and liqueurs. The ones featured on the menu are usually the local pride of various regions in Japan, while many of the added ingredients are made in-house.
All of these combinations result in many creative signature cocktails (with several secret items to discover.)
After sundown, Fruit Bar The Social Club serves three items to munch on: edamame, cheesy nachos, and baked potatoes with dips. Perhaps to little surprise, the last two call for avocados in their recipes.
Heap Cafe' & Restaurant
After closing its doors at the Ratchathewi location, Heap Cafe' & Restaurant has now moved to a new home in the Thonglor-Phromphong area. Sitting on the second floor of Rain Hill, the venue features a modern style with industrial elements such as bare structures.
The neon lights add a bright and lively ambiance while keeping the setting casual, as is with Heap Cafe' & Restaurant’s other locations.
The venue is divided into two zones, indoor and outdoor, with the latter overlooking the bustling Sukhumvit street. On the entertainment front, enjoy Thai and international hits by live bands. The tunes are just energetic enough to groove to, keeping you pumped up while you party through the night.
Plus, everyone can feast on a delicious meal at Heap Cafe' & Restaurant, as the venue offers a wide range of dishes. The menus are mostly Thai, with Western pasta, steak, and salad for some variety. Desserts options include cakes and brownies, so you’ll have something nice and sweet to wrap up the meal with.
As for the drinks, there are plenty of alcoholic options and otherwise – cocktails, whiskeys, gins, vodkas, tequilas, beers, juices, tea, coffee and more.
Noma BKK
NOMA (Now our mother’s angry) has moved from its home in RCA to a brand-new spot in Saphan Kwai. This funky little bar is still sticking to its concept of inviting your friends over for a secret house party (and that’s why their mother’s angry!)
To reflect this theme, the décor choice is kept homey and casual – bare concrete floor & walls and an eclectic mix of new & old furniture. Also, the blue neon lights lend a slick retro aura to the place.
An essential part of what makes NOMA what it is today is the music. If you love exploring non-mainstream acts, this is the place to catch rising local talents, DJs, and live bands in action.
The bar’s playlist is as diverse as it gets, encompassing everything from new wave, house, funk, disco, jazz, oldies, hip-hop, world music, to Mor lam. Plus, the bar often hosts special events featuring famous guest artists. These choices come from a wish to see the Thai indie music scene grow.
Other things NOMA loves as much as music are great food and good drinks. The menu includes appetizers everyone can enjoy: chicken tendons, fries, chicken wings, crispy pork belly, and sausages. Or you can go for one-dish meals as well.
As for drinks to enjoy with these munchies, you’ll have options of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails. We’d recommend NOMA’s signature cocktails, as the bartenders give the drinks an original spin with basic food items like soy sauce, mala chili paste, and crispy chicken skin.
Red Fox Board Games Bar
Red Fox Board Games Bar is a one-stop-shop where you can eat, play, and chill without having to hop to other places. The place leans heavily into the 90’s aesthetics, so you’ll see bright colors and a kaleidoscope of fairy and neon lights.
Even though the venue is a bit quieter compared to other party hotspots, it seems like a great place to create new memories with your loved ones.
The venue boasts an extensive board game collection for every kind of group; from family get-togethers, fun & simple party challenges, to full-blown strategic campaigns.
And if you like any game in particular, you can shop on the bar’s Facebook Page. The catalog includes Tiki Topple, Sheriff of Nottingham, Lift It!, Lorenzo Mysterium, and many, many more.
The menus fall into three main categories: all-day breakfast, shareable finger food, and Thai & Italian one-dish meals. So come enjoy a game at any time; breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Red Fox Board Games Bar also offers a wide variety of drinks, alcoholic or otherwise. Options include milkshakes, tea, coffee, mocktails, cocktails, and whiskeys. (The last two aren’t super strong, so you’ll still be good for a game!)
Whether you’re looking for great games, delicious meals, or just somewhere to enjoy a drink, this place has you covered.
Ruuf 97
Located on the rooftop of Paradise Sukhumvit in Soi Ekkamai 12, Ruuf 97 offers a chillaxing ambiance and a 180º panorama of Bangkok.
There are two main seating areas. The ninth floor is the best area to catch live match screenings on the projector as well as various music performances. The loft, on the other hand, allows you to lazily lounge on black bean bag seats.
Many different kinds of entertainment feature on each night of the week. Expect live music and sing along to Thai & international hits on Wednesday - Saturday. Then, dance to high-energy sets from DJs into the late night.
What’s more, Ruuf 97 often invites well-known artists to its special events. For example, Pod Thanachai captivated the crowd with his awesome performance not too long ago.
Ruuf 97’s menu includes many Western delights – starters, salads, steaks, and spaghetti – as well as various Thai dishes. They can be paired with drinks such as whiskeys, beers, and dozens of classic cocktails.
If you’ve decided to drop by Ruuf 97, be sure to give some of their signature menus, like Khee Mao Ruuf 97, a try! (See our image caption for more details.)
Secret Storey
Here’s a bar that’ll offer you a unique experience; Secret Storey sits on the fifth floor of the building next to BTS Phromphong Exit 4.
The actual venue isn’t all that big. However, it’s packed full of interesting features, particularly the projection mapping effects on the ceiling. With that, you’ll be able to gaze up at the northern lights, which change with the seasons and event themes.
Neon lights give the venue a vibrant glow, while beige feather ‘walls’ acts as a centerpiece and barrier between the two main seating zones.
Full-length mirrors line the walls, making the interior feels more spacious and airy. On the other side of the hall are ceiling-to-floor glass panes, which is perfect for people-watching, as the streets and BTS station are always bursting with crowds.
At the same time, you can enjoy quality electronic music, as well as special acts on some occasions. For example, in December, Secret Storey invited the iconic GENE KASIDIT to take over the stage on Lady’s Night every Wednesday. So keep an eye out for future announcements to see who else is joining the party.
Secret Storey’s drink list focuses mostly on cocktails and wines. That said, the signature cocktails are highly recommended, as they’re all original creations. Other options, such as sangrias, champagnes, wines, vodkas, and whiskeys, are also available.
If you’re feeling peckish, the bar serves a wide range of starters and mains such as Moo Yor & Salted Eggs Spicy Salad, Deep-fried Shrimp Spring Rolls, and Spicy Spaghetti Pork Balls.
Shinjuku Sake Bar
Sitting on the second floor of Werng Boran is this hip & modern izakaya. To recreate the buzzing neighborhood of Shinjuku here in Bangkok, the venue features an iconic ‘Japanese bar’ façade and knick-knacks that remind you of the country.
Such items include dozens of Daruma dolls and a Gundam mech statue, standing taller than most adults, that greets the bar’s patrons at the entrance. The interior is divided in the same fashion as traditional Japanese homes using fusuma panels.
Neon lights and paper lanterns bathe everything in a red & yellow glow, which creates a compelling ‘after-work bar’ atmosphere.
Shinjuku Sake Bar takes pride in being a ‘humorous’ modern izakaya. Its staff often dons funny & wacky costumes; Power Ranger and T-rex suits, for instance. If you happen to drop by on Friday - Saturday, you might even catch the adorable Shin Chan dance routine.
On Saturdays, you can enjoy a magic show right at the tableside. The playlist, curated by Shinjuku Sake Bar’s DJ, includes hip-hop tracks, with some K-pop and energetic Thai hits for dance lovers.
The menu is almost entirely izakaya staples, although some have been adapted to better please Thai bargoers’ palate. If you’re craving for something closer to a full meal, Shinjuku Sake Bar also serves sushi and rice bowls. As for drinks, enjoy a variety of Japanese options such as sake, shochu, beers, and whiskeys.
Shinjuku Sake Bar’s recommended menus are its colorful signature items, such as melon and yuzu draft beers, gin-infused bingsu, and shochu milkshake. We think it’s safe to say that you won’t easily find these anywhere else.
Shuushuu.hiddenplace
Straying not too far from its former spot in Trok Saphan Yuan, Shuushuu.hiddenplace has found a new, more permanent, home on the second floor of the restaurant Heartbeat. The bar still retains its playful, tongue-in-cheek attitude, reflected in the hot pink color scheme and funky décor.
Shuushuu.hiddenplace is designed and decorated personally by the partners. Aiming to use as little plastic as possible, most furniture is reclaimed and revamped to avoid buying brand-new ones.
The stools, mostly acrylic boards set on vintage wooden chairs, are painted in pink and sprayed with the iconic logo. Meanwhile, the bar countertop is made from plastic trash, such as shampoo containers and bottle caps, which are heated and pressed into boards.
Even the lamps in the restrooms are handmade, so calling Shuushuu.hiddenplace a ‘handcrafted bar’ wouldn’t be an exaggeration at all.
Those who’ve been to the bar’s old location will be delighted to find that the much-requested snack menu is finally here. The bar serves edamame, macadamias, cream cheese crispy pork, crackers & squid floss, and sausages for 60-80 THB.
Shuushuu.hiddenplace’s highlight is undoubtedly its umeshu selections. Most popular among them are umeshu from Wakayama, Nagano, and Hyōgo Prefectures. Menus are named with numbers, so they’re easy to remember and carry stories of their own.
However, the bar also offers new additions such as the ‘Surprise’ menu and tasting sets. And if you like any particular options you’ve tasted, you can choose to take a whole bottle home with you as well.
Tai Soon Bar
A craft beer joint in Pratu Phee, Tai Soon Bar, sits in a renovated shophouse that used to be a family-run pharmacy. The original structure, built during the reign of King Rama V, still stands but has been transformed into a stunning Chinese-style bar.
The concrete walls are chipped away to reveal the brickwork underneath. The naked, barebone structure and rough finishes bring a completely raw, rustic feel to the place.
Calling back to the bar’s past, the main counter is designed after an apothecary cabinet. The original sign ‘Tai Soon Tueng’ still hangs on the wall as a reminder of Tai Soon Bar’s older days. Dozens of Chinese red lanterns hang from the ceiling, while the seatings include sets of vintage Chinese-style chairs and round marble tables.
The venue is divided into three main areas, with the rooftop serving as an open-air lounge where everyone can relax and take in the authentic old town ambiance.
Enjoy easy-going beats as well as folk songs by live bands, who play at Tai Soon Bar on Friday - Saturday. On some nights, you’ll even get a special treat of top-notch live jazz.
Tai Soon Bar’s highlight is its craft beer selection, mostly imported from Belgium, Germany, USA, Sweden, and Norway. With 13 from-the-tap options on rotation and hundreds of bottled and canned varieties, you’ll be spoiled with choices.
And that’s not all; coming soon are signature cocktails that feature Thai regional ingredients. (Just give the mixologist some time to come up with the perfect recipe!)
The 1925 Brewing Co.
The 1925 Brewing Co. is a Singaporean gastropub meets beer brewery. Its Bangkok location, the first in Thailand, looks super stylish with bare structures and an industrial feel.
The casual setting makes it a great place to have a meal and unwind on some cold drinks after your working hours. Sit back and relax as live bands strum out acoustic and easy-listening tunes on Thursday - Sunday.
The venue is also fully equipped with HD TV screens, so you can catch the latest football matches and cheer on your favorite teams in real-time.
The menu is created and overseen by the owner, Chef Ivan Yeo. Most are delectable Asian dishes, inspired by the rich and bold flavors of Teochew cuisine.
The list includes Beef Sirloin Noodles, Fried Duck Blood, Crab & Crab Roe Stir-fried Noodles, Crispy Chashu Pork, Charcoal Grilled Pork Jowls with Rice, and Bak kut teh. These might not be your usual bar bites, but they go great with craft beers nevertheless.
As for the drinks, the bar serves mostly Asian craft beers with a full range of bottled and canned options, plus nine varieties from the tap.
The labels include The 1925 Brewing Co.’s own brews as well as over 60 imported selections from various countries. (Thai, Laos, USA, Germany, and Denmark, to name a few.) These are put on a constant rotation, so you can try something new on every visit.
The Fairy Door
Located in Thonglor-Phromphong, this cat café and bar pulls inspiration from the classic novel, Alice in Wonderland. The influence is reflected in the food & drink menus, as well as the whimsical interior design.
Just like how Alice fell down the rabbit hole and arrive at Wonderland, you’ll have to bend down to get through a (comically) small entrance door.
Once you’re inside, you’ll be greeted with a dazzling garden of flowers hanging from the ceiling. Vines and creeper plants spread from the tall artificial tree in the center of the venue. Large glass panes line the wall on one side, allowing you to gaze out at the city.
And how can we not mention the stars of this story? The Fairy Door is home to 14 super cute kitties of various breeds, who are always there to greet their customers. Some might take a nap on the table from time to time, but all of them will snuggle right up to you if you let them!
Plus, there’ll be live jazz every Saturday night between 20.00 - 23.00. So get ready to pet these lovely felines while chilling to smooth beats and lively rhythm.
The Fairy Door serves a variety of Western-style desserts and main dishes during the day and night. Munch on scones and cakes alongside pasta, BBQ ribs, and salads. As for drinks, you’ll have options of café classics such as tea, coffee, mocktails, and juices.
At night, you can choose from alcoholic items, with over 20 cocktail and craft beer selections. The cutesy-wootsy signature cocktails are a must-try. Don’t let those looks fool you, though. These drinks pack a pretty punch.
Yard Bar BKK
Yard Bar BKK is the newest member of h space – a unique ‘garden home’ community in Soi Sukhumvit 38. At this urban escape, you’re welcome to spend time with your family, friends, and even four-legged buddies. Chill, snap some photos, and enjoy ice-cold drinks through the day and into the late night.
The bar’s décor is heavily influenced by the partners’ love for the 80’s icon, Prince, and the neon-saturated palette of Stranger Things, which is set in the very same years. From these concepts come this funky bar with a homey ambiance; it feels like your casual local dive, but with a popping style and a retro flair.
No matter where you choose to hang out at Yard Bar BKK, like the indoor bar counter or the open-air garden, you can enjoy fun and groovy beats. On some nights, you’ll hear hits from Michael Jackson and Prince – something to remind you of the nostalgic years.
Other than the atmosphere, the bar boasts an awesome collection of drinks. Yard Bar BKK focuses on imported beers, with around 30-40 options at any given time plus 10 varieties from the tap. (The draft beer list changes every month, sometimes even sooner.) The bar also offers reasonably priced cocktails, including classic options and its signature concoctions.
Feeling hungry? Even though Yard Bar BKK doesn’t actually offer food items, you can easily grab a hot dog from its neighbor, Dick Hotdog. And if you’re not really a fan of alcoholic drinks, be sure to have a cup of coffee from H Dining.
Zin Bar & Restaurant
Located in Kaset-Nawamin, Zin Bar is a hangout that feels a lot like going to your BFF’s house party.
The venue is divided into two main zones; the indoor is where you can fully enjoy the mini-concerts and live performances. It also where you can challenge your buddies to a game of pool and cheer on your favorite teams during live match screenings.
The other seating area occupies in the open-air garden – perfect for some poolside chilling. Zin Bar uses an array of artificial flowers and decorative plants to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere; you’ll feel like you can spend hours and hours here.
The venue is also spacious. Even if it gets busy, you’ll never be crushed by the crowd.
As for the entertainment, Zin Bar books live bands and DJs to liven up the party every night. Previous acts include the likes of Bee Pheeraphat, Laolom, Borisat Haa Mai Jam Kad, and JSPKK.
Of course, a party wouldn’t be complete without great food and drinks. Zin Bar serves a variety of Thai comfort food, with plenty of options for snacks, shared dishes, and one-dish meals. Those will go perfectly with ice-cold beers, cocktails, shooters, whiskeys, and various soft drinks.