B.A.D 2017 by BK Magazine

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Who’s in charge? Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Digital Director / Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Subeditor Mai Nardone Digital Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Digital Content Assistant Pakchira Bunphol Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Wanvida Jiralertpaiboon Junior Writers Kankanok Wichiantanon, Kasidit Srivilai, Neon Boonyadhammakul Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Deputy Art Director Peeraya Sirathanisa Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Watcharawit Phudork

o, how does a practically unknown bar tucked below someone’s house end up being named Best on Thonglor? What made us arrive at a list of the top four Silom drinking spots that puts swanky cocktail joints on equal terms with smoky izakayas? Well, we’ll tell you. Because of an arduous, month-long voting process that, when completed, resulted in a spreadsheet of data that looked more impenetrable than the Enigma Code. Unlike most of the bar awards out there, we didn’t just look at drinks and who makes the best cocktails. We looked at everything: the crowd; the music; where serves spirits for less than their neighbors; which places make you feel effortlessly at home. In an age when everyone has a carefully curated list of craft beers or a bartender who knows his Manhattan from his Brooklyn, bars need something truly special if they’re going to stand out. They need atmosphere. We’re confident that every name in the debut BK B.A.D. Awards has just that, whether they’re a winner or a runner up. Like any awards, there are bound to be some controversies, and even we’re sad that a few of our favorite watering holes didn’t make the cut. But that’s just testament to how awesome the bar scene in Bangkok has become. So whether you’re after a wild night clubbing, the best drinks in town, or simply to sit with a stogie and a good single-malt, rest assured that the BK B.A.D. Awards has you covered. We’ll see you at the bar!

Best Bars 2017 is published and distributed on November 24, 2017. It is published by Asia City Media Group Ltd., 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower. 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangkok 10500. Copyright ©2017 Asia City Media Group Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine”, “Best Bars 2017” its associated logos or devices, and the content of Best Bars 2017 are the property of Asia City Media Group Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. This publication is distributed as a supplement to BK Magazine. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Media Group Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request.

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Video Content Manager Chanon Wongsatayanont Video Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Videographer Nattapol Srisukh Junior Video Editor Pattanagorn Adirekkiat Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri, Amarit Jinaya Marketing Executive Sarocha Satawiriya Junior Marketing Executive Narabhutr Thaemsiri Asia City Studio Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Project Coordinators Nutnicha Nuttanakorn, Peerada Chotiya Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn Soimilk Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan Writer Theerada Moonsiri Brand Manager Onwara Sittirug Sales Associate Prawpraew Pairohg Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net) Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th) The Asia City Media Group Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 E-mail: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

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34 WINE BAR

YEAR F THE BAR O

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BAR OF THE YEAR

Teens of Thailand 4

3.5

Soi Nana was buzzing well before Teens of Thailand opened its doors, but no venue on the street has made as much impact on Bangkok’s bar scene. Built from the remains of a near-crumbling shop-house, the venue’s haunting Indian-style door and sticker-starred exterior concrete walls are a loud-andproud counter to speakeasy cocktail culture. Co-owner and mixologist Niks Anuman-Rajadhon stockpiles an apocalypse-ready supply of gin, while venue’s small, dimly-lit room gets rammed every weekend. 76 Soi Nana, 081-443-3784, 096-8460506. Open Mon-Thu, Sun 7pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 7pm-1am

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ADVERTORIAL

SIngha music present One of Bangkok’s best-known electronic music festivals returns Since 2011, the Kolour festival has remained one of the most talked about electronic music events in Thailand. Supported by the Singha Music Partnership, the traveling festival hosts five shows in various locations throughout the “Kolour season”. Its flagship event, “Kolour in the Park” is arguably the biggest pure techno and house show of the year, regularly drawing top international talents like renowned German DJ Väth as well as local favorites such as Nakadia and Sunju Hargun. A range of gourmet food is available at all of the event’s stops around Thailand, too. On top of that, you can catch some pretty wicked art displays and live performances throughout the year. Long story short, this is a good time.

Event Schedule — Kolour Warehouse (11 November 2017) Kolour Anniversary (December 2017) Kolour in the Park (March 2018) Kolour in the Park Reunion (April 2018) Kolour Live (June 2018) Kolour Beachside Party (July 2018)

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BEST NEW BAR

Blaq Lyte 4

2.5

4.5

Here to give Bangkokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clubbing scene a fresh, turnt look, Blaq Lyte foregoes the Bangkok obsession with techno or crappy EDM, playing only modern hip-hop (no mellow, old-school stuff). You can also forget glamorous, hi-so decor. Playfully underground, Blaq Lyte defines the vibe for a new generation of bright-haired Bangkok clubbers decked out in lit sportwear. The 28-year-old owner, Nick Supreda, also donates his profits to 32 Foundation, an initiative he created to help Thai orphans. 2/F, Badmotel, 331/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 098-253-9356. Open Tue-Sun 9pm-2am

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ADVERTORIAL

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Visit WINE-NOW.ASIA to order wine and liq9.asia for spirits. Must be at least 20 years old.

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BEST DRINKS

Locker Room 3

2.5

Once you’ve figured out how to open the door, you will be blessed with a drink list set in the “Past, Present and Future.” Hidetsugo Ueno from Bar High Five in Tokyo took part choosing six of his favorite classic cocktails for the menu, while Colin Chia from Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore) collaborated with Nick Wu (third in the World Class Cocktail Competition 2016) to add their “Present” versions with infusion twists. Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn from our own Backstage Bar (see page 45), meanwhile, graced the drinks with high-wire methods like sous-vide in his “Future” adaptations. Plus, they taste so outstanding that you don’t have to be a cocktail-snob to enjoy them. JIA Thonglor, 225/15 Thonglor Soi 10, 092-895-3689. Open daily 8pm-2am

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BEST THONGLOR / EKKAMAI BAR

12x12 4

3.5

Once you’ve squeezed yourself through the low side entrance into what was once someone’s home, you’ll be greeted with a post-apocalyptic world of low-lit bric-a-brac that somehow all works. You can thank Japanese owner Hiroshi Matsui for the organic style and music lineup of world beats mixed with electronic sounds and disco vinyl. With an energy that beats most of the bars we’ve visited in Bangkok, 12x12 defines what makes a good dive bar—eclectic crowd, cheap, no-nonsense drinks, and tunes that dare to be different. 810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2, 094260-4713. Open Tue-Sat 8pm-2am

RUNNER UP

Blaq Lyte 4

2.5

4.5

Breathing new life into the Bangkok club scene by playing only straight-up hip-hop, Blaq Lyte still manages to draw one of the most eclectic crowds on Thonglor. With cheap drinks and access to the good old Badmotel drinking terrace, it’s no surprise it’s one of the most packed, and diverse, spots on the strip. 2/F, Badmotel, 331/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 098-253-9356. Open Tue-Sun 9pm-2am

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Every Dish with Citi

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Bar Savoy 1-2/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-392-7636. Open daily 6pm-2am

3.5

Years after Somrak Sila and Christopher Wise kickstarted the bar-meets-gallery shop-house thing, WTF remains the go-to place around Thonglor for a cultured but hard-drinking crowd. Low-level indie tunes hum amid Portuguese-inspired decor, though most of the patrons tend to smoke, chat and drink out on the street. 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-1am

Against a backdrop of black marble and Persian rugs, this bar serves up giant helpings of fruity, sophisticated punch in art nouveau silver bowls. Adding to the perfectly kitsch ambience, four private karaoke rooms await those in the mood to belt out their favorite power ballad. With over 60,000 tracks available, expect the evening’s soundtrack to range from Britney Spears to Chinese pop anthems.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food only when spending THB 2,000 or more /sales slip Today - 31 Oct 18

RUNNER UP

Black Amber Thonglor Social Club

Studio Lam 4

Thonglor Soi 6, 092-276-2772. Open Tue-Sun midday-2am

Live molam and ya dong make a potent pairing at this barebones enclave tucked off Sukhumvit. With nights dedicated to everything from Ethio-jazz to modern boogie, you won’t find a more esoteric soundtrack in town—nor a cooler crowd, who when not cutting shapes on the cramped dancefloor can be found smoking streetside, Beerlao in hand.

Thonglor’s super-stylish gentlemen’s den offers wellaged single malts and rum in a fittingly masculine setting. The shelves are filled with familiar bottles like Glendfiddich, Ballantine’s and Suntory, as well as cheaper blends including Teacher’s, Bowmore and the esoteric Monkey Shoulder. Ask to see the cigar menu for the full experience.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary house drink valued THB 380 when spending via Citi credit cards (limit 1 glass /card / table / sales slip) Today - 30 Apr 18

3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-2am

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BEST SUKHUMVIT BAR

Havana Social 3

3.5

Providing Bangkokians with a reason to still go down Sukhumvit Soi 11, the Cuba-referencing salsa speakeasy pulls in the neighborhood’s best crowd. Latin beats make way for foot-tapping chart fodder as the night wears on—and the telephone entry thingy has gotten old very quickly—but there’s still nowhere we’d rather drink around Nana-Asoke. Sukhumvit Soi 11, 061-450-3750. Open daily 6pm-2am Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food only when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip Today - 30 Jun 18

RUNNER UP

Coastal 4

3.5

Basically just a bamboo shack on the lawn of Kram restaurant, Coastal serves tropical cocktails that demand you to get drunk in the daytime while spread out on one of their easygoing lawn chairs—perfect for curing your hangover and quietly catching up with friends from Blaq Lyte the night before. 113 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 098-253-9356. Open Tue-Fri 6pm-midnight, Sat-Sun 3pm-1am

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ADVERTORIAL

Long Table 4

3.5

Head barman Vipop Jinaphan (also see Sugar Ray, page 41) pours drinks to be genuflected on at his gloriously polished bar. That might mean burning seaweed over mezcal and mixing the results with almond syrup for an intensely umami taste sensation, or cognac blended with cloves and ginger for something sweet and spicy. 235/13 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-1445. Open daily 7pm-2am

25/F, Column Bangkok, 48 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-302-2557-9. Open daily 5pm-2am

The huge, 24-meter-long dining table encourages guests to get to know each other while dining on themenu of artfully plated Thai staples, though Long Table is as much bar as it is restaurant. Both sides of the dining room are lined by intimate sofas, while a huge balcony serves up awesome views over Asoke—best enjoyed with one of the house mojitos.

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RUNNER UP

Brasserie Cordonnier 33/30 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-038-5113. BTS Nana. Open daily 6pm-midnight

Hanakaruta 3.5

3.5

2.5

Hanakaruta provides one of Bangkok’s ultimate Japanese whiskey experiences. If 21-year-old Hibiki is too rich for your blood, try some of the house-infused plum wines—or the hundreds of sakes and shochus that line one of the city’s most imposing (and beautifully wood-paneled) back bars. Sathorn Soi 10, 097-140-7403. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-2am; 36/4 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-7339. Open daily 6pm-2am

A haven for Francophiles, this Parisian-style bistro is chic without pretention. Warm lighting, cozy seating nooks and quirky displays of shoemaking equipment (cordonnier means cobbler) make for the perfect setting to while away an evening. Classic brasserie dishes showcase the best of French flavors, while the cocktail list also pays homage to French culture, with concoctions such as Love from Monet (like a sweet, lemon-spiked Manhattan) and sparkling Sole Rouge (a nod to Louboutin’s iconic heel).

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food only when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip Today - 30 Jun 18

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BEST CHAROENKRUNG / CHINATOWN BAR

Teens of Thailand 4.5

3.5

Teens of Thailand put Bangkok’s Chinatown on the map—plain and simple. Inspired by the mayhem-causing teenagers who rumbled through the area’s backstreets for decades, the bar’s gloomy dark wood front door, bare brick walls and vintage knick-knacks create an edgy, nofrills vibe. Its collection of gin and nightly-rotating cocktail menu are among Bangkok’s best. 76 Soi Nana, 081-443-3784, 096846-0506. Open Mon-Thu, Sun 7pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 7pm-1am

RUNNER UP

FooJohn 3.5

RUNNER UP

3.5

Soulbar 3

3.5

This beautifully eclectic hub of creative types offers three unique experiences: pull up a seat in the Hong Kong diner-referencing downstairs booths to knock back the best-priced vin de pays in town; head to the second floor for live lounge music amid moody, neo-noir lighting; or book a seat at the rooftop smokehouse for Texasstyle barbecue. 831 Charoenkrung Soi 31, 085-5273511. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-midnight

3.5

Tropic City 3.5

3.5

Drinking at Talad Noi’s bohemian live music bar feels like being invited into a band’s recording studio. As you knock back gin sours or bottles of Beerlao, the best soul musicians in the city jam on a stage that puts audience and artists on equal turf—little surprise it’s packed every weekend.

Two guys formerly from swanky Sathorn cocktail joints make a splash with a menu that’s all about rum and tropical flavors. With its white-washed bricks, mid-century furniture and colorful Portuguese tiles, Tropic City is a lesson in “now”—tasteful trends pulled together by genuinely under-the945 Charoenkrung Rd., 093-220- radar edge, as well as awesome 0441, 095-593-9661. Open Tue-Sun new-school tropical cocktails with6pm-midnight out a pina colada in sight. Charoenkrung Soi 28, 091-8709825. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-1am

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“An offer that you cannot refuse…”

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BEST SIAM / PHLOEN CHIT BAR

Penthouse 2.5

4.5

3.5

Walnut woods, marble, tufted leathers and cut mirrors paint a very masculine picture at the Park Hyatt hotel’s skyhigh cocktail lounge. What we truly love, though, are the prices. At about B300 for a South Side (gin, lime, simple syrup and mint), you’re looking at sub-Thonglor cocktail lounge prices at a five-star hotel rooftop. 34-36/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd., 02-012-1234. Open daily noon-2:30pm, 5:30pm-midnight Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary dessert when spending THB 3,000 or more /sales slip (lunch only) for Citi ULTIMA, Citi Prestige, Citi Preferred and Citi Select (limit 1 dish / card /table /sales slip) Today - 31 Jan 18

RUNNER UP

Riedel 2.5

3.5

Gaysorn’s ultra-fancy wine bar boasts one of Bangkok’s largest selections by the glass thanks to a state-of-the-art wine dispenser. Its lavish interior, with elegant open-pore wooden tables and swooping circular booths, stirs well with the prim-and-proper types who drink and eat here. With that said, the wine list isn’t as wallet-damaging as you might expect. 2/F, Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02656-1133. Open daily 10am-midnight Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on a la carte food and glassware Today - 31 Aug 18

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RUNNER UP

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Hyde & Seek 2.5

2.5

3.5

ADVERTORIAL

UNO MAS 54/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-6255. Open daily 4pm-1am

The cocktail space that looks more like a pub is still one of Bangkok’s best spots for the golden hours when a boozy brunch transforms into a big night out. That sun-dappled terrace made for shucking oysters in the daylight gives way to a dark and club-like restaurant come nightfall. Given this place has launched dozens of mixology talents, rest assured the drinks pack a punch. Athenee Residence, 65/1 Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Rd., 02-1685152-3. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-1am; Sat-Sun 5pm-1am

Alfresco 54th-story views complement a fresh, Mediterranean decor that feels anything but stuffy. It’s a fitting backdrop for an equally laidback menu of authentic Spanish tapas or to sip on one of its whopping 36 wines by the glass, including a top-drawer list of Spanish reds and whites. To top things off, pricing here remains at a level reasonable enough to not alienate locals.

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RUNNER UP

Cava by Islero Athenee Tower, 63 Wireless Rd., 02-168-8101. BTS Phloen Chit. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Hair of the Dog 2.5

2.5

4.5

If you ever wanted to drink craft beer from the comfort of a surgical table, this is your chance. Don’t let the haunted hospital vibe fool you—this is a respectable beer-guzzling alcove. You’ll run into heaps of US expats thanks to a solid on-tap selection, beer-friendly American food and blaring ’90s rock. 2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd.; 02-6507589. Open daily 5pm-midnight

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Adjoining high-end tapas restaurant Islero, Cava offers Soi Ruamrudee an alfresco enclave to enjoy fine Spanish wine—complemented by dishes that go beyond wellworn staples (the best acorn-fed ham with tomato bread, rich chickpea-and-chorizo stews) to include head chef Emiliano G V Alverellos’s (past employers: Mugaritz and El Bulli) show-stopping sharing plates like the 12-hour slow-cooked Segovia suckling pig. Drop by on work days for affordable lunch sets.

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BEST SILOM BAR

Whiteline 3

2.5

3.5

Four stories of abandoned warehouse cool welcome a lineup that goes big on underground UK acts, as well as the best local DJs. Chill and drink downstairs amid stereotypically urban graffiti murals and raw concrete walls, before later heading up to the second floor’s Safe Room—a nightclub hidden in the bowels of the crumbling building. Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. Open Thu-Sun 7pm-midnight

RUNNER UP

Vesper 3.5

3.5

This tasteful balance between gentlemen’s club and European bistro has long held appeal among Silom’s serious cocktail crowd. The arrival of head bartender Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana brought welcome additions to the renowned “Art Book” drink menu, which includes must-try barrel-aged cocktails, while the elegant atmosphere and produce-driven food are as good as ever. 10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777. Open Daily 5:30pm-2am

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Maggie Choo’s 2.5

2.5

ADVERTORIAL

Mash 3

The groups of European tourists in tight colored trousers may detract from the underground Chinoiserie mystique somewhat, but this is still Silom’s most visually stunning bar. With an up-to-the-minute soundtrack and a solid cocktail list of reinvented classics, those button-tufted leather couches are as tempting as ever. Every Sunday, shirtless six-pack men take to the upholstered swings for what’s become one of the city’s most swinging gay nights. Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 091772-2144. Open Daily 7:30pm-2am

Soi Convent, 089-692-5666. BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily 5pm-midnight

This beer-lover’s alcove plays up its brewery vibe; industrial pipelines zigzag across the ceiling and token brewing bric-a-bric dons the walls. Drinks-wise, emphasis is on a well-curated range of craft beer on tap. But a beer bar is nothing without hearty, high-carb food to line the stomach. The American cheeseburger, ribeye cheesesteak and slow-cooked ribs are tours de force.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount when spending THB 1,500 or more / sale slip Today - 31 Oct 18

RUNNER UP

Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant 37/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 096-8607990. BTS Chong Nonsi. Open daily 6pm-1am

Shakariki 432 4

N/A

Book in advance to beat Soi Thaniya’s hard-drinking Japanese expats to a seat at the neighborhood’s most happening izakaya (Japanese tavern). With delicious drinking snacks (decadent octopus dumplings, steaming hot pots, thick-cut sashimi) and beer deals that’ll get you drunk on a budget, there’s no surprise that Shakariki’s rickety wood interior always roars with life. Surawong Rd., 02-637-0927. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-3am, FriSat 5pm-5am

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On the 37th floor of Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, the striking rooftop bar and restaurant combines a stunning view of the Chao Phraya River with mouth-watering French cuisine and an extensive wine list. Whether you’re in the mood for charcuteries, cheese and tapas, or something more substantial like dry-aged wagyu steak, Scarlett Wine Bar has just what you’re looking for.

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BEST SATHORN BAR

Smalls 4.5

4.5

2.5

Where did Harry Styles and that one off Narcos prop up the bar when in Bangkok? The answer: nightlife kingpin David Jacobson’s bohemian drinking den, where eclectic music roars, guests knock back absinthe, and Bangkok’s hospitality industry has basically set up a gin-soaked home-from-home for itself. Last-Thursday-of-the-month pho night is a must-book event, while Wednesdays welcome some of the best jazz musicians in town. 186/3 Suan Phlu Soi 1, 095-585-1398. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 7:30pm-2am

RUNNER UP

Vogue Lounge 2.5

4.5

3.5

The neighborhood’s most luxurious cocktail bar channels ‘20s glamour through plum leathers, acres of brass and marble paneling. Outdoors, the air-conditioned terrace sits in the midst of downtown Bangkok’s skyscrapers, where well-heeled guests sip on boozy, floral punches and eat fancified comfort food like teriyaki sliders and premium cold cuts. 6/F, MahaNakhon Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. Open daily 5pm-2am Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 20% discount on food only for Citi ULTIMA, Citi Prestige and Citi Preferred Today - 31 Oct 18

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Junker and Bar 4

2.5

3.5

A renovation saw this Suan Phlu staple double in size, but don’t expect an easy time getting a table. It remains packed most nights with neighborhood drinkers looking to run through a gin-leaning cocktail list designed by owner Bard Passapong, or knock back Thai craft beers and chow down on hefty, no-nonsense burgers. 454 Suan Phlu Soi 1, 085-100-3608. Open Tue-Sun 9am-midnight Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food only when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip or get 15% discount on food only when spending THB 2,000 or more /sales slip Today - 31 Dec 18

ADVERTORIAL

Park Society 29/F, SO Sofitel Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumphini. Open daily 6-10:30pm

The rooftop restaurant and bar of SO Sofitel Bangkok hotel isn’t afraid to tackle serious fine dining, with Chef Joost Bijster serving beautiful menus of 4-8 gastronomic courses that channel Asian influences and local Thai flavors through European culinary touches inspired by Chef Joost’s birthplace, Holland. With the stunning views over Lumpini Park served up from a glass-enclosed, contemporary space, it makes a lot of sense to come here for a few exellent glasses of wine before a night out on Sathorn.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 5% discount on food only when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip or get 10% discount on food only when spending THB 2,000 or more /sales slip (This promotion is not applicable on 5, 24, 25 and 31 Dec ‘17) Today - 28 Feb 18

RUNNER UP

ZOOM

Marcel Bar & Bistro 3.5

3.5

This slender Gallic bistro is often buzzing with a mix of locals and foreigners, many of whom are Francophones looking to sip on its solid collection of wines and rotating cocktail list. At night, the electro house soundtrack turns up and the central bar becomes a lively hearth for the rest of the house. 28/12 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-3533. Open Mon-Fri 6pm-midnight, Sat-Sun noon-midnight Exclusively for Citi credit card members

40/F, Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel, 36 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-210-9000. Open daily 5:30pm-1am

A trendsetter for sky high nights, ZOOM Sky Bar & Restaurant is an atmospheric rooftop venue. Innovatively designed with cushy sofas and private areas, this is the place to drink in sunset and 360º views across the capital. Accompanied by a DJ station, as well as VIP areas for the ultimate private drinks and dining experience. An extensive beverage list includes classic and Thai-inspired cocktails, an alluring selection of wines and refined nightcaps. Culinary temptations range from bar snacks and international gastronomic cuisine creations from our Executive Chef Gibb.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 15% discount Today - 31 Oct 18

Get 15% discount on food only Today - 31 Oct 18

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BEST ARI BAR

O’glee 4.5

4.5

The typical Irish bar exterior hides a hipster haven that has Ari’s coolest residents packing in every night for the vast selection of beers. Treacle-like black porters from Mikkeller stand alongside Beervana’s hoppiest new American imports on an ever-rotating lineup of beer taps, while the upbeat soundtrack hits all the right pre-party notes—as do the garlic fries and affordable beef steak. Ari Soi 1, 064-146-4983. Open MonSat 5:30pm-midnight Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 5% discount on food only when spending THB 800 or more /sales slip Today - 30 Apr 18

RUNNER UP

Dok Kaew House Bar

Pakalolo

3.5

3.5 2

3.5

Salt 3.5

3.5

One of Bangkok’s first new-school tropical bars, Pakalolo takes its Hawaiian theme and adds a dose of the Florida Keys. If you hadn’t guessed from the look, this place isn’t for beardy, spirit-forward bores. Order the Lilia for a sweet, elderflower-and-thyme hit spiked with pear vodka and gin.

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4.5

3.5

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary signature mocktail valued THB 340 when spending THB 1,000 or more / sales slip (limit 1 glass /card / table /sales slip)

Ari Soi 4, 02-619-6886. Open daily 5pm-midnight

As well as a selection of craft beers rivaled only by O’glee (see above) in this part of town, Baan Dok Kaew has an amazing back story. Creepy claims of ghost sightings haunt the 80-year-old wooden house, which retains all its rickety charm. The spicy Thai Ari Soi 4, 02-075-0939. Open Suncomfort food isn’t bad, either. 71 Rama 6 Soi 28, 096-886-4104. Open Thu-Tue 5pm-midnight

3.5

These things we know: the sun will rise, the sun will set and Salt’s glass box, alfresco terrace and wooden house will be packed with Ari’s beautiful 20-somethings. A meal of sushi and wood-fired pizza sets the foundation for deceptively strong fruity cocktails and well-priced wine, all served up to an of-the-minute, popsanova-free soundtrack. This cool season, there are few other places we’d rather be.

Wed 5pm-midnight, Thu-Sat 5pm-1am

Today - 31 Oct 18

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Nights Out with Citi brought to you by Citi credit cards

Bottoms Up 888 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 081-890-9119, 02-381-8020. Open daily 5pm-2am. Other branch: 1/F, Central Eastville, Ladprao Rd., 081-890-8969. Open daily 10am-midnight

Brightly lit and decorated with bold wall murals of a London bus and the Statue of Liberty, Bottoms Up is hard to miss—not least because of the row of supercars regularly parked outside at night. But don’t let that scare you. The eclectic menu of European-Thai-style dishes is pretty affordable, emphasizing the fact that this is a casual place, as much about drinking as it is dining. Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 15% discount when ordering crispy salmon and get 10% discount when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip Today - 31 Oct 18

Pla Mi

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Buritara Riverside

Rama 3 Soi 30, 02-682-9457. Open daily 5pm-midnight

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Under an alfresco, white-washed canopy of twinkling lights, this riverside restaurant serves up Thai bistro classics to the sounds of live jazz quartets. As well as creamy and intense bowls of tom yum kung soup, rich and aromatic curries and fragrant jasmine rice, you’ll also find fusion quesadillas and beautifully prepared cakes—perfect for birthday celebrations with a view.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages Today – 31 Mar 18

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Today

Cantina Wine Bar & Italian Kitchen

4 Ari Samphan Soi 3, 02-278-0250. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Sitting Up & A siasts Sunto Malt. the ve missio cockta

Referencing the name Cantina—Italian for wine cellar— the decor employs a whole lot of wood and bricks to create a cozy, dimly-lit dining room. The restaurant features hundreds of wine bottles kept in a stunning wine rack that straddles two stories with over 60 labels, which are sold at rock-bottom prices. Food-wise, the kitchen matches the cozy vibe with simple Italian classics.

24/F, T 9000.

Excl Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount when spending THB 500 or more /sales slip Today - 30 Jun 18

Get 15 and S perso used

Toda

26 BK B.A.D. Awards

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CITI Adv

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Playground Bubbles & Mixology Bar M/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-352-4000. BTS Chong Nonsi. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Located on the M floor under Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, the hidden Playground Bubbles & Mixology bar reinterprets the speakeasy concept, offering to you a relaxed and casual atmosphere with a live DJ pumping out deep house and disco funk beats as bartenders shake, muddle and stir a slate of classic cocktails and house signatures throughout the night. Exclusively for Citi credit card members

slip

Get 20% discount (this promotion cannot be used in conjuction with other promotions, special events or public holidays) Today - 31 Oct 18

Toro

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72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7790. Open daily 6pm-midnight; Sat-Sun noon-3pm

Though Toro plays to Barcelona with its food and booze offerings, this Boston-born restaurant is far from strictly Spanish. Billed on its brief menu as a “tapas bar,” it’s somewhat fitting that Toro fills up rather late as a drinking spot. The drinks are solid, too: strong gin cocktails (try the West G&T with Martin Miller’s gin, cucumber, peppercorn and tonic) and a well-curated list of wines.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary panna cotta valued THB 200 when spending THB 2,000 or more /sales slip (limit 1 dish /card / table /sales slip) Today - 31 Oct 18

Up & Above 24/F, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-6879000. Open daily 7-1am

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ellar— o creatures e rack ch are match-

Sitting atop Bangkok’s most high-end Japanese hotel, Up & Above will charm seasoned Japanese booze enthusiasts with its hefty selection of premium bottles, such as Suntory Kakubin, Suntory Yamazaki and Taketsuru Pure Malt. The glistening cityscape backdrop that surrounds the venue each night is nearly worth the price of admission alone, but its tasty a la carte bites and seasonal cocktail menu are what encourages return visits. Exclusively for Citi credit card members

s slip

Get 15% discount on food only (excluding afternoon tea set and Sunday brunch) for Citi ULTIMA and Citi Prestige (limit 8 persons /card /table, invalid for group booking and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions) Today - 31 Oct 18

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BEST JAZZ BAR

Saxophone 3.5

3.5

4.5

Steps away from the frantic bustle of Victory Monument’s street vendors, this threedecade-old jazz bar is no less lively inside. Surrounded by red brick walls and with barely a window in sight, the city’s jazz and reggae old guard—Koh Mr. Saxman (Mon), T-Bone (Fri)—perform face-to-face to a rapt audience who sip on draft beer poured into the bar’s signature saxophone-shaped ceramic tankards. 3/8 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-245-3592, 02-246-5472. Open daily 6pm-2am

RUNNER UP

Bamboo Bar 2

4.5

RUNNER UP

4.5

3.5

Since it opened in 1953, Mick Jagger, Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn have all pulled up a rattan chair amid its stylish jungle motifs and seductively tropical decor to enjoy the smoky sounds of visiting jazz legends (who take the stage at 8pm nightly). Even Ray Charles is rumored to have jammed with the house band in 1977. 1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoen Krung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000. Open Sun-Thu 5pm1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am

Brown Sugar 3.5

The Phra Sumen institution offers classic Western comfort food and cocktails, and live performances by quality local jazz bands dominated by finalists of The Voice Thailand like Tissue Paper and Attention Please. Performances run from 8:30pm from Tue-Sun. 469 Phra Sumen Rd., 081-8057759. Open Tue-Thu 5pm- 1am, FriSat 5pm-2am, Sun 5pm-1am

Black 2.5

2.5

3.5

There’s no arguing with the trumpet-playing chops of owner Idris Dawud, whose father played with Art Blakey and Thelonious Monk. Complementing the smoky voices and moody tunes is decor whose blue lighting and raw brick walls channel New York jazz cliches. 8 Thonglor Soi 25, 096-989-1820. Tue-Sun 8:30pm-2am

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages Today - 31 Nov 18

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BEST NIGHTCLUB

Beam 3

3.5

1.5

Despite some new competition across the street, this is still Bangkok’s showpiece nightclub. The main room upstairs features a “body kinetic” dance floor that pumps vibrations into dancers’ feet while live DJs push booming deep house and techno tracks through a world-class sound system. The inside feels minimal and raw with exposed rafters, simple concrete walls and tons of dance room. Don’t expect anything more than standard club mixers in the drinks department, though. 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7750. Open Wed-Sat 9pm-2am

Blaq Lyte 4

RUNNER UP

2.5

Sing Sing 4.5

2.5

Glow 3

Stepping inside Ashley Sutton’s nightclub creation conjures feelings of classic Shanghai—at least as the Western world imagines it. Wander outside its tiny dance floor through a maze of staircases, secret passages and sunken floors to find one of its bars, which serve, among other things, 2/F, Badmotel, 331/4-5 Sukhumvit drinks containing Iron Balls, SutSoi 55 (Thonglor), 098-253-9356. ton’s own gin. Where did the crowd at Dark Bar go when Ekkamai’s underground institution closed? Here, where they were greeted by new, young Millennial clubbers who know what real hip-hop should sound like. If you’re looking to dance around a bottle of Johnnie Black, go back to Arena 10.

Open Tue-Sun 9pm-2am

M LO BA

2.5

With its tight, dark quarters, swooping neon lights and crushing bass-heavy music, Glow feels trapped in an early 2000s rave time capsule. But it’s a winning recipe for scores of locals, expats and tourists thanks to its late hours and consistent lineup of solid electronic acts. 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 086-6143355. Open Wed-Sun 9:30pm-3am

Sukhumvit Soi 45 (next to Quince), 063-225-1331. Open Tue-Thu, Sun 9pm-2am, Fri-Sat 9pm-3am

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ADVERTORIAL

MOJJO LOUNGE BAR

Oozing old-school Cuban elegance, this sky bar perched on top of the Compass Skyview Hotel gazes out over the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s twinkling horizon. Leather furnishings, checkerboard floor tiling and a funky array of outdoor seating transport you to 1950s Havana, a feeling further bolstered by the rum-heavy drinks and tapasstyle bites on offer. Watch the sunset from the lofty heights of the 32nd floor while grazing on fiery chicken wings and sipping on an El Bandito, a deadly mix of Ron Zacapa 23-year-old rum, lime juice, egg white and bitters, topped off with a twist of sour cherry. The daily happy hour from 5-7pm is the perfect excuse to inject a bit of Latin hedonism into your working week. 32/F, Compass SkyView Hotel, 12 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-011-1111. Open daily 5pm-2am. BTS Phrom Phong

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BEST CIGAR LOUNGE

Duke 2.5

3.5

2.5

Whether you want cigars from Cuba, the Dominican Republic or other prominent producers, they’ll have it. It’s also an art gallery, showcasing local talent whose work stretches from eye-catching papier-mache sculptures to grand, statement oil paintings. Big-spenders take out membership packages, which run into the hundreds of thousands and furnish you with ample credit at the bar. 1/F, Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 080-587-9520, 094-6478888. Open daily 11am-midnight

RUNNER UP

Character 2.5

RUNNER UP

The Balvenie Bar

Whisgars 2

2.5

3.5

2.5

As if Aqua weren’t exclusive enough, it’s now also home to this Oriental Express-inspired den of cigars and single malts. From servers who feel more like personal butlers, order up South American smokes to go with your favorite decades-old Scotch.

With exposed brick walls, imitation chesterfields and an interior that’s every shade of dark brown possible, this cigar lounge is like a modern take on the classic gentleman’s club. It packs out with professionals and moneyed big shots who come to down fine Anantara Siam, 153/2 Mahatlek Lu- single malts from across all the ang Soi 1, 02-254-4726. Open Mon- major Scottish whiskey regions Sat 1pm-midnight and puff on quality non-Cubans plucked from its walk-in humidor.

Lurking in the rafters above a cigar and spirits-specializing boutique, this offshoot bar from the renowned Speyside whiskey lets you pull up a rich, tobacco-leather wingback and knock back 35-yearold single malts with some of the best smokes from Latin America. 2/F, Cohiba Atmosphere, 63/3 Soi Ruamrudee, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9009. Open Mon-Sat noon-midnight

16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-3220, 02-664-4252. Open daily 1pm-2am

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EVERYDAY FROM 5PM - 9PM 2 FOR 1 for each guest We offer a mix of superb bite-sized menu and a variety of specially created drinks with fantastic deals available on drinks and food there is no better place to enjoy this special time of year than at VOGUE Lounge 6th Fl. Mahanakhon CUBE, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd. Tel. 02-001 0697 Email: reservations@voguelounge.com FB: VOGUE Lounge Bangkok Instagram: @vogueloungebangok

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BEST WINE BAR

Riedel 2.5

3.5

Don’t be too intimidated by the astronomically expensive-looking decor and classy Austrian glassware from which the venue gets its name—mere mortals can afford to drink here without sending their credit card into panic mode. There are more than 40 by-the-glass options thanks to a fancy, high-tech wine dispenser by the entrance. A respectable medley of old-school cocktails and Italian-Mediterranean tapas also elevate things above pure wine-and-cheese territory. 2/F, Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-1133. Open daily 10am-midnight Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on a la carte food and glassware Today - 31 Aug 18

RUNNER UP

About Eatery 3

2.5

With its phonebook-thick menu and chalkboards scrawled with notes on viniculture, aging processes and pairing tips, this rusticated wine bistro is as much about getting educated as it is about getting sozzled. Working only with organic, biodynamic and sustainable producers means rare tastes abound, as in the selection of “orange” wine, an ancient tradition that’s having a resurgence. G/F, Ocean Tower 2, Asoke Soi 3, 02-665-2772. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, Sun-Thu 5:30-11pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-midnight Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food only (except 31 Dec 17 - 1 Jan 18) Today - 30 Dec 18

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Every Dish with Citi

RUNNER UP

Quince 3

3.5

ADVERTORIAL

Opus 4

3.5

Is there anything Quince can’t do well? Mediterranean dinners, coffee dates, complex cocktails, lazy brunches and, yes, awesome wines at the right price. Partner Kim Wachtveitl’s day job sees him fraternizing with the best small-batch producers in the world to bring their products to Bangkok, making Quince a hub for local oenophiles. Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478. Open Sun-Thu 11:30am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11:30am-1am

64 Pan Rd., 02-637-9899. BTS Surasak. Open daily 6pm-midnight

Since 2009, this stylish house-turned-restaurant has remained the top choice for Bangkok’s bigwigs seeking refined Italian cuisine. The food is excellent, but with an impressive walk-in cellar boasting over 400 Italian labels, the real focus here is the wine. Owner and wine connoisseur Alex Morabito is on hand to perfectly pair your wine with your meal, elevating your tasting experience.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members

Get a complimentary tiramisu valued THB 290++ when spending via Citi credit cards (limit 1 dish /card /table / sales slip)

Get 15% discount (11.00-17.00 p.m.) on food only

Today - 31 Oct 18

Today - 31 Aug 18

RUNNER UP

Wine Connection Deli and Bistro

La Casa Nostra 3.5

3.5

G/F, K Village, 93-95 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-661-3940. Open daily 10-1am

Coming from the team that supplies wine to L’Atelier, Suhring and Gaggan, it’s little surprise that this finely polished Italian restaurant has an incredible cellar at unbeatable prices. Don’t let the luxurious, sophisticated surroundings fool you into thinking it’s for dinner guests only—the beautiful stone bar is perfect for nursing a knock-out Burgundy. 22 Sathorn Soi 1 Yaek 2 (Soi Goethe), 02-287-2402. Open daily 11:30am-midnight

This wine shop’s expansion to include a delicatessen and bistro is a dream come true. Buy a bottle of wine at retail price, find a table in the huge, glass-fronted space and sip away while picking at a platter heaped with cheeses and cold cuts. The open kitchen and glass deli displays give it a pleasant, high-end market feel, while an enormous wine store means you can take your favorite bottles home.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary crème brulee valued THB 130 when spending THB 1,250 or more/sales slip (limit 1 dish /card / table /sales slip) Today - 30 Apr 18

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BEST DIVE BAR

Jam 4

3.5

2.5

4.5

Drinking next to an expressway is rarely as fun as at this ramshackle Surasak shop-house, where subversive art lines the walls, cheap wine pours from the cardboard cask and two chill resident dogs patrol the vicinity. Cult movie screenings, retro gaming nights and gigs from young up and comers add to the arty outsider vibes. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-8898059. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight

RUNNER UP

12x12 4

3.5

Hidden down a secluded soi off Thonglor, this Japanese-run bar is basically a hipster’s wet dream—super-cool without even trying. Two vintage motorbikes mark the entrance. Duck inside and you’ll be greeted by achingly hip world music and shots of potent, vodka-and-Tabasco concoctions. 810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2, 094260-4713. Open Tue-Sat 8pm-2am

RUNNER UP

Fatty’s Bar and Diner 4

3.5

Wong’s 2 3.5

Burnt orange walls crawling with band posters, Polaroid snaps and the odd musical instrument set the scene for this most American of American diners way out on Rama 9. Fatty’s burgers, craft beers and rocking soundtrack have found a fervent following among expats well accustomed to arguing loudly over such things.

1.5

2.5

3.5

Nights out in Wong’s red-lit corridor of drunken expats and party boys are a Bangkok rite of passage, the after-dark, bleary-eyed equivalent to visiting Wat Pho. Make sure you have a drink in your hands at all times, since the staff are quick to kick out anyone who’s glass is empty. Soi Sribumphen, Rama 4 Rd., 081901-0235, 02-286-1558. Open daily 9pm-late

598/66 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 081438-7221, 02-245-2965. Open Tue-Sun 11am-midnight

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BEST BEER BAR

Mikkeller 3.5

3.5

While its younger counterpart upstairs is known as one of the fancier restaurants in town, the original beer house on the bottom floor is about as casual as it gets, with unassuming blond wood tables, bare white walls and lots of space to move around. Its 30-strong on-tap selection of craft beer is one of Bangkokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest, as is the menu of 250-plus bottled beers. 26 Ekkamai Soi 10, 091-713-9034, 02381-9891. Open daily 5pm-midnight

RUNNER UP

Bottles of Beer 3.5

2.5

A wall of fridges holds just about the biggest selection of brews in town at this bottleshop-meets-beer-bar. And the best bit? Buy any six bottles and you get takewaway prices even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re drinking at the bar. Make sure you order up some of the awesome grilled chicken to go with. 2/7 Sukhumvit Soi 34, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-0400473. Open daily 5pm-midnight

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RUNNER UP

Every Dish with Citi

Taproom 3

3.5

ADVERTORIAL

Golden Coins Taproom 3.5

2.5

Duck behind Sukhumvit Soi 26’s Casa Lapin to find this buzzing temple of niche brews, its 26 taps always hooked up to something new and fresh. The environment is friendly, weekdays see live acoustic bands take the stage, and come the weekend the place kicks into party atmosphere with DJs. 51 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 087-460-2626. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Ekamai Mall, 082-675-9673. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Local brewer Pipatnapon “Piek” Pumpo runs this sixtap craft beer bar that exclusively serves strains of Piek’s own Golden Coins beer. Alongside pilsners and IPAs, you’ll find more esoteric offerings such as coffeeflavored stout and cream vanilla beer. The bare-brick space also dishes out some perfect drinking food: pulled pork burgers, fish and chips and ribs.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food only Today - 31 Oct 18

RUNNER UP

Hair of the Dog 2.5

2.5

4.5

The somewhat creepy-feeling hospital decor might seem strange from the perch of social media, but hordes of scrutinous Bangkok beer-heads count this as one of the city’s best brew haunts. Its modest but well-curated selection features globe-spanning flavors, like the wobble-causing Selassie stout and a homebrew turned international success called Nebuchadnezzar IPA.

Brewski 30/F, Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok, 489 Sukhumvit Soi 27, 02-302-3333. BTS Asok. Open daily 5pm-1am

Craft beers with 30th-floor views of Sukhumvit. Along with a free and easy party atmosphere, Brewski offers an international selection of beers ranging from American craft names to Belgian classics. To eat, try the gai yang (traditional Thai-style grilled chicken) with spicy chili sauce and sticky rice.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary welcome drink valued THB 300 when spending via Citi credit cards (limit 1 glass /card / table / sales slip) Today - 31 Oct 18

2/F, Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd.; 02-6507589. Open daily 5pm-midnight. Other branch: 593/27 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1 (Phrom Phong), 02-258-1461

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BEST SPEAKEASY

Locker Room 3

2.5

As far as “speakeasy” gimmicks go, the wall of gym lockers that hides this meticulous little den of craft libations stands apart. Once you’ve found your way in, prop up the bar and partake in boozy concoctions designed by four of Asia’s top bartenders, including our own Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn from Backstage Bar (see page 41). JIA Thonglor, 225/15 Thonglor Soi 10, 092-895-3689. Open daily 8pm-2am

RUNNER UP

Q&A 2.5

3.5

With its devilishly discreet entrance (first visit we made, we spent 10 minutes ringing the neighboring apartment’s doorbell), Q&A perfectly captures the off-the-radar aura of any good speakeasy—which it then complements with truly sensational cocktails made to the most demanding specifications. 235/13 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-1445. Open daily 7pm-2am

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GUIDES

RUNNER UP

Reach affluent urbanites through trusted publications with a six-month to one-year shelf-life.

Sugar Ray 2.5

By doing away with any formal bar, Sugar Ray feels more like drinking at a friend’s dining room table— one who lives in a moody, candlelit loft dripping with eclectic bric-a-brac. Fridays see chauffeured minivans pulling up to drop off Thonglor’s beau monde, who come to sip on serious, spirit-heavy concoctions. Baan Ekkamai, Ekkamai Soi 21, 094-417-9898. Open Wed, Fri-Sat 7pm-2am

RUNNER UP

Ku Bar 2.5

3.5

Other bartenders whose opinions we have a lot of time for tell us that nowhere else in Bangkok manages to pack such intense flavors into their house infusions than Ku Bar. The results speak for themselves, poured from a meticulously crafted marble and blond-wood bar that playfully contrasts the otherwise stark, concrete space. 3/F, 469 Phra Sumen Rd., 02-067-6731. Open ThuSun 7pm-midnight

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BEST SINGLE SPIRIT BAR

Teens of Thailand 4

3.5

Niks Anuman-Rajadhon’s ground-breaking venue in Soi Nana also made history as the city’s first gin bar. Competition among Bangkok’s single-spirit players has intensified since, but the breadth of options here (classics like Hendrick’s and rarer finds like Hanami) makes for one of the most impressive collections in town. The venue’s small, dimly-lit room gets packed quickly, but the bar team seems to never have off nights and flex their creativity with a rotating cocktail menu. 76 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd., 081-4433784, 096-846-0506. Open Mon-Thu, Sun 7pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 7pm-1am

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Orihara Shoten 2.5

At Ekkamai’s sleek sake bar, Japanese salarymen in full suit and tie drink alongside a more creative, though equally hard-partying, expat crowd. While the recurring Sake + Sound events add a pop of color to the blond-wood surrounds, the real reason to visit is the mouthwatering rice wine selection—some 100 bottles and counting. The yakitori (chicken skewers) at adjoining sister restaurant Tori Tama is to-die-for, too. Park Lane, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 02-3820131. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary shredded dried squid and beverage valued THB 200 when spending via Citi credit cards (limit 1 set /card /table /sales slip) Today - 31 Oct 18

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2.5

4.5

Back in April, Taiwanese expat Herman Wu was a totally new name on the Bangkok cocktail bar scene. At his friendly Thonglor gin bar, you can find a collection of over 100 labels from around the world. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see your favorite behind the bar then show him a pictureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; he hides plenty more bottles upstairs. 44/3 Thonglor Soi 1, 02-023-7285. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-1am

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Tropic City 3

2.5

Amid floral motifs, this bar deals in hard-hitting rum concoctions. Their KL to BKK is made from fermenting pineapple and clove into an ungodly delicious syrup then mixing it with dark rum and Campari. Equally spicy but lighter, the Jamaican Spice Bowl hits you with a whack of vanilla and five-spice infused Appleton Estate VX. Charoenkrung Soi 28, 091-870-9825. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-1am

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MOST CREATIVE DRINK LIST

Eat Me 3.5

4.5

3.5

“Thai cocktails” used to mean kitsch, sugary stuff fixed with cheap local booze and a chili sticking out the top. Not at Eat Me, where mixologist Buntanes “Pop” Direkrittikul’s creations are on a whole other level. He uses actual green chili paste, toasted rice, roasted chili and shallots for flavors so powerful they can be almost too real. Our favorite, the Laab Moo (a spicy, herbal Isaan dish made with minced pork), comes topped with a crispy strip of Serrano ham, its rim flecked with a crunchy mix of cilantro, rice and mint flakes. Saep! 1/6 Phiphat Soi 2, Convent Rd., 02-2380931. Open daily 3pm-1am

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Locker Room 3.5

2.5

Have you ever wanted to taste “the savory flavors of foie gras” in your drink? We hadn’t until stumping up about B400 for this devilishly secretive cocktail joint’s “Nuts Over Michelin,” which mixes goose liver with cognac, almond, lemon, sesame and egg white. If that doesn’t land somewhere a place in Most Creative Drinks category, we don’t know what does. JIA Thonglor, 225/15 Thonglor Soi 10, 092-8953689. Open daily 8pm-2am

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Vesper 3.5

3.5

ADVERTORIAL

Bangkok Heightz 39/F, The Continent Hotel, 413 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-8677000. BTS Asoke. Open daily 6pm-1am

3.5

Originally crafted by Milk Pailin (now at Zuma) and later improved by current barkeep Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana, Vesper’s “Art Book” is one of the most widely-recognized cocktail menus in town. Highlighted by six-week barrel-aged classics, the lengthy menu’s remaining pages pay homage to some of the world’s immortal artwork—pairing boozy inspirations with each piece. 10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777. Open Daily 5pm-1am

This 39-story-high rooftop specializes in cocktails with local flavor. In the Cha Yen you get three kinds of Thai whiskey—Sangsom, Mekhong and Regency—along with Thai tea, sweet cream, Bailey’s and milk. Tuk Tuk is made with a Thai vodka from Pathum Thani, Bangyikhan, as well as lemongrass syrup, lime juice and lychee, served with a Thai dessert on the side. You can also enjoy latenight dining with last order at midnight, try the lamb shank massaman curry and lobster in panang sauce.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food and non-acoholic beverages when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip. Today - 30 Apr 18

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Mocking Tales

Backstage Bar 3

3.5

Maze Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 083-386-6992. BTS Thong Lo. Open daily 11am-1am

The main hub of action for Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn, the 2014 and 2017 winner of Diageo World Class who also appears here with his second project, Locker Room (see page 10), is like a bartender’s playground. Last time we dropped by, he was whipping up spicy, fruity concoctions spiked with chipotle, snakefruit, cacao and agave nectar. L/F, Playhaus Thonglor, 205/22-23 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-712-5747, 061-519-5891. Open Mon-Sun 7pm-2am

A truly magical setting, this dessert cafe and cocktail bar draws inspiration from your favorite fairytales. Decadent desserts such as Inferno Mountain and Poisoned Apple may be the trademark here, but the equally inventive and creative cocktail list should not be overlooked. Grab a seat in the long hall straight out of a Disney film, order the signature Magical Light, Mermaids Tears or SIlver Lake and live happily ever after.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food and desserts only when spending THB 1,000 or more /sale slip Today - 30 Jun 18

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BEST BAR FOOD

Vesper 3.5

3.5

Chef-partner Luca Appino and Sardinian-born head chef Francesco Deiana dish out simple, hearty Mediterranean flavors that go toe-to-toe with some of the city’s best restaurants. Producedriven plates like fileja calabrese, roasted suckling pig and pork sausage ragu really drive home that this is so much more than a cocktail joint. 10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777. Open daily 5pm-1am

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Teppen 4

As if the the log-cabin vibes and well-soused salarymen weren’t enough, the exemplary izakaya bites do a good job of convincing you that you’re actually in Japan. Prop up the long bar, where things get hot and heavy watching the chefs at work, and work your way through sashimi, kushiage (deep-fried everything, basically) and robatayaki (charcoal barbecue)—all made to be paired with an ice-cold Asahi, ginger highball or full bottle of sake. 14/2 Sukhumvit Soi 61, 02-714-1412. Open MonFri, 6pm-midnight, Sat-Sun 5pm-11pm

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Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology

Vogue Lounge 2.5

4.5

ADVERTORIAL

3.5

While it’s usually the happy hour (see page 48) that draws us here on an empty stomach, it’s the delectably delicate bar bites of chef Cyril Coccon that ensure we leave stuffed. Affordable Aussie short-rib wraps and fancy Japan-inspired sliders pack a comforting punch, while the charcuterie boards and grilled, premium proteins are perfect for sharing. 6/F, MahaNakhon Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. Open daily 5pm-2am Exclusively for Citi credit card members

5/F, Fraser Suites, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-038-5112. BTS Nana. Open daily 6pm-midnight

Charcoal delivers on both glamour and flavor. Its blissfully concise menu emphasises juicy, tandoor-cooked meats that burst with the potent taste of Indian spices, while you’ll also find authentic Indian classics like daal (stewed lentils) and phirini (rice pudding). The dining room’s sultry blend of dark woods, lattice screens, spice jars and barely existent lighting makes it the perfect spot for a pre-night-out dinner—as do the Joseph Boroski-designed drinks.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount when spending THB 1,000 or more / sales slip Today - 30-Jun-18

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Touche Hombre 1/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 092539-0990. Open daily 6pm-2am; Sat-Sun noon-3pm

Shakariki 432 4

N/A

Does Shakariki provide Bangkok’s most authentic izakaya experience? The crowds at its every venue would suggest so, with tables sagging under the weight of gloriously gooey okonomiyaki pancakes, smoky, deepfried cutlets on sticks, and the best sashimi at this price point around.

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, this Mexican restaurant’s slick, cocktail-bar atmosphere makes for an easy transition from dinner to night out. Chilis and other fancy ingredients are flown in from Mexico, but it’s the the perfectly soft corn tortillas that almost steal the show. Have your tacos with refined fillings like roast duck and seared foie gras—a delicious coming together of textures and flavors. The bar’s powerful tequila and mezcal cocktails often mirror the complexity of the food.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary torta de helado valued THB 225 when spending THB 2,000 or more /sales slip (limit 1 dish / card / table / sales slip) Today - 31 Oct 18

Surawong Rd., 02-637-0927. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-3am, FriSat 5pm-5am

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BEST HAPPY HOUR

Vogue Lounge 2.5

4.5

3.5

A look so swathed in brass and marble might trick you into thinking millionaires only need book their after-work aperitifs at MahaNakhonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxurious rooftop bar. Thanks to a happy hour that sees beautifully poured old fashioneds or negronis at twofor-the-price-of-one, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the case. And the best bit: the offer lasts till 9pm. 6/F, MahaNakhon Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02001-0697. Open daily 5pm-2am

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 20% discount on food only for Citi ULTIMA, Citi Prestige and Citi Preferred Today - 31 Oct 18

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Woobar

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2.5

W Bangkok’s signature lobby bar buzzes with glitzy purple decor and chic electronica. The free-flow sparkling wine— Pitars Cuvee Prestige NV—deal offers itself to gents on Wed and ladies on Thu— something that has not gone unnoticed by the Silom gay scene. Head there 7:309:30pm. Lobby/F, W Bangkok, 106 Sathorn Rd., 02344-4000. Open daily 9am-midnight Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 25% discount on a la carte menu only Today - 31 Oct 18

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Medinii 3

4.5

Beer Belly 3.5

Technically an Italian restaurant, this sleek space 35 floors above Asoke lets you eat and drink to your heart’s content at just B999. That includes wine, beer, cocktails and soft drinks, as well as one main course, unlimited pizza and pasta, plus one dessert. Yours from 6-11pm every day. 35/F, The Continent Hotel, 413 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-6867000. Open daily 6am-midnight Exclusively for Citi credit card members

2.5

The frat house vibes—beer pong, air hockey, Jenga— are not to all tastes, but this is 72 Courtyard’s most consistently busy bar with good reason. Drop by Sunday for 120 minutes of free-flow pints at B999. That covers Vedett, Menabrea and Erdinger—not just Leo and Chang. But if Thai beer’s your thing, Mon-Sat 5-8pm gets you half-price Mahanakorn, Stone Head and Lamzing, plus all the big names. G/F, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02392-7770. Open daily 5pm-2am

Get 10% discount on a la carte menu food only Today - 30 Apr 18

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary Beer Belly’s loaded fries dish valued THB 260 when spending THB 2,000 or more /sales slip (limit 1 dish /card /table /sales slip) Today - 31 Oct 18

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BEST DESIGN

Bunker 3

4.5

A lot of respected food and drink figures played a hand in this place, but it’s designer Kelly Wheatley’s brutalist concrete lines that make the first impression. The imposing structure’s sharp angles and pinching alcoves wind and roll across three levels, softened by dashes of mustard and marine with polished stone and copper-toned mirrors playing a supporting role. Blending fancy and raw elements together is no small feat, but Bunker is a knockout. 118/2 Sathorn Soi 12, 092-563-9991, 02234-7749. Open Mon-Sun 5:30pm-midnight

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FooJohn 3.5

3.5

For all Bangkok’s new-wave Chinese-themed bars, FooJohn manages to put you in mind of Hong Kong while avoiding the cliches of its contemporaries. Its downstairs Formica tabletops come straight from a stuck-in-time bingsut, while the middle floor’s throwback patterned wallpapers work in ways we don’t even know. 831 Charoenkrung Soi 31, 085-527-3511. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-midnight

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Bamboo Bar 2

4.5

ADVERTORIAL

Wild & Co. 3.5

The only place in town that can make tiger print, bamboo furniture and mirrored ceilings work. Our hearts were in our mouths a few years back when they said they were giving it a refresh courtesy of P49 architects, but the resulting work is a spectacularly moody testament to tropical opulence. 1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoen Krung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000. Open Sun-Thu 5pm- 1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am

31/3 Soi Farm Wattana, Rama 4 Rd., 087-999-9948. Open Tue-Sun 5:30pm-1am

Amid a lush garden sit two glasshouses, one dedicated to bar-goers and the other to dining. Once the boozy music institution Stu-Fe, the space has stayed much the same, save for the abundance of plants, shelves of mismatched knick-knacks and stuffed animals. Meatheavy dishes dominate the menu, while classic cocktails and local craft brews are served at the bar.

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Rabbit Hill

Tropic City 3

3.5

1 Santiphap Rd., 092-646-6636, 091-780-8896. Open TueSun 5pm-midnight

The floral paintings, the neon signs, the flamingo sculptures, the vibey king-and-queen-in-holiday-mode portrait—everything at Charoenkrung’s newest cocktail bar says “fun,” which isn’t a word often associated with places pouring drinks as serious as these ones. Order the banana-infused, rum-and-whiskey laced Jungle Letter 23 or miss out. Charoenkrung Soi 28, 091-870-9825. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-1am

Squeezed between a motorbike repair shop and a spirit house shop, this is Yaowarat’s latest bar to go for a red-lit, retro Chinese look. Chow down on Chinese-style snacks like deep-fried chicken red chili, garlic and vinegar while sipping on Hong Kong’s trending Moonzen craft beertry the South Cloud Lager, a session beer with subtle Chinese tea notes. A live cover band plays Chinese and English pop songs on Fri and Sat from 8-10pm.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 5% discount on food only Today - 31 Oct 18

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BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Soulbar 4

3.5

From the soul band side project of Apartment Khunpa guitarist Pump Jotikasthira (who’s also a partner in the bar) to the languid, psych-charged sounds of the Lowdowns, the original Charoenkrung bar guarantees live music that hits the get-up-and-dance gene. Add in a crowd that likes to party and a fridge packed with affordable beers—as well as a location that’s jumping distance from our fave cocktail joints—and you’ve got a winning package. 945 Charoenkrung Rd., 093-220-0441, 095-593-9661. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight

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Jam 4

3.5

2.5

4.5

This Surasak shop-house strewn with posters and kitsch toys may look like your teendream bedroom, but it sure sees more action. The city’s dub, experimental electronic and reggae scenes would be in a much poorer state if not for Jam’s micro-stage. It’s not all anti-mainstream posturing, either; plenty of crowd-friendly indie acts have cut their teeth here, too. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight

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Ban Puen

Studio Lam 4

ADVERTORIAL

3/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 061-824-1747. Open daily 6pm-1am

This tiny Thonglor wedge of a bar is as hip as they come. On a good night you won’t be able to see what’s in front of you, but you’ll feel the good vibrations of the massive sound system pumping out live molam, experimental indie-rock or some limited-run psychedelic Turkish 7-inch DJ Maft Sai brought back from his travels. 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-2am

Located on the rooftop of the long-standing-yetalways-happening Ekamai Shopping Mall, Ban Puen lives up to its name, which literally translates to “a friend’s house.” You can expect to hear lots of Thai and international covers performed acoustically, to go with simple spicy dishes whipped up by one of the partner’s aunts. Try the khao maew (fried rice with chili paste with mackerel).

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Fatty’s Bar and Diner 4

3.5

At this Rama 9 dive bar, the full-fat burgers and American craft beers come with a high-decibel soundtrack of classic and college rock. Visit on Tuesday for openmic night and it’s the turn of local musos to give their heartiest imitation. Though things have gone quiet on the gig front of late, few events loom so large on the local indie-rock calendar as Fatty’s Fest, an annual bender of music, barbecue and booze. 598/66 Asoke Din Daeng Rd., 081-438-7221, 02-2452965. Open Tue-Sun 11am-midnight

Black Cabin Bar 33/1 Soi Farm Wattana, Rama 4 Rd., 061-515-6989. Open Tue-Sun 5:30pm-1am

Tucked away in Wild & Co restaurant, where musical hub Stu-fe once was, this hidden bar looks to rekindle the live music spirit of its predecessor. Amid moody red lighting and faux animals, expect a range of diverse genres to be blaring from the speakers, depending on which night you go. Keep yourself going into the small hours with their refreshing, fruity cocktails, or a fine single malt.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary welcome drink valued THB 220 when spending via Citi credit cards (limit 1 glass /card / table / sales slip) Today - 30 Jun 18

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BEST ROOFTOP BAR

Hi-So 3

This rooftop serves up one of Bangkok’s most stunning sunset scenes— looking straight over Lumphini Park and onto the gleaming skyscrapers of Phloen Chit. Maybe that’s why it’s one of the few spots that attracts a local crowd, one that likes to knock back Champagne and smoke cigars while reposed on the almost-too-comfy scarlet daybeds. Oh, and they give out enough complimentary cashews and olives to make you say, “let’s screw dinner.” 29/F, So Sofitel Hotel, 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. Open daily 5pm–1am Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 5% discount on food only when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip (This promotion is not applicable on 5, 24, 25 and 31 Dec ‘17) Today - 28 Feb 18

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Above Eleven 2.5

3.5

2.5

Leave the tequila sunsets to the hotels and head here for well-poured piscos overlooking a twinkling strip of downtown Sukhumvit—if you were smart enough to reserve the perennially booked-out balcony seats. As the night wears on, white dudes on dates make way for gaggles of hard-partying locals, before the whole crowd moves on to Havana Social. 33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-038-5111. Open daily 6pm-2am Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food only when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip Today - 30 Jun 18

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Attitude 2.5

There is a reason to visit Thonburi. It stands 26 stories above the Chao Phraya, offers cocktails with a floral, flamboyant edge and serves Asian-influenced tapas plates at not-too-crazy prices. The vast space means it never feels super-crowded, which is just what we want when we’re taking a few well-poured sundowners. 26/F, Avani Riverside Hotel, 257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02431-9100. Open daily 5:30pm-1am

ADVERTORIAL

EDEN Rooftop Bar 1624 Petchaburi Rd., 086-445-5554. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-1am

The name sets a high bar for this garden rooftop, but it lives up to all expectations. High up in the canopy, it feels like you’re sitting in the world’s coolest treehouse. Wild, overgrown plants, candlelit lanterns and twinkling fairy lights add to the magical ambience; not to mention the sweeping views of the Phetchaburi cityscape. The bar stocks everything from craft beer to martinis and, if you’re feeling peckish, choose from a mouth-watering selection of Asian fusion dishes.

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Nowhere

Octave 2.5

3.5

6/F, Tha City Loft hotel, Ekkamai Soi 6, 099-394-4417. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11am-midnight

1.5

A rooftop bar with the added bonus of being right by Thonglor, this place is our favorite diversion tactic to use on out-of-town friends when they start mumbling “skybar.” Cocktails don’t come quite at street-level prices, but you do get a stunning view of downtown Sukhumvit, coupled with an upbeat crowd of tourists. 45/F, Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Soi 57, 02-7970000. Open daily 5pm-2am

It might only be six floors up, but there’s nothing obstructing the cool, 180-degree views of Ekkamai from this trendy rooftop restaurant atop the Tha City Loft Hotel. The continent-spanning cuisine, interesting cocktails and good vibes speak for themselves, but don’t come here expecting a romantic candlelit dinner. Despite the rooftop views, the stylish loft space is better thought of as a casual hangout spot.

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ADVERTORIAL

ESSENTIALS 3 Bears Craft Brewery Since opening its own bar, this brewery has firmly established itself on Bangkok’s craft scene. The taps pour 3 Bears exclusively, with several different options, such as Goldilocks Blonde, Hunter’s IPA, Gorilla Stout, Jackal Pale Ale and Summer Snow Champagne Ale. Red brick walls and dangling bulbs are suitably hipster, plus there’s live miusic every Friday night. 1154 Sukhumvit Soi 22 (Setthithaweesap), 095-4568298. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Open Tue-Fri 4pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11am-midnight

CRAFT Brews from Anderson Valley, Stone, Heart of Darkness (Vietnam), Codeo (Japan) and CRAFT’s monthly Tap Takeovers ensure this Silom bar’s 20 taps are always linked up with the most exciting brews in town. CRAFT offers a solid lineup of bar grub (excellent burgers) and beerinfused food for you to enjoy, while sitting front and center at the lengthy, industrially lit bar. After, stop at Whisgars next door for its regular jazz nights. G/F, Holiday Inn Silom, 981 Silom Rd., 02-630-3998, BTS Surasak. Open daily noon-midnight

Farmer Fizz X Lehmann Established by a couple of Thai-born Champagne geeks, Farmer Fizz x Lehmann’s elegant Champagne Experience Bar serves up grower Champagne (artisanal bubbly made in small quantities by niche growers) in high-quality Lehmann crystal. What you drink is a surprise (“omakase-style”), but the selections are tailored to each customer’s budget. There are also onsite experts to spill knowledge whenever asked. 2/F, One One Food Avenue Samakee Rd., 099-9879978. www.ffxlehmann.com

Mixx Discotheque

Mojjo Lounge Bar

Riverside Grill

Smalls

This double-room club has thrilled international partygoers for the past seven years thanks to its two zones offering everything from blasting pop to trance. Hit up the Baroque-style main floor for the latest top 40 and hiphop hits, or check out the smoking-friendly second floor for electronic beats and LED lights. Both sections welcome DJs from home and abroad on constant rotation.

Unlike so many uber-modern sky bars, this one greets you with mid-century Cuban furnishings and green Havana hues. Intricate tile-work and floor patterns transport you, mojito in hand, right back to the 1950s. Tucked beside the bar, you’ll also find the more gentlemen’s club vibes of cigar specialist Character (also at Anantara Siam). Tapas-style bites include fiery chicken wings.

This stylish alfresco bar and grill with unobstructed river views is an easy-to-love hit. Well-executed Thai and Western grill dishes deliver quality ingredients like wagyu rib eye (best enjoyed Thai-style with fiery tamarind chili sauce) and grilled whole Boston Lobster. To drink, ask the bartender to whip you up one of his whiskey specials like Swan in Bella or Pearl Sparrow.

32/F, Compass SkyView Hotel, 12 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-011-1111. BTS Phrom Phong. Open daily 5pm-2am

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, 2 Charoenkrung Soi 30, 02-266-9214. Open daily 5pm-1am

This eclectic shop-house bar is like the bohemian Bangkok answer to Cheers. For a crowd whose day jobs involve food and booze, everyone will most definitely know your name, making it all too easy to knock back one too many well-poured sours. The third-story roof terrace offers an alfresco hideaway amid Suan Phlu’s rooftops. Last Thu of the month is pho night, while every Wednesday is for progressive live jazz.

Intercontinetal Hotel, 973, Ploenchit Rd, 02-656-0383. BTS Chit Lom. Open daily 9pm-late

186/3 Suan Phlu Soi 1, 095585-1398. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-2am; Mon 7pm-2am

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ADVERTORIAL

Fentimans

L’Appart

La Casa Nostra

Levels

Botanical brewing is definitely one of the more interesting ways of preparing non-alcoholic beverages, and 112-year-old British brand Fentimans has long been one of the most well-respected players in the scene. Using all-natural ingredients like ginger root, elderflower, jasmine and quinine, Fentimans crafts tasty lemonades, colas and tonic water through a sixstage brewing process that almost as old as the company itself.

At L’Appart rooftop bar and restaurant, head chef Nicolas Basset welcomes diners for a visually spectacular and delicious new menu. This he serves accompanied by panoramic city views, live DJs, special cocktail hours, signature drinks and an attractive wine list.

Set in beautiful leafy grounds, and with a wine list that’s touted as one of the best in town, this renovated stately home is a must-visit of Bangkok’s food and drink scene. The labels come mostly from Italy and France, with great finds to be found all along the price spectrum. A device known as a Coravin lets you try upscale wines without them having to pop the bottle.

Located on the 6/F of the Aloft Hotel, Levels underwent a massive renovation in November 2017 after being open for five years. Equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, an LED screen and worldclass sound system from L-Acoustics, Levels boasts a regular live-band rotation with international DJs in its main room. The second zone, a garden-like terrace, is the first area you’ll enter and a more relaxed space with uplifting house music.

32/F, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-126-9999. BTS Nana. Open daily 5pm-1am

22 Sathorn Soi 1 Yaek 2 (Goethe), 02-287-2402. MRT Lumphini. Open daily 11:30am-midnight

www.facebook.com/fentimansth

Straydog Craft Vogue Lounge Wine Depot Beer Bar at Toby’s The neighborhood’s most Wine Depot seems Situated in brunch favorite Toby’s cafe, this craft beer bar offers a rotating selection of local brews including Sandport IPA, Triplepearl Weiss, Mahanakorn White Ale and more from eight taps. The knowledgeable owner is usually at hand to help guide your selection, while you can also take a four-beer tasting flight. Coming shortly, expect to find their housebrewed beer on tap. 75 Soi 38 (Sukhumvit) Open Tue-Sun 11am-2pm, 5-10:30pm

luxurious cocktail bar channels ‘20s glamour through plum leathers, acres of brass and art deco-style marble paneling, while outdoors, the air-conditioned, all-stone terrace sits in the midst of downtown Bangkok’s skyscrapers. Make sure you arrive in time for the 5-9pm daily happy hour, when your three-yearold Havana rum daiquiri, old fashioned or negroni comes at two for one.

6/F, MahaNakhon Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0697. BTS Chong Nonsi. Open daily 5pm-2am

to have its focus in the right place, serving affordable bottles mostly from the Old World in a cozy setting that sits right with the slightly more mature crowd that drinks here. Its tight quarters includes the expected mish-mash of wine-themed decor—old barrels, chairs made out of used crates and large black support beams—but it works. 28 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02000-4238. Open daily 11:30am-midnight

6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246; 095-248-3897 (after 9pm). BTS Nana. Open daily 9pm2am

Wine-Now This online distributor delivers its massive range of labels straight to your door (delivery is free, even for entry level bottles). Regular customers earn reward points towards future purchases, and the company also holds wine events throughout Thailand, such as tastings, parties and classes, all aimed at bolstering your wine know-how. wine-now.asia

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INDEX

0-9 12x12

12, 36

About Eatery 34 Above Eleven 54 Attitude 55

Backstage 45 Balvenie Bar, The 32 Bamboo Bar 28, 51 Beam 30 49 Beer Belly Black 28 Blaq Lyte 2, 12, 30 Bottles of Beer 38 Brown Sugar 28 Bunker 50

Glow 30

Hair of the Dog Hanakaruta Havana Social Hi-So Hyde & Seek

Jam 36, 52 Junker 23 Just a Drink (Maybe) 43

Ku Bar

19, 39 15 14 54 19

Casa Nostra, La 35 Character 32 Coastal 14

Locker Room

Maggie Choo’s 21 Marcel 23 49 Medinii Mikkeller 38

Dok Kaew House Bar

Duke 32

Eat Me

Fatty’s Bar and Diner FooJohn

10, 40

36, 53 16, 50

O’glee 24 Octave 55 Orihara Shoten 42

Q&A 15, 40 Quince 35

Riedel

18, 34

Salt 24 Saxophone 28 Shakariki 432 21, 47 Sing Sing 30 Smalls 22 Soulbar 16, 52 Studio Lam 13, 53 Sugar Ray 41

Taproom 39 Teens of Thailand 4, 16, 42 Teppen 46 Tropic City 16, 43, 51

Vesper Vogue Lounge

20. 45, 46 22, 47, 48

Whisgars 32 Whiteline 20 Wong’s 36 Woobar 49 WTF 13

Pakalolo 24 Penthouse 18

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PRIVILEG ES at more than 4,000 restaurants worldwide when spending via Citi credit cards

www.citiworldprivileges.com

ÂŠ 2017 Citigroup Inc. Citi and Design is a registered service mark of Citigroup Inc.

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