5 new bars in Bangkok to check out on your next trip

This luxurious spot in Ekkamai is the Lamborghini brand’s first lounge in Southeast Asia and it is pretty swanky. The futuristic, red-lit venue tries to be a bit of everything. It starts the day as a brunch spot with a straightforward menu of panini, wraps (both from THB170 ($7.15)) and, of course, eggs Benedict (THB230 ($9.70)), to be enjoyed along with Lamborghini-branded coffee. Evenings see the menu extend to tuna tatare (THB240) and slowcooked pork medallion (THB270 ($11.40)) plus pizza and pasta (from THB260 ($11)). The drinks highlight is the Tonino Lamborghini vodka, but we recommend just sidling up to the bartender and letting him mix something to match your mood.

 

Sharing the same rooftop at Octagon (see below), this French bistro and bar offers a happening vibe thanks to a clean black-and-white industrial decor and a DJ booth that pumps out house tunes. During the daytime, it opens for lunch to offer a special menu announced each morning on Facebook, which spans everything from pasta to tortillas, priced at THB240 ($10.10) along with French fries, salad and a soft drink. As for drinks, Thursday is mojito night with glasses priced from THB150-250 ($6.30-$10.50).

 

There have been many changes to Bangkok’s longest-standing nightclub, Q Bar. Not only was the second floor renamed Q Up, the first floor has turned into a laidback tapas bar called Azura. Now the old dancefloor has been transformed into yet another 1920s speakeasy-inspired lounge, The Vault. After passing through a big round door and a bare-brick arched corridor, you’ll be greeted by a swinging, live jazz soundtrack every Thursday and Sunday nights. The bar focuses on whiskey and classic cocktails, plus Cuban cigars. Entrance will cost you THB500 ($21) on Sundays and includes two drinks, it’s THB700 ($29.50) from Tue-Thu (two drinks) and THB1,000 ($42) on Fri-Sat (three drinks).

 

There are not too many reasons to visit Ratchada on a trip to Bangkok, but it used to be quite a swinging nightpost area. This new opening packs a lot into its three-story shop-house setting. The first floor has a dive bar feel with a few retro 60s touches in the form of framed newspapers and old sofas. On the second floor there’s an Indian-inspired bar, while the rooftop operates as an open-air beer garden. Expect Thai-fusion dishes, Hoegaarden on tap and a long list of Belgian bottles like Triple Karmeliet, Kwak, Duvel and Vedett.

 

This brand new rooftop bar sits modestly on the fourth floor of The Mercury Ville community mall. The bar is decked out in the requisite fake grass and rattan benches, conjuring a laidback garden vibe. Explaining the name, an octagon-shaped open bar sits at the venue’s center. The food is international fusion, including beer-friendly choices like deepfried seafood (THB490 ($20)), spaghetti garlic and dried chili (THB180 ($7.60)) and barbecue sausage (THB180($7.60)). Asahi is available on tap and they claim to serve it extra cold at -2 degree Celsius (THB200($8.40)). Head a little early on Mon-Thu for their buy-one-get-one-free deal on cocktails from 5-9pm, which include the signature Take Me Out (B250 ($10.50)) and Old Fashioned (B250($10.50)). The 360-degree urban views aren’t bad, either.