This cozy bar on the lobby level of Playhaus Thonglor Boutique Hotel was known as Behind the Scene Lounge & Bar before it was given a revamp by six of Bangkok’s leading bartenders—Anakin “Ton” Wongsala, Chennarong “Janz” Bhumichitr, Kitibordee “Gov” Chortubtim, Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn, Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana and Watcharapong “Bank” Suriyaphan—earlier this year. The entire venue is decorated after four famous stage plays including Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the Rattanakosin-era epic See Pan Din. At the entrance, heavy, wine-colored, velvet curtains open up to Louise XIV sofas, lit-up mirrors and a chilled-out vibe. “There’s nothing serious behind the curtain except for cocktails,” quips one of Backstage’s celebrity mixologists.
Grab a seat around the bar and try one of the many signature cocktails. The Dead Poet Martini (B340), for one, gives an elegant twist to the classic gin martini by mixing saffron-infused gin, Martini dry vermouth and Licor 43 vanilla liqueur, while negroni fans can go for Earthbeet (B390), a complex and earthy mix that combines beetroot-infused tequila with Alipus mezcal, Mancino Rosso vermouth, Campari and Cynar artichoke liqueur. For something refreshing, try Lucky 13 (B360), a bubbly drink with Ricola-infused Ketel One vodka, fernet branca, peach liqueur, lime, kaffir lime leaves, honey and soda. Or make your own signature drink by picking your favorite poison and letting the barman work his magic.