Bangkok's best new bar openings this month

The team behind Messengerservice Bar on Phatthanakan Road has opened a venue closer to downtown Bangkok. BAR US on Soi Sukhumvit 26 gives a fancy twist to drinking by coming up with a list of cocktails that follows the multi-course concept of most fine-dining establishments.

The menu consists of three different sections. The first is Starter, which is all about refreshing aperitivo, followed by Main, where savory ingredients are used to make unexpected concoctions. Then you have After, a catalog of aromatic tipples that taste like dessert. We also love BAR US’ creative take on many classic cocktails in the All Night menu, which is ideal for traditionalists.

Cocktail hour won’t be perfect without scrumptious nibbles to accompany the drinks. This new bar-slash-restaurant in Ekkamai, a follow-up branch to the popular izakaya spot on Silom, will show you how it’s done, courtesy of veteran chef Arnie Marcella, whose CV includes stints at Carbar in 72 Courtyard and the now-gone Bunker.

Similar to the Silom outpost, Fatboy Izakaya serves simply plated but deliciously satisfying Japanese small bites to pair with cocktails injected with eyebrow-raising twists.

Located above omakase and kaiseki house Mokuzou Juutaku on Soi Sukhumvit 26, Hinoiri Bar (which means “sunset” in Japanese) takes its name seriously; a round, gleaming centerpiece shines brightly upon patrons alongside beautiful visuals projected on the walls. Also equally serious is its commitment to making the mixes for its drinks in-house, from its syrups, to a variety of juices, to garnishes.

These all go into cocktails that are served “obarkase” style—basically you sit at the bar and let the mixologist customize drinks for you.

Popular lifestyle brand Greyhound has added another restaurant to its portfolio. Racing 76 in Thonglor, as you can gauge from its name, takes inspiration from car racing, and you can see it in everything, from the lounge-like interiors to the drinks themselves. One thing’s for sure—it’s quite the departure from Greyhound Cafe.

We predict that this not-so-secret spot in Passa Hotel on Soi Saladaeng 2 will soon be packed with night owls. Rogue Affair is stylized like a hideout, where spies and secret agents can come and exchange confidential information over hard drinks and a card game.

For its soft opening, Rogue Affair has gone for a James Bond-inspired theme, and is serving tipples inspired by the world of casinos. Very cool.

For the first time, Yolo Group has set up shop outside of Old Town Bangkok and in the Thonglor party district. The facade of this lavish lounge is styled as a pawn shop—a cheeky commentary on how you may need to “trade” something to be able to spend money and have a good time in this upscale neighborhood. Thankfully, the tipples, made with exotic and uncommon ingredients such as peach fused with chili and fermented fish mixed with Scotch whisky, are worth the effort.