Best of 2022: Best new bars

Claiming to be a really serious “music bar”,  folks with a good ear come here to enjoy a finely curated playlist.  Record studio and concert organizer Have You Heard? is behind this humble bar on Soi Sukhumvit 36 so you’re at least assured that the music, if not the drinks, is good.

Taking inspiration from Gir National Park in Western India, believed to be the last habitat for Asian lions and many near-extinct animals, Gir interprets the harmony between humanity and nature through three cocktail pillars: “Nature”, which makes use of natural methods such as infusion; “Human”, which emphasizes manmade techniques like distillation and curing, and a combination of both natural and manmade approaches. Also, the bar is located on the 46th floor of T-One Building, the same building as Paper Plane Project and Tichuca, which means you get nice views as well as cool cocktails.

The latest venture by Yolo Group (the team behind Chinatown haunts Teens of Thailand, Tax, and Asia Today) boasts interiors inspired by a Berlin dive bar, vibes reminiscent of a midnight diner, and wine-based drinks. It’s a space that’s perfect for group hangouts as much as independent tippling. 

This drinking den has transformed a huge old warehouse into a handsome drinking space that gives off retro South America-inspired vibes. A long bar, towering displays, leather couches, and brass details are the perfect setting for drinks designed by barman Pongpak Sudthipongse and his team. 

This hidden drinking venue gives you a new reason to head over to On Nut.  Set in a refurbished shipping container, Liquid Lab is perfect for after-work meet-ups over nicely crafted cocktails mixed with rare imported liquors

Nueng Ronnaporn and Jan Jannarong of #FindtheLockerRoom have converted the upper level of 100 Mahaseth into a bar that reflects the fun and carefree nature of local Thai culture but also takes on a sustainability approach. The result is a selection of creative cocktails that make the most out of each locally sourced ingredient.

Set in a building in Chinatown that is said to have housed an opium den a hundred years ago, this “secret” speakeasy boasts seductive chinoiserie-inspired interiors, dim lighting, and an inch-thick drinks menu that bends drinking boundaries.

Part of a hotel that’s set in a decades-old building, Tuk Din Bar looks chic and charming at first glance. Look closer and you’ll appreciate how much effort was put into maintaining the structure’s retro feel—the crumbling concrete walls have been left untouched and vintage items, such as JBL Paragon speakers that still work, decorate the place. Sit down and try cocktails crafted with exotic ingredients and using unique techniques. 

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. 

This welcoming hangout takes its name from its location—Verdan, a pun on the word “verdant”, is located on Soi Somkid, one of the leafiest alleys in central Bangkok. Come here to enjoy classic cocktails, good music, a chill vibe, and views of the trees that line the street.