Chinatown’s Soi Nana is back in business! The neighborhood is regaining its post-COVID popularity and is seeing new drinkeries opening left and right, including Independence Bar, the latest venture of Yolo Group, who is also behind other Soi Nana haunts such as Teens of Thailand, Asia Today, and TAX.
The idea for the establishment came together in 2021 on the 4th of July (Independence Day in America), hence the name. Described as a “proper dive bar”, Independence Bar is ideal for tipplers who don’t really care for a stylish atmosphere or going somewhere to see and be seen. It is set in a large (by Soi Nana standards) shophouse where an auto part shop used to stand, and features rough-around-the-edges decor that are reminiscent of the dive bars in Berlin and New York, such as murals created by local graffiti artists and neon lights.
While innovative cocktails made with premium spirits are the focus of its sister bars, Independence Bar focuses on creative drinks with wine as a base. The venue wants to deconstruct the misconception that wine needs to be enjoyed in a formal, stuffy setting. While you can order wine and enjoy it as it is, Independence is hoping you’d try its signature numbers like Madeira Tonic (B360, Barbeito Madeira 5 YO, chrysanthemum honey and floral tonic), PX Americano (B360, Equipo Navazos Casa Del Inca PX 2015, Sacred Rosehip Cup and soda), and Daiquiri de Jerez (B400, rum, Equipo Navazos Fino Sherry and lime).