Best bars in Phrom Phong

After featuring as a filming location in One for the Road (2021), the bar retains a film set vibe. From neon signs and red lighting to a mini fish tank and a vintage phone booth, every detail is preserved to reflect the aesthetic vision of directors Wong Kar Wai and Nattawut Poonpiriya. The cocktail menu is also inspired by the film’s characters, with signature drinks including Alice’s dance, Noona’s tears, after the rain and WKW (Wong Kar Wai). Whether you're looking for a dimly lit, classic setting to unwind or you're a true cinephile seeking a moviecore experience, this bar is the perfect place to escape into a cinematic world.  Sukhumvit Soi 31, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 02-004-2429. Open daily from 7pm-2am. 

This venue is based on a sound-room and wine bar concept that encourages guests to boogie the night away. The owner aims to create a chilled atmosphere with a twisted bar experience for those who want to dance. Other types of live musical events are held here, including khaen and phin performance. The rotating wine selection consists of around 50 labels that range from sustainable natural varietals to sparkling bubbly. Wines by the glass, which change daily, are also available, so every time you visit Salon Kiku, you’ll find something new. 4/F, Studio Lam. Sukhumvit Soi 51, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 092-281-4426. Open Tue-Sat 7pm-12am. Closed on Mon-Sun. 

An old wooden door welcomes you into a classic setting in which wooden tones and brown décor are complemented by warm gold accents. Vintage photos adorn the walls, adding to the nostalgic charm. As night falls, the atmosphere transforms with the glow of red lighting creating a more intimate experience. The cocktail menu offers both classic and signature creations, each inspired by the owners’ personalities and passions. Hendrix’s Garden reflects one owner’s love for music, blending pandan syrup and smoked rosemary for an aromatic twist. Biomimicry brings a refreshing edge with pickled lime, wasabi and celery topped with tonic and finished with an oba leaf garnish. For a playful touch, the S10 Shake takes inspiration from the iconic milkshake scene in Pulp Fiction (1994), serving up a nostalgic yet inventive sip.  5/F, Sukhumvit Soi 24, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei. 02-550-6820. Open daily from 6pm-midnight. 

Located on the fifth floor of Emsphere, this bar offers a warm, jazz-infused atmosphere that feels like a wistful escape to the ’70s. Originating in Chiang Mai, its vintage vinyl collection and decor create the cosy yet fun ambience of a musician’s living room. Guests can enjoy a selection of hot and cold dishes – whether they’re unwinding with a cheese board and wine or indulging in a hearty pork chop steak. The concept here, when grooves meet grapes, reflects a love of music and good wine. A DJ plays vinyl from 7.30pm-8.30pm, while live performances take place every night. The band plays from 8.30pm-10.30pm on Monday to Wednesday and from 8.30pm-1am on Thursday to Sunday.

5/F Emsphere, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei. Open daily Mon-Wed 6pm-1am, Thu-Sun 6pm-2am. 

Designed as an authentic sake bar and izakaya, Hanakaruta feels like it was teleported straight from Japan. From the moment guests step inside, they are immersed in Japanese culture. The highlight of the space is a striking floor-to-ceiling liquor cabinet showcasing a bewilderingly diverse selection of Japanese spirits and sake. Their signature is take sake served in a 500ml bamboo flask, which further enhances the fragrance. Careful though, it packs a punch and you’ll be limited to just three flasks per visit! The menu here ranges from small bites to more substantial dishes and includes authentic sushi rolls and tempura. Sukhumvit Soi 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 02-662-7339. Open daily from 6pm-2am. 

As its name suggests, things get a bit funky here with food made into drink and vice versa. The space is designed with a modern aesthetic and is a cosy spot from which to take in city views. Menu highlights include hamachi crudo tart made with yuzu-pickled melon and pickled cucumber with chilli oil. Green curry cocktails take inspiration from the classic dish, blending spice-cured gin with coconut fat-wash, pineapple juice, cucumber, toasted chilli and honey garlic brine, all topped with a crispy Thai Riceberry cracker. The Caesar Salad cocktail is also spectacular, capturing the essence of the famous salad in a single sip. It even offers a subtle hint of cheese.  Sukhumvit Soi 37, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 063-845-1844. Open daily from 5pm-midnight.

Decorated in a vintage-meets-tropics aesthetic, this bar serves as a social space where guests can enjoy music, engage in conversations and explore crafted drinks. Dim lighting, lush greenery and walls adorned with classic photographs set the mood. The standout feature is a tiger-eating-snake design on the ceiling positioned above a large table surrounded by animal ceramics. Live DJs perform every Thursday to Sunday. The drink menu carries a distinctly Japanese influence with cocktails such as Jun-ai, Kannoh, Tasogare, Seishun and Omakase. 6/F Japan Building, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Khlong Toei.  062-182-7339. Open daily from 8pm-3am. 

With over 300 varieties of imported umeshu, Umeshuthai offers an authentic taste of Japanese culture. The cocktail menu blends traditional Japanese ingredients – such as yuzu, shiso and sake – with classic mixology, creating the perfect harmony of sweet, savoury and citrus notes. Housed in a three-storey building, the first floor showcases Japanese-style decor with wallpaper and umbrellas, while the upper levels blend modern aesthetics with plants and oak wood for a cosy ambience. Guests are encouraged to pair their drinks with a selection of dishes that range from small plates to hearty main courses, some featuring high-quality beef and other authentic Japanese ingredients. Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 085-541-4999. Open daily from 11am-2am.