We challenge you to discover four of the city’s best speakeasies!
By Christy Lau
Bangkok has no shortage of ways to spend a fun night out, and now, besides the standard rooftop lounges, disco clubs and sports bars, a new nightlife trend is taking the city by storm, primarily for its clandestine nature. Known as speakeasies, these concealed drinkeries hark back to the U.S. Prohibition Era where alcohol was made illegal, and so people sought out underground establishments to enjoy bootlegged beverages.
Of course, nowadays, with no such restrictions on drinking, these secret bars have become something of a unique experience instead, catering to those who want to add a little spice to their nighttime adventures. Apart from the thrill of locating these stealthy watering holes, often concealed in plain sight, speakeasies are also known for their innovative cocktails, showcasing the latest in global mixology trends.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to don your detective hat and put your investigative skills to the test!
Disclaimer: To maintain the fun of hunting down these speakeasies, we have chosen to not reveal their addresses. Instead, we have provided a few key clues to help guide you to them.
#FindThePhotoBooth
Intriguingly inventive, this secret bar takes the speakeasy experience to another level with a fun concept that’s a refreshing change from the other venues on Sukhumvit Soi 11. As the
name suggests, you must look out for a photo booth, hidden on the second floor of a sports bar about midway down the road, accessible by a spiral flight of stairs. Once you make it in, you’ll be treated to a sophisticated ambience and décor reminiscent of a gentleman’s club, filled with plush sofas, a sleek marble bar, and private booths, all illuminated in soft golden light.
Upbeat deep house music sets the mood, while the drinks take their inspiration from various contemporary and historical sources, each with its own creative presentation and story. Some are infused with local flavours, giving guests a true taste of Thailand, while others reimagine classic recipes with modern twists. If you’re stuck on what to pick, don’t stress, because the two charming bartenders are always more than delighted to help you find the perfect tipple.
#FindThePhotoBooth
Tel: 02 117 2636
Open daily from 6pm to 2am
Facebook: @FindThePhotoBooth
Sugar Ray, You’ve Just Been Poisoned
This speakeasy was once the talk of the town for its original décor and innovative cocktails when it opened in Ekkamai more than five years ago. Now it’s been given a chic makeover and a more central address within Octo Seafood Bar on Sukhumvit 24, close to BTS Phrom Phong station.
Don’t worry, we promise this bar won’t actually poison you… the only thing you’ll be infected with is the provocative atmosphere as soon as you walk into this haven of laidback cool. Enveloped in a seductive mix of backlit mirrors, and leather couches, Sugar Ray has just the right amount of rustic, industrial charm, paired with some seriously tasty drinks. The bartenders will impress you with their knowledge of ingredients and mixology skills, concocting a consistently changing range of cocktails, incorporating Asian and Western spices and herbs. They also make their own syrups and bitters so you can expect fresh, one-of-a-kind drinks that will keep you coming back for more.
Sugar Ray, You’ve Just Been Poisoned
Tel: 094 417 9898
Open daily from 7pm to 2am
Facebook: @Sugarraybkk
Thaipioka
While we love our Prohibition-style speakeasies, we can’t help but be intrigued by a hidden bar with an Asian design concept. Hidden behind an unmarked wooden door on the corner of Thonglor Soi 1, Thaipioka invites guests to drink and mingle in tranquil surroundings, with plenty of light wood furnishings, Chinese porcelain ornaments and leafy potted plants. The distinguishing feature is the 15-metre long teak table which doubles as the bar area, where patrons are encouraged to converse with strangers. If you’d rather have some privacy, there are couches lining one wall of the room, along with a range of cosy tables and chairs.
Drinks here play with ingredients normally found in the kitchen, like turmeric, black sesame and chilli powder. Trust the bartenders to cleverly mix these flavours into cocktails beautifully served in glasses garnished with flowers, fruit slices and fresh herbs. As for the music, a mix of jazz and hip hop sets a lively tone during the week, while DJs take over the decks on the weekends to get you up and dancing till the early am.
Thaipioka
Tel: 02 662 6787
Open daily from 7pm to 2am
Facebook: @thaipiokabkk
Honest Mistake Bar
In addition to the quirky name, there is much to love about this low-key bar hidden down a small back alley in Ari, near the Aqua Lifestyle Mall. After you locate the pawn shop façade, you’ll have to hand over a certain amount of cash in exchange for a key that will open the bar upstairs.
Taking its decorative inspiration from the bars of 1930s Shanghai, a vintage mahjong table is the first thing you will see when you walk inside, bathed in red and green neon lighting. For seating options, there are plenty of plush red couches to comfortably lounge on, while your eyes and ears are seduced by the live musical entertainment on every Friday and Saturday night.
As befits the theme, you can quench your thirst with Chinese- inspired cocktails that are named in tribute to famous colloquial expressions, and are made using tropical fruit ingredients. The bar also serves numerous craft G&Ts, pairing herbal gins with a variety of flavoured tonics. With such an eclectic menu to explore, don’t waste any time before checking out this bar because not all mistakes are bad.
Honest Mistake Bar
Tel: 062 490 5126
Open daily 7pm to 2am (Closed on Sundays)
Facebook: @HonestMistakeBar
