In a town where a good neighborhood hangout spot is a rare gem and everything is one horrendous I’ve-been-stuck-here-for-an-hour ride away, it can become extremely frustrating if you end up hating the place that you’re at. In order to avoid major disappointment and the need to vent it out on the poor, unsuspecting, and confused server, I suggest that you do some research before going or just keep going to your old favorites.

What I always do is to put on my scientist hat from Sunday to Wednesday and experiment! I try out new places, the popular ones, the ones in the middle of nowhere, or even the ones that I haven’t been to in a while during these days to  save myself from the frustration of being stuck in Friday’s traffic and to ensure that the reservation process won’t be a hassle.

Today, I’m here to share with you some good hangout spots that I like. I’m not, in any way, saying that these places are all-around amazing. They have their pros and cons- some have bad décor, some are ridiculously expensive, and some are so busy you have to reserve far in advance for a Friday table. But what they all share are good drinks. So, write these down and happy drinking! =)

The Eugenia (The Zheng He Lounge)

 

A tiny old world-style hotel nestled in the heart of Sukhumvit 31 that is perfect for grabbing drinks with your close girl friends or sharing a romantic dinner with your significant other.  The Eugenia has always been (and probably will always be) my favorite hangout spot in Bangkok. Yes, it’s rather on the pricey side but you can’t help but fall in love with this place the moment you step into the charming building. As soon as you walk into the hotel, you feel as if you’ve been transported back in time. Who knew that such a romantic little spot exists in that busy area of Bangkok? Everything about the hotel, from their signature scent, their private seating areas, and the little pool outside makes you want to just hang out there for the rest of the day. And that’s what I often end up doing.

As I already mentioned, the drinks here are rather on the expensive side (400+) but it’s worth it since they are goooood, my favorite is the mango passion fruit one that they no longer have on the menu but they are sweet enough to make for me every time I drop by. Also, they have happy hour every day! Please contact them for further detail.

Address: 267, Soi Sukhumvit 31,

North Klongtan, Wattana, Bangkok

Thailand 10110.

Tel: +66-2-259-9011-7. Fax: +66-2-259-9010

Hyde and Seek

Hyde and Seek is probably the “it” spot right now. If you want to spot a celebrity or eat among the crème de la crème of Thai society, then try to snatch a table here. But if you like a quiet place where you will not bump into half of your high school class, then please try to avoid this restaurant. I will not talk much about the food since it’s been hit and miss for me. Certain dishes, like the macaroni au gratin or the pulled kurobuta burger were great, but we could not eat half of our toad in the hole (but that might just be because our pallets have been corrupted by England’s boarding school foods.) and our steak had to be sent back because the meat did not smell fresh, although they ensured that it was delivered today which we believed them (so my dad told them to change supplier..haha, Oh, Dad.) Yet the servers were really nice and courteous. And I really appreciate the variety and the creativity of the menu and their presentation of the food, the drinks, and the girls’ uniform! The grey dress shirt with pink ribbon is a breath of fresh air and a welcomed change from the usual white shirt and black apron.

Getting a reservation here is extremely difficult, don’t expect to walk in during dinner hours and get a table. Once I called an hour or two ahead on a Wednesday night and still got a table at nine.  (Apparently my Sunday-Wednesday theory doesn’t apply here.) But if you are a fan of creative cocktails, this place is a must. I especially enjoy sitting near the bar to watch the good-looking mixologists work their magic. My favorite cocktail here is the Wannasiri Spritzer, which has watermelon and, I believe, white wine and rose syrup in it. Don’t quote me on that though!!

I have yet to go back to try their Monster Cocktail, which is a supersized version of any of their classic cocktails for 5-6. Anyone, interested?

 

Address: 65/1 Athenee Residence,

Soi Ruamrudee, Ploenchit, Pathumwan

Bangkok, Thailand, 10330

Tel: +66 (0) 2168 5152-3

The Zuk Bar, Sukhothai Hotel

 

I really wish The Zuk Bar would finally known their unrealized potential! The drinks here are SO good, especially the fruits-based ones, yet due to the outdated décor and the lack of marketing makes the place consistently dead. The last time I was there, we were the only table, and the lights were off for half of the side of the bar. We felt as if we were intruding the bartender’s and the servers’ private time as they cheered for a World Cup match. Yet the drinks made up for the other aspects they were lacking, and the decor in their outdoor area is nice. I’m sure to be going back there once I crave a nice fruity drink and a really private time to gossip with my girls, since we know for a fact that no one will be eaves dropping!!!

Open Daily
Monday – Saturday: 17.00 – 01.00 hrs.
Sunday: 12.00 – 24.00 hrs.
Seating Capacity: 70 persons inside, 32 persons Outdoor Lounge
Telephone: 66 (0) 2 344 8888

Wine Pub at Pullman Hotel

If you are a fan of wines and tapas, then you’d like Pullman. And if you are a fan of good promotions, you would LOVE WP. The Wine Pub has some sort of a daily special that changes every day such as from 6-10 PM on Wednesday, you can have all you can eat pasta including 1 bottle of house wine at Baht 900, which you can share with someone else! That’s a pretty good deal, right?

For a full list of their daily offers, click:

http://www.pullmanbangkokkingpower.com/special-offers/restaurant-promotions/#wp-wine-pub

 

 

 

Address: 8/2 Rangnam Road,

Kweang Thanon-Phayathai,

Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

Tel: 02-680-9999

The Iron Fairies

 

The Iron Fairies is a little gem in the heart of Thonglor. The first time I came across this place was in NY when I visited their workshop. I thought there’s something very magical about the rustic décor, the fairy-tale like atmosphere, and of course the little iron figurines. And felt like a little kid when they handed me a little pocket of “fairy dust” to make a wish. Although the adult in me knew it was just bag of silver glitter, I carried it on me all the time for a while…just because.

I never knew until very recently that their workshop is situated in my hometown of Bangkok, Thailand and what a pleasant surprise to find out that they are a pub and restaurant at night too! There’s something very secretive about the place. I guarantee you that, for those who haven’t been there, you have no idea that the sketchy brown door, near red mango at Grass Thonglor, is a restaurant.

The Iron Fairies is probably the darkest restaurant I’ve been to in Bangkok. You cannot see beyond your table, which is quite a fun change. Their menu is very limited; they only serve burgers – good old juicy burgers. But that’s not it…..they also have SANGRIA! Not just the typical sangria, they have the real deal, the type I swore by in college, and that brings back a beautiful jolt of nostalgia. The restaurant serves “sangria for four” in a giant goblet that you can, literally, plunge your whole head in. What an exciting change!

Also, the music there is very good. I was thoroughly wowed by this girl that sings with her acoustic guitar every Tuesday. She has such a magical and angelic voice that really suits the atmosphere of the workshop. I seriously dropped my fork (but not my straw) just so that I could pay full attention to her. Go listen for yourself!

 

 

Address:

394 Thonglor Road (Sukhumvit Soi 55), Bangkok

Tel.: +66 (0) 84 425 8080

Open Monday-Saturday, 8pm to 2am

Bon Appétit!