Ad Here the 13th
Open: 17:00 - 00:00
Location: 13 Samsen Road, Banglamphu
Stripped down to the raw essentials - bar, tables and instruments - Ad Here the 13th is a diminutive blues and jazz spot that never fails to make a big impression on those who find it. Only on weekends, when the earthy sounds and people spill out on to the street would you notice it on passing - it's a tiny hole in the wall. Despite the bare, bohemian feel there's a warm, welcoming atmosphere that attracts Thais, discerning tourists and expats in equal numbers. A resident blues band with a loyal following plays nightly from around 22:00. Occasional special events and frequent jams by other locals ensures a bit of variety for the regulars. Beers are reasonably priced at 60 to 70 baht. Well worth finding.
Ad Makers
Open: 18:00 - 01:00 (Mon to Thurs), 18:00 - 02:00 (Fri to Sat)
Location: 51/1 Soi Langauan
Contact: 02-652 1069.
Skytrain: Chitlom
This spacious, rustic tavern in the middle of Lang Suan Road - Bangkok's upmarket restaurant belt - is a dusty Rock n' Roll haven popular with locals and expats. Worn posters on the walls, tatty wooden chairs and a somewhat dilapidated structure give it a pleasing, beer-hall authenticity rarely seen in Bangkok. For those who know their Hendrix from their Grateful Dead, this is a fine place to nibble on tasty Thai fare while sipping Johnnie Walkers or downing jugs of chilled beer. Getting those feet tapping early on is acoustic strumming, and from 22:00 classic rock hits come courtesy of the noisy Big Boy Band.
Bamboo Bar
Open: 11:00 - 01:00 (Sun to Thurs), 11:00 - 02:00 (Fri to Sat). Music from 22:00
Location: The Oriental Hotel
Contact: +66 (0)2 659 9000 ext. 7690-1
Skytrain: Saphan Taksin
An international legend, The Oriental's Bamboo Bar is considered by discerning Jazz fanatics to be the best live jazz spot in town. The sandy tones, palm fronds and furry patterns of the interior lend it a relaxing jungle-theme ambience that oozes class, sophistication and style. An upmarket but interesting crowd works the intimate setting, all enjoying the internationally acclaimed jazz singers and bands on its books, and savoring the fabled surroundings. Flawless cocktails and service, as you would expect. Pricey, but the experience makes it well worth it.
Brown Sugar
Open: 17:00-02:00. Music from 21:30
Location: Soi Sarasin, Lumpini
Subway: Lumpini
Smoky, cool, great musicians, in need of a bit of refurbishment, friendly and laid back. Just as a good jazz club should be. Located around Soi Sarasin among a batch of small music venues, Brown Sugar has hosted a number of international artists and a local expat favourite. Good nightly jazz sessions are held at 23:00 by two resident bands, while weekly guest bands are on the rotation. Credit cards accepted.
Diplomat Bar
Open: 10:00 - 01:00
Location: The Conrad Hotel, 87 Wireless Road, Phatumwan
Contact: +66 (0)2 690 9999
Skytrain: Ploenchit
An elegant, upscale hotel bar in the heart of Bangkok's embassy district makes this the perfect haunt for the passing ambassador, visiting dignitary or aspiring spy. Most evenings, however, it's a high-profile crowd comprised of wealthy businessmen, rich Thais and glitzy couples that fill its sprawling nooks and crannies. Beautifully lit, its soft silk couches, striking round bar and wooden interior make for a very chic cocktail ambiance - cool and contemporary. Rounding off the countless touches of class found here are the accomplished acoustics - a world-class jazz singer croons each night except on Sundays. The cocktail and wine lists are suitably inspiring.
Hard Rock Café
Open: 11:00 - 1:00. Music from 21:30
Location: 424/3-6 Soi 11 , Siam Square
Contact: +66 (0)2 251 0797
Skytrain: Siam
Kicking off from around 22:00, the live bands found playing here are normally of very high quality. Of course, it's rock you'll hear. Although slightly cramped around the bar area, especially when the band begins, over the weekends it is a great place to meet people. On weekends the music can really get the people moving and the place turns into an impromptu dance club. Happy hour is between 17:00 and 20:00.
JazzITBangkok
Open: 20:00 - 02:00 (every day except Monday)
Location: RCA Block C, Rama 9 Road
Contact: +66 (0)2 203 1053
This new and unique Thai- Italian disco features an impressive Italian wine list, Italian and Thai dishes, as well as Italian and Thai DJ's spinning deep house, Latin house and Brazilian house. Live vocalists and percussionists are also thrown in the mix between sets. The club's live band plays the latest pop / rock hits as well as popular classics on certain days.
Jesters
Open: 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Location: 333 Charoen Nakorn Road, Peninsula Hotel
Contact: +66 (0)2 861 2888
Skytrain: Saphan Taksin
On the opposite side of the river to the Oriental Hotel. Frequented by the upmarket and trendy set for jazz bands and status.
The Living Room
Open: 09:00 - 00:00
Location: 1st floor, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Road
Contact: +66 (0)2 6498888
Skytrain: Asok
Set in a relaxed, cosy atmosphere on the first floor of the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, this is a big, stylish venue that hosts a top-notch Jazz band or musician every night. Enjoying its plush leather couches and warm acoustics is a typically middle-aged clientele. Alongside the jazz talent, great wines, cocktails and champagnes help get things shuffling. Until December 31 you can catch the legendary Eldee Young with his gifted trio, joined by First Lady of Jazz, Alice Day. On Sundays there's a 'Jazzy Brunch Buffet' between 11:30 and 15:00, with the two legends both performing. Between 15:00 and 18:00 on Saturdays there's 'The Grande Afternoon Tea'. Book well ahead.
Muzik Café
Open: 18:00 - 02:00
Location: 1/f,81-83 Patpong 1, Silom Road
Contact: +66 (0)2-266-4567
Skytrain: Sala Daeng
Sister to Radio City and Round Midnight, this semi-open air venue features live music from several bands throughout the week. Starts around 21:15 and goes on till late. A great atmosphere in the heart of Bangkok's girly bar district, make this an ideal place to start your rounds.
Noriega's
Open: 16:00 - 01:00
Location: Silom Soi 4
Contact: +66 (0)2 233 2813
Skytrain: Sala Daeng
At the end of infamous Silom Soi 4, Noriega's is a little gem of a bar / live music venue. Downstairs are live blues, soul, indie and rock bands, featured nightly. Upstairs the restaurant menu features a modern blend of Thai, Tex-Mex, Italian and European favourites. Happy hour is daily from 16:00 - 21:00 where drinks are 100 baht (150 baht regular price.)
Radio City
Open: 19:00 - 02:00. Music from 22:00
Location: Patpong 1
Skytrain: Sala Daeng
Downstairs from Lucifer's disco, Radio City has Elvis and Tom Jones impersonators backed by a good local band right in the middle of Patpong.
Saxophone Pub
Open: 17:00 - 02:00
Location: 3/8 Victory Monument Phayathai
Skytrain: Victory Monument Station
Local expat favourite with some excellent musicians and a relaxed fun atmosphere. Consistently good music, food and service with a different jazz band every night playing a combination of jazz, blues and old classics. Good acoustics and cosy interior. Packed at the weekend.
Spasso
Open: 22:00 - 02:00
Location: Lower lobby, Grand Hyatt Erawan, 494 Rajadamri Road,
Contact: +66 (0)2 254 1234
Skytrain: Ratchadamri
A fine Italian eatery by day, come night Spasso transforms into a bubbling 'entertainment centre' with loud music by a polished international band and dancing until the early hours. In the heart of the fancy Grand Hyatt, the space is stylish, lively and usually busy weeknights with a post-work crowd made up of execs and expats. With some of the city's finest cocktails being shaken, it's also a fine choice for a tipple or two. When the local band gets going from 21:00 onwards - a hi-energy mix of classics, pop favourites and Latino hits - things can really get pumping, and although there's minimal dance space, after a few Mai Tais most are shaking their tails. Weekends sometimes see people queuing to get in. The dress code is smart casual.
Tawandang German Brewery
Open: 16:00 - 02:00. Music from 19:00
Location: Narathiwat Road, Rama 3.
Contact: +66 (0)2 267 8114-7
Skytrain: Chong Nonsri
Big beer hall with genuine German beers brewed in-house. Live music from quality bands providing a mix of Thai and foreign influences. Busy at weekends when everyone is determined to have a big night out. Credit cards accepted.
Reflexions
Open: 18:00 - 00:00
Location: Plaza Athenee
Contact: (0)2 270 33 44
Skytrain: Ploenchit
Jazz music and food with a modern edge plus good wine list. Credit cards accepted.
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