Topcredits Cool live music venues are getting harder to find in Bangkok, being replaced more with large clubs that have ultra deafening sound systems churning out repetitive hip hop, trance, and electronic music. Fortunately there are plenty of mainstays that have been going strong for ages along with some great newcomers that have gained popularity and filled the void. Places like the hard rocking Rock Pub and jazz and blues pulsing Saxophone have been open for almost 3 decades, while across town in Banglamphu, one can find the local Adhere the 13th, where jam sessions and packed crowds in this outstanding hole in the wall are the norm. Also highly popular with the bohemian and indie scene is the dive bar Fatty's, which gets packed out with great local indie band nights, and the same goes for creative music and underground music supporters like Jam and Studio Lam. Newer on the scene and with some great local live acts is the happening Apoteka on trendy Sukhumvit Soi 11, and you can also catch outstanding jazz occasionally at Smalls, one of Bangkok's most atmospheric bars. Even Chinatown is in on the act these days, with great live funk and soul to dance to at Soulbar. The diminutive - and oddly named - Ad Here the 13th might just look like another hole in the wall bar in Bangkok’s Old City, but what it lacks for in size, it certainly makes up for in quality live music. Every night a healthy number of locals, expats and passing by tourists cram into the bohemian-esque little space, which is decked out in ageing framed photos on the walls and vintage furniture – all making this an unashamed hipster-hangout. The house blues and jazz band takes to the stage at around 22:00 and it’s advisable to come early on the weekend unless you like standing all night. Drinks are cheap too, with beers starting from around 70 baht.
After HoursLOCATED on Silom Soi 6, After Hours Bangkok is another hangout spot for music lovers. This laid-back bar offers delicious local and international dishes along with an array of beers, wines and best-loved cocktails. The band starts from 7pm until midnight daily and plays a variety of popular songs from the 70s mixed withthe recent popular tunes. After Hours Silom. 6 Silom Road. 02 634 0903. www.facebook.com/afterhoursbkk Apoteka Live GastropubLOCATED in Sukhumvit Soi 11, Apoteka Live Gastropub is a well-known watering hole for all blues lovers. The pub’s exterior design based on a Victorian-era pharmacy and the name Apoteka resounds what it looks like.Visitors can spot the bar by its rustic brick walls, large glass windows and a bright neon-lit sign out front. Apoteka is considered one of Bangkok’s best live music venues. It is almost always full of music lovers, with blues bands performing living daily except on Tuesdays. Delicious dishes are available along with an array of great cocktails. Customers can enjoy the buy-one-get one free promotion on the weekdays, plus Whacky Wednesdays and Ladies Night Thursdays. On Tuesdays, the lineup of DJs provide the musical entertainment. Apoteka Live Gastropub. 33/28 Soi Sukhumvit 11 Road. 061 881 8401. www.apotekasoi11.com Beer BellyThis social hub offers live performance entertainment nightly while guests can enjoy fun activities and games like Jenga, pool, ping pong, darts and more. The menu comprises of Eastmeets- Wests snacks like BBQ ribs, fried chicken, sausages and more. Plus 23 craft beers on tap. Beer Belly. 72 Courtyard FL G - 72 Sukhumvit 55 Road (Thonglor). 02 392 7770. www.facebook.com/beerbellybkk  Bangkok University and not easy to find, but a journey worth taking. The Black Cabin Bar. 33/1 Soi Farmwattana. 061 515 6989. www.blackcabinbar.com  Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 19:00 – 02:00 BTS: Ekkamai/PhrakanongAddress: 33/1, Soi Farmwattana, Rama 4 Road, Phrakhanong Tel: +66 (0)98 425 4959 Price Range: free Black Cabin on Rama 4 Road is a must for lovers of original live music. Depending on the night you’ll be treated to contemporary jazz, indie rock, soul, blues or electronica. There’s really no other bar in Bangkok providing such consistently high-quality modern music Brick BarBrick Bar is one of the more popular live music bars in Bangkok with the backpacker crowd. This is a huge double story venue located midway down Khao Sarn Road. Brick Bar has local Thai bands playing live Rock and Ska with a really lively atmosphere. Brick Bar is open every night of the week from7pm to 1.30am. Bands usually play on stage between 8pm-8.30pm, 10pm-10.30pm and midnight-1.30am. Location: 265 ชั้น ล่าง โรงแรม บัดดี้ ลอด จ์ ย แขวง ตลาด ยอด, Khaosan Rd, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Definitely one of the most fun live music bars in Bangkok. Brick Bar is famed for its fantastic house bands that take to the stage every night, playing a lively mix of ska, bouncy pop covers and Thai-indie. Although this large, basement bar is located on Khao San Road, it differs greatly from the general theme of the area. The large room is air-conditioned and seating options are generous with large benches for groups. The crowd also differs from the norm of this area, with mostly young Thais coming through the doors and just a few in-the-know tourists or expats. After midnight the place is literally jumping to the six-piece house band, when standing on the tables is not only tolerated – it’s encouraged! Opening Hours: Daily, 18:00 - 02:00 Location: 265 Khao San Road, downstairs at rear of Buddy Lodge complex Tel: +66 (0)2 629 4477 Price Range: Free on weekdays, 100 or 200 baht on weekends (with a drink) Brown SugarTHIS 32-year-old jazz boutique is a famous among diners and music enthusiasts. Opening during the day as a restaurant and coffee house, while serving chilled beers coupled with great live bands performing six nights a week, the new 200-seat two-storey establishment has plenty of space to accommodate big crowds.The second floor also serves as a creative space for art exhibitions, film screenings, plays, poetry reading, private events and concerts. It also showcases monthly live performances by international or touring acts every last Friday and Saturday of the month so expect great music in the house. Find Brown Sugar at 469 Phra Sumen Road, not far from Rajdamnoen Nok and Khao San Road. Brown Sugar. 469 Wanchad Junction, Phra Sumen Road. 081 805 7759. www.facebook.com/brownsugarbangkok CoCo WalkKeeping one of my favorite live music venues for last. CoCo Walk is an alleyway right of Ratchatewi BTS Station packed with live music bars. There are at least eight bars and restaurants in this lively space. Popular bars here include; Retro Bar, Guts Bar, Chilling House and Skate Café. The music at CoCo Walk is mostly local bands playing and mix of Thai and western cover songs. The bads will also play songs upon request. CoCo Walk is open 7 nights per week from 4pm until 1am, thought bars are commonly open later than 1am if you are after a late night out. Check inn 99The new Check Inn 99 is a bar and cabaret club in downtown Bangkok with nightly live music, jam sessions and a local Thai and international menu. Relocated to Sukhumvit Soi 11, the house band at Check Inn 99 is incredibly good and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of pop standards from the 60s to the 2000s. They have been singing together for decades and it really shows. An easy listening set commences on the balcony at around 6pm before the "Music of the Heart" house band from the Philippines play (usually from 20:30 to 1.30). The show features dancers performing routines and an opportunity to request your favourite songs, with lots of energy and fun. Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 18:00 - 01:30, Sun 14:00 - 01:30 Address: 19 Sukhumvut soi 11, Sukhumvit Rd. (Above Zaks Wine Bar) Tel: +66 (0)81 735 7617 Fatty’s Bar & DinerA grungy shop-house bar and diner on Asoke-Dindaeng Road off Rama 9, Fatty’s Bar & Diner is more like a casual get together for friends and colleagues than an actual bar. Nonetheless, it receives far less recognition than it deserves. The bar and diner serve delectable dishes including juicy burgers, sandwiches and many other favourites such as beer battered shrimp and onion rings. All food and beers are reasonably priced while the live band performs from 9pm onwards until late.The restaurant is open every day except Monday from 11am to 12am. Fatty’s Bar & Diner. 598/66 Asoke-Dindaeng Road. 02 245 2965. www.facebook.com/fattysbardiner Funky VillaAN upscale club located in the heart of Thonglor, Funky Villa has inside and outdoor seating, with the main room featuring the stage for live music and a DJ booth. The contemporary decor is dominated by warm colours and patterned walls with contrasting bright-coloured modern furniture. Funky Villa is open daily from 7pm-2am. There’s a parking lot large enough to fit a fleet of Hummers.Funky Villa. Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10. 02 711 6970. www.facebook.com/funkyvilla Hard rock cafeTHIS iconic restaurant-rock museum has been around for years. It must be good to have lasted so long. Located on Siam Square Soi 11, a short walk from Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Siam Discovery and MBK mall, Hard Rock Café features house bands like Hubris from Monday to Saturday and The Boss band on Sunday from 9pm until late. The food’s good, the atmosphere lively and the crowd is a fun mixture of expats, locals and students as well as overseas visitors. Sure, the Hard Rock Cafe may not the most imaginative of places to catch live music in Bangkok, but sometimes familiarity in a new city can be a good thing. With classic rock covers every night, signed rock memorabilia plastered all over the walls and a sturdy menu of comfort food, you know exactly what you’re getting yourself in for. The last time we went, the local house band were impressive, alternating between male vocals for the rock anthems, and female for the more contemporary pop and rock hits. The staff here are amongst the most fun-loving we’ve ever seen in Bangkok, all speaking great English and serving your drink with a smile. Opening Hours: 11:30-01:00 Address: Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok, 424/3-6 Siam Square Soi 11, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Tel: +66-2-658-4090-3 HeapLike Tak Sura, there are multiple Heap venues around Bangkok. My favorite is the Victory Monument venue, location given below. Heap mainly sees a local Thai crowd, however, there are also expats which frequently visit. The bar offers a wide range of local and European beers and the food menu is huge. I definitely recommend having dinner here. Music at Heap is a mix of both Thai and western songs. Whatever is playing, you will love this bar. Both bars are open 7 nights per week from 6pm until 1am. Location (Victory Monument): 449/2, Ratchawithi Rd, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand Location (Phayathai): 290/4 Phaya Thai Rd., 10400, Thailand Iron FairiesSET in factory-themed two-storey shophouse on Thonglor, Iron Fairies is filled with wrought iron staircases, winged figurine creatures and hidden rooms. In short, a mystical world of fairy tales. First opened in 2010 then moved to its current location in 2013, this bar’s popularity comes from the uniqueness of its design, good food, cocktails, beers and whiskies, plus live band playing nightly from 9pm onwards until late covering jazz and soul numbers. Tables are hard to come by, so reservations are recommended.Jazz HappensA collaboration of teachers and professors from Silpakorn University faculty of jazz, Jazz Happens provides a venue for aspiring jazz musicians to showcase their talents. This is the haven where ideas and visions are shared and realised, but more than anything else, it is a celebration of jazz and a great place to chill out. Going into its fifth year, Jazz Happens hosts an array of music events, including its Sunday Jazz Happens boat cruise every last Sunday of the month from November to April. Open daily, with live bands Friday to Wednesday from 5pm-1am. Located at 62 Phraarthit Road, close to Khao San Road. Jazz Happens. 62 Phra-arthit Road. 084 450 0505. www.facebook.com/jazZhappens
Lan LomLan Lom is a typical suburban Bangkok beer garden. This is a huge open plan bar with loads of great Thai dishes available. Lan Lom has incredibly cheap beers from 100THB for a large bottle. Do it Thai style and buy a few beers with a bucket of ice cubes to throw in your glass. Alternatively, go for the 3L tower of beer which is cooled by an inner ice stack. This live music bar on Sukhumvit is located in the neighborhood of Udom Suk (Sukhumvit 103). Lam Lom is open 7 nights a week from 5.30pm to 1.30am, with live bands playing Thai music. Location: 940/160, 940/160 ซอย สุขุมวิท 103, Bang Na, Bangkok 10260, Thailand Maggie Choo’swith its 1930’s Shanghai-inspired theme has quickly become a firm favourite hangout for those with an appreciation of quality live music in Bangkok. If you’re coming for the first time, the music might take second place to the decor of the place: set in an old bank, things like the original vault doors, pretty models rocking back and forth on giant swings and even a bird cage in the lobby are all Instagram-worthy material. Aside from the props, jazz, blues, soul and funk all feature heavily most nights, and there’s even a grand piano for the house/guest bands to use (when it’s not being lain upon by one of the models). Opening Hours: 18:00 - 02:00 Location: Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom Hotel, 320 Silom Road Tel: +66(0) 2 635 6055 Play Yard by Studio BarFORMERLY known as Buddha Bar, Play Yard by Studio Bar featureshigh-quality live music with a daily theme. This old retro house sees big crowds nightly. The indoor section has couches facing the stage while the terrace is lined with wooden seating and a pool, home of the owner’s pet Arapaimas fish. The band performs nightly, playing Thai and international retro favourites, acoustics, rock, funk, pop and soul. Located on Thanon Lat Phrao, near Chatuchak Park. Play Yard by Studio Bar. 11 Prasert-Manukitch Road. 085 146 8017. www.facebook.com/PlayYardbyStudioBar Rock PubFor Bangkok’s metal-heads, there’s no better place to come after dark than the rather underrated Tawandang German Brewery at Ratchathewi. A great choice for those who like their guitars loud and their bars on the dingy side, this long running rock n’ roll bar has been going for over 25 years, seeing both international bands (such as Dragon Force, Take Him Down) as well as local talent take to the stage. Certainly not a place to come in your flip flops and Chang T-shirts for a good old sing-along to Oasis covers; The Rock Pub is all about the hardcore music and various subgenres including grunge, scream, thrash, post hardcore and punk. Find The Rock Pub under Ratchathewi BTS (exit 4) and don’t expect much action before 22:30.
Roof BarOPENED a decade ago, the Roof Bar is an open-air laid-back restaurant and bar situated on the third floor of Centre Point Plaza Hotel on Khao San Road. The live music kicks off nightly with an acoustic show at 7.30pm followed by a full band from 9.30-11.30pm. The second group plays from 11.30pm-1.30am. The house bands know their stuff, so the playlist is very varied with wide appeal. The most popular band is the Tiger Band who perform every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11.30pm to 1.30am. Roof Bar. Centre Point Plaza Hotel, 183-5 Khao San Road. 086 777 1117. www.facebook.com/Roof-Bar-Khaosan-Road-Bangkok-161469692214279  Saxophone PubTalk to any expat about live music in Bangkok and this long-running venue will inevitable come up in conversation. Saxophone Pub, which started around 30 years ago, can be found near the busy Victory Monument BTS Skytrain Station, and this slightly out-of-the-way location means that there’s a good mix of young locals, expats and tourists who come through the door. Live music is on the bill every night with a mix of quality jazz, blues, soul and the odd alternative acoustic set thrown in for good measure. Bands take to the stage around 19:30 and the music doesn’t stop until gone 01:00.
Sing Sing Bar and Theatre A joint venture between Oskar Bistro and Quince Restaurant, Sing Sing Bar and Theatre is the work of Ashley Sutton, the same designer behind Maggie Choo’s in Silom. Considered one of his most ambitious works, showcasing wrought iron patterns with lanterns hanging from the ceiling and dragon imagery, Sing Sing Bar and Theatre has become one of the hottest clubs in Bangkok. The award-winning establishment features a popular DJs lineup and cutting-edge performers Open from Tuesday through Sunday from 9pm until late. Located on Sukhumvit 45. Skytrain Jazz BarSkytrain Jazz Bar is an easily accessible, yet discreet rooftop bar. Skytrain Jazz has cheap drinks, good city views, and great music. There is also a basic menu of Thai foods available, in case you have not been able to find street food anywhere else. What more could you want? Skytrain Jazz Bar is located up a dark dingy staircase on the 4th and 5th floors of a multipurpose building right by Victory Monument BTS. Although you might feel a bit lost halfway up, just continue until you reach the rooftop. Location: 46 Rang Nam Alley, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand Soul BarThis is a great live music venue located in Bangkok’s Chinatown. There is a range of regular bands here, which play soul, funk, jazz, and blues. Soul Bar is open from Wednesday night to Saturday night. Doors usually open at 9pm and kicks on until late. When we say late, we mean late.Check out their Facebook page for more information on live shows. Location: 945 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand Tak Su RaTuk Su Ra is one of my favorite live music bars in Bangkok. There are actually two of these venues in Bangkok, both with a similar vibe. Tuk Su Ra is a small style Thai beer garden with a mainly local crowd, though there are quite a few expats about too. The food and drinks at Tak Su Ra are about as cheap as you can get in Bangkok, and they are amazing. Try the Larb Moo Tot (deep fried minced pork) or the En Kor Gai Tot (deep fried chicken knuckles) for a get Bangkok style beer snack. Tak Sura is open every night from 6pm until 2am, however, it is common for the bar to stay open considerably later. Location (RCA Venue): พระราม 9 ซอย 26 Khwaeng Bang Kapi, Khet Huai Khwang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10310, Thailand Location (Ratchatewi venue): 334/1 Phayathai Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand There was also a Tak Su Ra on Sukhumvit 63 (Ekkamai) which has recently been renamed to STAY. The venue and atmosphere are still very Tak Su Ra like, and well worth a visit. Tawandang German BreweryThe fantastic nightly shows feature a full cabaret line-up, mixing brilliant Thai performances with the latest western hits, supported by outstanding dancing. Famous dishes include deep-fried pork knuckle, along with three types of home-brewed German lagers. Located in the corner of Rama 3 Road and Narathiwat Road. Unlike nothing else on this list, the huge Tawandang German Brewery is a massive drinking hall, restaurant, microbrewery and live show all rolled into one. Located slightly out of the centre of town on Rama 3 near Sathorn, Tawandang holds the crown for being the biggest bar in Bangkok and is able to sit over 2,000 people. As well as good, strong beer served in ridiculously sized glasses, Tawandang is also a great spot to catch live music in Bangkok. The show starts at around 19:00 every day and features everything from classic ballads, Thai chart hits, Egyptian themed dance routines and comedy drag performances. Definitely an evening you’ll remember, as long as you don’t enjoy their in-house brews too much.
Tawandang Brew House. 462/61 Rama III Road. 02 678 1114-6. tawandang.com Tep Baris a cool bar presenting classic Thai drinks and entertainment in a fun and engaging way. Located in Bangkok’s Chinatown. This hip venue offers traditional live music and no shortage of cocktails. Tep Bar is located on Soi Nana off of Maitrijit Road, a five-minute walk from the Hua Lamphong MRT Subway Station. Opening Hours: Tue - Thu, Sun 17:00 - 24:00, Fri - Sat 17:00 - 01:00 MRT: Hua Lamphong Address: 69-71 Soi Nana, Maitrijit Road, Yaowarat Tel: +66 (0)98 467 2944
Live jazz bands play on Sunday -Thursday from 9pm - 12am and on riday to Saturday from 9pm - 1am. The opening hours are Sunday - Thursday from 5pm - 1am and Friday- Saturday from 5pm - 2am.  The M Pub Beers n’ BeersLOCATED on the ground floor of the Ascott Hotel on Sathorn Road, this gastropub is owned and operated by the same company behind the popular Pintsman and After Hours pubs on Silom Road. Offering more than 100 imported beers by the bottle coupled with an extensive international food menu and a nightly entertainment includes a band on Friday nights and the live acoustic duo on Saturday to Thursday playing Thai and English favourites. The M Pub Beers n’ Beers is open from 7pm to midnight daily.The M Pub Beers n’ Beers. 187 Ascott Building, South Sathorn Road. 02 676 6868. www.facebook.com/thempub The Landmark BangkokONLY steps away from Nana BTS station, the hotel has two great music venues: Rendezvous Bar and Huntsman Pub. The former is essentially for wines, rare malt whiskies, and cocktails while listening to live music; the latter has the air of a traditional British pub, with draught beers, authentic pub food and a highly rated house band.The pub’s excellent acoustics mean that conversation is not spoiled by the live music. The Huntsman Pub is located between Sukhumvit 4 and 6. Open daily from 11.30am-2am, and Sunday roast is from 11.30am-8pm. The Landmark Bangkok. 138 Sukhumvit Road. 02 254 0404. www.landmarkbangkok.com The Owl Society Whiskey SaloonLOCATED in a renovated two-storey house on Ekamai (Sukhumvit 63), Owl Society Whiskey Saloon is a gentleman’s club and saloon serving bar snacks, cocktails and, of course, whiskey. In fact there’s a choice of over 100 bottles of whiskey from all over the world. The live band performs mainly jazz and soul weekly from Thursday to Saturday. Open daily from 5pm to 2am.The Owl Society Whiskey Saloon. 8/1 Sukhumvit 61 Road. 02 046 3798. www.fb.com/theowlsobkk The Soul BarTUCKED away in a small shophouse in the old Talad Noi neighbourhood on Phra Athit Road, this cosy bar plays host to numerous live soul and funk bands weekly from Wednesdays to Saturdays.Diners can get lost in the music in the band room or have a more calming experience in the quieter lounge and terrace upstairs. The Soul Bar. 945 Charoenkrung Road. 095 593 9661. www.facebook.com/livesoulbarbangkok Wanderlust Rooftop BarWanderlust is another discreet rooftop bar in Bangkok. The bar is accessed via a lift at the back of a sushi shop down Thong Lor (Sukhumvit 55) Soi 13. Don’t let the sushi shop downstairs fool you, there is nothing Japanese about the rooftop bar, perhaps apart from an Asahi on tap. Wanderlust is one of my favorite live music bars on Sukhumvit Road, so I really suggest checking it out. Wanderlust Rooftop Bar is open 7 nights a week from 6pm. There are live music acoustic nights on weekends. A great way to chill out in a trendy part of Bangkok at a decent price. Check out their Facebook page for more info on events. Location: Thong Lo 13 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand Wine Bibber SangriaESTABLISHED in 1995, the Wine Bibber Sangria attracts one of the most diverse crowds in Bangkok. Previously located in Thonglor, it now sits on Ekamai Soi 2. The ground floor is dedicated to live music from 60s-90s while the second floor discotheque features an LED dance floor with DJs.Wine Bibber Sangria. 9 Thonglor Road. 02 714 0709. www.facebook.com/WBBsangr |
|
|
