–Words by Vincent Sung–
1.Boroski
One of the first ‘secret’ bars in Bangkok is brainchild of the visionary Joseph Boroski, a famous international mixologist ailing straight from New York.
Tucked in a small dead-end alley between Thonglor Soi 5 and Soi 7, the place is quiet dark and intimate. There is no menu or price list, as bartenders handcraft cocktails to your preference. It is a perfect venue for a date (there is a semi-private booth upstairs and comfortable sofas), or for cocktails lovers, who know their drinks. Sit at the bar to meet fellow ‘expert’ drinkers.
Prices start from 400 baht.
Address: Sukhumvit Soi 55 (between Thonglor soi 5 and soi 7) – BTS Thonglor
Phone: 02 712 6025
Open from 7pm to 2am
2. Iron Balls Distillery
Located inside Park Lane complex, this discreet house where Ashley Sutton distilled his own gin, the bar changed its name from A.R. Sutton Engineers Siam to Iron Balls, inspired by the name of Sutton’s iconic gin.
As one would expect from Bangkok most famous interior designer, the decor is a mix of winding iron staircases, dark wood, comfy sofas, low ceilings salons and of course lots of copper pipes from the distillery itself. Lusciously decorated, dimly lit and reminiscent of a captain’s quarter on an old vessel, the overall experience is otherworldly and magical.
The gin is produced in small batches and available to take away in 375ml or 700ml bottles. The flavor shows hints of pineapple, lemon and lychees. The cocktail menu tends to lean toward gin-base (260-350 baht) with nine specialty drinks made from the famed botanical mixture. The bar’s motto is “You always have options if you have balls”.
Address: Park Lane Ekkamai, G/F, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (BTS Ekkamai)
Phone: 02 714 2269
Open daily from 6pm to 1am
3.The Owl Society – Whiskey Saloon
The Owl Society, located on Sukhumvit soi 61, took over an old Ekkamai house, which was renovated into a warm and cozy bar with industrial vintage charm. Beautifully crafted copper structures and an underground vibe, reminds of off-the-grid speakeasy clubs during the Prohibition Era.
From the wooden tables to the leather bar chairs, the restaurant/bar uses real vintage furniture from United Kingdom for its traditional look and feel.
Hoping to bring together people of different backgrounds and convey the message of “whisky in a tea cup” to women of all ages, this unique whiskey society offers up to a hundred whiskey labels from all over the world, ranging from top-shelf to local favorites.
Address: 8/1 Sukhumvit soi 61
Phone: 02 046 3798
Open daily from 5pm to 2am
4.Havana Social
The second bar by the creative team of Soho Hospitality, ‘secret’ speakeasy Havana Social attracts a more mature crowd than it’s sister venue – Above 11. Once inside, patrons are transported via a portal to pre-revolution Cuba, with faux-semblants, shuttered windows, spare lighting and crumbling walls, giving off a convincingly clandestine feel.
To find it, look out for a ‘Telefono’ sign in a small alley opposite Fraser Suites and step inside a nostalgic phone booth, dial the secret code (1940#) and a false door swings open. The dimly lit bar team retro cocktails with a wide selection of rums.
Address: 28 Sukhumvit 13 alley
Phone: 087 066 7711
Open daily from 6pm to 2am
5. Bellino Wine room and Boutique
Bellino was one of the smallest and best hidden bars in town, when it opened two years ago, with just three tables on the inside and two more on the terrace. They recently renovated, took over more space and rearranged the bar in the middle, while the boutique moved to the side – there elegant ladies can find Italian handmade white cotton dresses and leather shoes or accessories directly imported from Capri in Italy.
The space layout and sofas set a particularly cozy ambiance, reinforced by the constant presence of the jovial owner, Jay Boccia, who will often join his guests to spice up their conversation. The selection of wines and dishes, like the venue itself, is small but on point. We recommend one or two mixed platters to share (olives, cheese, cold cuts), and sampling a few wines by the glass.
Address: 251/2 Thonglor Soi 13 (BTS Thonglor)
Phone 02 712 5446
Opened Monday – Saturday from 6:30pm – late.
