Arcadia Barcade
This Blade Runner-themed bar has gone from strength to strength since it opened. Packed nightly—whether for DJ sets, movies on the roof, or professional wrestling—Arcadia takes its drinks and events seriously. Helmed by Todd Ruiz, the bar’s owner and sometimes carnival barker, this “barcade” is about all-things nerd and never disappoints, a space for writers, expats, and the Phra Khanong nightlife crowd.
1112/24, Soi Sukhumvit Plus, bangkok2049@gmail.com. Tue-Sun 10am-late.
Finalist: Havana Social
There’s never not a party at Havana Social. The pre-revolutionary Cuba-themed space is big, loud, and young. Of course, they’ve got all the club must-haves—good tunes, cocktails, dancing—but the theme runs deep in this place with regular Latin tunes and a surprisingly on-point design with hidden corners and chill tables. You could just hang out here for a drink and talk with friends, but you won’t.
41, 3 Sukhumvit Rd, 02-821-6111. Open daily 6pm-late.
Finalist: OFTR
This Phrom Phong bar is packed on the weekends with a youthful crowd, so it’s easy to forget that they’re inspired by the road trip film “One for the Road”, the Wong Kar-wai-produced drama. It sounds like a one-and-done gimmick, but OFTR has made a name for itself with surprisingly good cocktails for such a hip spot, guest shifts, and live music on the regular.
245, 11 Sukhumvit 31, 02-004-2429. Open daily 7pm-late.
Finalist: The OSS Bar
As you might have guessed from the name, this bar is all about spies. After renovations in Jim Thompson’s F&B wing, the atmosphere netted this venue the Best New Design Award last year, and the theme has been a persistent draw through 2025. The menu, or “Field Manual” follows the life of the intrepid and mysterious Jim Thompson, from Fort Monroe to Operation Fourth.
6, Kasem San Soi 2, 063-273-0719. Open daily 6pm-12:30am.
Finalist: Lennon’s
This is an easy and unfortunate bar to miss, tucked away in the Rosewood Bangkok at Ploenchit, this venue more than that plays lip service to being a vinyl bar. Half speakeasy, half walls covered in 6,000 records, Lennon’s came on the Bangkok scene with a bang for its views, innovative design, and cocktails that continue the theme with 12 signature drinks taking notes from music history.
Rosewood Bangkok, 1041/38 Phloen Chit Rd, 02-080-0030. Open 6pm-midnight
