Winner: Speakerbox

When Speakerbox reopened last year, no one knew quite what to expect. Now, there are, kind of, two Speakerboxes. You have the larger stage area where you’ll see the bigger acts and wilder shows, but don’t forget the area just inside the entry, which has chiller tunes, games, and a pool table. This venue is important to the local music scene, a space where both patron and performer can experiment. Now, they’ve even got a kitchen to keep you fed while you mosh. 

Jam

This is where Bangkok music is born. It’s been a tough time for proper — and we mean proper — live music dives in Bangkok recently, with spots like Noise House Lat Phrao and Studio Lam going the way of the nightlife dodo. Jam has survived. That’s because Jam has changed. If you haven’t been in awhile, be sure to head upstairs. For big nights, you’ll find multiple acts playing at the same time. That said, you’ll always come here for small international bands and mid-sized local bands that make you glad you live in a city with a music scene like this. 

Crimson Room

Langsuan is known for its high-end bars, so you know what to expect from Crimson Room at Velaa Sindhorn Village. Patrons come here for good cocktails from the team behind Rabbit Hole and tunes to keep you swaying. This venue skews bright, moody, and art deco. On the stage you’ll find low tempo melodies and foot-tapping tunes that set the tone of the night but don’t overpower conversation. If you like live music and you want to impress a date, this is the spot for you. 

Black Cabin

Black Cabin is a bit of a black sheep on the nightlife live music scene. Is it a rock and jazz bar with great drinks, or is it a cocktail bar with great tunes? Whatever it is, it’s a favorite in Thonglor. Keep an eye out here for everything from Maroon 5 tribute bands and Kodaline Night to local favorites and DJs. It’s a rare live music bar that makes cocktails so good that they can manage good guest shifts, but Black Cabin manages it. 

Melt Livehouse Cloud 11

A new entry on the list, Melt Livehouse Cloud 11 adds to the Rama 4 location. And while the old location is still bringing in great acts, Cloud 11 has been one of the biggest mall openings of the year. And Melt Livehouse has risen to the occasion. Not only have they been bringing in big acts like Hugo for the Bangkok crowds, but they’ve also made their own way with the Road to Melt Festival. Keep an eye on this space because you never quite know who is going to show up.