Winner: BKK Social Club

BKK Social club is the gold standard for hotel bars in Bangkok. Frankly, it’s hard to get more stylish than these high ceilings, dark corners, and excellent service. The drinks come to us via South and Central America. A regular on some of the world’s highest bar rankings, including both BAD Awards and World’s 50 Best, BKK Social Club. Found at the plush Four Seasons, drinkers enter a dark, dazzling bar counter permanently packed with the city’s well-dressed and jet set, and you never want to leave. 

Bar.Yard

After the fresh revamp, the rooftop drinks and tropical beats of Bar.Yard have never looked better. Bar.Yard, perched on the 40th floor of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, is less polished cocktail lounge and more sky-high backyard party—with a seriously good drinks list.

The cocktails are the main event. Expect tequila, mezcal, pisco and cachaça mixed with Thai and Pan-Latin flavours, plus plenty of spice, smoke and tropical fruit. The BDSM (Best Damn Spicy Margarita) brings tequila, pomegranate, goji berry, smoked chipotle and mezcal to the party, while Mamuang Suk goes tropical with cachaça, mango, tamarind, coconut and corn. Feeling brave? Do You Dare mixes pisco and Campari with bell pepper and raspberry. Basically, Bar.Yard is what happens when someone turns a tropical garden party into a rooftop bar. Come thirsty. Stay late. And maybe don’t make plans for tomorrow morning.

Firefly Bar

Not all hotel bars are about skylines and Instagram. This place is about fine wines, signature cocktails, and even the Casa Del Habano, a cigar parlour. When this spot opened, it was quick to gain a reputation as a jazz bar, and unlike a lot of other places in this city, Firefly delivers on crowd-pleasing tunes and a “Gatsby” atmosphere like nowhere else. This year, they’ve been gathering plaudits around the global cocktails scene, and they haven’t let up on the great acts on stage or the fun takeovers behind the bar. 

Aqua Bar at Anantara Siam

Behind the bar, Ryan Germino is working magic at Aqua Bar at Anantara Siam, and the “Secret Garden” vibes, and if you like instagramming your drinks, you’ll never forgive yourself if you miss the Off The Duck’s Back. As far as nightlife cred goes, there are few spots that can boast the pedigree of Anantara Siam, but this fairy grotto mixed with wild late night live tunes is a whole different level. If Puck from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” liked craft cocktails and a crowd pleaser band playing, this is where he’d be. If you’re wondering if the fairy grotto atmosphere is really that fun, maybe grab yourself The Frog Prince’s Cup or Quill’s Midnight Spell.

The Bamboo Bar

Last year, that (somewhat upsetting scene) introduced the Mandarin Oriental’s Bamboo Bar to a whole new generation. But, let’s face it, this venue has been filled with jazz and great cocktails for more than 70 years. You know Bamboo Bar by now. After an upgrade in 2014, the style and service here has been the gold standard for all upscale riverside bars. The “Evolution” menu has been part of this spot for years now, and patrons will find life music every night. Do yourself a favor and dress up for the occasion. 

Bar Sathorn

Despite being in a heritage building, Bar Sathorn always keeps it fresh — equal parts class and wow-factor. This venue has been a Chinese residence, a hotel, and the Russian embassy, with an eclectic menu that follows suit, mirroring the history of the neighborhood. The nooks and crannies filled with dark woods and leather seats might make patrons think they’re in for a chill evening, but don’t be fooled: Bar Sathorn can party. Big parties both inside and out for major events make this one of hottest spots in the city.