BKK Social Club
A hotel bar it may be, but BKK Social Club climbed the ranks to World’s 50 Best list to No.7 in 2024, and has been the gold standard for cocktails for years. Found at the plush Four Seasons, drinkers enter to a dark, dazzling bar counter permanently packed with the city’s well-dressed and jet set, with a taste of Argentina and Mexico in the vibe and the drink menu. For negroni lovers, the Mezcal Negroni with Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej is a must try.
Four Seasons Bangkok, 300/1, Charoen Krung Rd, 02 032 0888. Open daily 5pm-midnight.
Finalist: The Loft
The hidden door at Waldorf Astoria opens to an atmosphere and a view that cocktail lovers won’t soon forget. It’s a design that evokes notes of New York in the late 19th century, and in August of last year they released their latest menu with 14 new cocktails inspired by cultural landmarks and inventions spanning the 20th century. They also added new bar bites like the lobster roll tucked in a bite size hotdog bun and topped with caviar.
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, 151 Ratchadamri Rd, 02-846-8851. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 5pm-late.
Finalist: Bar Sathorn
A heritage building for wild night, Bar Sathorn is equal parts class and wow-factor. This venue has been a Chinese residence, a hotel, and the Russian embassy. Today, it’s one of Bangkok’s places to be seen, with nooks and crannies filled with dark woods and leather seats. Hosting constant and intriguing guest shifts, Bar Sathorn mixes some of the city’s best cocktails in a venue you won’t soon forget.
106 North Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4025. Open daily 2:30pm-late.
Finalist: Ruby’s
Opening in August 2024, this 16-seat intimate space is a sultry “prequel” to Ms. Jigger, Ruby’s. The space is based on a fictional parting of the ways with Ms. Jigger, a young beau who shot his shot and is now bereft. From the ice to the ingredients to the menu, Ruby’s doesn’t skimp. he creative menu is a pop-up book based around a gemstone theme—emeralds, opals, diamonds—all coming with a story (sometimes a quite sexy story that makes your bartender go a little red in the face).
L/F, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, 78 Soi Ton Son. 02-056-9999. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight.
Finalist: Bamboo Bar
The Mandarin Oriental’s Bamboo Bar is jazz, great cocktails, and glamour. Venue has been operating for more than 70 years, and had an upgrade in 2014. Since, the bar has garnered international plaudits for its style and creative drinks with incredible service from bartenders in leather aprons. That is, if you can get that Walton Goggins and Sam Rockwell scene from White Lotus out of your head. The Evolution cocktail menu landed in 2024 exploring bamboo, Thai herbs, green and yellow mango, and bananas.
Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave, 02-659-9000. Open daily 5pm-late.
