APT 101
While APT 101 might have just lost out on “Best Nightclub” because of its relatively short time on the scene, there is no time limit on good looks. SOHO Hospitality, a team with a reputation for solid design, channels 1970s New York City through this funky penthouse-style club on the third level of a low-rise building just a few minutes from Asok BTS station. The sprawling space nails the 70s “Brown Era” vibe to a T, drenching the floors and walls in warm brown woods, swooping multi-colored carpets, sturdy mid-century furniture, shelves full of era-appropriate vinyl records, and Warhol-inspired artwork. Much of the space feels like a real, lived-in penthouse, and that’s by design. This was a pretty clear winner for “Best New Design” this year.
APT 101, 3/F, 233 Sukhumvit Rd. (Sukhumvit 17), 02-821-5813. Open Wed-Sat 8pm-2am.
Finalist: Dry Wave Cocktail Studio
There isn’t a single venue in Bangkok this year that made quite the mark that Dry Wave has made, and that includes in the realm of interior design. Set in Thonglor 13 community space Sodality Project, the staircase to Dry Wave takes you upwards towards a secluded experience with secret treehouse vibes, complete with the al fresco area’s large tree in the middle of the bar. Inside, curved sand walls mimic rolling waves—the “dry” element referring to natural elements in the wood patterns and the terracotta marble bar with a desert feel. The space is largely inspired by artists David Hockney, Mark Rothko, and Edward Hopper, whose artwork hangs on the walls. It seems like there isn’t an element of the game Dry Wave didn’t nail this year.
2/F, Sodality, Thonglor Soi 13, 098-909-3962. Open Mon-Thu 7pm-1:30am; Fri-Sat 7pm-2am; Sun 7pm-1:30am
Finalist: GOD (Genius.on.Drugs)
It’s safe to say that the trio of nightlife pioneers behind GOD, Gunn Lee, Attapon De-Silva, and Niks Anuman, have a certain aesthetic that makes their venues stand out like a sore thumb among the gilded cocktail bars that make up the majority of the city’s “best of” lists. If you have visited any of their other top-notch venues, like Teens of Thailand, Asia Today, Tax, and Independence Bar, you will know the vibe at GOD. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a deconsecrated gothic cathedral, with old stained glass windows juxtaposed against raw concrete and pillars, all illuminated under the glow of red light. The chilling atmosphere, rough, beaten-down second floor with a piano, high ceilings, and stone detailing add to the dramatic ambiance.
25, Rammaitree Soi 27, Pom Prap, Open daily 7pm-1am
Finalist: SIN Rooftop Bar
It’s hard to not get caught up in the sinful, techno vibes the moment you walk into SIN, the brand-new rooftop cocktail bar that transforms into an intimate dance club at night. Bathed in deep reds and beaming gold accents, the bar’s gigantic glowing DJ booth, which places the nightly tastemaker behind a large ominous “S” logo, is surrounded by ancient-looking scripts that play into the devious theme. Off all the rooftop bars in the city, this is probably the only one that has design features that pull your eyes away from the skyline and back inside. From a design point of view, that’s quite a feat.
26/F, Avani+ Riverside, 257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-431-9472. Open daily 5pm-1am
Finalist: Akara Sky Hanuman
Out of all the new bar openings in Bangkok for 2024, none of them quite capture the essence of traditional Thai culture and art in a way that feels so “cool”. Taking design cues from the pages of the Ramakien epic and myths of Hanuman, this sky-high rooftop bar on the 61st floor of Phloechit’s One City Centre building acts as a crash course in Thai mythology and culture. Enter the venue through the gaping mouth of a Hanuman status, mirroring the story when Hanuman expands its figure so it can shield Rama’s pavilion from harm, exhibiting Hanuman’s undying loyalty and strength. It’s not all old world, here, though, thanks to an all white exterior and some of Akara Hospitality house staples: dazzling disco balls
61F, OCC – One City Centre, 548 Phloen Chit Rd., 092 888 6332, Open daily 5pm-late
