The best restaurants, bars and cafes in Phrom Phong

Hidden in a small soi near Phrom Phong, Hair of the Dog is where craft beer meets dark humour. A passion project started by two Canadian beer lovers, it serves as both a safe space for the beer-curious and a playground for hardcore hopheads. The aesthetic, a bizarre fusion of medical asylum and prison ward, is unsettling yet oddly attractive. Decked out in stainless steel and eerie operating tables, the first floor serves up 13 rotating taps and an extensive bottle selection. Upstairs, The Clinic offers a change of pace with a gin and tonic bar. If you appreciate strong themes and even stronger beers, this is your spot. 593/27 Sukhumvit Rd, Soi Villa Parking (near Sukhumvit 33/1), Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 02-030-2538. Open daily 11am-12am.

The city’s cafe-hopping culture is well-established, and opening a new hangout spot for caffeine enthusiasts can be both tough and rewarding. For Patricia “Pat” Yothinwattnaudom and Gabriel Carol, it has been more of the latter.  A shared passion for coffee encouraged the duo to open this venture, with no other aim than to satisfy the city’s craving for quality brews. The thought that people would come to take photos amid the shop’s white-washed minimalist aesthetics (a style that never fails to attract the crowd) never entered their mind. “We didn’t initially plan to make the place look good for photos,” Pat says. “But the designers did a wonderful job and that turned out to be a great thing.”  All that aside, Pat and Gabriel’s focus is on brewing single-origin beans from Ethiopia into flavorful boosters that are not limited to a simple latte or espresso. Gabriel, a Romanian native, was the champion of the 2017 Romania Brewers Cup and has put his knowledge to great use in creating a line-up of exciting drinks at PAGA. The menu is divided into four different categories, ranging from simple milk coffees to juice-mixed refreshments. Classic drinks like cappuccino and long black are available, although they do recommend you try the signatures, Freddo and Paga (both priced at B150), before you decide on a favorite. Freddo is a shot of medium-roast espresso topped with whipped milk, while the latter is the opposite—a whipped espresso shot on top of fresh milk.  Those who don’t...

Sukhumvit drinking den Dim Dim has collaborated with Singapore-born coffee shop A Stimulant by Sarnies to open a coffee shop within its premises during the day. Owned by Australian entrepreneur, Ben Lee, and Malaysian barista, Eric Chan, A Stimulant by Sarnies started off as a shop churning out hearty burgers in Singapore’s Telok Ayer neighborhood. Its owners saw a business opportunity in Bangkok and later on opened a small roaster-slash-coffee house in the back alley of Sukhumvit Soi 39, offering brews from carefully selected beans and providing a number of cafés around Bangkok with in-house roasts. As in the first Bangkok outlet, A Stimulant by Sarnies’ pop-up at Dim Dim offers single origin brews as well as original Sarnies’ blends such as Picks & Shovels, which mixes beans from Laos, Brazil and the Ban Mai Pattana Farm in Chiang Rai. Giving off a well-rounded flavor with slight chocolatey hints in the end, the blend mixes well with most espresso variations—it’s what they use for their orange mocha (B140), a refreshing pick-me-up that may (or may not) be a playful reference to the drink preferred by the ill-fated models in the first Zoolander movie. The Dim Dim branch, however, carries its own signatures—they serve a cold brew (B100) that’s infused with goji berry and a hint of cinnamon to add complexity to the naturally sweet drink. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the freshly baked brownies (B140), which follows a recipe put together by Ben’s great-grandmother....

Banh Mi Bo, as its name suggests, specializes in banh mi or Vietnamese sandwiches. The venue offers a decent list of fillings, but the stars of the show are the BBQ pork and lemongrass chicken. All banh mi are served with cucumber, carrots, coriander and fresh chili.

If you ever run out of ideas on what to cook for your next meal, pop into Jones the Grocer and go crazy over an extensive range of Australian products including cheese, truffles, bread and pastries. There’s also a high chance you’d end up wanting to eat at their restaurant instead. Order signature dishes like the Salt & Pepper Calamari or the Jones Black Angus striploin – 200g of Australian meaty goodness. 

This place knows what it’s doing, offering one of the more consistent smash burgers in the city – and building a real identity around its ingredients. From dry-aged, high-welfare beef from Sloane’s – a London-based butcher known for ethically raised quality meat – to buttery house-baked potato buns, every element plays a role. The house pickles and jalapenos cut through the richness, and even the sauces are made in-house rather than squeezed from an industrial pump. Whether you go for a classic or one of their rotating monthly specials, there’s a kind of casual confidence here that’s hard to fake and easy to crave.593 1 Sukhumvit 33 Alley, Klongtan Nuea, Watthana. 097-979-7836. Open daily 11am-2am.  

Founded in the heart of the capital back in 2016, Cocotte Farm Roast & Winery has won discerning foodies with its "farm-to-table" concept to bring quality organic and local products to every serve. The menu covers everything from heavy fare like the Tomahawk cut and the roast Baby Chicken to more casual offerings like homemade cheese and a cold cuts board. All of the dishes are also added with French sensibilities and Cocotte's style. On top of the whole delectable menus, the eatery offers a wide range of fine wine to maximize the dining experience.

If you love rich, creamy chicken-based ramen, Nanase Ramen is a must-visit. As Thailand’s only dedicated tori paitan ramen shop, it has been perfecting its signature chicken broth since 2015 and now boasts multiple branches across Bangkok. The magic lies in a slow-simmered stock made from chicken bones cooked for 10 hours until the broth reaches a thick, collagen-rich consistency packed with deep umami flavours. Each bowl is loaded with juicy, hand-shaped tsukune (chicken meatballs), minced chicken for extra depth, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg with a jammy yolk. The broth is luxuriously thick, offering a hearty yet well-balanced experience. And for a nostalgic touch, the ramen cart out front blends tradition with a bit of street food charm. 1095 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. Tel. 095-547-0324. Open daily 11am-3am

After featuring as a filming location in One for the Road (2021), the bar retains a film set vibe. From neon signs and red lighting to a mini fish tank and a vintage phone booth, every detail is preserved to reflect the aesthetic vision of directors Wong Kar Wai and Nattawut Poonpiriya. The cocktail menu is also inspired by the film’s characters, with signature drinks including Alice’s dance, Noona’s tears, after the rain and WKW (Wong Kar Wai). Whether you're looking for a dimly lit, classic setting to unwind or you're a true cinephile seeking a moviecore experience, this bar is the perfect place to escape into a cinematic world.  Sukhumvit Soi 31, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 02-004-2429. Open daily from 7pm-2am. 

Fujiyama Go Go serves the “real taste of Nagoya” in a hot bowl. Try Umakara Tsukemen Special (B330), a dish of chewy yellow noodles with five tasty toppings and a super rich broth on the side. Fujiyama Go Go now has four branches in Bangkok on Soi Sukhumvit 39, BTS Phra Khanong, Soi Ekkamai 2, and Thungkhru, and one in Chiang Mai.

If you’re tired of overpriced mall food, this food cart parked near the entrance of luxury mall Emporium offers the perfect solution. There is only one thing on the menu: Hainanese-style chicken rice that got all the components right. The fragrant rice is packed with garlicky flavors, while the boiled chicken is juicy and tender. A fried option is also on the offer and the chicken is served crispy and not too greasy. For parties of two or more, a slightly peppery-sweet soup with whole chicken bone is served. Here’s the tricky part—trying to nab a seat is like a game of musical chairs. The minute you spot an empty chair, seize it as fast as you can. Otherwise, the remaining alternative is to take your place in the notoriously long queue for take-away orders—or eat while standing.

This bar in Phrom Phong is all about music and everything in between. Drumsticks adorn the walls, instruments are set here and there, and you can enjoy live DJ and percussion performances every night.  Come here for cool vibes and music-inspired drinks by head barman Pisit "Jeng" Yooyencharoen.

An old wooden door welcomes you into a classic setting in which wooden tones and brown décor are complemented by warm gold accents. Vintage photos adorn the walls, adding to the nostalgic charm. As night falls, the atmosphere transforms with the glow of red lighting creating a more intimate experience. The cocktail menu offers both classic and signature creations, each inspired by the owners’ personalities and passions. Hendrix’s Garden reflects one owner’s love for music, blending pandan syrup and smoked rosemary for an aromatic twist. Biomimicry brings a refreshing edge with pickled lime, wasabi and celery topped with tonic and finished with an oba leaf garnish. For a playful touch, the S10 Shake takes inspiration from the iconic milkshake scene in Pulp Fiction (1994), serving up a nostalgic yet inventive sip.  5/F, Sukhumvit Soi 24, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei. 02-550-6820. Open daily from 6pm-midnight. 

What is it?: A fusion vegan bistro, serving plant-based versions of familiar favourite comfort foods from around the globe.  Why we love it: Vistro was good when it opened in 2019, and it is even better now. The menu knows no boundaries so expect to see dishes from every continent, re-interpreted to plant-based perfection. It says something about the restaurant that the kitchen is almost as extensive as the seating area, which remains informal and inviting for a meal at any time of day. The non-alcoholic drinks menu ranges through kombucha, cold-pressed juices, lattes, smoothies and coconut milk-based shakes. Food-wise, try chili bao bao in soft buns with sweetly glazed meat substitute filling, or vegan crab croquettes that are super creamy in a fried bread crumb case with spicy mayonnaise. For noodle lovers, damn good dan dan combines substitute meatballs with mushrooms, red pepper and dark green bak choy, adding vibrant colours to a mildly spicy soup. In total there is a wide selection of noodles, bowls, wraps, tacos, salads, yum cha items, and cakes that include their famous chocolatey raw Snickers bar with plenty of vegan goodness inside. Time Out tip: Sunday brunch at Vistro is a great way to eat with friends sharing a selection of plates while discussing the various issues of the week. But do not be shy about coming alone, as there is counter top seating to pull up a stool to and scroll, read, or gaze down onto the street below.

Sugar Ray was a mainstay in Ekkamai’s nightlife scene for a reason—its creative cocktails and rustic-meets-minimalist speakeasy vibe drew both eclectic hipsters and cocktail connoisseurs to the second floor of Baan Ekkamai. The bar, however, has just gone through a complete makeover, and it includes a new address on Sukhumvit Soi 24. Tucked within new restaurant complex Octo Seafood Bar (we won’t spoil the fun by telling you where the entrance is, but we will say that you have to hunt down a chap that looks as if he’s dressed for Comic Con in the medieval times), the new Sugar Ray is now a sleeker and more dapper version of its former self. Dressed in fine black marble and leather, the dimly lit space now features ample bar seating, which was conspicuously absent in its former digs. In true Sugar Ray fashion, the guys behind the bar are still up for conversation, mostly on cocktails or the bar’s selection of fine whiskey. Head mixologist Vipop Jinaphan and his team have come up with a short list of signature drinks that cater to all kinds of flavor-profile preferences. Un Poco Loco (B420) is a fruity and sour drink that packs a punch with a mix of tequila that's sous-vide with saffron, Amaro, mango, yogurt, lime, salt and bitter. East Coast Boulevard (B420) is a twist on the good old Boulevardier, infusing Bengalese spiced tea into Campari and the smooth blending of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Punt e Mes, and chocolate and grapefruit bitters. Local flavor shines in Born...

R.E. 234 will take you back to the time of King Rama V when Western culture first arrived in Thailand, hence a menu chock full of fusion recipes. Indulge in tiger prawns with pomodoro sauce, stuffed pork chop with pesto cheese or the massaman kai. Don’t forget to try the organic floral tea before you leave. For jazz fans, live jazz music plays on Fridays and Saturdays.

This Lebanese restaurant has been a go-to place for Middle Eastern cuisine in Bangkok for over 10 years. Nadimos has two branches: Soi Sukhumvit 24 and Holiday Inn Silom Delivery via foodpanda, GrabFood, LINE MAN or 0 2266 9081.

Sometimes, a good drink and the right music can transform an ordinary moment into something special. For those looking to unwind with a favourite beverage while enjoying the sounds of music, a vinyl bar run by a Japanese enthusiast of vinyl culture offers the ideal setting. The bar’s aim is to provide a true Listening Bar experience, where you can immerse yourself in the soothing rhythms of jazzy vinyl grooves. A key feature of the bar is its dedication to sound quality with the use of vintage audio equipment. The wooden decor enhances acoustics, absorbing sound and reducing echoes to create a cosy, intimate setting. The music, played through classic equipment once used in cinemas, adds to the bar’s nostalgic charm. You can unwind and savour organic ingredients in your drinks. 4th Floor, Cannabis Culture Club, 635, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 095-978-9196  

Octo Seafood Bar has made its name to Sukhumvit’s dining scene as a one-stop seafood destination with eye-striking giant octopus clinging majestically at the very store front. Helping to fulfill the ocean theme of the shipshaped restaurant is a cocktail bar serving cocktails with references to the underwater world. Perching on the second floor of the seafoodcentric complex, Dr. Fetch is embedded with narratives alluding to a laboratory hidden underwater operating by a fictional scientist. That explains the reasons why all the bartenders are dressed up in white laboratory gown. In contrast to the bright restaurant setting, the inside of Dr. Fetch is dimly-lit and succumbed to the heavy beats from live band performing nightly. If you look for a more private corner, take a seat in a connect room quirkily surrounded by wooden rabbits and animal skeletons. To comply with the bustling seafood restaurant downstairs, Dr. Fetch cocktails are conjured up with strong influence from the sea — dominantly via the name of the cocktails, garnishes and the shape of the glasses, not in the drink as we had expected. There’s the Pirate Spice Rum (B400), the concoction photogenically served in a siphon machine with the combination of pea flower-infused rum, toasted coconut and Maraschino liqueur brewed with lemongrass, ginger and butter, before being served hot in a Chinese-style tea cup. (The item is big enough to feed 3-4 people). Ocean Bouquet (B400) is nicely-flavored with accent of spicy...