7 Oldest Bars in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Asia and for a good reason. Aside from the night markets, skyscrapers, and amazing food, the nightlife in Bangkok keeps people coming back all year round. 

The oldest bars in Bangkok have many stories to tell, thanks to the famous guests who patronize them. Whenever you enter one of these bars, you’ll be transported back to a time that allows you to feel like you’re a part of Bangkok’s iconic history. 

In this article, we will explore a list of the oldest bars in Bangkok. Let’s dive in! 

The Oldest Bars in Bangkok

7. Bamboo Bar

Photo Source: Wild n’ Free Diary

Located at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, The Bamboo Bar is considered to be the oldest bar in Bangkok. It’s been around for over sixty and has hosted some of the entertainment industry’s most iconic performers, like Dionne Warwick, Mick Jagger, and Audrey Hepburn. Its tropical decor is accompanied by rattan chairs and warm yellow lighting makes this bar a must-visit place! 

Did you know?

Bamboo Bar was listed within the top ten of the 50 best bars in Asia! It was also the only Thai bar to be listed on Lifestyle Asia’s World’s Best Bars list in 2018.

6. Madrid Bar

Photo Source: Creative Commons by photographer Blended Paradise

If you were lucky enough to see Madrid Bar when it was first opened, you’d know that nothing has changed between 1969 and now! Located on Patpong Road, this bar was first opened during the Vietnam War, where it was regularly patronized by American soldiers who needed a place to unwind. Daeng, the Thai lady who owned it, ran the bar with her American husband for over 30 years until her daughter Jenny took over. 

Did you know? 

Madrid Bar is not only a place for people to come and get drinks! It also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is widely known for its delicious pizza.

5. Old Other Office Bar

Photo Source: Creative Commons by photographer Blended Paradise

When you step inside the Old Other Office Bar, you will feel as though you’re stepping inside the pages of a history book. This bar has been around since the late 1960s, and was frequented by members of the CIA! Just like the Madrid Bar, this bar was popular among American GIs and soldiers during the Vietnam War. Its simple decor and affordable prices are what made this bar stand the test of time and are the reason why it is still in existence today. 

Did you know? 

The decor inside the Old Other Office bar hasn’t changed much since the 60s. While the current owners have added a pool table and updated some of the more dated decorative elements, most of the bar’s interiors haven’t changed at all!

4. The Saxophone Bar

Photo Source: BK Asia

The Saxophone Bar is widely known for showcasing local and international jazz musicians. With its exposed brick walls and European decor, this bar is extremely popular among travellers in search of a lively night out and locals looking for a place to unwind at the end of a long workday. One of this bar’s most notable features is its spaciousness; it’s split into two levels. Musicians perform almost every night, and it is often extremely crowded and hard to get a table past 9 PM! 

Did you know? 

Sekpol “Koh Mr Saxman” Unsamran is a local jazz legend in Bangkok that plays several times a week at the Saxophone bar. You’ll find performers like The Emergency and T-Bone Band on stage when he isn’t performing.

3. The Rock Pub

Photo Source: Trip Advisor

The Rock Pub is arguably one of the most fun places to be on any given night during the week in Bangkok. This bar has live music every single night and has hosted a ton of famous musicians over the past 36 years, including Napalm Death, TheGhost Inside, and The Dillinger Escape Plan. While the Saxophone Bar is well known for jazz music, this bar has seen rock musicians from all over the world perform on its stage. 

Did you know? 

The Rock Pub almost closed down in 1997 when the economy took a downturn. Thankfully, its generous patrons ensured that they wouldn’t have to close down, and the pub has been in business ever since.

2. Adhere the 13th Blues Bar

Photo Source: Travel Fish

Adhere the 13th Blues Bar is a great place to hang out after a long day of work, or a long day of sightseeing in Bangkok! Unlike some of the other bars on this list, this one is much smaller and more intimate, seating fewer than 50 people at a time. There is always live music at this bar, usually by the in-house band. Since this bar was started over 30 years ago, the decor hasn’t changed much! It consists of low seating, exposed brick walls that are covered with record covers and tons of photographs. 

Did you know? 

This bar is notoriously difficult to get a table at, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, and constant live music!

1. Old German Beerhouse

• Year established: 1986
• Location: 10, 23 Soi Sukhumvit 13, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana
• Founder: Unknown
• Still operating: Yes

Photo Source: The Old German Beerhouse Website

Old German Beerhouse opened way back in 1986 and is still a successful establishment today. They serve both Thai and German food and are widely known for being family-friendly. If you’re a young person looking to kick back with a beer, or a young parent looking for a place to take your kids, then this place is definitely for you. 

Did you know?

This bar has an extensive food and alcohol menu. They have changed locations a couple of times to accommodate more staff and tables!

Conclusion

Even though this article listed only seven of Bangkok’s oldest bars, we’re pretty sure that are several more tucked away in various corners of the city. Each of these bars is iconic in its own right, and serve as a reminder that Bangkok is and always has been an exciting place to visit and live in.