8 best vinyl listening bars in Bangkok
The concept of a bar where you go specifically to listen to music of crystal-clear clarity while sipping a cocktail is nothing new. Listening bars, first seen—and heard—in Tokyo, have been cropping up in Bangkok and across the world the last few years, first propelled by the vinyl market boom and then sustained by bargoers’ interest in appreciating music in a novel way.
Going to a listening bar, as opposed to listening to an LP at home, is all about the experience. Often these venues boast high-quality turntables and and audio systems, as well as a collection of vinyl records that any audiophile would envy. While socialization isn't discouraged, it isn't expected either. You can appreciate the music in solitary quiet or have a hushed conversation in between choruses. At some vinyl bars, dancing is even encouraged.
Regardless of how you want to enjoy your music, it is better if you have a drink on hand. At these eight bars, listening to natural, high-fidelity sound perfectly harmonizes with with savoring a great cocktai
A cool spot with great acoustics, this bar takes its name from one of Chet Baker’s hit songs and provides soulful music in spades. A small audiophile room-slash-record-bar on the second floor is set up to look like a music geek’s den, complete with a turntable, plush leather seats, and cigars. Expertly crafted classics with Thai refinements are perfect accompaniments to the hypnotic sounds that filter throughout the room.
Address: 29 Sukhumvit 31, Klongton Nue, Watthana, Bangkok
Opening hours: 19:00-01:00
With its low lighting, simple wooden décor, a killer cocktail menu, and DJs flipping vinyls behind a booth, Bar 335 is a nod to Japan’s casual bar scene. Settle in among the crowd, order a thoughtfully mixed cocktail, and don’t hesitate to jump up for a shimmy when afro jazz or disco tunes start playing overhead.
Address: 5/9 Metropole Residence, Soi Promsri 1, Bangkok
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 19:00-02:00
A venue that captures the intimate vibe of listening bars, Bar Marco at Thonglor looks more like a music lover’s stylishly decorated townhouse than an actual bar. The bar’s acoustics are as inviting as the ambiance. Vinyl records line one corner wall fronted by a DJ booth, catering to those who appreciate sipping their drinks while old-school classics play in the background.
Address: 946/9 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Opening hours: Open daily from 17:00 to 01:00
If live bands are not playing jazz, then there’s a busty roster of vinyl DJs dropping by to share their music. This rooftop bar in Ari, set atop INN-Office building, is a relaxed place for music lovers to eat, drink, dance (once in a while), and listen to flawlessly curated playlists.
Address: 490/5, INN-Office Building, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok
Opening hours: 18:00-24:00
Take it from its name. This is not a bar for winding down to soothing jazz music. Instead, it’s a venue dedicated to the influences of classic rock, with the likes of Velvet Underground, Suede, and Pink Floyd blasting on high-fidelity audio over the speakers. Spend the night downing shots, chowing on Thai staples, and mouthing the lyrics to “Another Brick in the Wall”.
Address: 3 Inthamara Alley, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok
Opening hours: Open daily from 17:00 to 23:00
A high-spec vinyl DJ setup and a high-quality sound system, plus a 6,000-strong vinyl collection displayed on the walls leaves no doubt that music is in this posh bar’s DNA. An eclectic soundtrack (from cool jazz to ’80s soft rock to pop standards) booming with perfect clarity is best paired with one of Lennon’s signature cocktails—try Louis Armstrong, an uplifting mix of Nikka Day, coconut, Talisker 10 Mancino Rosso, and chocolate bitters.
Address: Rosewood Bangkok, 1041/38 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Opening hours: 18:00-24:00
Here, it's as much about the exceptional cocktails as it is about the music. This renowned bar introduces you to a world of cocktail craftsmanship, where seasoned mixologists meticulously create each drink with flair and precision. But Sugar Ray is also a temple of sound, a place to escape the bustle of downtown and tune in to the frequency of crystal-clear audio while sipping the perfectly mixed Negroni.
Address: 88 Sukhumvit 24 Alley, Klong Tan, Klong Toei, Bangkok
Opening hours: Open daily 19:00-02:00
