Serving Peruvian/Japanese food, Above Eleven, on the 33rd floor of the Frasier Suites Sukhumvit, overlooks nightlife hotspot Sukhumvit soi 11. Filled with stretches of fake grass and wooden furniture, the restaurant aims to give diners a New York City Central Park vibe. That might be a bit of a stretch, but Above Eleven is certainly more relaxed than most sky high venues in the city and far more affordable.
The menu is a mix of Peru's more iconic dishes such as ceviche and plates that highlight the Japanese influence on the South American country's cuisine, with various sushi, sashimi and tempura offerings given Peruvian twists -- referred to as "Nikkei cuisine" in Peru. Nice touches include comfy couches and a men's bathroom that lets diners relieve themselves while enjoying fantastic views of the city.
33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11; +66 (0)2 207 9300; open daily, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
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This apothecary-themed joint is a relatively recent addition to Sukhumvit Soi 11’s ever-changing scene and it's already opened a second location on the city’s other nightlife thoroughfare, Soi Thong Lor. The wrought iron railings, glass bottle displays and French doors that open to the street are vaguely reminiscent of New Orleans (at least the NOLA in your mind).
Unlike the other chic clubs, dives and bars on the same street, Apoteka keeps a focus on live music, local DJs and other live acts, notably some pretty good blues from Danny California Blues All Stars. The drinks list at this Bangkok bar has concoctions with apothecary-esque potency, as well as imported craft beer. The bar has recently launched a weekend rarity in Bangkok: a Sunday backyard grill event with live music, beer and artisanal hot dogs.
Apoteka, Sukhumvit Soi 11; BTS: Nana station; +66 (0)83 720 5586
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The tiled, leafy outdoor space in the back is a gem. An external staircase leads to a modest rooftop with its own small bar, so you don’t have to go back down for top-ups. The bar has hosted edgy art openings, product launch parties and sets by visiting DJs. On a typical night, local DJs spin funk, electronica and some eclectic stuff.
Bad Motel, Soi Thong Lor between sub-sois 15 and 17; BTS: Thong L
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The location of this new nightclub is a bit unusual -- a residential neighborhood near Samitivej Hospital.But thanks to owner and publishing heir Dan Hetrakul’s network and know-how, Grease is seeing a steady flow of well-heeled and savvy young Thais and expats who come for frequent DJ sets -- spinning everything from funk and hip hop to dubsteb and electro.
The multi-level shophouse offers a slightly different vibe on every floor. The dancing happens on the third level, a low-ceilinged room covered in LED lights. To grab dinner and pre-game beforehand, there's the brightly lit, modular bar on the first floor, called Any Winehouse. There’s a smaller bar on the rooftop.
Grease, 46/12 Sukhumvit 49 Road; BTS: Thonglor or Promphong; +66 (0)2 662 6120
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Levels is a nightclub similar to Sukhumvit Soi 11 mainstays Bed Supperclub and Q Bar. Peripherally attached to Aloft Hotel, this high-end club is accessible by a separate set of elevators that lead to the sixth floor and an enormous, high-ceilinged room whose centerpiece is a circular, glowing bar with a jazzy LED chandelier overhead. There are house-heavy DJs every night, with the occasional visiting big deal international act coming in. (For those shows, there's a cover charge.) If you don’t like to dance, you can get a table at the mezzanine and look down on the crowds. There’s a smaller club room for a tighter squeeze, as well as an outdoor terrace bar for a more laid-back evening and decent city views.
Levels, 6/F, Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11; BTS: Nana; +66 (0)82 308 3246
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Opposite Mess Hall is one of Bangkok's most anticipated new venues.While not officially open until May 25, Opposite Mess Hall (OMH) is one of the most talked-about and anticipated new venues in a long while, thanks to the cred lent by its previous iteration, Opposite, and the people behind it. The cozy, second-floor, so-called “bar with food” is co-owned by Christopher Wise and Somrak Sila, of enduring WTF bar and gallery fame, and chef Jess Barnes, formerly of Quince.
Though the pair is transitioning from Opposite to OMH, they've promised to keep the poetry, storytelling, art and music events that have made the former space so renowned -- except with a steady drinks list and a rustic but exciting bar menu courtesy of the beloved chef. Neither menu is finalized for the moment, but at a recent event, Barnes served steamed rice buns with pulled pork, homemade pickled vegetables and crostini topped with tuna tartar.
Opposite Mess Hall, 27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51; BTS: Thonglor; +66 (0)2 662 6330
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Sonic is owned by the same people who do Moose and live music hot spot Cosmic Café.With a giant white statue of a mustachioed hipster out front, Sonic positions itself as a dancing venue. They've already hosted a number of local party series, such as the well attended Paradise Bangkok gigs and collectives like Trasher and Dudesweet.
Sonic has also hosted acts such as Skrillex and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. That doesn’t leave much room for a regular night, but on that rare occasion, you can buy an unpretentious drink and grab a table at the outdoor space, where resident DJs spins indie rock. Frequent local bands perform, both on the main stage and in small party rooms.
Sonic, 90 Ekamai 63, between subsois 8 and 10; +66 (0)2 382 3397
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Demo is located on Thong Lor Soi 10, close to the vibrant nightlife scene that seems to grow by the week. It is set back from the road, behind Club Muse. Look for the sign for Funky Villa that faces the road. Demo is housed in the same building. The nearest BTS station is Thong Lor, but you will need a taxi or motorbike from the station, or a 20 minute walk. Make sure you bring I.D because the security staff will ask you, even if you look like Mick Jagger.
Opening Hours: 19:00 – 02:00
BTS: Thong Lor
Address: Thong Lor Soi 10 (look for the bright lights of Funky Villa, set 30 metres back from the road on the far side of a car park)
Tel: 085 250 20:00
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Octave Rooftop Bar - Marriot Hotel - Sukhumvit 57 - (45th to 47th Floor) ...nicht ins sirocco
hier gehts ums Levels, nicht um den Bedsupper...is schräg gegenüber