The Best Music Venues In Bangkok

Maggie Choo’s

Maggie Choo’s is certainly one of the best music venues in Bangkok, but guests might not necessarily feel like they are in the city upon entering this 1930s Shanghai-themed bar and restaurant. Plush leather sofas are surrounded by aged brick and black vaulted doors, making guests feel as though they have not only left the city but have also entered into a totally different era. From secret rooms to exquisite art, no detail was overlooked when decorating Maggie Choo’s. You can throw both corporate and private parties here, and there are always plenty of international live performers taking over. Up to 30 guests can sit in the restaurant and the bar can accommodate up to 200 people for a cocktail reception. The drink menu is dense, with a wide selection of beer, spirits, juices, mocktails, wines, champagne and much more.
Maggie Choo’s, 320 Silom Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand +66 (0)91 772 2144

Maggie Choo’s| © Courtesy of Maggie Choo’s

Saxophone Pub and Restaurant

Saxophone Pub and Restaurant just recently celebrated its 30 year anniversary. With free entrance and amazing national and international performers, it is no wonder it has been a favorite venue amongst Thais and foreigners alike. The restaurant has two floors; sit on the second floor for a bird’s eye view of the performances or sit on the ground floor to get up close and personal with the music. Enjoy the incredible live jazz music with one of Saxophone’s signature drinks in tow. Choose from a number of cocktail combinations such as a tequila sunrise, strawberry martini, or the saxophone dropper. In addition to the drink menu, the restaurant also serves delicious Thai dishes. Some of its most recommended dishes include the steamed shrimp in coconut, sea bass with sour sauce, or the grilled pork with lime. To get to Saxophone Pub and Restaurant, take the BTS Skytrain to Victory Monument. Take exit four, and it is only a few minutes walk from the platform.

Saxophone Pub and Restaurant, 3/8 Phayathai Road Victory Monument, Bangkok, Thailand +66 22 465 472

Saxophone Pub and Restaurant | © Courtesy of Saxophone Pub and Restaurant

Funky Villa

Funky Villa is located in Thong Lor, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city. Equipped with both a DJ booth and a stage, this club consistently features some of the best artists in the area. Funky Villa is more of a local venue, and you will not find as many foreigners or expatriates here. Many of the bands that play are local bands, straight out of the City of Angels. In addition to live music, Funky Villa serves both food and drinks, and there is both indoor and outdoor seating available. A form of identification is required to get into Funky Villa, and it does abide by a dress code, so be sure to dress to impress.

Funky Villa, 225/9 -10 Soi Thong Lo10, Sukhumvit Rd. Klonton Nau, Wattana Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon +66 085-253-2000

The Rock Pub has been providing rock-loving Thais and foreigners live, exceptional shows since 1987. More than 40 bands have graced this bar and restaurant’s stage, and many of those performers went on to have noteworthy music careers in Thailand. One of the best ways to spend an evening here is to order a bottle of one of Thailand’s most popular liquors, whiskeys, or rum and split it amongst a group of friends; however, there is also a large selection of cocktails to choose from. If you work up an appetite while rocking out to one of the epic performances, feel free to browse Rock Pub’s menu, with dishes including its rock ‘n’ roll pork steak and tuna salad, as well as the popular Thai spicy seafood salad. The Rock Pub is located conveniently off the BTS Skytrain station Ratchathewi; take exit two.

This place is small and dark, yet remains as one of the best bars in Bangkok; those looking for a unique night out should head to Iron Fairies, where visitors are greeted with live music almost every evening. Whimsical and unique decor draws guests in with its elegant and interesting style. Iron Fairies opened in 2010 and is one of the top nightlife destinations in the city. This bar serves a small, yet delicious food and drinks menu in addition to its great vibe and live music. Iron Fairies’ cocktails and mocktails are so unique that they will have even the most committed liquor connoisseurs mesmerized with its sheer variety. If you are looking for both live music and an overall incredible nightlife experience, add Iron Fairies to your itinerary.

Check Inn 99

Located on the famous Sukhumvit Soi 11 is Check Inn 99, right above Zaks Dining & Lounge. Every night, this cabaret bar and nightclub welcomes different live performers from 8:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. It also has different performances over the weekend, including a blues jam every Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Live jazz performances take place every Sunday afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Chow down on a wide selection of both Thai and Western cuisine, as well as an assortment of tapas. In addition to the delicious food, Check Inn 99 also mixes up some mouthwatering cocktails. This bar also has both local and imported beer, wine and spirits. To get to Check Inn 99, take the BTS Skytrain to station Nana and get off at exit 3.

Check Inn 99 Bangkok, 19 Sukhumvit 11, (Above Zaks) Klong Toey Nua, Bangkok, Thailand +66 081 735 7617

Courtesy of Check Inn 99 | © Courtesy of Check Inn 99

Adhere 13th Blues Bar

If you are looking for blues and jazz, look no further than Adhere 13th Blues Bar. This venue is not far from the infamous Khao San Road, making it easy for backpackers to locate and enjoy an evening of live music. We suggest arriving early to get a table, as the bar gets packed quickly. The venue might lack an abundance of seating for its guests, but it certainly makes up for the small space with its upbeat and entertaining live jazz performances.

Adhere 13th Blues Bar, 13 Samsen Rd, Khwaeng Wat Sam Phraya, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, +66 089 769 4613
By Kelly Iverson