Bangkok’s Best Bars for Date Night

Oft cited as the ultimate party city, Bangkok isn’t lacking in the romance stakes either – be it chic roof decks or snug jazz bars, there’s a slew of intimate imbibers at which to woo your lover. For when romance comes a calling, add these bars to your little black book of date-night venues. 

Smalls

This snug n' swingin' three-storey cocktail lair on Suan Phlu has earned a stellar rep for its potent pours and live jazz. Cosy up in a ground-floor, velvety nook, or brave the precarious climb to the roof terrace to smooch overlooking the street. There’s live music on Wednesdays, plus the occasional int'l DJ set and it rocks on late… be prepared to do so too.

Vogue Lounge

Ensure you pick the right arm candy for a date at this swish, Art Deco-ish rooftop doll; it’s an uber-chic sipper with attitude – and a crowd to match. Drinks are zesty and light – ideal for Bangkok’s sultry climate – but don’t be surprised if everyone around you is on the fizz. Originally opened as a bar, Vogue Lounge has earned serious foodie cred for its bold, French-inflected shared plates steered by Michy wonder Vincent Thierry. Yes it's a tad pretentious, but it's en vogue, dahling. Frock up as a strict dress code applies.

Q&A Bar

A dark, unassuming alley in minimart-studded North Asoke is not where you'd expect to find Bangkok's most sophisticated bar, but then, that's part of Q&A’s appeal. Just 10 counter seats line this narrow, dimly-lit 1920s-style imbiber, pouring grown-up libations to a (mandatory) well-dressed clientele. Book in advance.

Eat Me

An enduring star of Bangkok’s dining scene, Eat Me attracts a creative, global crew with its contempo interior, artworks and Tim Butler's robust, Asian-influenced international menu, highlighting deftly flavoured, sustainable ingredients. With its chic cosmopolitan ambi, this is also one of the city’s most romantic sip spots; opt for the bamboo-decked balcony for drinks or dinner à deux.

Above Eleven

This super-svelte, alfresco roof deck rises above the fray of Sukhumvit’s raucous party soi with great cocktails, a decent wine list and toothsome Nikkei tapas menu. The modish in/out design dotted with foliage is as cracking as the views across the city – aim to go for sunset. I do!

Smalls / 186/3 Suan phlu Soi 1 / Thung Maha Mek / +66 95 585 1398 / 7.30pm-2am Wed-Mon facebook.com/smallsbkk 

Vogue Lounge / 6/F / MahaNakhon CUBE / 96 Narathiwas Ratchanakharin Rd / Bang Rak / +66 2 001 0697 / 5pm to late / voguelounge.com

Q&A Bar / 235/13 Sukhumvit 21(Asoke) / Klongtoey Nua / Wattana / +66 2 664 1445 / 7pm-2am daily / qnabar.com

Eat Me / Soi Phipat 2 / off Convent Rd / Silom / +66 2 238 0931 / 3pm-1am daily / eatmerestaurant.com

Above Eleven / 33/F / Fraser Suites Sukhumvit Sukhumvit Rd / Khlong Toei Nuea / +66 2 038 5111 / 6pm-2am daily / aboveeleven.com