1000/39 Room D, Liberty Plaza Bldg., Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-381-5988. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight. www.stardust-bkk.com.
The buzz: The latest addition to the once popular Liberty Plaza is a compact one-story venue marketing itself as a “jazz workshop” as well as a bar.
The décor: You enter through what looks like a backdoor in the plaza’s parking lot and head down a narrow hallway lined with glass cabinets featuring gleaming instruments. Once you step inside, it’s your eardrums not your eyes that will be assaulted by the blaring sounds of the drums and sax. They obviously lay the emphasis on their music: it’s loud and much of the space is dedicated to a stage for the live musicians. Most of the tables and chairs are arranged around the perimeter, almost cafeteria-like, making it easier to pay attention to the performances. You can also choose to sit on rotating cushioned stools by the bar where you can whip around for a good look at the band and enjoy easy access to the goodies.
The music: Live jazz. Their workshops are open mic nights where musicians are invited to take to the floor for a jam session. You can reserve a space on stage for B200, one drink included. Besides the jam sessions, they have rotating performances by bands including Bangkok Echo and Nirun Jazz who like to mix in a bit of blues and bossanova with their jazz.
The crowd: A good mix, but you’ll find a lot of farang and Japanese jazz enthusiasts, even on regular week nights.
The price: Cocktails B170, whiskey B700-3,900, beer B80-220 and mixers B30-40.
Why you’ll come back: It’s all that jazz, man.
