Winter has finally arrived, which means we can come out from our air-con-chilled hiding places and live it up. Don’t worry, we’re not going to make you undertake camping or hard labor. We’ll still do the things we love: eat, drink and chill—except it’s all going to be outdoors. Here we round-up 50 of our favorite restaurants, bars and cafes in Bangkok to enjoy the city's cooler climes.
01. 36-24-36
A big house with black-trimmed windows, spacious deck, looming trees and DJ-spun electro pop on most nights. That, and most dishes are under B100.
Thai. 36-24-36, 23 Soi Napha Sub 2, Sukhumvit Soi 36, 02-661-5636. Open daily 6pm-2am
02. Agalico
A bright, Jane Austen-esque tearoom for weekend scones and desserts. With a greenhouse-like vibe, Agalico also boasts a Romanesque garden complete with a gazebo and statues.
Agalico, 20 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-5857 ext. 11. BTS Thong Lo. Open Fri-Sat 10am-6pm
03. Al Majlis
Moroccan-themed restaurant and tearoom done up like a sheikh’s house party with high ceilings, flowing fabrics and pewter knick-knacks, not to mention a sprawling garden for shisha, mint tea and wine.
Al Majlis, 83/8 Ekkamai Soi 12 (Soi Charoenchai), 02-392-2345. Open daily 12:30pm-12:30am
04. Al Matum
A house-and-garden Isaan joint with underlit bushes and bamboo recliners. Also featuring a DIY somtam dish, complete with mortar and pestle, and large cartoon doll sentries looking down from the second floor.
Al Matum, 7 Pridi 33, 02-381-2842. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight
05. Ambience
Trees, ponds and fountains paired with pop-art graffiti and color-splattered white furniture. Live acoustic tunes every Friday and Saturday.
Ambience, 92/14 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-259-9869. Open daily 6pm-2am
06. Aqua
A garden-style courtyard in the middle of the Four Seasons’ ground floor, Aqua is a cocktail bar that also does a mean brunch serving highlights from the hotel’s other food outlets on Sundays.
Aqua, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-1137. Open daily 11am midnight. BTS Ratchadamri
07. Aquatini
Chunky tables loosely spread over a spacious, riverside deck, right by the Phra Athit Pier. Casual vibe, thanks to the breezy bossanova tunes and flickering candle light.
International. Aquatini, Navalai River Suite, 45/1 Phra Athit Rd., 02-280-9955. Open daily 6:30am-1:30am
08. Baan Rie Coffee
A sprawling, village-themed restaurant, café and beer garden just down the stairs from BTS Ekkamai, Baan Rie lends a touch of foresty calm in the middle of the city. Live music in the evenings.
Baan Rie Coffee, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Soi Ekkamai), 02-391-9784. Open 24 hours.
09. Baan Tak R kad
A garden lounge embellished with a camping theme. There are even a couple of waterproof tents pitched in the grass. The less adventurous can enjoy the fish-filled ponds and live music.
Baan Tak R kad, 455 Praditmanootham Rd., 081-432-3173. www.takrkad.blogspot.com. Open Daily 6pm-1am
10. Balco
This spacious rooftop bar not only provides comfy seats and sofas, but one of the best river-front views at a fraction of the price of nearby five-star hotels (Cocktails B180, beer B80, whisky B1,200).
Balco, 5/F, River City Shopping Complex, Charoen Krung Rd., 08-4928-6161. Open Tue-Sun 7pm-2am
