Page 92 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 3 | February - March 2024

B AR 335

In the Metropole Residence Sukhumvit 39 in the heart of urbane
Phrom Phong, Bar 335 is cleverly hidden by an ‘emergency
exit’ door on the Basement floor, its scuffed appearance belying
the classic and atmospheric interior. Beyond, Bar 335, which is
brought to you by established speakeasy Bar Scofflaws in Ekkamai,
is intimate but still luxe, with brushed concrete walls, sumptuous
furnishings, and an eye-catching bar in pride of place. Inspired
by Japanese aesthetics and flavours, the bar also has an impressive
cocktail menu. Options include their signature Cherry cola, made
with homemade cola bourbon, maraschino cherries, angostura
bitters, and a spray of absinthe – an indulgent drink that’s sure to
have you craving more. Instagram: @bar335bkk

B ARLANCE BAR

Hidden in plain view in bustling Thong Lo, Barlance Bar is both
one of the newest entrants and most fun entrances on this list. As
you walk by a line of seemingly-innocuous ATMs, go to one of
them and press a big red button where the keypad would be, and
a secret door opens to usher you into a hidden gem of delicious
cocktails, with a background of fun beats from a DJ perched on
a mezzanine. With a stacked lineup of entertainment, this place
is sure to be a great place to visit before painting the town red in
Thong Lo, or simply to impress a date. Make sure to order any of
their signature cocktails such as the Flying balloon, which has an
interactive bubble that you can ‘pop.’ Instagram: @barlance.bkk

#FIND THEPHO T OB OO TH

Once a staple in Bangkok’s list of hidden bars, #FindthePhotoBooth,
originally located in Sukhumvit Soi 11, closed during the pandemic,
but it has recently re-opened its doors, this time in Bantadthong
Road, near the Rama IV Road area. It continues its tradition of
hiding its entrance behind a photo booth, although now there are
a few of them, located in a mint-green shophouse. If you push on
a hidden button on the wall of one, the panel opens to reveal the
famed bar, led by a team of celebrated bartenders from around Asia.
The menu is supposed to read like a music sheet and is tucked into
a CD case, with chord names that musicians will recognise, such
as their D-Sharp, made with grapefruit, strawberry milk punch,
and rum. The same team is behind the #FindtheLockerRoom
speakeasy, which is, as you can guess, hidden behind a ‘locker
room’ in Thong Lo. Instagram: @findthephotobooth.bkk

2463 SPEAKEASY

As its name proclaims proudly, 2463 Speakeasy (named after the
year in the Buddhist calendar that coincides with 1920) embraces
the best of Prohibition-era traditions, without breaking the spirit of
the law. And speaking of spirits, the ones at the bar include some
of Thailand’s top-shelf local labels, all used to make cocktails that
honour the tastes and traditions of the Kingdom, with innovative
twists. Sip on options such as Thaification, which is comprised of
mangosteen and plum-infused vodka, and served with a slice of
pork in the glass to nibble on. Instagram: @2463speakeasy