Bangkok's Sukhumvit Road: Drink Recommendations

 Opera Riserva Wineteque, 53/3 Soi 39, Sukhumvit Road, ☎ +662-2585601 (contact@operariserva.com, fax: +662-258-5599). 5.30PM-12PM.   

 Opera Riserva is located in conjunction with L'Opera Italian Restaurant, fairly deep down Sukhumvit Soi 39, and can be a bit difficult to find for the first time visitor, however those who do are rewarded with a large selection of wine, ranging from the affordable to the very exclusive of mainly Italian and French wines, but also from other countries. The Opera Riserva wine bar is in two levels with a dozen or so tables and a large bar on ground floor, and on the second floor a more relaxed setting with several groups leather sofas, and some private rooms - one with a separate entrance for those who prefer to come and go unnoticed. Clientèle is equal part local and foreign, and local stars are often spotted here.

 Beer gardens

Beergarden, Sukhumvit Soi 7, is a nice place to relax from the trouble with moderate Western music and German and other beer including wheat beer (Franziskaner). You can eat European food at the tables or just have a drink at the bar.

Cheap Charlie's, Soi 11, is an outdoor beer bar that looks like it grew out of the side of the building. Pull up a stool anywhere on the Soi and enjoy a cold one.

 Clubs and Bars

 The Londoner, Soi 33 is a popular expat hang out, sports bar and occasional live music in an English pub setting. Buy one, get one free on Wednesday.

Witch's Tavern Thong Lo (Sukhumvit Soi 55) Between Soi 8 & Soi 10 - Bangkok's original English Pub. Live music every night. Free drinks for ladies Wednesday 17:00-21:00. At least 5 English/Irish brews on tap.

     Escudo Thong Lo (Sukhumvit Soi 55) - just past Soi 13

     Booze Thong Lo Soi 10 (Sukhumvit Soi 55) - near kkamai

     Gigabyte Thong Lo Soi 10 (Sukhumvit Soi 55) - next to Booze

     The Ice Bar Thong Lo 50m on the right (Sukhumvit Soi 55) - New Very Cool Club

     Escobar Ekamai (Sukhumvit Soi 63) - just past Soi 5

Remix Thong Lo (Sukhumvit Soi 55) - just past Soi 18 in The Playground

     Santika Ekamai (Sukhumvit Soi 63) - just past Soi 9 - Bangkok's hip hop club. Open until 02:00. No cover charge.

     WeZa Ekamai (Sukhumvit Soi 56) Just past Soi 21

     Narcissus Club, 112 Sukhumvit Soi 23, narcissusbangkok@hotmail.com. 

     Q Bar, 34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, is a hip if rather un-Thai bar often likened to a New York cocktail lounge, renowned for its massive drinks list and always packed dance floor. Cover charge.

      Rainbow 4, Nana Entertainment Plaza 2F, Soi 4. Squeezes two stages into a small space, and is always packed with girls and punters.

     Suzie Wong, Soi Cowboy. Small and unprepossessing at first sight, the only hint of a Chinese theme are the cheongsams of the waitresses, but this gogo and its sister operation Sheba's across the street are famed for putting on some of the best shows in Bangkok.