It may be the wet season, but we still want to drink outside. Rooftop bars are one way, but there’s nothing quite like just walking off the street into cocktails and good bites. Part of BK’s annual BAD Awards, some are hi-so hangs, some are community mainstays—so even when the weather’s being a pain, you can get a nice outdoor bender going. 

The annual BAD Awards are Bangkok’s biggest homegrown nightlife awards, and were made possible by sponsors Apt 101, GulpBkk, Bootleggers, Giffard, Freedom World, Komos, Suntree Brewing, Flow Inter, and OG Kratom.

 CALM – Grill, Garden & Guinguette

DJ decks inside, greenery outside—CALM Grill, Garden and Guinguette, the acronym standing for Comme a la Maison, has somehow transformed from a chill garden hang to a party spot since it opened in 2023 in Phrom Phong. Over the last year they’ve had events from CALMival to live music sets that are building this space from an alfresco hang to a community space.
 

Finalist: The Deck

While The Deck does have a very nice and expansive interior, all the magic really happens outside on the, well, deck. From its trivia nights to Kids’ Sundays, The Deck puts on all manner of community events and boasts a regular crowd who are there for the cocktails and the fare. It’s a space where you’ll be just as happy sipping on their signature cocktails, starting at B350 or partying with friends with a bucket of Corona for B690.
 

Finalist: Escape

This is an alfresco bar with a bang. It’s concerts, DJs, and hard partying. We’re slightly skewing the definition of bar and club here, but Escape is an EmQuartier space that Bangkok doesn’t miss—think cigars, fast drinks, and dancing. Even in the late hours, you can check out their food menu, featuring burrata, bruschetta, and hummus to compliment their bar bites.
 

Finalist: Hemingway

Another space with a great interior, everyone goes to Hemingway’s for a space outside in their garden-like atmosphere on Soi 11. Boasting credentials as a party and pre-party space, Hemingway’s might be the slightly chic space Papa himself would have avoided, but the Bangkok club crowd knows this is where to have a few outdoor drinks before starting in earnest—and don’t forget to try the wings.
 

Finalist: Blue Parrot

This is a garden bar and restaurant you can really sink your teeth into—a pool, music, good food, cheap beer, and still pretty family friendly. The design at this Chong Nonsi spot is a little bit tropical, a little bit Bangkok, and the menu takes its cues from French cuisine. Originally from the team behind Revolucion Cocktail, the grass might not be real, but the cocktails definitely are.
 

Earth House

Earth House knows as much about partying as they do about healthy Mediterranean eats. Over the last few years, this space has cemented its spot on Bangkok’s nightlife scene with its Garden Sessions, now the Garden Chill sessions. A lot of people are happy enough to have this place as a restaurant with their extensive menu of pastas and tapas, but for their special events featuring a selection of natty wines and B99 draft beer, it’s a place to stick around with the fam. 

Raynue

It’s not a walk-in-off-the-street sort of place, but as drinking outside goes, this is a must-try. Opening early last year, this Gaysorn Amarin space is kind of magical—found with mall vibes in the shadow of the BTS. While there’s a lot to say about their summer menu and collaborations, you should keep abreast of their events such as free-flow craft beer and whiskey tastings. 

Mikkeller

Long known as one of the best spots in Bangkok for craft beer from the original Copenhagen born brand, first time visitors will be pretty impressed by the large, homey yard where you can lay face down on some grass while you sober up. With two dozen taps, it’s definitely the spot to be for beer lovers, and they’ve got a comfortable indoor area for dining and staying out of the rain. 

Jack's Bar

Okay, okay, okay. We know this is a tourist bar—but don’t pretend you don’t go there more than you’d like to admit. In a world of riverside hi-so rooftop bars, be a Jack’s Bar. The plastic chairs are always full, that bird is always annoying, and the drinks are always cheap. When you’re on that side of town and don’t know where to go, someone always shrugs and says, “Jack’s?” That’s what Jack’s Bar is for. 

There Bar

A favorite hang near Democracy Monument, it’s a garden, a craft beer spot, and an eater all rolled into one. What more could you want? It’s low-key, reasonably priced, and is a regular hand for a young, hip crowd. It’s big with expats, but it’s a good spot for locals too. Fairly peaceful during the day, grab a B100 Singha and stare up into the trees until the party starts going.