The buzz: The second generation owners of the Krungthon Complex, down in the Tha Phra neighborhood, have instigated a massive revamp of this longstanding venue, adding laidback Thai restaurant The Café on the first floor and A Bar Above on the second. They’re also promising a late-night club dubbed Oasis to open later this year. 

The décor: Take the stairs out front of Krungthon Complex up to the second floor to find the entrance. The place has a rather European wine cellar feel about it with its heavy reliance on wood, naked bulbs and arc-shaped doorways. Outdoors sees a number of high tables with matching wooden chairs and a narrow terrace to one side with a couple of garden seats from which to appreciate the skyline. The main room has more of a restaurant vibe with a variety of different dining tables and sofas. Cute decorative items like vintage candle holders and wooden shelves made to look like firewood storage give the place a warm, log cabin-like appearance.

The music: Pretty chill with an easy listening, dinner and drink-friendly soundtrack provided by the likes of Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and Tahiti 80.

The crowd: Young first jobbers and a thirsty local after-work crowd.  
The price: Hoegaarden, Hoegaarden Rose and Stella Artois are the current choices for draught beer (B240/pint), with the likes of Leffe Brune—as well as a cocktails list—set to arrive soon. Whereas The Café is all about spicy Thai dishes, A Bar Above’s menu focuses on international favorites like the signature A Bar Above Burger (B250) that’s stuffed with beef, grilled bacon and egg, and served with French fries and side salad. Alternatively, they serve pizza in choices like salmon and onion (B300) or pepperoni (B300).    

Why you’ll come back: The combination of The Café and A Bar Above is a welcome boost to the Tha Phra nightlife scene. Despite its slightly out-of-the-way location, it’s really not too hard to reach and the relaxed atmosphere may entice you to cross the river more often. Vasachol Quadri