Ku Bar — Restaurant in Bowon Niwet Subdistrict

Warning: if you're looking for a bar where you can be loud, get pissed, and stumble around, this is not the place for you.

At the risk of others discovering the mystery and charm that is Ku, this has been by far one of the most unique and fulfilling cocktail experiences ever, and an exciting addition to the Bangkok nightlife scene. The menu draws on Kong's native Thai background with Elaine's American influences. As veterans of industry with experiences from such quintessential cocktail bars as the famed New York's Chinatown speakeasy Angel Share, where incidentally I met Kong last, newlyweds Kong and Elaine add their quaint personal touch to every drink they make - as well as the story behind it's creation.

It is my second night in Bangkok. Last night was largely spent exploring street-side bars in Sukhimvit filled with their coolers of local beer and random snacks, a staple of SEA. I wanted to try something different tonight. After dinner at nearby Pad Thai Thip Samai, I wandered around Old Town for some time. That's when I accidentally stumbled upon this gem. Hidden behind a sliding wooden door on the unfinished third floor of what appears to be an abandoned building, Ku won me over even before I walked in. The decor of Ku is rustic meets hints of modern - lots of exposed walls with sleek modern wood fixtures carefully sprinkled - there's even a hammock in the corner - turns out that's where they would rest when the bar was being constructed. The genius behind the style and design of Ku is co-owner Elaine, who it turns out is also a trained artist.

I opened tonight with something called the Banana, a cocktail composed of an eponymous fruit induced liqueur topped with bitters, fernet branca, and vermouth, served in a glass coated in dark cocoa powder. If you're a fan of spirity cocktails like me, I recommend this drink, but maybe not as the opener.

Instead go with the Pandan - my second drink - a mix of very local flavors including gin, coconut, pandan leaves, matcha, and palm sugar. You may be thinking coconut AND palm sugar? Will this will be too sweet? It's not. It's just a hint somewhere in the back of your tastebuds to keep you wanting more sips without overpowering the other flavors.

The owners of the building and friends of the owners are having a post-dinner drink at the bar before going out. It's just that kind of vibe here. Very cozy.

I have relished my Pandan down to the last drop. I am now in the mood for something more refreshing. Not before Kong treated us to a round of Bourbon shots. For context, I have been walking around Bangkok all day in the sun, and I really need something on the cooler side to temper my heat frustration. Elaine suggested the Tomato Water, which sounds perfect for a Bangkok September. If you've ever experienced the sensation of biting into a cherry tomato on a hot summer day, and the refreshing burst that follows - imagine that as a cocktail - this was the Tomato Water - a perfect combo of sake, mezcal, cilantro root jam, cucumber, and of course clarified tomato water.

Before the closing cocktails were introduced, we managed to sneak another round of shots. I have since made friends with Jeremy and Melanie, two expats from Paris living in Bangkok, who will be joining in the next round of shots. Because I am curious, we have decided to try the fernet branca. Interesting medicinal notes. Could be an exciting new addition to my next hot toddy.

For closing drinks, Kong chose the Bael for me, but substituted a rare Japanese whiskey I've never seen before in place of the scotch.

Could not have ended on a...

A new bar in a mysterious location fun by a former mixologist at the famed Angel’s Share bar in New York

For first-timers, the experience of discovering this hidden gem in the Old Town can be quite spine-tingling. In a small alley by Brown Sugar jazz bar is an abandoned-looking building that sits behind a spirit house (it’s an ideal setting for a Thai horror film). A heavy gate leads to a spooky stairway that climbs up to a third floor. Slide open the wood-paneled door and the chilling journey immediately ends. The room beyond is as relaxing and as welcoming as it gets.

Ku is the brainchild of Anupas “Kong” Premanuwat (an alum of famous NYC speakeasy Angel’s Share and a pupil of the barmaster Shingo Gokan) and Elaine Sun, a former barista and a wine enthusiast. This hidden den strikes a charming balance between comfort and mystery. The bar is topped with a clean white marble surface and is decorated with only a few bottles on display. Dim lighting emitting from the corners complement the eerie glow cast by a light installation.

The concoctions are simply named after local ingredients, some of which are found at the nearby old markets. Kunchai/Melon (B350) manifests an interplay between savory, tart and sweet notes with a mix of tequila, juice from Chinese celery and honeydew, Tabasco sauce and absinthe spray. The classic Adonis cocktail is given an elegant touch and transformed into Rose (Fino sherry, rose-infused vermouth and rose water, B360). A decadent chocolate drink is upgraded into a libation with the combination of banana-infused liquor, Fernet Branca, sweet vermouth and Abbott’s Bitters (B380). The drink is served in a glass rimmed with nutmeg, cinnamon and cocoa powders.

The bar also offers a selection of natural wine (starting from B320/glass). It is worth noting that the bar strictly follows a no-standing policy. Advanced reservations are recommended.

From...

Not for the faint of heart 😵‍💫 This speakeasy’s hidden down an eerie alley in an old building, and honestly we were questioning our life decisions showing up at 10pm. But inside? Totally worth it imo.

This bar takes its name from the Mandarin word for “bitter” (苦), and they fully lean into it—every cocktail here incorporates some form of bitterness, which makes for a super unique menu.

🍌 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚 - THB380 Strong banana flavour upfront, layered with the astringency of cacao bitters and bael tea. Slight tang from clarified Greek yoghurt kept things interesting—very complex, definitely not your typical banana cocktail

🔥 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 - THB400 Our fav of the night! Tasted chocolatey without being sweet, thanks to hojicha, cold brew, and charred pandan. Earthy, smoky, and really well-balanced.

🍉 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚 - THB380 Refreshing in a very non-fruity way—think watermelon rind, not juice. Intense dark roasty notes from the Iribancha tea and a touch of creaminess from clarified milk, but not your usual milk punch at all.

🍚 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 - THB370 The creamiest of the lot, and quite ginger-forward. Didn’t get much pomelo leaf or earl grey, but still a comforting sip.

Atmosphere was moody and cool, and the cocktails were clearly well thought out. But honestly, this spot is definitely for the bitter-leaning crowd. If you love your drinks with a touch of bitterness, this is one to add to your...