The North Gate Jazz Co-Op — Restaurant in Chiang Mai Province

🎷 North Gate Jazz Co-Op – 3 nights in Chiang Mai, 3 nights here. That says it all.

If you’re in Chiang Mai and even into jazz, this is the place. I came once… and ended up coming back three nights in a row. That’s how good it was.

There’s a cocktail bar right outside the entrance (cocktails ~300 baht), but honestly, this place has more of a beer-and-live-music kind of vibe. So I went for a classic Singha 🍺

🎶 Live shows start at 8:30 PM, and I arrived early on the first night — got a front row seat. And wow. The energy, the talent, the connection with the crowd — pure endorphins. That first night was magic. Still thinking about it.

I came back the next two nights, but nothing beat that first performance. On the second day, I arrived late and had to sit off to the side behind the keyboard — still fun, but front view is everything.

Third night, I came solo and got a decent front-facing seat, but still not that golden front row. So listen carefully: Come early. Get a front row seat. It hits different. Seriously.

What surprised me most? Jazz, to me, used to be music for cozy winter cafés and warm lattes — But here, in the heat of Chiang Mai, watching these fiery live performances, it felt completely new and alive 🔥 On the last night, they even had a vocalist with rock energy — totally different vibe and still amazing.

🎤 The crowd? Packed every night. Full of travelers, jazz lovers. The energy is unbeatable.

But one final tip (and it’s serious): Avoid the outdoor bar seats. On my last night, I left my window-side seat, looked over at the outdoor bar… a line of cockroaches casually marching...

If you have ever imagined the creation of the jazz genre - a group of local talented musicians jamming together on instruments in a old reused space - making new music with each solo in each set...come see it happen in real life at North Gate Jazz Co-op. Tucked away in an old shophouse directly across the street from the main north gate in the old Chiang Mall city wall, its four floors are infused with local artists making music together. Floor 1 is the main band area with the stage direct inside the front door, while Floor 4 is a cozy room with arched wood beam ceilings, a balcony and a bar, just right for an intimate trio. Entry was free and the jazz was terrific from three different bands. I recommend floor 4 for a starter and drink from their extensive cocktail menu infused with nice collection of Thai and regional liquors and ingredients prepared well. the balcony is a nice spot to sit out and watch the patrons standing out on the street enjoying the music from Floor 1 band. I recommend floor 2 for getting a look at the band and watching them play instruments from above. Watch out for the open doorway frame with no railing and no dancing on the wood floors in the old supplies loft - both add a lot of character for an authentic night of great jazz. On my list to return to next time...

Unfortunately, when I did experience harassment and tried to seek help, only a few staff members showed any concern. Most of them didn’t even want to get involved.

What shocked me the most was that the harassment was made worse by a male staff member, who pushed me aside just so he could throw out the trash.

As a man, you should never push a woman!! Especially a customer. That’s rude, disrespectful, and completely unacceptable.

Despite their sign promising a safe environment, the staff ignored what was happening and failed to support me. That clear promise meant nothing in action.

I’m not sharing this for sympathy. I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else, no matter their gender. People go out to enjoy music, feel free, and have fun in a space they trust will be safe.

This kind of negligence is not only disappointing, it’s dangerous. If you’re planning to go, please stay aware, protect yourself and your friends and don’t assume the sign means you’re...