Flashback Rooftop Bar — Restaurant in Khlong Toei Subdistrict

In the neon-lit skyline of Bangkok, where rooftops brush against the clouds and the city hums with the buzz of unrelenting energy, Flashback Bar offers an elevated experience that at first glance seems to promise something special.

Advertised with a simple enticement — 2-for-1 cocktails during happy hour — it's a gleaming beacon for those seeking refuge from the chaos below. But as with any shining promise in this city of contradictions, it’s worth questioning what’s hidden behind the glossy surface.

Let’s start with the view. The panoramic vista from this high-altitude perch is undeniably stunning — an endless sprawl of rooftops, illuminated streets, and distant temples that gleam golden under the setting sun. It’s a view that could make a glass of tap water feel like an elixir. And therein lies the allure: you come for the vista, you stay for the illusion of indulgence.

The cocktail menu, printed with all the flair of a Soi Cowboy bar, offers a decent variety of concoctions. But then there's the crux of the matter: the much-touted 2-for-1 happy hour deal. A siren call to the unwary, it’s the kind of gimmick that draws you in like a moth to the flame, only to have you wonder why the flame is so much hotter than expected.

You see, the cocktails on the happy hour menu — the ones marketed with all the fanfare of a 21st-century deal — are priced higher than those listed on the regular menu. It’s as if the 2-for-1 concept isn’t so much about value, but about cleverly adjusting the baseline to ensure that even the “discounted” drinks are selling at a premium.

Let’s talk about the price. A single cocktail during happy hour can easily set you back the equivalent of a meal at a local street vendor, yet you are enticed to buy one, get one free. There is something almost Kafkaesque about it — the happy hour meant to offer respite instead becomes a subtle reminder that in this city, nothing is truly free, and certainly, not even a cocktail.

And that’s where the dissonance lies. The drinks, despite their inflated prices, are not bad. They are, in fact, quite decent, although far from revolutionary. But with the gleaming view, the old pop playing softly in the background, and the ever-so-courteous staff, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment. Still, one can’t help but feel that the essence of Bangkok — its gritty, irreverent charm — is slightly missing from this polished experience. There is a sense of artifice, an over-calculated attempt to blend glamour with convenience. You can almost hear the sound of cash registers ringing softly in the distance.

In the end, Flashback leaves you with an odd taste. It’s not bad, but you certainly won't be having Flashbacks to this time of your life, either. In a city with so much soul, where the best bars are often tucked away in unassuming corners or hidden behind an alley, it’s hard not to feel that this rooftop, for all its heights and promising views, is still just another stop for the weary traveler. You'll leave with a slight sense of having been had — or perhaps that’s just the price of admission for a seat above the city.

In Bangkok, where the sky is always in motion, Flashback offers you a perch — but it's not the escape it promises to be. It’s more of a lesson in the art of subtle...

I will start with the positive. Indeed if they fix the few negative things I will mention I believe this place could be worth 5 stars.

Pro : The atmosphere was really nice. We went during the halloween season and the decoration was well made. There was a person singing live which was really enjoyable as well The view of the rooftop on the 9th floor was pretty The food tasted good! The plates were nicely dressed.

Cons : I don’t know if we were unlucky so I checked the bad reviews for this place and it seems we all come to an agreement: the place is not well managed. We were 7 and one person got her food 1 hour before everyone else. She waited 30minutes herself. We ordered 2 salmon steaks. The waitress took the orders a bit however and was not focused and it showed when one of us (me 😭)received a salmon snack (instead of salmon steak) at the same time as the first plate arrived. When confronting the staff for the wrong plate. No apology was made. They took the salmon snack away and said we would have to wait longer for the second salmon plate. Everyone finished their food when I got my salmon steak. I had not started eating that they were already asking the rest of the table which desert they wanted. I found that extremely rude. I ate on my own 1 hour and a half after the first plate was served. The food was tasty however I left still hungry. The salmon was served on spinach. I did not get enough food for the price paid. They did apologise, to the person paying who ate the first plate. I was extremely disappointed. They should clearly have apologised to me as I had been waiting so long. It seemed like the bare minimum.

Overall, this was the worst service I had up until now in Thailand (2 weeks). I honestly see the potential of this place as it is really well placed and the atmosphere was really enjoyable. The family had a lot of fun together, while I was waiting and eating alone. If they can fix the service, 100% they will not get any bad reviews anymore. I hope to be the last to give...

We had an amazing time at this lovely rooftop bar in Bangkok. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by one of the kindest staff members I’ve ever met. The first lady who served us (Tang-qua) was incredibly sweet and made us feel right at home.

Together with Don and Cream, the entire team created such a chill and friendly vibe – perfect for enjoying the view, relaxing, and unwinding after a long day. The service was truly excellent – warm, attentive, and genuine.

Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a rooftop spot with heart and hospitality. Can’t wait...