Tai Soon Bar — Restaurant in Samran Rat Subdistrict

TLDR: unprofessional, irresponsible and disrespectful. They served us bottle beer and intentionally pretended that they were draft beer. When we asked, the responsible person said that it was their staff mistake. Even though we saw that they talk to one another before serving us.

Here is the extended version of the incident.

It was in February 2020, before the coronavirus had become a pandemic, that I had encountered such unpleasant experiences with this place. Otherwise, I’ve been rethinking occasionally and it occurs to me anyway that I should still share this experience.

We went to the place looking for beer. Upon arriving, the person behind the bar invited us to taste their selection. We tried 3 out of 11 or 12. They are quite okay actually, but we would like to order our more familiar, preferred one, Erdinger Weizen. The same person, whom we supposed to be an owner or at least a co-owner, looked hesitantly and asked us whether we could change our choice since he wasn’t sure whether there would be enough quantity to be served. Fortunately, he told us that the next keg to be replaced would be another Weizen by Weihenstephaner, in which basically our even more preferred one. He asked us to wait at the table. At that time, the ground floor was crowded so we moved to the second floor.

And in 5-10 minutes later, he followed to the second floor and informed that Erdinger is not enough to be served at all. So we ordered two large glasses of Weihenstephaner. As we heard a few good things about the place and since we’re not in a hurry, so we did not mind waiting. On the second floor where there were plenty of vacant tables, fortunately enough, we sat next to the ceiling right above the counter bar. Upon waiting, which was quite longer than we had expected, without an intentional look, there’s a sudden glimpse that my friend turned out to see the person behind the bar, a woman who might be another co-owner, was pouring a bottle of Weihenstephaner into a glass. I, followingly, looked and saw two empty bottles sitting aside two glasses of beer.

We kept looking at the people downstairs. We saw they talked to each other, but of course it was too far so we couldn’t hear the conversation. Then suddenly the staff came to our table. And she said, “Here’s your draught beer.” My friend immediately replied, “We saw that they came from the bottles.” “I’ll talk to the boss,” she replied and left.

I followed her to the ground floor in order to ask what had happened, but no one seemed to respond. I waited there for a while as if someone might want to explain the situation, but the man kept himself busying as well as the others. No explanation at all. Only that the man told me that he was going to replace the keg immediately and the draft beer would be ready real soon after.

I was hesitant to wait a little bit longer. On the other hand, my friend was totally disappointed and would want to leave right away. But, after all, we waited. A moment later, two glasses of draft beer were received. Of course, we’re unhappy and we talked a lot about the situation. We thought about the way in which we would complain to the owner before we left.

Upon leaving, the person behind the bar insisted that it was the waitress mistake. He said that he would want to give us two free bottles of bottle beer as a compliment since we have to wait for draft beers. I asserted that the waitress certainly said they were our ordered draft beers. And, no one, including himself, ever mentioned the situation. He didn’t seem to feel responsible and just insisted that it was the waitress mistake, not his.

As for the place assumed to be a specialty craft beer bar, this incident is far behind our expectations. Especially on how they served bottle beer instead of draft beer and intentionally pretended that they were draft ones is thoroughly unprofessional, irresponsible and disrespectful.

Beware...

Review of Tai Soon Bar

Tai Soon Bar is a hidden gem for craft beer enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxed yet lively spot to unwind. Located in a cozy corner of town, this bar blends a rustic, laid-back ambiance with a selection of beers that are sure to please any palate.

Highlights of the Bar

Craft Beer Selection Tai Soon Bar is renowned for its curated lineup of local and imported craft beers. From crisp lagers and refreshing IPAs to rich stouts and experimental brews, there’s something for everyone. Their rotating taps ensure there’s always something new to try, keeping things fresh and exciting for repeat visitors. Signature Beers The bar takes pride in offering unique house brews that are worth a try. Whether it’s a fruity wheat beer or a bold, hoppy IPA, each beer is crafted with care and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on beer lovers. Atmosphere The vibe is casual and welcoming, with wooden furniture, warm lighting, and an industrial-chic decor that invites guests to kick back and relax. Live music or DJ sets on certain nights add a fun, vibrant energy to the space. Food Pairings While the focus is on beer, Tai Soon Bar also serves a selection of bar snacks and light meals that complement their drinks perfectly. Try their grilled sausages, nachos, or Thai-style spicy wings for a delicious pairing. Friendly Staff The staff are knowledgeable and passionate about beer, happy to recommend brews based on your preferences or let you sample a few options before committing to a pint.

Recommendations

• Don’t miss their house signature IPA, which offers a perfect balance of bitterness and tropical fruit notes. • For something lighter, their pale ale is a refreshing choice, especially on a warm evening. • Pair your drinks with their spicy fries for a great combo of heat and crispiness.

Conclusion

Tai Soon Bar is a fantastic spot for craft beer lovers and anyone looking to chill out in a cool, friendly setting. With its great beer selection, inviting atmosphere, and attentive service, it’s a place you’ll want to return to...

A review long overdue. Tai Soon is arguably my favorite craft beer spot in BKK. Found this place a couple of years ago and I keep coming back every other month.

Being a brewer myself, I know a thing or two about craft beer, and they have a pretty good selection of 18 taps, plus hundreds of bottles/cans in the fridges. They carry a lot of big names like Omnipollo, Lervig, Bottle Logic, Cloudwater, Fidens, and – if luck would have it – even some Tree House or Monkish from time to time. And this is the place you can often find some rare local Thai brews too.

The owner and staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. If I weren't living too far away, I would even come more often. And prices are a lot more reasonable than other well-known bottle shops (at Tai Soon, a great BBA stout goes 800+ whereas you're expected to pay 1100+ for the same beer at some other places).

The only minor drawback is the circular tables they use downstairs are a little inconvenient for a group. And it's a small place and is always crowded. The snacks are quite okay too. Wish them success for a...