Beyond the electrifying pulse of its modern nightlife, Bangkok has a deep and soulful jazz scene that’s one of the best in Asia. It’s a world of dimly lit lounges, legendary pubs, and sophisticated speakeasies where incredibly talented musicians take the stage every night. For those in the know, a night at one of the city’s Bangkok jazz bars is a chance to unwind, enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail, and get lost in the timeless allure of live music.

The city’s jazz offerings are incredibly diverse, from classic bebop and smooth vocals in a luxurious hotel bar to funky, experimental sounds in a hidden basement club. To help you find the perfect vibe for your evening, we’ve curated the definitive guide to the 17 best jazz bars in the city. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, your unforgettable musical night starts here.

Why Trust This Guide?

As a Bangkok local who has a deep passion for the city’s live music scene, I’ve spent countless nights exploring its jazz venues. I’ve sat in the front row at Saxophone Pub, nursing a beer while a blues band played, and I’ve savored a perfectly made Old Fashioned at The Bamboo Bar while a classic trio performed. This guide is built on that personal experience—knowing which bars have the best acoustics, which have the most authentic atmosphere, and which feature the most talented resident musicians. These are the places I go to and recommend to friends when we’re in the mood for a truly soulful night out.

Bangkok’s Best Jazz Bars at a Glance

Bar NameBest ForLocation Area
The Bamboo BarUltimate Luxury & Legendary StatusRiverside
Saxophone PubA True Institution, Blues & JazzVictory Monument
The Living RoomWeekend Jazzy Brunch & Big BandsAsoke
SmallsEclectic Vibe & Strong CocktailsSathorn (Suan Phlu)
AlonetogetherIntimate Speakeasy & VinylSukhumvit 31
Crimson Room1920s Glamour & Live PerformancesChidlom
008 BarClassic Cocktails & Speakeasy FeelThong Lo
Bluebird Jazz BarA Hidden Gem for Jazz PuristsThong Lo
Brown SugarThe Original Jazz & Blues BarPhra Nakhon (Old Town)
Buddha & PalsCharming Cafe & Jazz VenuePom Prap Sattru Phai
FooJohn BuildingMulti-level, Retro CharmCharoen Krung
SpeakerboxIndie Music & Jam SessionsThong Lo
To MoreA Newcomer with Great MusicBang Rak
The WoodshedRustic Vibe & Craft CocktailsSukhumvit 31
SIWILAI Sound ClubAudiophile Bar with Jazz NightsCharoen Krung
Black CabinRock ‘n’ Roll Bar with BluesRama IV
Bangkok MojoSoul, Funk & Blues BarBang Rak

The Legendary Institutions

These are the iconic, must-visit bars that have defined the Bangkok jazz scene for decades.

The Bamboo Bar: The Pinnacle of Luxury

Located in the Mandarin Oriental, The Bamboo Bar is a legend. Consistently ranked among the world’s best bars, it exudes a timeless, colonial-era glamour. I’ve been here for special occasions, and the atmosphere is simply magical. The cocktails are works of art, and the resident jazz vocalists are always world-class.

Saxophone Pub: A True Institution

For over 30 years, Saxophone Pub has been the heart and soul of Bangkok’s live music scene. Located near Victory Monument, this legendary, multi-level pub is a rite of passage. It’s not fancy, but it’s incredibly authentic, with a mix of jazz, blues, and reggae bands playing every night.

Brown Sugar: The Original Jazz & Blues Bar

Brown Sugar is another legend, having been one of the city’s original jazz and blues bars for decades. Now located near the Democracy Monument in the Old Town, it continues its legacy of showcasing fantastic live bands in a cool, laid-back setting.

The Sophisticated Lounges & Speakeasies

These bars offer a more refined, intimate, and often hidden setting to enjoy top-tier cocktails and jazz.

Alonetogether: The Intimate Speakeasy

Tucked away in a Sukhumvit 31 shophouse, Alonetogether is a dimly lit, intimate speakeasy dedicated to classic cocktails, cigars, and fantastic live jazz. I love the vinyl listening room upstairs. The name is a nod to a jazz standard, and the place truly captures that cool, relaxed vibe.

Crimson Room: 1920s Great Gatsby Glamour

Walking into Crimson Room feels like stepping onto a movie set. Inspired by the Roaring Twenties, this lavish, red-velvet-draped theatre-style bar is all about glamour. The live jazz band performs on a central stage, making every night feel like a special event.

Smalls: The Eclectic, Multi-Level Hideaway

Smalls is a quirky, Parisian-inspired bar in a multi-level shophouse that has become a beloved institution. It’s dark, atmospheric, and filled with interesting art. They have regular live jazz nights, and the rooftop deck is a fantastic place to chill.

008 Bar: A Classic Cocktail Haven

Hidden on the 11th floor of a Thong Lo hotel, 008 Bar is a sophisticated escape with a 1920s Prohibition-era theme. The focus here is on perfectly executed classic cocktails and live jazz. It’s a grown-up bar for people who appreciate quality drinks and good conversation.

The Hotel Lounges: Elegance & Ambiance

Bangkok’s luxury hotels are home to some of the most comfortable and consistently excellent jazz venues.

The Living Room at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit: The Weekend Jazzy Brunch

The Living Room is famous for its “Sunday Jazzy Brunch,” a Bangkok institution. But it’s also a fantastic venue for evening jazz. I love the comfortable, lounge-style seating and the big band performances. It’s a very elegant and relaxing place to enjoy world-class musicians.

The Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

These are the spots beloved by local jazz fans and those in the know.

Bluebird Jazz Bar: A Hidden Gem for Purists

This small, cozy bar in Thong Lo is for true jazz lovers. It feels less like a commercial bar and more like a private club for musicians and their friends. The atmosphere is intimate and focused entirely on the music, which is always high-quality.

Buddha & Pals: A Charming Cafe & Jazz Venue

Located in an old shophouse near the Golden Mount, Buddha & Pals operates as a charming cafe during the day and transforms into an intimate jazz bar at night. The vintage, European-style decor creates a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.

FooJohn Building: Multi-level, Retro Charm

This is one of my favorite unique spots in Charoen Krung. It’s a multi-level building with a French bistro on the ground floor, a jazz club on the second, and a BBQ joint on the roof. The jazz club is intimate and cool, with a speakeasy vibe and great live music on weekends.

The Woodshed: Rustic Vibe & Craft Cocktails

This cozy bar in Sukhumvit 31 has a warm, rustic vibe, with lots of wood and dim lighting. They specialize in craft cocktails and have excellent live jazz, particularly New Orleans style, on weekends.

SIWILAI Sound Club The Audiophile's Choice

SIWILAI Sound Club: The Audiophile’s Choice

Located in a historic building in Charoen Krung, SIWILAI Sound Club is a two-story venue for music lovers. The ground floor is a lively bar, while the upstairs is a dedicated audiophile listening room with a serious sound system. They have regular jazz nights that are a real treat for the ears.

Bangkok Mojo: Soul, Funk & Blues

While not exclusively a jazz bar, Mojo is a fantastic live music venue in the Bang Rak area with a strong focus on soul, funk, blues, and jazz. The quality of the musicians is always top-notch, and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming.

  • Website: https://bangkokmojo.com/
  • Phone: 089 909 3529
  • Address: 1103 Charoen Krung 39, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

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The Up-and-Comers

These newer or more alternative spots are making waves in the city’s music scene.

Speakerbox: Indie Music & Jam Sessions

Located at the end of Thong Lo, Speakerbox is a cool, indie music cafe that hosts a wide variety of live music, including regular jazz and blues nights. It’s a great place to discover up-and-coming local bands and enjoy a more casual, laid-back vibe.

To More: A Newcomer with Great Music

A newer addition to the scene, To More is a stylish bar that has quickly gained a reputation for its excellent live jazz performances. It’s a sophisticated spot with a focus on quality cocktails and a great atmosphere for music lovers.

Black Cabin: Rock ‘n’ Roll Bar with Blues & Jazz

While primarily a rock ‘n’ roll bar, Black Cabin has a strong affinity for blues and frequently hosts fantastic jazz and blues bands. It’s a bit grittier and more energetic than a traditional jazz lounge, perfect for a high-energy night of music.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best night to go for live jazz in Bangkok?

While you can find live jazz every night of the week, the best and most popular bands usually play on Friday and Saturday nights. However, many bars also have excellent mid-week sessions that can be less crowded.

Do I need to book a table at a jazz bar?

For popular and smaller venues like Alonetogether, Bluebird, or for a prime seat at The Bamboo Bar, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially on weekends. For larger pubs like Saxophone, you can often walk in, but you may have to stand.

Is there a cover charge or entrance fee?

It varies. Most hotel bars and speakeasies do not have a cover charge, but the drink prices will be higher. Some dedicated music pubs like Saxophone or Brown Sugar may have a small cover charge, especially if a well-known band is playing. It’s always best to check their Facebook page for the latest information.

What is the dress code for jazz bars in Bangkok?

For legendary pubs like Saxophone, the dress code is very casual. For speakeasies and hotel bars like The Bamboo Bar or Crimson Room, a ‘smart casual’ dress code is expected—no shorts, sleeveless shirts (for men), or flip-flops.

What kind of jazz can I expect to hear?

Bangkok’s jazz scene is incredibly diverse. You can find everything from classic standards and bebop at places like The Bamboo Bar, to soulful vocals, funky modern jazz, and energetic blues at pubs like Saxophone. Many bars will post their weekly artist schedule on their social media pages.

References

For more on Asia’s world-class bar scene and the latest live music schedules, we recommend these trusted external sources:

  • Asia’s 50 Best Bars: The definitive regional authority on the best bars, providing annual rankings and in-depth features on the top venues and bartenders in Bangkok and beyond. https://www.asias50bestbars.com/
  • Siam2nite: A comprehensive nightlife and event guide for Bangkok, featuring up-to-date schedules for live music, DJ sets, and events at many of the city’s top bars and clubs. https://www.siam2nite.com/en/
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