5 bars in Bangkok with great food
We all know that Bangkok has a vibrant nightlife. Case in point, CNN reports that the options in Thailand's capital run the gamut, from dive bars to fancy clubs. But don't be fooled — it’s not always about cheap beers and cocktails in these parts. You'll find quality food and bar chow at many of these late-night joints too. After all, Thai food is revered as a global classic. Here are five Bangkok bars with great food that you should check out the next time you visit Thailand.The Bamboo BarIf you’re looking for some timeless, historical luxury, then you’re in the right place. Located inside the Mandarin Oriental hotel, The Bamboo Bar has been around since 1953 and prides itself on its constantly changing drinks menu. That way, no two visits are exactly the same. The food is nothing to shake your head at either. Their Italian parma ham on sourdough and Nordic gravlax salmon, while on the more expensive side of the spectrum, will make you feel like you’re living the high life.Park Society Restaurant & TerraceThere are a lot of rooftop bars in Bangkok, but the Park Society Restaurant & Terrace at So Sofitel is one of the best. This award-winning restaurant features a number of modern cuisines, getting inspiration from North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. The majority of their menu is for “whole table sharing,” like their plate full of tapas and huge servings of fish and chips. It also offers the best view of the Siam and Silom skyline, as well as Lumpini Park.The Smokin’ PugAmerican classics like chicken wings and barbeque ribs are something that's hard to resist. And western style restaurants are becoming increasingly common in Bangkok due to the changing demographic of the city. An article on Thailand by ExpatBets explains how the expat community in the country is increasing due to the high standards of living at such a low cost. And many of these expats have a craving for good western dishes which is why the Smokin' Pug along Langsuan road is so popular. While the place is mostly known for its original cocktails, they also have a vast selection of American classics including tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, and enormous racks of ribs (complete with their original barbecue sauce). It's best to get a reservation as the place is almost always full. Whether you're looking for authentic Thai food or miss something from home, you're bound to find something great.Tep BarLocated in Chinatown’s Soi Nana, this lively hub is known to play high-tempo yet classic Thai percussion instruments while you enjoy a glass of wine. But before you get there, the whereabouts of this place is part of the charm. It's tucked away in a very small alley of the old town street near Hua Lamphong, in a two-storied restaurant with no signage that passersby wouldn't think twice to check. Once inside, check out their extensive menu of popular Thai dishes such as sun-dried Thai beef, as well as papaya salad and raw prawns. However, avoid weekday evenings if you can, since it tends to be extra packed.Score BarApart from Muay Thai, the NBA and European soccer leagues have gotten quite big in Thailand. This is why the capital is home to plenty of sports bars where Thais combine their love of sport with their love of food. One of the best places to experience this is Score Bar. Located in the depths of Soi Sukhumvit 11, Score Bar is heaven for any sports fanatic. Not only do they have giant flat screens to enjoy your favorite sports on, but they also have in-bar sports games like pool. The establishment serves a wide range of dishes from different cuisines including Asian classics such as Pad Thai, Mee Goreng, and Hokkien Mee. It's also known to serve a good plate of chicken wings with 15 different flavors to choose from. Sports fan or not, that is something that everyone can appreciate.These are just some of the bars that serve awesome food in the culturally rich and vibrant capital of Bangkok. Keep this list in mind to make the most out of your next visit to this awesome and tourist-friendly city.