Get Yourself Lost In These 5 Speakeasy Bars in Saigon
When perfectly-positioned and showy bars are no longer reason enough to justify the price tag, then the ones in understated style certainly are. Come in prominence as illicit establishments selling banned alcohol and cocktails during the Prohibition-era in the 1920s in the US and ended in 1933, speakeasy bars are now remained among big cities to evoke this trend as well as describe the retro style. Unquestionably, the bars with a little mystery that force guests to walk down a staircase then knock on a secret door always appeal any intrepid party-goers. In this spirit, Saigon is rife with drinking dens that add a thrill in any night out. Here, we round up 5 of the best speakeasy bars in downtown Saigon that you should visit.
The Alley Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
The tiny brown-hued neon sign humbly stuck on the run-down wall commands as you follow a small alley on Pasteur Street to reach The Alley cocktail bar & kitchen. Bestowing an intimate atmosphere, this bar is outfitted with dim light and vintage style. Some dark & bright pictures are hanged over the wall to make it look a bit more Western. And, wistful boozers can seek themselves a private space on the small balcony for people watching over glass windows. Spend an hour sitting on a lounge chair and sipping a classical cocktail or Whisky, and you’ll completely lose the track of time. Besides a rotating menu of seasonal drinks, treat yourself with world-class Tapas and melodious music. Weekend acoustic guitar and Jazz music performances here are never obsolete with the participation of many youngsters.
Find the alley and chill with your partners in one of the coolest bars in Saigon.
Photo: @thealleycocktailbarandkitchen's
Address: 63/1 Pasteur Street, District 1
Best for: Couple, Solo, Group
Phone: 0935653969
Open: 17:00 - 00:00
Below – Whiskey Den
Saigon’s nightlife knows how to surprise night olds with a trove of incognito clandestine bars hiding in unexpected places. Below – Whiskey Den, just like its name, is a basement bar underneath Broma, a much hotter bar exposing on Nguyen Hue Street.
Pass by twinkling fairy lights to enter a small and dimly lit space adorned with subdued colorings and half-lined wooden-paneling walls. Live music also fits the ambiance as it is not too loud and well-deserved attention is given to couples of chandeliers atop. Browse the innovative cocktail menu and opt for a fine signature cocktail or malt Whiskey from the liquid-filled bottle track. You can also choose other nouveau whiskey mixes like The Tree Letter and the Smuggler of Smugger with eye-catching decoration made by skillful bartenders.
Guests coming during Happy hour from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Mon – Fri) are served straight into a classic or mixed cocktail at a much cheaper price.
Photo: @below.whiskyden
Snuffbox
As dark and intriguing as other speakeasies, Snuffbox is tucked in a super-exclusive space of the run-down Ton That Dam apartment block. An elaborate entrance with unmark door, vintage-looking furniture and spectacular chandeliers in reds and browns adorn interiors. Also, there is a mezzanine in case it gets hot and for smocking. There, you’ll find a discreet seating area done up in long sofas and subtle light for a private take or an intimate date. However, quirky cocktails made in classical styles such as Dry Martini, Bee’s Knee, and New York Sour are the show-stoppers here. The drinking price varies from 150.000 VND to 250.000 VND but during Happy Hour from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, you can get a better deal with 120.000 VND for a cocktail.
Sip on seasonal drinks and keep your eyes up the live music, contemporary dance performances, and even legerdemain. Resident DJs perform every Friday while live musicians are invited on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Photo: @snuffbox.speakeasy
Address: 14 Ton That Dam Street, District 1
Best for: Couple, Solo, Group
Phone: 0941701888
Open: 18:00 - 03:00
Iron Bank – Cocktail Vault
Climb a set of dark and secret stairs to reach the upper floor and then pull open an unlabeled doorway; you’ll be amidst a dimly lit drinking venue. Iron Bank – Cocktail Vault is brand-new but is strongly inspired by the 1920s retro style. Old rough brick walls and a list of classical award-winning cocktails hint at the past life. Jaw-dropping views of the whole bar and busy bartenders can especially be seen from the mezzanine fitted with chairs. Take a seat at one of the communal wooden tables and examine the impressive collection of cocktails at the well-stocked bar. Guests with a predilection for decadence should pick Queen of Decadence or The Smokey Banter from the ‘new money’ menu. Meanwhile, the ‘old money’ menu consists of drinks in the Old Fashioned and Cosmopolitan style. If you’re feeling peckish, feast on steak tartare, salmon crostini, or Sriracha. Occasionally, there are DJs and Saxophone live performances at the bar.
The end of the day - Photo: @Lalam0155
Address: 47 Ton That Dam Street, District 1
Best for: Couple, Solo, Group
Phone: 0938186652
Open: 17:00 - 01:00
Rabbit Hole
Delve among fashionable basement bars in Saigon and find this self-described Avant-garden bar. This underground bar has single-handedly revolutionized the Prohibition-style with sophisticated and laid-back choices in an upscale ambiance. All these characters that might be found in New York’s or San Francisco’s bars.
In the shadow of the dark velvet curtain, this L-shape, mirrored-back bar maintains its hustle and bustle. And top-notch mixologists always know how to incredibly satisfy their customers. Cocktail enthusiasts just need to nab a nook and experience an ‘abnormal’ collection of premium spirits, whiskeys, and bespoke cocktails. Price starts at 200.000 VND for a gorgeously-crafted cocktail interspersed with complex additions.
On weekends, DJs and live Jazz music appeals fun-loving chill-out crowds of loyal locals and foreigners.
Rabbit Hole Saigon - Photo: @thebureauasia
Address: 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street
Best for: Couple, Solo, Group
Phone: 02838234896
Open: 18:00 - 02:00
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