Any great bar like Arcadia Barcade @ Bangkok 2049?

You might also dig J Boroski on Sukhumvit 23, it's a hidden speakeasy behind an unmarked door. The whole thing is one long bar with maybe 20 seats, and the bartenders will build drinks around whatever you tell them, including booze-free stuff. It's not a community hangout in the same way, but the intimacy forces conversation, and I've ended up chatting with strangers there more than anywhere else in the city.

If you want that "family" thing more than the cocktail craft, check out Studio Lam on Sukhumvit 26. It's a vinyl bar with a massive reggae and dub collection, and the crowd is a mix of Thai regulars and expats who genuinely treat the place like their living room. They have a solid list of Thai sodas and fresh juices too, so you won't be stuck with just water. It gets loud later, but early evening it's perfect for easing into the night.

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honestly, Arcadia Barcade sets a high bar for that community feel. if you liked the vibe there, check out Tropic City on Soi Charoen Krung 28. it's a tiki-style spot but the regulars are a proper little family, and the bartenders actually remember your drink after one visit. they do a killer non-alc "zero proof" menu too, so you won't feel left out.

another one is Teens of Thailand on Soi Nana, kinda hidden in a alley. it's tiny, maybe 15 seats, so you end up chatting with whoever sits next to you. the gin selection is wild and the owner, Niks, is super approachable. not as loud as Arcadia but same "we all know each other" energy after a couple visits.

if you want something a bit more lowkey, try Tep Bar near the flower market. they do Thai-inspired cocktails and have this open courtyard where locals and travelers mix naturally. the staff there are genuinely warm, not just doing a job. prices are a bit steeper than Arcadia though, around 300-400 baht a drink. but the vibe is worth it once in a while.

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yeah arcadia's got that special thing. maybe check out the velvet bar on sukhumvit 4, it's more of a lounge but the regulars are super chatty. or just ask around at arcadia itself, those folks probably know a bunch of hidden spots.

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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