Best picks from Little Bao.
It’s a full-scale war going out on Thong Lor now, with the recent opening of 72 Courtyard, situated between sois 16 and 18. Those who brave to venture this already-packed road better bring it to Bangkok’s glitziest wining and dining high street.
With this new partying cluster, Bangkok boozers and foodies are beyond spoiled for choice. For now, the square, grey block only completely comes alive at night, with its neon-drenched courtyard that beckons you with the promise of hip, hybrid restaurants, Bangkok’s most beautiful (according to our photographer, anyway) and feel of a New York sky park.
We’d love to say it isn’t so, but little birdies have told us that other eateries and party spots around the neighbourhood, such as Moose, have shut shop. Thankfully, 72 Courtyard has the goods to fill the alcohol-shaped hole in our hearts.
The complex is home to nine different outlets, where you can feed cravings that range from strong drinks, Mexican, Nordic, Chinese and Western, to ripping it up full throttle on a dance floor that actually vibrates. The cool Scandis that run the Rocket chain are here with their other hip haunts Lady Brett and UNCLE (United Nations of Cocktail Lovers Everywhere), as well — although the latter have a different menu from the originals on Sathon 12. Rocket X (X for express) is a first to launch at 72 Courtyard, which focuses on the grab-and-go service. A proper in-store dining menu will be rolling out soon, but take note that this is the cheapest and only Rocket outlet that offers bagels. A fail-proof pick with a pleasant taste you can grab from as early as 7am is salmon and eggs (175 baht).
If you miss New York’s High Line and need your fix of meadowy flora on an elevated outdoor area, that’s just what the second floor of 72 Courtyard brings to mind. Dawdle or sit back in this lush, green open space — it’s the perfect spot to be seen even if you didn’t come for any of the eateries or drinking holes. When your stomach starts to rumble, continue reminiscing about your love for New York at Toro, the Barcelona-inspired tapas bar with branches in the Big Apple and Boston. Expect to order no less than four tapas and a paella for a company of two — tapas are small after all. It’s well worth the splurge though; do try Setas y Huevo (250 baht) for a swanky take on mushrooms and egg yolk.
72 Courtyard by night.
The hip hop Mexican taqueria Touche Hombre from Australia does beautifully-plated steaks and refined tacos, which are served on slabs of wood. Their grilled wagyu (980 baht) is not the hearty sort that will fill you up, but for putting on a show, it gets full points. You can’t go wrong with the chicken taco (225 baht), but their octopus taco (350 baht) offers a well-flavoured, succulent gummy texture you don’t often get with tacos. Your wallet may wonder if it can handle this, but remind yourself prices in Thailand for both Toro and Hombre are actually cheaper than the original branches.
The other import not to be missed is Little Bao, a fun and creative Chinese diner from Hong Kong. What’s ridiculously awesome again is the fact that the exact same menu as in Hong Kong is actually cheaper here. Signatures like lamb tartare and tofu chips (360 baht) and steamed drunken clams (360 baht) are great for sharing. I mean, things can’t get much better than clams in boozy butter. Also, their promise of small baos are all lies — it’s actually the size of a proper burger and enough to fill you. If you want a stuffing besides the expected pork belly, Sichuan chicken (260 baht), delightfully crispy even after sitting there for a long while, is a delicious option.
On the second floor of Beam.
The complex’s own brands (Evil Man Blues, Beer Belly, Beam) are glossily executed and fare just as well. All of them are drenched with the decor of neon signs, but each exude a stylish and contemporary personality of their own. Drop down to the spacious, craft beer hall Beer Belly on the ground floor, which has a communal vibe — where a live band, ping pong table and board games are among some of the things you can indulge in.
For those who’d rather dance up a storm, Beam’s high-tech equipment offers killer lighting and a floor that literally makes your feet tingle. It gets impossibly tight within the simple, rectangular room that doesn’t have much tables around 11pm, but the heavy beats (hip hop on the first, house on the second) and their mad graphics and piercing lasers make it worth the effort. The moody and broody can also find their footing at the jazz bar Evil Man Blues, which offers a more private solace away from the bustle of beautiful people. There’s live mood-setting music from Wednesday to Saturday, where cocktails are sophisticated and comfort food along the lines of mac & cheese balls and velvet cakes.
When everything is right there, it’s hard to leave, especially when the courtyard space is airy and never short of seats. An international Thai crowd and expats pack the place, what else is there to say, besides, wanna Courtyard and chill?
Toro.
Inside Beer Belly.
Grab-and-go at Rocket X.
This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven cocktail at Evil Man Blues.
Tacos, margaritas and steak from Touche Hombre.
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.