Rhodes Bangkok

Stopped by this bar on impulse after dinner around the area. From the outside, it looks understated and elegant—though the THB 200 parking already hints the first cringe. The welcome was awkward at best: stiff, aloof staff and an overly intense security check that felt more like crossing a border than entering a bar. Inside, the place was nearly empty, yet we were only informed after heading toward the sofas that all comfortable seating required a THB 20k minimum spend. Another cringe, but we chose to be comfortable at the bar and stayed for a drink since we selectively weren't that fussed. Unfortunately, the drinks were hit-or-miss. My friend’s Christmas cocktail was almost flavourless despite the festive presentation, while my Campari spritz was solid—thankfully a safe choice (they can't possibly make this bad). The bar was uncomfortably cold, and oddly funnily enough decorated with ski gear (in Bangkok…), and plagued by small but noticeable issues: questionable fixture quality(s) such as loose bar seat stools (that came off when I was only pulling the chair back to be seated lol) and the DJ set (or the DJ himself...) malfunctions mid-playlist despite their designer, high-end set of speakers. Ironic and cringe again- at least some way entertaining for such a over the top snobby wannabe establishment. The interior design is actually nice—Mediterranean-industrial—but the experience feels more focused on projecting plastic exclusivity than basic hospitality of accommodating good drinks and vibes. Overall, it’s fine if you’re curious, but between the snobbish vibe, overpriced parking, mixed review cocktails, DJ performance/technological hiccups, and chilly atmosphere for the most mysterious tastemaking reasons, it’s not a place I’d return to. So cringy.

3 months ago