Most people think bars are where you come to burn your energy out with alcohol and music, but not all bars are the same. Some are designed for people to come and relax after a hard day of work.
People recharge differently: some like tranquility, some like reminiscing, and some prefer enjoying their drinks amidst nature. Let Vietcetera introduce you to 7 different bars with 7 different ways to recharge, and feel free to take your pick.
Recharge at the minimalist Boo SG
A secluded hideout with huge glass windows overlooking the Old Market on Ton That Dam Street, Boo SG pulls you in with their mellow atmosphere and an impressive bar at the center. Each night, the curtains behind will be drawn to reveal the colorful spirit shelf, turning the bar into a stage where the magic happens.
The menu at Boo SG offers 2 versions for each cocktail: classic and fancy. You can choose between a classic Manhattan, or “fancy” it up with a touch of peanut butter, lychee and vermouth.
You can also recharge in style with their festival menus such as the “Rock – Paper – Scissors KS” for Valentine’s Day or the X’Mas menu with the special “Ông Già Râu Bạc” (White Beard Grandpa) for Christmas.
Boo SG also has plenty of offers in their weekly “Boozy Vibe” event so you can enjoy yourself without breaking the bank.
Address: 119 Tôn Thất Đạm, District 1
Contact: 093 180 31 10
Opening hours: 17:00 – 01:30
Boozy Vibe: from 18:00 every Tue/Wed – 119.000VND off for classic cocktails
Snuffbox Speakeasy – classic Western recharge station
The vibe at Snuffbox is true to the retro speakeasy concept of the 20s with a high ceiling, disco balls, a curved bar, and an amber-lit shelf, giving a Western aristocratic vibe from the olden days, with a touch of “vintage” Asian from the oriental tiles and the aged building itself.
Snuffbox offers different drink menus for different time slots. During the earlier frame between 18:00 to 20:00 daily, you can have your cocktails such as Bees Knee (Gin, lime juice, honey) and more. From 20:00 to 22:00 every Tuesday, there will be the Blush Night menu with a free-flow special offer for the ladies. On Thursday from 18:00, Snuffbox will be serving their Mixology Night menu with customizable cocktails.
Snuffbox’s array of offers with live music, DJ and mini-shows every week will surely give you that energy boost.
Address: 14 Tôn Thất Đạm, District 1
Contact: 076 441 2400
Opening hours: 18:00 – 03:00
Happy hours: 18:00 – 20:00
Live Music: Wed/Sat – DJ Night: Fri
After-work Gangs’ Night: Wed from 18:00, special offers for groups of 4+: free drinks, 10% off total bill
Have a melancholic recharge session at STIR
STIR is magically both spacious and cozy at the same time. The atmosphere here will take you back to Saigon’s olden age with the vintage tables, classic lamps, and green window frames with horizontal bars. A windy balcony, city lights shining in – everything reminds you of a homely space.
Besides classic choices, STIR also serves up some very Vietnamese cocktails such as “Nước Sâm 18+” - Tanqueray, traditional herbal tea, soda, “Xôi Mít” (Jackfruit Sticky Rice), or “Lý Cây Ngô” (Corn Folk Song) – vanilla, orange, popcorn.
Come to STIR during their special “Tan Ca” – After Work hours for special offers, or check out their guest bartender nights and music nights to wind down after a workday.
Address: 1st Floor, 136 Alley on Lê Thánh Tôn, District 1
Opening hours: 17:30 – 01:45
Tan Ca – After Work: 17:30 – 20:30 Mon - Fri
Recharge with that youthful energy at DOT Bar
Located right next to Nguyen Hue Walking Street with many high-rise office buildings, DOT is the perfect late-night change of scene for your day. With colorful neon signs, comfy leather sofas, cage lanterns, and a textured wall right behind their bright shelf, DOT Bar is the “it” spot for some youthful, modern fun.
DOT has an extensive menu of classic cocktails and wine, to be savored with a range of snacks from familiar choices like fries to quirkier ones like fried frogs with mango salad.
For the wanderers in need of some divine guidance, aim for DOT’s Mystic Wednesdays – Tarot Night. And if what you need is some good fun, check out their weekly music nights. DOT also offers plenty of special deals for your busy Mondays.
Address: 14 Nguyễn Thiệp, District 1
Contact: 090 870 62 07
Opening hours: 19:00 – 01:00
Live Music: Fri/Sat – DJ Night: Sun
It’s Not Monday: 17:30 – 20:30 Mon, 1 free snack for every 2 cocktails
Mystic Wednesday – Tarot Night: 21:00
Have a regal recharge at Ministry of Men
Ministry of Men impresses with its classic, regal 18-19th century Western vibes, just like in The Great Gatsby: exquisite décor, lush red curtains, embossed ceiling, leather furniture, and paintings of renowned figures bedazzling every wall.
You’ll feel the dread after a workday dissolves in this world of elegance, where you get to travel back in time and revel in traits of history.
Historical features are honored not only in the décor but also in their menu, with signature cocktails such as the tangy Marie Curie, the herbal Albert Einstein laced with the dryness of Gin, or the rich and fruity Marilyn Monroe.
Address: 3rd Floor, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Lê Duẩn, District 1
Contact: 1800 7040
Opening hours: 10:00 – 01:00
Happy hours: 18:00 – 20:00 daily, BOBO for selected Gin cocktail menu, buy 2 get 1 free for Whiskey menu
APRIL SPECIAL OFFER: Monkey Shoulder Month menu – 10% off for 3 cocktails, or 15% off plus gifts for 5 cocktails
Refill your battery with a fresh splash from Summer Experiment
True to its namesake, Summer Experiment will take you on a fresh journey of relaxation amongst greenery both indoors and out in the garden.
Included in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, Summer Experiment not only impresses with its beautiful space but also satisfies your every sense: good drinks for your tastebuds, beautiful cocktails for your eyes, and crisp herbal air to cleanse your lungs with.
Their menu is divided into color schemes, and color play is undoubtedly their forté. Some must-try include, but are not limited to: the violet Milk Batch Baby combining ice cream and alcohol, the Fuschia Dragon’s Delight from red dragon fruit, guava syrup, and wine, or the warm orange On Cloud 9 with a tall layer of white foam on top.
Address: 2nd Floor, 77-79 Lý Tự Trọng, District 1
Contact: 028 3521 0789
Opening hours: from 16:00
Happy hours: 17:00 – 20:00 Mon-Sat, discount menu from 99.000VND
The Iron Bank – Cocktail Vault, your personal lair for a medieval recharge session
The Iron Bank is an enclosed space, dim-lit and saturated with medieval elements. This grey-tone bar is decorated with textured arch walls and exposed bricks in some corners, making this a true hideout for your relaxation.
The menu at The Iron Bank is switched up monthly, sure to satisfy any taste from sour, sweet, spicy to bitter.
Here you can find folk drinks such as rượu cần (stem liquor), lotus liquor to sticky violet rice wine, served in interesting vessels like coconut shells, small earthen jars, or dragon fruit rinds.
This “lair” also has live music every Sunday with warm melancholic tunes to sip good drinks to and recharge after a long day.
Address: 47 Tôn Thất Đạm, District 1
Contact: 089 946 79 00
Opening hours: 17:00 – 01:00
Live Music: Sundays
Vietnam Bar Week 2022 runs from 09 to 17 April 2022 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, presented by Vietcetera and Mastercard. With a special bar map, you can explore 40 venues, earn program stickers, and get access to special drink menus for a week-long drinking experience showcasing Vietnam’s best of the best.
Special thanks to all sponsors of Vietnam Bar Week 2022: Mastercard, Diageo (owner of Johnnie Walker and Tanqueray), Lighthouse Group Indochina (exclusive distributor of Peroni and Super Bock), Good Food, Nestlé (exclusive distributor of San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna), Kamereo and Lacàph.
During the course of Vietnam Bar Week 2022, Mastercard cardholders enjoy the privilege of an exclusive 15% discount for the first drink at our participating bars.