137 Pillars In Bangkok, Thailand

When it comes to creative cocktails, Bangkok is booming. The Thai capital is awash in all kinds of creative drinking dens, spanning a range of styles and vibes. So when Jack Bain’s Bar reopened in March of 2023—after a pandemic-era shutdown—the folks behind the concept knew they had to make it especially elevated. They have succeeded in spades.

Tucked into a corner of the 28th floor of the luxurious 137 Pillars Suites & Residences, in the chic Sukhumvit-thonglor district of the city, Jack Bain’s is a unique combination of high-end cocktails, high-rise views, and a whole lot of history. Let’s start with the drinks, since that’s what you’re coming here for…

The inventive tipples were conceived by head bartender Thavon Wongyai, who has drawn inspiration from 19th Century recipes, rendered with locally-sourced Thai ingredients. Anna’s Flavour, for example, is a riff on a Casino, jazzed up with Mah Kwan—a tingly type of Southeast Asian pepper. Jack Bain’s Favourite resembles a Rob Roy but with lime leaves and orange jelly-infused vodka added to the mix.

There’s also an entire section of menu devoted to minimizing waste. The Eco Cocktails are anchored by the Pang Khon—which uses leftover coffee from the neighboring kitchen and spikes it with Issan Thai Rum and brown sugar to expert effect. Drinks cost between $10 to $15 a pour.

They are served in a dimly-lit parlor, which makes use of dark wood paneling and plush leather seating to affect a classical members club kind of feel. Peering out over Nimitr—the fine dining restaurant a floor below—you’ll sip in style, taking in panorama of the dense cityscape that surrounds.

Making evenings even more exciting at Jack Bain’s is the launch of an ongoing pop-up series. In the months ahead, the bar will be bringing in top talent from across the globe and showcasing menus to lucky guests who happen to be visiting during that time. The program began in May with the arrival of Julia Momosé, celebrated Chicago mixologist, author, and founder of the award-winning Kumiko Bar.

Of course, you don’t have to be here during a guest stint to enjoy the alluring essence of the space. And whenever you sidle up to the bar you’ll be drinking a sturdy serving of history along with your cocktails. The bar actually takes its name and identity from a Scotsman, who was raised in a teak homestead alongside the Ping River in Chiang Mai. He eventually grew up to be the manager of the Borneo Company.

After his passing, that homestead was converted into the centerpiece of 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai—a sister property in a markedly more rural setting. Nevertheless, that environ has been faithfully recreated at 137 Pillars Bangkok, affording guests a portal into a different time and place, altogether.

Those looking to stay on property can book rooms starting at $125 per night. Suites here come with spacious floor plans, butler service, and access to one of the most serene rooftop pools in the city—an infinity-edged watering hole perched 33 floors above the din of Bangkok’s famously bustling streets. Best of all, that pool stays open super late, so you can soak in the scenery well after nightcaps have concluded.