BANGKOK EYES PRESENTS -
|
BANGKOK EYES PRESENTS -
|
   
|
.
As a matter of course, MIDNITEHOUR periodically revisits the Sukhumvit sois showing 'promise' in the Night Entertainment arena. Such is the case with our return to Soi 23 this month. But we hadn't anticipated the growth in viable Nitespots or the increase in the Soi's general popularity.
Whisgars' outdoor dining lounge is a most popular choice.
 SOI 23 Sukhumvit Rd
We note up-front that this article does not incorporate the joined-at-the-hip Soi Cowboy and the detailed Soi Cowboy map, which is covered elsewhere on MIDNITE HOUR <
 link>. However, we have included both Crazy House and @ Corner which have Soi 23 addresses and are usually associated with Soi Cowboy.
For a number of years, Soi 23 was known as a "massage parlor soi - that also had Pegasus". And while that is also true today (and while it was a slight over-simplification), there is, as we will be seeing, currently a lot more going on.
Bradmans Pub at the top of Soi 23 is typical of the "good
drinking, better eating" Venues to be found. SOI 23 Sukhumvit Rd
In this month's survey, while we acknowledge the flood of massage parlors, we will not be emphasizing them - other than to duly record them on our map, above. Our efforts, photographic and written, will be to highlight the "Pubs & Clubs" which are gaining a solid foothold in the Soi.
Wanida Massage typifies the numerous massage parlors on Soi 23.
SOI 23 Sukhumvit Rd
A rundown, in no particular order, of the " Pubs & Clubs" for Soi 23 is as follows:
* Bradman's Pub * Scruffy Murphys Pub (ex: The Queen Vic) * Whisgars * The Clubhouse * Banana Club * The Crossbar Pub * Pegasus (Member) * Narz (Narcissus, Member) * Lemon Club * Glow -Considerably more than enough Nitespots to provide a number of 'consecutive nights out on the town'. 
The Lemon Club is the latest 'Entertainment Complex' entry on the Soi
SOI 23 Sukhumvit Rd
Last, but certainly not least, is the long-established community of Japanese Night Entertainment Venues at the far end of Soi 23, as you zigzag your way the back way to Soi 31. At first glance, one might think that the Japanese bars, karaokes and snacks had dried up, but in fact, they have just moved deeper into the Soi into the upper part of Young Place (refer to map). There, one can find a number of the older Japanese Nitespots, along with a number of 'new arrivals' that have come in from other Sukhumvit sois in recent years.
Twins, along with Siamese Twins are among the 'old-hand' bars at the top of Soi 23.
SOI 23 Sukhumvit Rd
Below are additional photographs of a few of Soi 23's Nitespots.
The "Crossbar" has the advantage of being easily accessed from Asoke.
SOI 23 Sukhumvit Rd 
Pegasus - the 'Entertainment Complex' that 'pioneered the back end of Soi 23.
NIGHT MARKET ROD FAI SRI NAKARIN 
The Hikari is typical of the Japanese Nitespots found at Young Place.
SOI 23 Sukhumvit Rd 
The Clubhouse is another popular 'sports bar' style pub.
SOI 23 Sukhumvit Rd 
MIDNITE HOUR MAIL BOX
BANGKOK EYES
Let the December 2018 Follies begin-
The Pussycat had its soft opening last month, however, regrettably they never quite got 'round to the official one. It was closed down tighter than McLeod's coin purse when we passed by the other evening - no signage indicating a reopening or hiring of new staff. We'll take another pass at it next survey, and should there be a reversal of misfortune, we shall elucidate....
PATPONG 1
A For-The-Archives pic of the long-running Rig 1 Pub located up on The Ramp. The Ramp, which once teemed with a dozen or so Cocktail Lounges up on the 2nd level, is now down to a handful of bars. Further confirmation, if more confirmation were needed, that the Patpongs Night Entertainment Area is slowly slipping beneath the waves...
PATPONG 2
Up until last month, the Royal Salute carried two names : Royal Salute and King Corner Net (rumored to be an on-line poker venue). this month they have reverted to their original name: Royal Salute.
PATPONG 2
A For-The-Archives photo of Cowboy 2 A Go-Go. Note the Japanese script in bold view. Also the "Ice Girls" (sic), the Dollhouse and the Shadow Bar neon can be seen in the background.
SOI COWBOY
Last month we noted that the Short Time signage had been torn down, and speculated that a new Nitespot might be getting ready to open. Well, it happened. This month, the Witchcraft has taken over - lock, stock and barstool.. Let the good times roll.
NANA PLAZA
Last month we noted the long-in-service Bangcockney Bar (top of Soi 6) had closed down, and we suspected the worst. However "the worst" did not eventuate, and the Bangcockney Bar is back on-station, full-throttle. May they persevere.
SOI NANA
The tiny Sugarbowl Bar & Restaurant, closed last month, has sprung forth with renewed vigor. 'Y'all can come back now.'
SOI KATOEY
Hugs Bar-Karaoke, are opening and closing on whatever whim takes them. (This month they have reopened again.)
SOI KATOEY
Last month the Second Base opened its doors to the public (see our photo & note last issue). This month, in its place is the brand new Hangover - let's hope its longevity is somewhat better than its predecessor... Let the nightgames begin...
SOI 22
What was the Be Rich Massage is now a signless shophouse with a locked-down steel roller-shutter. Not that there is a shortage of massage parlors on the Lemongrass subsoi... May the fates deal them a better hand next time 'round...
SOI 22
Last month we noted the closure of Vagabond bar beer at the foot of Subsoi Havana Social, and its replacement - the Ice Bar (which had not yet tacked up any neon). This month we see the new signage - but note that it is a beer bar, like its predecessor, and not an "ice bar" per se. Shake it, don't break it, ladies...
SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit Soi 11) Here's a sneak-peek at what the new Zaks will look like, if, indeed, it will even be "Zaks". A wait-and-see item...
SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit Soi 11) The Hillary 3 is a swirling mass of hammers, dust and saws - as it dives into a total renovation program. Note the sign in front advertising for hiring new employees - this is not necessarily a good sign, in fact it could be viewed a worrisome sign. Many bars put up such signs when they are going out of business to put off creditors, and gain a little time to 'get out of Dodge'.... A Wait-and-See item, to be sure....
SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit Soi 11) The Flow has, it seems, gone down for the 3rd time, never to resurface. Located in the Fenix Bldg, its the story of old - its customer base was rarely from the passing foot trade, and was therefore only occasionally busy...
SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit Soi 11) The Happy Station 11 Bar Beer at the top of Soi Ambassador (in the motorcycle soi called Soi 11/2) has re-closed. In that they open and close so frequently, we will not be posting the same old file photo....
SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit Soi 11) A photo for the Archives - Moonshine Pub, one of QPP's long popular bars still going strong. Yes, a distant cousin to Cowboy's Moonshine. Gotsta get paid.
QUEEN's PARK PLAZA (Sukhumvit 22)
The Firm lasted almost exactly one year (the length of their lease?) A tasteful, bright appearance, but they originally adopted a popular North American modus operandi - a phalanx of bouncers in black to add 'prestige'. This approach, of course, failed, as have others for that reason. So, they got rid of most of the bouncers, but by that time, Soi Dead Artists had become a future-construction site, and the handwriting was on the wall... Greener grass, gentlemen...
SOI DEAD ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) Joy, located on he 2nd level of S 33 Compact Hotel is yet again closed. It opens and closes when it feels like it - so we won't write it off until we see the furniture and fixtures going out the door...
SOI DEAD ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) A For-the-Archives pic of the back end of Soi Eden.
SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)
A photo for the archives of The New Boys Bangkok / Dream Boys. Either our walk-through surveys are ill-timed, or we are noticing a definite down-turn of business in the ' Twilight Zone' these last few months...
SOI TWILIGHT
|
LINK TO US
MISS
SAIGON 
A FILM REVIEW Click Here ! ORDER NOW !
|
Bangkok Eyes is an historically based news outlet, and as such, all graphic excerpts herein are considered, under current legal precedents and
prevailing interpretations, 'Fair Use' under Copyright Law. Copyright of any original artwork resides exclusively with the artists.
Bangkok's original
 site !
The MIDNITE HOUR Graffiti Page is prepared by Staff Contributor "Boge" Hartman . (Boge's photo, above, is not a graffiti per-se, although there are those who have insinuated.... - Ed) 
|
|
--- Datzit Fernow 
William R. Morledge |
1989 - 2018 BANGKOK EYES - bangkokeyes.com
December's Nightlife News 
