Ever feel like not having a night in Southeast Asia? No really, I love it here and all, but every once in a while I want something that doesn’t involve fish sauce or karaoke or being sweaty. Whether you have been travelling for awhile and need a break from beer and buckets, or are just curious about what lovely weirdness Bangkok can serve up, Iron Fairies is a trip to the other side. We’re not really sure what side, but not this side.

I'll have two fairies. Blended.

First, it’s located in Thong Lor, one of Bangkok’s trendiest/douchbaggiest areas. No offence, Thong Lor friends; we know that it’s really important that everyone know you have an iPhone, so we’ll sit patiently while your car blocks the road. Second, the inside is basically an iron fabrication workshop. It’s like underground speakeasy meets steam punk.

The Aussie owner Ashley Sutton opened for drinks in 2010. The name comes from a series of books Sutton wrote, and the eponymous iron fairies are perched all over the space. The inside is dark and cool and crumbling, with candles and bare (designer) bulbs flickering over the intricate industrial machines, creating a textured space that is definitely like none other. Drinks are strong (although anything other than your standard pours are a bit sweet) and they have good Australian and New Zealand wines by the glass as well as some unexpected specialty beers behind the counter.

This eccentric space attracts an appropriately varied crowd, but it’s definitely the most fun later in the evening. Live jazz plays on weekend nights, but call ahead for the schedule! Their food menu is good bar basics, except for their burger which is par excellence — piled high with bacon and cheese, and served nailed to a cutting board with a knife.

Iron Fairies
394 Thong Lor Road (Sukhumvit Soi 55)
T: (08) 4425 8080
Open 18:00 to 02:00, closed Sun
www.theironfairies.com

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Tags: restaurants, thong lor