Getting a drink! (of a few)
Blind Tiger
Follow the tiger paw prints to this hidden speakeasy-style drinking lounge, tapas bar, and restaurant. While speakeasies were once illicit drinking dens in 1920s America, there is noth- ing illegal about The Blind Tiger. Rather, it evokes the allure, mystery, and privacy of yesteryears with modern bar food. Part of the fun is finding the restaurant, and finding it you must. Try the burger, imbibe, converse, or merely marvel at the secret lounge behind the wooden door with your favorite drink. The BT’s signature cocktails are a must-try!
93/95 Seik Kan Thar Road (Lower Block), Kyautata Township, Yangon
BLOW & After 8
Located on the 4th floor of busy Myanmar Plaza, BLOW, the only place where you can try the luxury hookah in Yangon, take shisha-ing to the next level. Here, the high-end hookahs cost 45~50,000 kyats each and last for roughly one and a half hours. With a line of seven capsules striped with soft red light- ing and overlooking the Sedona Hotel, the place itself turns into a spaceship or alike whenever you visit.
At After 8, the most significant cocktails and shots are avail- able with different shapes and forms. The menu boasts the largest gin selection in town with more than 28 different types of Gin produced around the world served with fresh local and organic ingredients in order to create a true paradise experience for Gin enthusiasts.
4th Floor, Myanmar Plaza, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon
Harry’s Bar
Being the first franchise bar in Yangon, Harry’s is quite the photogenic bar with a growing presence on social media. Over the past few years, Harry’s has attracted a stream of diverse customers and has already gained some regulars. Their menu is a mix of different cuisines and circulating beverages, a sports bar meets Southeast Asian food. As the main outlet is located on the ground floor of Myanmar Plaza, you have a choice to enjoy your meal inside surrounded by the quirky interior, or the cool, crisp air to keep you company outdoors.
192, No(1) Industrial Road, Bahan Township, Yangon
Kosan Double Happiness Bar
Probably the best el-cheapo bar in Yangon’s night-life scene as it offers delicious cocktails and beers at such jaw-droppingly affordable prices—truly one “double happiness.” The carte is gathered with Mexican, Chinese, Burmese and Continental food which will not kill your budget. “Backpacker’s haven” to describe precisely, as it’s cheaper than your daily caffeine hit and the clientele is usually mixed with both locals and tourists throughout the night. Take a sip of their 1$ mojito while enjoying the psychedelic rock music playing in the back. Sounds good, eh?
No. 108 19th Street, Latha Township, Yangon
Havana Social Club
Havana Social Club is the first Afro-Latin dance club offering classes in Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and many more. As described as “built by dancers for dancers”, the floor is dedicated for dancing. The upstairs is more suitable for those who want to sip beer and talk. Currently, the place is offering a free Salsa beginner class from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm every Sunday.
42 Strand Road, Botahtaung Township, Yangon
TIPSY
It’s hard to miss the swirling, drunken eyes logo and brightly-lit facade of Yangon’s latest favourite bar Tipsy. With a rooftop bar, pool table and menu filled with intriguing drinks, Tipsy is definitely the place to head for some Friday night fun. Game of Thrones, Democracy, Bobba Tipsy Tea — these signature cock- tails are taking Yangonites’ hearts for a reason. Future plans for the bar include a shisha lounge on the mezzanine floor. Over- all, Tipsy satisfied our night-out ravels, with its tipsy drinks and favourable food.
38C New University Avenue Road, Bahan Township, Yangon
Locals’ favorites
19th Street of Chinatown
The heart of local night-life enthusiasts, long rows of barbe- cue stalls, low-budget booze, and open-air restaurants are the signature traits of Yangon’s famous 19th Street. Not recom- mended for people with a weak stomach for this authentic experience, but you’re already missing out a lot if you haven’t been to this “landmark” of Yangon. As China town itself repre- sents a significant portion of the most delicious street food in the city, you can also explore the rest of the area on foot, it’s Yangon style!
Win Star beer station
The heart of local night-life enthusiasts, long rows of barbecue stalls, low-budget booze – Win Star – is an icon in Sanchaung, known by most and offers a relaxed environment to primarily enjoy draught beer. A popular choice among beer stations in Yangon.
Sanchaung Street, Sanchaung Township, Yangon
Late night out
7th Joint Bar & Grill
The one and only hangout spot with a reggae ambiance in town, 7th Joint Bar & Grill presents the perfect place for Yangonites to sit back, sip on a dirty martini and revel in reggae music, live indie rock bands and many more. The staff is attentive and friendly. Plus, the bar opens past midnight– that’s a rare thing for a Yangon bar. A fun funky evening is promised as soon as you walk in, now it’s time for you to see what else the night brings!
48th Street, Mahabandula Road, Pazundaung Township, Yangon
The Penthouse
Among the first generation of the sky bar scene in Yangon, the Penthouse; is still in vogue; still decent enough to keep you hooked and went back and forth, over and over again. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available so the singles can mingle around. Not only is the ambiance one-of-a-kind but the music is also numero uno for those who like 2000s pop music hits. The modern Mediterranean menu, great cocktails and the service they offer are superb. From the terrace, the spectacular view of the Shwedagon Pagoda and the city’s suburban area with their spires lighting up is something to remember.
271/273 Bargaya Road, Park Side One Building, Sanchaung Township, Yangon
The Attic Yangon
Head to the Attic Bar in the Golden Valley street to find yourself in one of Yangon’s chicest spots. On Friday nights and weekends, young crowds of locals make this bar a destination of choice to meet up with their friends, play beer pong and take some edge off of their everyday life. Sway along with the trending music playing under the vibrant neon lights, while observing how the young affluent society of the city celebrates the weekends.
10/A, Shwe Taung Gyar St., Shwe Taung Gyar Ward (2), Bahan Township
The Myst Bar and Lounge
The Myst is cozy and cool. Its modern architecture and alluring neon lights lure you inside a red-lit corridor where a bookshelf trapdoor straight out of a Sherlock Holmes mystery leads you into a lofty lounge with broad cushioned couches, a large mahogany bar, and designer lighting. Once inside, you’ll be enveloped by the smell of sweet Shisha vapors. The cocktail menu is pricey and ambitious, to be sure, and the results might miss the mark in terms of flavor and intensity, but the presentation is spot on. With Djs performing LIVE on the weekend, there is something for everyone at The Myst Bar and Lounge.
25/27 New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon
Pioneer Music Lounge
Still up and running after serving our ancestors as a “disco place” to create the best party experiences, let loose or simply have a drink with their good pals—Pioneer club is still arguably one of the most talked-about night clubs in town, considering that it is still bustling with the young crowds of a whole ‘another generation. At present, the club mostly plays EDM, Top Hits and party anthems. You should not expect a sophisticated venue, but you can have a good time.
Yangon International Hotel Complex, 330 Ahlone Road, Dagon Township
SafeHouse
Offering a wide variety of new generation dance music entertainment, Safe House introduces to Yangon a world-class clubbing experience with Hip-Hop, R&B, chart-topping remixes, SLAM music, vocal and progressive house. Other than its audio and visual sensory wonders, this hippest bar in town offers premium spirits and cocktails. Living true to its name, Safe House is the place to get loose and spend the night together with your squad.
Sedona Hotel Yangon, Lower Ground Floor, No. 1 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin Township
LEVEL 2
Level 2 just opens a new portal to another world if you’ve been there for their recurring Techno events. An immersive experience of sounds, lights, music, and vibes – a space for the sounds of tomorrow, for pushing boundaries, for a different perspective for, and by, lovers of the true, the progressive, the alternative; Level 2 is a place for those who want to spend the late night getting boozed and hooked up till dawn.
Beside Pioneer Music Pub, Yangon International Hotel Compound, Dagon Township