Hanoi discovery - Five attractive Western bars in the old quarter in Hanoi

Hanoi discovery – Tasting a cocktail and starting a conversation with new friends are the ways to enjoy a night life of many backpackers who decide to stop in the old quarter.

Unlike many Vietnamese who choose bars to relax, dance and taste beers and wine; foreign tourists come to bars just to listen to music, taste some cocktails or beers and have talks. Therefore, Western bars can be considered as the bars are run by foreigners or most liked by foreigners.

1.      Rockstore

Rockstore is considered as a typical western bar in the old quarter which is run by Olivier Waryn from Switzerland. Has just opened in September 2013 but this place has become a destination of many tourists visiting Hanoi because of its gentle decoration and an open space with rock style.

Bar has two yellow floors building with French architecture. The first floor is designed for on-site service such as, wine, cocktail, mocktail, beer…and sofas for small groups. The second floor is set up with large sofas for big groups, billiard tables…The significance of the bar is curved lights with rule breaking style.

Other bars only open until night, Rockstore opens all day. However, we can only thoroughly understand Rockstore at night. There are DJ shows or live rock events every night. Besides beverage, the bar also serves light Vietnamese food such as, Vietnamese grilled pork with vermicelli, spring rolls…

2.      Fat Cat Bar

Fat Cat Bar is also run by Olivier Waryn and his French friend. Compared with Rockstore, Fat Cat has smaller size but is focused on “art menu”.

Because of its harmony and unique decoration between dynamic and smooth lounge style, Fat Cat Bar has a comfortable space. Visitors to bar are mostly foreigners. They can sit together inside or outside to taste some beer and have chats for hours.

Fat Cat Bar also often hold music events by topics to make the difference. The favorite drinks are beers and cocktails. If you want to have a typical drink, let try a cocktail Fatcat.

3.      Finnegan’s Irish

The name of Finnegan’s Irish is located on the second floor of No 32 Luong Ngoc Quyen street, Finnegan’s Irish has classical European style with leather and wooden furniture in brow and deep black.

The space is not very large, but the bar takes full advantage of the light and space to make different areas for customers’ choice. If you visit the bar on your own, you can sit right at the bar desk, you can choose your right table if you go with friends or you may take beers and take a seat on the balcony and see the streets.

Besides alcohol drinks, Finnegan’s Irish also has tea, coffee and fast food. In particular, the bar often hold the event attached with international footballs.

4.      Funky. B

Funky B (old name – Funky Buddha) is situated in the No 2 Ta Hien which is famous with types of music such as, House, Trance and Techno. This bar is loved by many tourists and foreigners living in Vietnam for its unique and different music playing styles.

 Compared with many other bars in the old quarter, Funky B has a large size with 2 bar desks with two different styles. The outside bar desk close to the entrance door seem to be “more simple” whereas, the other is more attractive with wine rack in stylized birdcage shape. If you don’t like the noise of DJ sound inside, you can have seats right at the outside bar and enjoy some light wine cups and have chats with your friends.

5.      Spy Bar

Spy Bar is located in No 12A Nguyen Huu Huan which has a similar design to Finnegan’s Irish, but visitors can still find the unique and cozy style. The bar is relatively small and has  few sofa for groups, but most are high stools situated in front of bar desk.  You can have seats on the second floor if you want a private space.

 Spy Bar mostly holds live shows. Besides, there are mini game shows every Friday to make a wonderful atmosphere. The beverage is quite cheap, a beer bottle costs US$1 to $2…

Hanoi discovery - Five attractive Western bars in the old quarter in Hanoi