Pattaya Beer Garden

[NotNew2You]

I am surprised there have been so few comments on the new Pattaya Beer Garden (except the initial threads announcing the venture by Pete himself). Anyway, for me, it has become one of my regular stops on my nites out on the town. It is a great addition to the mix of choices for spending a few relaxing hours enjoying oneself.

As a start, I don't know how Pete snagged this location (or how it went unnoticed by other people looking for a great seaside restaurant or entertainment location) or how he is affording the rent for a very spacious and well located venue. Without a doubt, it has one of the (if not the) best views of the bay to be had anywhere. It sits right on the water at the beginning of Walking Street, with views stretching from the beach itself, through the bay's waters, to the Buddha mountain area. Kinda like a 180 degree picture of the bay. The view changes from day to nite...during the day, you see all the beach goers, sailing boats, and jet-skiers having fun. A nite, you see the sparking lights of boats on the bay and hotels and clubs on-shore. My favorite time is shortly before sunset...watching the sun set and the lights of the nite time turning on.

The bar is very nicely arranged, with spacious outdoor seating and covered seating at the bar. There is a full service menu. Drinks are very reasonable prices, considering the location and views. Also, some of the best coffee I have had in town (what brand are you using Pete?). The staff are great...well trained and very friendly. They soon remember you if you are a regular. There is no pressure to order lots of drinks...I have sat for hours reading a book and nursing a cup of coffee without feeling unwanted.

Now the funny part, the "model" and concept for the Pattaya Beer Garden was going to be a take on the infamous soi 7 BG in Bangkok. With a Pattaya twist. That being the case, I was somewhat Leary of what it might be as at least for me, the soi 7 BG is not really what I, as a long-term resident of Thailand, look for in a entertainment venue. I am not disparaging the soi 7 BG or its loyal followers. It definitely serves a market and I have been there on occasions and the food is good, staff friendly, and you can meet some real characters there. But its reputation does proceed it and at least when I was going there, it was something of a "lovable" dump, with a somewhat seedy atmosphere. (I think since that time, they have supposedly remodeled and even enclosed and air-coned the space...shows how long its been since I was there.) Well, our Pattaya version, is nothing like the Bangkok one...and people have the nerve to call OUR town seedy! At least during all the times I have been there (dozen or so now), usually late afternoon or evenings, it has had more of a family, couples (both regular folks and the "holiday-couples"), and other Pattaya single guys like me there. I would surmise that contrary to Pete's original intention, instead of being basically a pick-up joint like soi 7, it's has turned into a legit bar/resto for people looking for a great place to take in the views with a nice cool drink.

At all the times I have been there, there has only been a smattering of freelancers nursing their drinks at the bar. The place is BIG so they are hardly noticed. There is very little of the winking and open flirting you find at soi 7 because it seems most of the guys there are already coupled-up with girls they came with and the rest are old Pattaya hands just there to enjoy the views, surf the net, and have a drink. So if meeting a bird is your primary motivation, this is not necessarily the best place to do it, though there are always a few there. If you want a place to bring a "date" to relax, eat, and have a drink before retiring for the nite, this is a great place for it. If you have friends visiting Pattaya, this is a nice place to go for a sundowner cocktail or snacks.

Finally, they play great classic rock & roll and pop music videos from the 1960s-1990s and comfortable volume levels. No techo, rapp, or hip-hop crap here! There is also a free wifi network but it is slow and not very stable (at least the day I used it). There is also a free selection newspapers for reading.

Even a great place can use some improvements. Pete's done yeoman's work so far and the place in great in location, design, comfort, and staff. Now for some suggestions for improvements: (1) Get some pool tables in there. That would be appreciated by many guys...the area at the entrance has plenty of space for 2-3 tables. (2) Food...while alright, it is not great IMHO. Prices are fine, it's just that something seems to missing in the seasoning of the farang dishes I have had. Also, a "BLT" sandwich I know of uses American style bacon and NOT what I would call a slice of ham/back-bacon. I would call that a HAM sandwich. Also related to food, the large space where I believe they make the non-alcoholic fruit shakes and stuff, why not lease that out to a pizza slices operator or Subway? It's a big enough space for them and would be really popular with your customers. They would also help advertise the place with their own marketing. (3) The signs need re-jiggering. Where they say "freelancers welcome" in ENGLISH...this needs to be in THAI. This may be a reason for the lack of birds currently (plus it would fool the straight farang ladies who come with their hubbies that this is just a regular bar as they can't read Thai).

[libya 115]

No techo, rapp, or hip-hop crap here!

Pity that, you almost sold the place to me.

[aussiechick]

(plus it would fool the straight farang ladies who come with their hubbies that this is just a regular bar as they can't read Thai).

As a single white female living here who goes to Pattaya Beer Garden with married and single white females and Thai ladies - we could not care less what happens around us as we like the place and the music. BTW I am sure the sign says "Single Ladies Welcome"

[NotNew2You]

BTW I am sure the sign says "Single Ladies Welcome"

Yes you are right...the exact working I blanked on when writing the op so I guesstimated it. Still needs to be changed to attract those Thai girls, however, because in most bars with "house" girls unescorted women are not allowed to enter. They may be unawares that there are no "house" girls at the PBG and that they are certainly most welcome.

The quip on fooling the farangs ladies was said in jest...obviously they know what goes on in any bar in Thailand. It's good to see you ladies are also enjoying the place.

[intumult]

I always have a beer or 3 in there when I visit Pattaya. Pretty decent fish n chips too. Good music. Good views and you can smoke on the outer edges.

I like it.

[The Bullfrog]

I luv the place too and so does the missus....One other thing...Good choice of wines at a reasonable price

[TheWalkingMan]

I really like the place and regarding the pool tables... Pete floated the idea and he got more nays than yays so it was put on the back burner. Of course he might float it again in the future.

I just ate there last week and had the Pad Thai for 100 Baht. It was the largest size I have ever seen and it was good for me.

Here is a picture looking out from the Beer Garden towards Jomtien. Is the "Pattaya City" sign supposed to be lit at night?

TheWalkingMan

[Chang_paarp]

You have not read the Friday night thread, it figures regularly there.

I like it as a place to sit for drink and relax.

[Gary A]

It quickly became my favorite spot in Pattaya. What's NOT to like about the place?

[libya 115]

What's it like in the daytime? How much for a Chang? Is there any shade?

[dieter1]

Where is it?

"beginning of Walking Street"

Beachroad side or the other end?

[NotNew2You]

What's it like in the daytime? How much for a Chang? Is there any shade?

Yes. The place is HUGE as a start. The area with the barstools around the bar itself is completely covered. There are also some tables in this area. There is also an outer-deck area of tables over the water that is not shaded (and therefore best left for over-cast day or nitetime).

Contrary to a previous post, all areas of the PBG are smoking approved.

[NotNew2You]

Where is it?

If you are walking along Beach road towards Walking Street, it's on the beach side at the entrance of the Siren Beer Bar complex. (Just after the pump station but before actually entering WS.) There is a PBG greeter with sign sitting on the sidewalk to direct you.

[just_another_guy]

Bangkok Beer Garden it aint, But it is very relaxing in it's own way. Good view / decent drink prices / plenty of room / pleasant staff / decent food for the munchys.

Two things that give me more gray hair....

1. No where to park your car unless you park it at Royal Garden and walk.(Welcome to Pattaya)

2. So I started riding the motorcycle and parking inside (where you walk in from the street) but now the male greeters yell at you and are quite rude saying you cannot park the motorbike inside (where there is lots of parking) but attempt to direct you to park across the street in the Siam Bank parking lot. No thanks...I don't want my motorcycle impounded, besides trying to cross Beach road isn't an easy task at my age.

So where the hel_l are you supposed to park?

It still is a great place to hang out alone or with some friends and I will continue to visit, but not as often as I'd like because of the parking challenges.

[marcortez]

Bangkok Beer Garden it aint, But it is very relaxing in it's own way. Good view / decent drink prices / plenty of room / pleasant staff / decent food for the munchys.

Two things that give me more gray hair....

1. No where to park your car unless you park it at Royal Garden and walk.(Welcome to Pattaya)

2. So I started riding the motorcycle and parking inside (where you walk in from the street) but now the male greeters yell at you and are quite rude saying you cannot park the motorbike inside (where there is lots of parking) but attempt to direct you to park across the street in the Siam Bank parking lot. No thanks...I don't want my motorcycle impounded, besides trying to cross Beach road isn't an easy task at my age.

So where the hel_l are you supposed to park?

It still is a great place to hang out alone or with some friends and I will continue to visit, but not as often as I'd like because of the parking challenges.

Seems to me there is a motorbike parking area just to the north..same side...at least there was when I was last there.

[Thaifan2]

>>So where the hel_l are you supposed to park?<<

Loads of places on 2nd road .Maybe you are too disabled to walk from there though ?

[just_another_guy]

Marc,

You are correct sir...There is an area just north about 100 or so meters from the entrance to PBG. But that area also seems to have the unemployed Thai guys hanging out which make me a little nervous at night time. I can't run fast anymore.

And Thaifan2, yes, second road is a possibility but again at least 200+ meters to the entrance.

I guess I am used to parking in front of establishments where I can keep an eye on the car or motorbike and don't have to walk far. Yes, I have a bum knee.

And I kind of got used to parking inside which you could do when they first opened.

No problem and thanks for the suggestions.

I can always park at R. Garden (secured parking) and take the baht bus down.

[NotNew2You]

So where the hel_l are you supposed to park?

Parking is one of the downsides to the PBG. Being where it is, parking is very limited. The little lot some have mentioned to the north by the beach is gone. No more motorbike parking is allowed in there anymore. Bikes you can squeeze in somewhere along Beach road surely. For cars, Wat Chaimonkol (the temple just up South Pattaya road towards Tuk Com) has lots of pay parking. It can get congested in there, but the cost is a fixed 10 baht. Then it's just a one block walk (with busy intersection to cross) to PBG and Walking Street.

[TheWalkingMan]

There is also motorbike parking off Walking Street on Soi 15. I think it is 20 Baht.

TheWalkingMan

[sweetchariot]

Marc,

You are correct sir...There is an area just north about 100 or so meters from the entrance to PBG. But that area also seems to have the unemployed Thai guys hanging out which make me a little nervous at night time. I can't run fast anymore.

And Thaifan2, yes, second road is a possibility but again at least 200+ meters to the entrance.

I guess I am used to parking in front of establishments where I can keep an eye on the car or motorbike and don't have to walk far. Yes, I have a bum knee.

And I kind of got used to parking inside which you could do when they first opened.

No problem and thanks for the suggestions.

I can always park at R. Garden (secured parking) and take the baht bus down.

Do you mean you used to drive you bike inside, past all the beer bars, and park right outside? Never seen anyone do that before.

I am sure if you had a word with Pete and explained the situation, he would give you special dispensation rather than lose a customer.

On 2nd thoughts it might be the beer bars that complained about bikes whizzing up there making noise/ fumes, and the complex owner told Pete to pack it in.

Either way have a word with him, maybe he can suggest alternatives.

I am usually in the car so use the temple. I get the missus to drop me off outside the beer garden then she goes and parks the car and comes and meets me.

I only tried this once btw as I was deperate for the loo, and it definitely wasn't worth the grief to save myself a 5 minute walk, so won't be doing it again (calm down ladies).

[barryofthailand]

>>So where the hel_l are you supposed to park?<<

Loads of places on 2nd road .Maybe you are too disabled to walk from there though ?

Park in Tops, pay 10 Baht for a Baht bus and bingo you are at the Pattaya Beer garden and walking stree. Your motorbike is secure. When ready to go home, get on a Baht bus and go back to tops to pick up your motor bike. Parking at tops is free. Problem solved.

Barry

[Chang_paarp]

Do you mean you used to drive you bike inside, past all the beer bars, and park right outside? Never seen anyone do that before. The beer bar staff used to do it all the time, last couple of times I have been there I noticed a lot less bikes parked in the empty area between the beer bars and the beer garden.

I am sure if you had a word with Pete and explained the situation, he would give you special dispensation rather than lose a customer. Maybe Pete had something to do with the change of parking habits of the beer bar staff. Did not want his customers run down as they tried to get a beer.

On 2nd thoughts it might be the beer bars that complained about bikes whizzing up there making noise/ fumes, and the complex owner told Pete to pack it in.

Either way have a word with him, maybe he can suggest alternatives.

I am usually in the car so use the temple. I get the missus to drop me off outside the beer garden then she goes and parks the car and comes and meets me.

I only tried this once btw as I was deperate for the loo, and it definitely wasn't worth the grief to save myself a 5 minute walk, so won't be doing it again (calm down ladies). Effective time management, especially when time is of the essence.

Good place for a beer any time. The afternoon is pleasant, if a little quiet. All bottle beer was 40 or 50B last time I was there in the afternoon. Last night the soda water was 35B.

[Gary A]

So where the hel_l are you supposed to park?

Parking is one of the downsides to the PBG. Being where it is, parking is very limited. The little lot some have mentioned to the north by the beach is gone. No more motorbike parking is allowed in there anymore. Bikes you can squeeze in somewhere along Beach road surely. For cars, Wat Chaimonkol (the temple just up South Pattaya road towards Tuk Com) has lots of pay parking. It can get congested in there, but the cost is a fixed 10 baht. Then it's just a one block walk (with busy intersection to cross) to PBG and Walking Street.

When I lived in Jomtien, I had a motorbike and a car. When I went to Pattaya, I took the baht bus. I can't see fighting the traffic and TRYING to find a parking place.

Now when I visit, I stay in Jomtien and leave my car parked where I am staying. Going by baht bus eliminates a lot of irritation and danger if you ride a motorbike.

[chuckd]

Having been stranded in the great sand trap, I haven't had the pleasure of dropping in on PBG.

That having been said, I do have a question. What if I wanted to attend with a couple of children (10 & 15 year olds)?

Any objection from management?

Looks like a great venue for a family meal as well as just with the wifie. Comments?

(Edited out typo.)

[Sommaz]

Ahh, the Pattaya Beer Garden, not a bad spot in my opinion.

1, decent beer

2. decent staff

3. decent location

however...... there is a distinct lack of totty.

and you're complaining about parking.....

Park this

[Kerryd]

I think this is about the right location (the photguide pic was taken in late March though, so you won't see any PBG signage)

(image is distorted from the cutting/pasting/resizing and general lack of GaF factor !)

[sweetchariot]

Having been stranded in the great sand trap, I haven't had the pleasure of dropping in on PBG.

That having been said, I do have a question. What if I wanted to attend with a couple of children (10 & 15 year olds)?

Any objection from management?

Looks like a great venue for a family meal as well as just with the wifie. Comments?

(Edited out typo.)

Can't see there being any objections, so long as it's at a decent hour. However as much as I like the place I wouldn't recommend it for a family (or any) meal. Great food when you're p1ssed though

[sweetchariot]

I think this is about the right location (the photguide pic was taken in late March though, so you won't see any PBG signage)

(image is distorted from the cutting/pasting/resizing and general lack of GaF factor !)

You have far too much time on your hands Kerry - btw are you here yet?

[NanLaew]

(image is distorted from the cutting/pasting/resizing and general lack of GaF factor !)

Yeah Kerry, aint it about time you got yourself a GF?