What'S The Friendliest Place To Have A Beer In Chiang Mai?

[Loaded]

If your out of town then the Bamboo Bar at Sansai, great little bar and its the former owners of "The What" bar that owns it.

Where is it in Sansai TM?

[thinkinofstayin]

So we agree, can't talk so not friendly as requested by the OP

I wouldn't agree. Guitarman is a very friendly place and prices are very reasonable. 120 for a large Heineken is maybe expensive for you but not for a lot of people. I'm sure Cafe del Sol and Rasta Bar next door are similarly priced.

[bazmlb]

If your out of town then the Bamboo Bar at Sansai, great little bar and its the former owners of "The What" bar that owns it.

Where in San Sai is it? Map?

[Contractor]

Been to Guitarman quite a few times and have always had a warm welcome.

A bar where the live music is played so loud that you can't talk to anyone unless you sit outside. Drinks very expensive.

I went there once ....... not friendly, not fun.

Where ever I've been in the world and gone to see live music it's been pretty loud I thought that was the point, I frequent the Guitarman from time to time as well as the Northgate Jazz Collective to listen to the music. If I want a quiet drink with friends I'd go elsewhere.

I don't find the drinks any more expensive than similiar drinking venues in the area and the food though the normal fast food fodder, pizza and burgers, there pretty good.

I agree, <anonymouse>.

Guitarman is for loud and live music, beer and one of their nice pizzas if hungry. I would have thought it pretty obvious on walking into the place that the music is going to be loud once a whole band gets going. That's the whole point.

If I want to sit and eat (Thai food) in a quieter "live" venue (where you can sit further away from the stage and chat) then I go to somewhere like Tara Bar, which has a very good band.

Rgds

[amexpat]

When I went to Guitarman, I heard two bands. One was pretty good.

The other was pretty awful but they sure were loud. Apparently for some, that's the whole point.

"This one goes to eleven".

[millwall_fan]

Jules and Denise's new place: the 'Bamboo Bar' is near Rimping Meechok. If you take a right onto the middle highway as you go toward Mae jo, then take the 1st slip road on the left, its just down there. Sorry, i haven't worked out how to post maps yet!!

[Contractor]

When I went to Guitarman, I heard two bands. One was pretty good.

The other was pretty awful but they sure were loud. Apparently for some, that's the whole point.

"This one goes to eleven".

OK, fair comment.

It's not the whole point, rather a natural consequence in that type of bar perhaps.

Rgds

[richard10365]

My vote goes to Gekko Garden Restaurant. There are many great restaurant owners in Chiang Mai but Rudy is the most unique I think. His sense of humor never dries up and his food is excellent. I'm hungry now. I think I will go there!

[mrmillersr]

My vote goes to Gekko Garden Restaurant. There are many great restaurant owners in Chiang Mai but Rudy is the most unique I think. His sense of humor never dries up and his food is excellent. I'm hungry now. I think I will go there!

Can you get a beer there between 2 and 4pm?

[camerata]

Well, I'll be in CM pretty soon so I'll be able to try out some of the suggestions mentioned here and make my report. I guess I should have mentioned I'm a non-smoker... Sometimes open-air bars and restaurants can get pretty smoky.

I'm in the North now and I'm amazed at how many Westerner travellers still smoke.

[heybruce]

When I went to Guitarman, I heard two bands. One was pretty good.

The other was pretty awful but they sure were loud. Apparently for some, that's the whole point.

"This one goes to eleven".

This is a bit off-topic, but I can't resist: I've been to/by bars where the music sounded great from outside, but once inside the only people who would tough out the volume were seated as far from the speakers as possible. There is such a thing as too loud, even for good music.

BTW--"This one goes to eleven" is a bit of humor that dates you a bit, but I'm a bit dated myself; it's classic and hilarious.

[gotlost]

Well, I'll be in CM pretty soon so I'll be able to try out some of the suggestions mentioned here and make my report. I guess I should have mentioned I'm a non-smoker... Sometimes open-air bars and restaurants can get pretty smoky.

I'm in the North now and I'm amazed at how many Westerner travellers still smoke.

An update on your no smoking comment. The BIB have been going around to the bars again passing out notices on no smoking and advertising of alcohol on such item as coasters, beer condominiums, ash trays etc. And no advertising of specials, such as 3 for 129 baht etc. Also information on the penalties.

[elektrified]

I'm in the North now and I'm amazed at how many Westerner travellers still smoke.

It amazes me too with all the data out there. My experience is that less Americans still smoke but that many Europeans continue to smoke. I'm not in any way bashing Europeans; it's just my observation.

[gotlost]

[camerata]

Unbelievable. The day I got to Chiang Mai I was laid low by a stomach bug.

[amexpat]

Totally believable.

[gotlost]

Eat your hearts out CM bar owners.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/422416-new-bar-opening-times-announced-by-pattaya-mayor/

[uptheos]

Live country music tonight at the UN Irish Pub with Mel & Mac and I always find Friday nights to be a nice friendly atmosphere, though it does get very crowded........you can't beat live music and this certainly doesn't burst the eardrums.

[uptheos]

I'm not going to scroll through, but if it hasn't been mentioned Johns Place is always friendly, though he put his beers up from 39 baht to 45 baht a while ago (15% appx), which was a bit naughty........still, the old 20% discount card comes in handy.

[camerata]

I noticed John's Place is usually pretty crowded.

[bubblehead]

If your out of town then the Bamboo Bar at Sansai, great little bar and its the former owners of "The What" bar that owns it.

Where exactly is the Bamboo bar. Directions from Rimping would be appreciated.

[uptheos]

I noticed John's Place is usually pretty crowded.

Yes and it's a mixture of ex pats and tourists. It's a nice spot to have a beer and meet new people, there's always someone to chat with and the prices are very reasonable. His food, whilst not gourmet is as good as some restaurants serve, not expensive and fair sized portions. It's a good place just to watch the world go by, whilst sitting in the fresh air and of course only a two minute wander to Loi Kroh if you want to do more than people watch.

[elektrified]

I noticed John's Place is usually pretty crowded.

I also give a thumbs up for John's Place. I like having a drink there. The staff are very friendly. How does one get a 20% discount card?

[uptheos]

I noticed John's Place is usually pretty crowded.

I also give a thumbs up for John's Place. I like having a drink there. The staff are very friendly. How does one get a 20% discount card?

I don't think he gives them out anymore, but honors the ones from those that have already have them for a long time. However, don't take my word for it and if you see him sitting there, just ask him.......he can only say he's stopped.

[thaimiller]

If your out of town then the Bamboo Bar at Sansai, great little bar and its the former owners of "The What" bar that owns it.

Where exactly is the Bamboo bar. Directions from Rimping would be appreciated.

Come out of Rimping Carpark (not Maejo road entrance) and go to the crossroads ( maejo left, Chiang Mai right) Go straight across on to the ringroad. Follow for about 1km until you see a big sign on your left advertising the garden restaurant, turn left, follow the road for another 750 meters(past the garden) the road bears right, keep following for another 200 meters until a small cross road, turn right follow the road round a few bends and its on your right opposite the temple, if you get as far as Phimuk 2 moo baan you have passed it about 100 meters before.

[camerata]

Well, I managed to drag myself to Zoe in Yellow last night, which was pretty good, and had a meal at the Old Bell tonight (very nice to find ginger beer available). I guess the rest will have to wait until next time.

[Tywais]

I noticed John's Place is usually pretty crowded.

I also give a thumbs up for John's Place. I like having a drink there. The staff are very friendly. How does one get a 20% discount card?

I don't think he gives them out anymore, but honors the ones from those that have already have them for a long time. However, don't take my word for it and if you see him sitting there, just ask him.......he can only say he's stopped.

I got my VIP card from him about 16 years ago numbered #2 - never figured out who got #1. Also written on it by him is one free beer every time I come - probably doesn't honor that anymore. Always liked his place(s) as a place to relax and people watch.

[uptheos]

I noticed John's Place is usually pretty crowded.

I also give a thumbs up for John's Place. I like having a drink there. The staff are very friendly. How does one get a 20% discount card?

I don't think he gives them out anymore, but honors the ones from those that have already have them for a long time. However, don't take my word for it and if you see him sitting there, just ask him.......he can only say he's stopped.

I got my VIP card from him about 16 years ago numbered #2 - never figured out who got #1. Also written on it by him is one free beer every time I come - probably doesn't honor that anymore. Always liked his place(s) as a place to relax and people watch.

I'm not sure, but for some reason I feel that a chap named John Ball got No 1. I haven't seen him around any more, but he used to go about with Dennis Brown, who does the Burmese Army trekking sticks. Anyone know if John and Dennis are still going?

On my card it has written in ink. 'member for his life'.

[Ulysses G.]

I'm pretty sure that an old buddy of mine got number 1 as he claimed to have been the one who talked Somchai into giving them out in the first place.

I would say who he is, as he is a real old-time Expat character who is still around, but he made me promise to never mention his name on Thai Visa again.

[bubblehead]

If your out of town then the Bamboo Bar at Sansai, great little bar and its the former owners of "The What" bar that owns it.

Where exactly is the Bamboo bar. Directions from Rimping would be appreciated.

Come out of Rimping Carpark (not Maejo road entrance) and go to the crossroads ( maejo left, Chiang Mai right) Go straight across on to the ringroad. Follow for about 1km until you see a big sign on your left advertising the garden restaurant, turn left, follow the road for another 750 meters(past the garden) the road bears right, keep following for another 200 meters until a small cross road, turn right follow the road round a few bends and its on your right opposite the temple, if you get as far as Phimuk 2 moo baan you have passed it about 100 meters before.

Many thanks for taking the time to post. I shall give it a try.