Take a cocktail and start a talk with some new friends is the way to make the most of a night life, which many “Backpackers” choose when they stop at the Old Quarter.
Different from the attitude of plenty of Vietnamese guests, finding their way to the Bar as a place for relax, dance and some drinks, it is not always this case for foreigners. Those are coming here, maybe only to listen to music, allow themselves several cocktails and talks. Therefore, the concept of foreign bar contains the meaning of both, a foreign bar manager and a bar favored by foreigners.
1. Rockstore
Rockstore is one of the bars which offer the best rock music in Hanoi
Rockstore is considered as a typical foreign bar in the Old Quarter, managed by Olivier Waryn, a Swiss. Although just recent opened, in September 2013, the mild decoration has created a friendly environment in the rock style, which is why this place has promptly become the destination for many tourists in Hanoi.
The whole bar is a two-floor building of the French architecture. The 1st floor is organized with a bar counter serving on spot several alcoholic drinks like wine, cocktail, mocktail, beer,… and a small salon for minor groups. On the 2nd floor are some salons for bigger groups as well as billiard and foosball tables. The highlights of the bar are the bend lamp-posts, which breaks the order.
Whereas other bars only open from the afternoon to evening, Rockstore is opened the whole day, but you have to wait till the night comes down to feel the real Rockstore. On every evening during the week has this place DJs to perform or rock bands to play live music. Besides the drinks, here in this bar can you be served with light foods like bun cha, spring rolls,…
2. Fat Cat Bar
FatCat Bar is a new Lounge and Cozy place to go in Hanoi
The Fat Cat Bar is also joint managed by Olivier Waryn and a French friend of him. In comparison to Rockstore, Fat Cat has a smaller area but has been put huge priority to the “artistic menu” by the “keyboard magician” Olivier Waryn.
Thanks to the harmonious, unique combination of a bustling bar and a smooth lounge, Fat Cat has created an extremely comfortable atmosphere. The main guests here are foreigner, who may gather around the counter inside or sit outside, sip some beers and take talks for hours. Also if you like to sit flat, you can find to the garret inside.
Fat Cat Bar frequently holds musical feast by topic to make the difference. The preferred drinks here are beer and cocktail. If you are seeking for the typical drink, there should be no better choice than a Fatcat cocktail. The first chairs in front of the veranda is also the place to enjoy a cup lemon juice with the price of only 30.000 VND.
3. Finnegan’s Irish
Great atmosphere for the foreign
The name Finnegan’s Irish seems to origin from the famous novel with the title “Unachievable for most authors” – Finnegans Wake of the Irish writer James Joyce. Placed on the 2nd floor of the building at number 32 Luong Ngoc Quyen street, Finnegan’s Irish has a classic European design style with leather and wood furniture, which makes the deep and warm brown – black color.
It may not to be too large, but Finnegan’s Irish has taken full advantage of light and space to create different atmospheres as alternatives for guests. If you are coming alone, you have the counter for your choice, in a group there are suitable tables available, otherwise you can call a beer a take it to the balcony for the joy and a view to the streets.
Besides alcoholic drinks, Finnegan’s Irish also serves you with tea, coffee and fast food. In particular, this bar frequently holds events related to international football leagues.
4. Funky B
Funky B - Vintage bar & amazing music
Funky B. (the old name was Funky Buddha) is a bar located at number 2 Ta Hien street, famous for the music lines house, trance and techno. With many new and exceptional styles of playing music, this place is favored by many tourists and foreign communities living in Vietnam.
In comparison to other bars in the old quarter, Finky B. has a quite large area with two bars in two different styles. The outside bar when you enter the door is the more “simple” one, whereas the inside bar makes a bigger impression with the stylized wine shelf in a bird’s cage form. If you do not like the crowded atmosphere, you can choose to sit at the outside bar counter, take some wine and enjoy a talk with your friends.
5. Spy bar
Spy Bar - Luxurious place
Although Spy bar, at number 12A Nguyen Huu Huan, has a similar design like Finnegan’s Irish, tourists still have the chance to find here special and cozy features. The bar is quite small with only a few benches for groups, but mainly stools at the bar counter. If you prefer the private atmosphere, the chairs on the 2nd floor are on your choice.
Spy bar is focusing on singing and live music. Besides, this place holds mini game shows on every Friday evening rouse the atmosphere. The prices here are rated as cheap, the beer is available at 20.000-40.000 VND/bottle, a coffee or tea costs about 15.000-20.000 VND/cup.
(Collection)
