Buddha & Pals

On Krung Kasem Road in Wat Sommanat, Buddha & Pals turns a near-century-old shophouse into a cozy jazz room. Daytime is all sunlight and coffee; come evening the lights drop, the stage warms up, and live jazz rolls Tuesday to Sunday. It’s an easy hop from Khao San to swap beer buckets for real musicians and good drinks. Inside, you’ll find red-brick walls, crystal chandeliers, and a jumble of vintage chairs that feel like they’ve been collected over years. The bar leans classic—think proper cocktails made carefully rather than candy drinks—and service is on point without fuss. Regulars come for the music first, from standards to bossa and soul-leaning sets, with a room that keeps the band close and the crowd attentive. Practical bits: the café runs 10am–7pm, the bar takes over from 7pm till midnight (till 1am on Friday and Saturday), and they close Mondays. You’re on Krung Kasem Rd near the Nang Loeng area; tuk-tuks know it, and taxis will too. If you want a table near the stage, swing by early evening before the first set fills the room.