Uncover 8 ‘Hidden’ Bars in Saigon’s Bustling Center: An Escape from the Daily Grind

In this article, we unveil eight of Saigon's best-hidden bars, offering an escape from the bustling city and the perfect setting for catching up with friends.

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If you’re looking for a bar in the heart of Saigon to host a party or hang out with friends, this article is for you. Join us as we explore 8 popular and trendy bars in the bustling city of Saigon!

1. Sake Central

Sake Central

Food Quality: 4.8/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 59 Dong Du, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Price Range:
To be updated

Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 12:00 AM, Monday to Saturday

Phone Number: 0358484621

Facebook: Sake Central Saigon

Website: Sake Central Saigon

Menu Highlights: Veal Tartare, Honey Prawn, Pickles, Nikka Black Clear, Oyama Jinshichi ‘towazu Katarazu Namonaki Shiro,…

Signature Dish: Sake

Delivery: None

Pros: Beautiful and elegant interior design

Cons:
Hard to find despite its main street location

Sake Central is one of the few bars in Vietnam specializing in Japanese sake, offering a refined and unique experience that celebrates the cultural intricacies of the Land of the Rising Sun. To reach this destination, you’ll traverse a dimly lit entrance with black-painted walls and ascend a warmly lit staircase. With its minimalist and meticulous interior, Sake Central focuses on a large 18-seat communal table and smaller 6-seat tables, creating a sense of luxury and relaxation despite the modest space. In addition to its elegant design, Sake Central provides professional service and a wholly novel and satisfying experience for sake enthusiasts. If you’re a connoisseur of Japanese sake, Sake Central is a must-visit destination.

Cozy ambiance

2. 52/3 Vietnamese Fusion Culinary Kitchen & Bar

52/3 Vietnamese Fusion Culinary Kitchen & Bar

Food Quality: 4.5/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 52 Dong Du, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Price Range: 210,000 VND – 3,900,000 VND

Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM, Monday to Sunday (closed on Thursdays). Usually busy from 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

Phone Number: 0903007660

Facebook: 52Bar

Website: None

Menu Highlights: Pol Remy . French, GH Mumm . French, Merlot, Shiraz, Daiquiri,…

Signature Dish: To be updated

Delivery: None

Pros: Unique drinks

Cons: To be updated

52/3 Vietnamese Fusion Culinary Kitchen & Bar (also known as 52/3) is a unique culinary destination on Dong Du Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Its space is a fusion of vintage architecture and modern interior design. The first floor is dedicated to Vietnamese cuisine, while the second floor is perfect for indulging in creatively crafted cocktails inspired by Vietnamese ingredients and fused with international influences, all under the creative direction of Chef David Thai.

Cozy ambiance at the bar

One notable feature is that the cocktails at 52/3 are named after Vietnamese dishes like “Cóc,” “Ốc Len Xào Dừa,” “Canh Mây,” and “Gạo Nếp.” Many patrons wonder if these cocktails taste or use similar ingredients as the dishes they are named after. While the cocktail ingredients may differ, the bartenders skillfully combine them with spirits to capture the essence and soul of these iconic Vietnamese dishes.

With its unique ambiance and creatively crafted dishes and drinks, Vietnamese Fusion Culinary Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit destination for foodies and those seeking novel culinary experiences.

3. Drinking & Healing

Drinking & Healing

Food Quality: 4.3/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 25 Ho Tung Mau, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Price Range: 79,000 VND – 590,000 VND

Opening Hours: 6:30 PM – 2:00 AM, Monday to Sunday (Usually busy at 10:00 PM)

Phone Number: 0934110110

Facebook: Drinking & Healing

Website: To be updated

Menu Highlights: Mass Off-14, I.B.F.C, Lock & Load, Truffle Oil,…

Signature Dish: To be updated

Delivery: None

Pros: Unique style

Cons: To be updated

Drinking & Healing is a hidden gem located on the second floor of a 150-year-old French colonial building at the intersection of Ham Nghi and Ho Tung Mau streets. The narrow staircase leading up to the bar sets the tone for a unique experience. Beyond the large wooden door lies a spacious interior that embraces the building’s original architecture, featuring exposed red-orange brick walls and supporting columns. These elements come together to create a distinctive industrial-style ambiance.

At Drinking & Healing, you’ll find nearly 15 colorful gin and tonics that follow the latest trends, crafted from a diverse selection of gins. The bartenders and waitstaff, affectionately known as “healers,” strive to mix the perfect cocktail to match your taste and mood. They’ll inquire about your preferences—sweet, sour, spicy, strong, or light—to ensure your satisfaction.

With its passionate staff and attentive service, Drinking & Healing is an ideal weekend getaway.

4. Inthe MOOD

Inthe MOOD

Food Quality: 4.6/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 151/2 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Price Range: 260,000 VND – 320,000 VND

Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Monday to Thursday, and 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Friday to Sunday

Phone Number: 0903006931

Facebook: Inthe Mood

Website: None

Menu Highlights: Dreaming of being “blue”, beaching life, summertime sadness, and The Sun will set for you,…

Signature Dish: Cocktails

Delivery: None

Pros: Unique blend of classic and modern design

Cons:
To be updated

Inthe MOOD draws inspiration from the owner’s love for cinema and literature, with the entire space adorned with iconic movie scenes and literary works. The bar’s name is also a nod to the acclaimed film “In the Mood for Love” by director Wong Kar-wai.

Their whiskey selection is categorized based on two distinct themes: flavor profiles and the mood each whiskey evokes. Additionally, the bar introduces guests to cocktails from three historical periods of American cocktail culture: Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, and Post-Prohibition. This educational approach enhances guests’ understanding of cocktail history and mixology.

Elegant bar counter

Inthe MOOD is more than just a unique drinking destination; it’s also an ideal spot to unwind and connect with friends. The bar offers a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, enhanced by warm lighting and soft music.

5. PK Maltroom

PK Maltroom

Food Quality: 4.7/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 8A Dang Tat, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Price Range: 295,000 VND – 450,000 VND

Opening Hours:
5:30 PM – 1:30 AM, Monday to Sunday, and until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays (Usually busy at 10:00 PM)

Phone Number: 0918868778

Facebook: PK maltroom

Website: None

Menu Highlights: Strawberry, Jasmine, Miso, Yuzu, Tea Hi, Collin, Bee Knee,…

Signature Dish: To be updated

Delivery: None

Pros: Romantic and relaxing atmosphere

Cons: To be updated

PK Maltroom is a unique whiskey bar that offers a warm and inviting experience. To find PK Maltroom, enter the alley at 46 Vo Van Tan and pass through the space of the French restaurant L’Ori on the ground floor of the villa. Ascend the stairs to the first floor, and you’ll discover PK Maltroom.

The bar exudes a cozy and intimate ambiance with a hint of nostalgia, providing a relaxing setting for enjoying fine whiskeys. Classic and signature cocktails are crafted by talented and experienced bartenders. If you’re unsure about your drink choice, the bartenders are happy to guide you through their extensive selection of spirits from Scotland, Japan, the US, and beyond, matching your drink to your mood.

Ultra-luxurious space

PK Maltroom is more than just a bar; it’s a sanctuary where patrons can find solace from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can sip on exquisite whiskeys and share fascinating stories with the owners about the bottles on their shelves and their rich histories.

6. Rabbit Hole

Rabbit Hole

Frequently asked questions

The Vintage Emporium is a bar located in an old apartment building in District 1, Saigon. It is known for its unique interior design, featuring vintage furniture and a cozy atmosphere. The bar also offers a wide range of creative cocktails and is a great place to escape the daily grind.

The Republic is a craft beer bar located in the bustling center of Saigon, in an alley off Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. It offers a cozy atmosphere with a touch of industrial chic decor. You can find a wide range of craft beers on tap, as well as a selection of bar snacks to enjoy.

Yes, La Casa Del Vinco is a hidden wine bar located in an alley off Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1. It offers a unique and intimate wine-tasting experience, with a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world. The bar also hosts wine-related events and workshops.

The Observatory is a great spot for live music and cocktails. Located on the rooftop of a building in Bui Vien Street, it offers a unique perspective of the bustling city. You can enjoy a range of signature cocktails while listening to live performances by local and international artists.

The Loft is a hidden bar located above a cafe in an alley off Bui Vien Street. It offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, providing a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Saigon. You can enjoy a range of classic and signature cocktails, as well as a selection of light bites.