Hanoi’s Best Cocktail Bars: Recommendations from a Local

Let me start with a disclaimer: although I’ve lived in Vietnam for 17 years, I’m still far from having tried all the cocktail bars in Hanoi. 

I know Hanoi is a big city, but even with that in mind, the dynamism of its cocktail scene is truly impressive. I’m always happy to point this out to people who claim Hanoi is a dead city at night.

Just a quick note to ensure everyone understands the focus of this article: it’s not about the ‘best bars in Hanoi’; it’s specifically about places that specialize in cocktails. I’m also working on a separate article covering the best rooftop bars in the city, so places that stand out more for their views will be featured there, even if they serve decent cocktails.

This is an independent review— with Huong, we personally tried all the places mentioned and received no compensation. To write this article, we visited dozens of places over the past few years, most of which didn’t make it to the list.

1. USEbar

This place would be my first recommendation if you want cocktails to be the focus of your experience.

The décor is modern and minimalist—a welcome change from the speakeasy/prohibition vibe, which has been a bit overdone for my taste in Hanoi.

The concept behind USEbar revolves around utilizing ingredients that are usually wasted. All their creations, along with the philosophy behind them, are detailed in a small book that serves as the menu.

The cocktails themselves are excellent, with the garnish treated as an essential part of the experience. We also found the balance in all the cocktails we tried at USEbar particularly impressive.

What we like:

• Original and delicious cocktails
• Knowledgeable and friendly bartender
• Prices include VAT and service charge, which somewhat makes up for their slightly higher cost compared to other places.

Practical Info:

• Address: 55 Ng. Huế, Ngô Thì Nhậm, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi
• Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KVg2q9FB3JE6RKLQ9
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usebar.hanoi

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More : USEbar full review

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2. NỌT

“Ngọt” in Vietnamese means sweet, but that’s not what defines the cocktails here. The founders of this bar dropped the letter “g” from Ngọt to emphasize that their cocktails do NOT lean on the sweet side.

This perfectly aligns with Huong’s and my own preferences, and the cocktails have been the true highlights of our visit.

I personally recommend the TomYum Penicillin, a reinvention of the classic Penicillin that incorporates galangal.

In fact, almost all of their signature cocktails seem really intriguing, as the team at Nọt is proud to showcase local ingredients from various provinces of Vietnam, such as mắc khén or fermented jackfruit.

What we love:

• Excellent local cocktails prepared by a knowledgeable and friendly team
• A great atmosphere: exactly what you imagine an intimate cocktail bar should be

Practical Info:

• Address: 34 Ng Xóm Hạ Hồi, Hanoi
• Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SqMV8hDw8a38qxZw8
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thee.not

3. NÊ Cocktail Bar/ NÊ Boong-ke

We cannot talk about cocktails in Hanoi without mentioning Nê. Founded by Phạm Tiến Tiệp, this place played a key role in the rise of Hanoi’s cocktail scene.

A big part of that influence comes from the creation of the Phở Cocktail, a drink that has since been replicated in many places.

For me, this cocktail is a true must-try, not just a gimmick. I love how cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and fresh coriander—the traditional ingredients of Phở—are highlighted in this drink.

More importantly, the success of this cocktail has inspired multiple local bartenders to craft truly Vietnamese cocktails!

Nê’s original location is on the touristic Tống Duy Tân street, but after its success, a second venue, Nê Boong-ke (12 Cửa Đông Hanoi), was opened. This sister bar offers the same iconic cocktails but in a larger space.

What we like:

• Truly local creations (like the Phở Cocktail)
• A meaningful place for Hanoi’s cocktail scene

Practical Info:

• Address: 3B P. Tống Duy Tân, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
• Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ry6XyihVRmukYBPV6
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ne.cocktailbar

4. Lang Thang Cocktail Bar

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why we like this place.

If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be “vibe”—even though I’m usually reluctant to use that term since it can mean just about anything.

What’s certain is that with its reasonably priced and original cocktails, unpretentious atmosphere, and friendly bartender team, Lang Thang has built a loyal following among both expats and locals. This success has led the team to open a new coffee concept next door named Cửa Đỏ (Red Door).

This is all enhanced by a great location in the up-and-coming Trúc Bạch peninsula neighborhood.

Bonus point 1: For those who like to enjoy their cocktails seated on the street, that’s totally possible at Lang Thang.
Bonus point 2: If you’re in the mood for some great beers, one of the best craft beer bar in Hanoi is located right next door.

What we like:

• Great value for the price
• Chill, unpretentious vibes
• Original creations that shine for their taste, without relying on gimmicks

Practical Info:

• Address: 8b P. Lạc Chính, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình
• Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7w8vhQ2wHhRvQ6hU6
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/langthang8b

5. Angelina

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Hanoi has plenty of cocktail bars located in 5-star hotels.
I know a lot of people might be turned off by this idea, but if you don’t mind the vibe associated with these places, I’d recommend Angelina.

First of all, it’s located in a true historical monument—the Metropole, a place that’s worth visiting on its own.
The bar has its own unique personality and is always busy with an eclectic crowd (not just tourists!). Just keep in mind that it also has dining options, so it’s not exclusively a bar.

That said, cocktails are not just an afterthought at Angelina. While the current selection is somewhat limited (they are also a restaurant and a whisky lounge), we have been told that a dedicated cocktail menu will soon be launched. The bar also occasionally hosts special events/ guest bartender shifts.

What we like:

• Located in an exceptional venue
• Great happy hour deal (Buy 1, get 1 free from 4 pm to 7 pm)
• Special attention to mocktails

Practical Info:

• Address: 56 P. Lý Thái Tổ, Metropole, Hanoi
• Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rc1QGMBW2UecuWGU6
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SofitelLegendHanoi

6. Polite & Co

If there’s a cocktail bar that has truly “stood the test of time,” it’s this one. Polite & Co opened its doors in 1995 (yes!) and claims to be the oldest cocktail bar in town.

But is it still good? We’d say yes. The cocktail menu is extensive enough to satisfy all tastes, with a special attention given to the “signature cocktails.”

If you’re not into cocktails (but why are you reading this article?), Polite & Co also offers craft beer on tap, sake, and more.

We also appreciate that between the Happy Hours and special nights (Ladies’ Nights / Gentlemen’s Nights), you can always find a good deal if you pay attention.

What we like:

• Centrally located, just steps away from the cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake
• Buy 1, get 1 free from 5 pm to  8 pm on all drinks except signature cocktails.

Practical Info:

• Address: 5b Ng. Báo Khánh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
• Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iJtRVU3iji8HKTBZ9
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/politeandcohanoi

7. The Haflington

The Haflington’ entrance may be hidden behind a small corridor in the Old Quarter, this place is no longer a secret to anyone familiar with Hanoi’s bar scene.

Much of its success stems from the vintage decor, inspired by the grand natural history museums of Europe.  The most striking example of this unique identity is the spectacular fossil hanging above the Main Bar.

This year, the bar achieved an additional level of recognition by making it onto the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.

While this accolade has attracted a fair number of tourists, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the prices have remained acceptable despite the recent success.

We like:

• Reasonable prices, considering the place’s popularity, with VAT, service charge, and free motorbike parking included
• Well-executed concept stretching on 2 floors.

Practical Info:

• Address: 94 P. Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
• Map:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/vUwKnKc1f5P9MZQ58
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehaflington

Additional Recommendation

Liquid Store

There are plenty of hidden or low-key cocktail bars in Hanoi, which makes it hard to single out just one.
What we like about Liquid Store is that it doesn’t try too hard to be special, if that makes sense. The massive central bar, which dominates the single room, along with the cozy atmosphere, is just enough to make the place feel welcoming.

Their cocktail menu offers a good mix of classic drinks and a few creative options, all reasonably priced—especially during happy hours (99k for classics).

📍 Address: 12 P. Đường Thành, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi (enter the coffee)

DOT

Cocktails don’t always have to be enjoyed in a fancy setting. Fortunately, Hanoi also gives you the chance to enjoy street cocktails.

Our favorite spot for this experience is DOT, where you can sip your favorite classic cocktails at very affordable prices, all while enjoying a view of Trúc Bạch Lake.

📍 Address: 66 P. Trấn Vũ (lake view) & 1 Nguyễn Khắc Hiếu, Ba Đình, Hanoi

Aura – The Orange Hanoi Cocktail Bar

I really appreciate when a bar has a clear and original concept that’s consistently reflected in every detail, from the menu to the ambiance.

Aura achieves this with modern artworks by local artists hanging on the walls, paired with an extensive cocktail menu that highlights major art styles from the 20th century.

The bar is located on Nhà Chung, just a few steps from the Cathedral, so expect to see your fair share of tourists among the customers.

📍Address: 8 P. Nhà Chung, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

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Read more :  Top 9 Venues for Craft Beer in Hanoi

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