[Personal list – Updated Jan ’25]
Thao Dien is one of our favorite areas in Ho Chi Minh City. We’ve lived here for several years, and even after moving back to Hanoi, we often choose Thao Dien as our go-to spot whenever we’re in Saigon. One big reason is that many of our favorite restaurants, bars, and so on are all located here, within easy walking distance.
When it comes specifically to bars, Thao Dien literally has too many options. In this article, we’re going to share our favorite spots based on our latest visits. You’ll find long-standing establishments as well as newcomers that have recently opened but have quickly left a good impression on us for various reasons.
We’ve also included information about current promos eg. Happy Hour, to help you get good value if you decide to try some of these places. Please note that these could be changed anytime by the establishments, so it’s best to confirm via their official pages before you come.
*List in no particular order
1. 86 Proof Whiskey Bar
Situated on Xuân Thủy, this venue stands as the antithesis of a hidden gem. You will hardly find residents of Thao Dien who do not know about this place.
For several years, it has maintained its status as one of the most popular cocktail and whiskey bars of the area, and with good reason.
It’s perhaps the spot we’ve visited most frequently in D2 over the past few years.
We like:
- Ideally situated in the heart of Thảo Điền on the vibrant Xuân Thủy street.
- Offers one of the best Happy Hour deals : 50% discount on all alcoholic beverages by the glass, including our signature cocktails, beer, and wine, from 4 to 7 PM.
- Great cocktails with an extended menu which featured many unique signature creations, crafted by bartenders who have won accolades in cocktail competitions.
- Spacious and airy setting with both indoor and outdoor seating, complemented now by a rooftop terrace that’s open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Practical info:
- Address : 109 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, HCMC
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2jc11AqeMhH39qmm9
- Website: https://86proofwhiskeybar.com/
*Recently, the owners of 86 Proof Whiskey Bar have also launched another project just a few steps away, named Mámi Cocktails – Tapas & Bar (97a Xuan Thuy). It’s another spot very worth trying, with different signature cocktails as well as tapas and oysters.
Huong’s favorite here is the signature cocktail Ổi Ơi made from clarified pink guava. Happy hour is from 4-8pm everyday.
2. Dram Bar
Dram Bar is among the latest additions to the local scene, having opened just before Covid-19. It’s a project from Tribe Hospitality Group, which owns several other famous names in Ho Chi Minh City such as Stoker, The Racha Room, Relish & Sons, and Firkin (another favorite bar of ours in District 1).
We like:
- A true speakeasy/hidden bar in Thảo Điền
- Friendly and professional bartenders
- Designated smoking area and a private billiard room
- Happy Hour from 6-8 PM daily: Classic cocktails at a price of only VND125k++
Practical Info
- Address: 2 Đ. Đặng Hữu Phổ, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, HCMC (above Stoker)
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kgdMbReCc6rryWtv8
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dramcocktailbar
3. MAD Wine Bar & Eatery
Opened in 2020 by a Danish couple, MAD Wine Bar gets its name from the Danish word “MAD” which translates to “food.”
Before this, the couple owned another very popular restaurant in Thao Dien called MAD House. Due to Covid-19 and rumored challenges with their landlord, it closed and was merged with MAD Wine Bar, leading to the creation of the current MAD Wine Bar & Eatery.
We like:
- Probably the best wine bar in Thao Dien, featuring over 20++ wines by the glass.
- Good food, especially the grilled toasties.
- Spacious outdoor area and a cozy indoor space with air conditioning.
- Happy Hour from 2-7 PM, Monday to Friday (applicable on selected wines and dishes).
Practical Info:
- Address: 63 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, HCMC
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rcn7HahSXcQUVqdm6
- Website: https://www.madwinesaigon.com/
4. Le Café des Stagiaires
Founded by three French and Belgian friends who have known each other since their trainee days (the term “Stagiaires” in French means “trainees”), Le Café des Stagiaires Saigon is their third establishment, following two very successful locations under the same brand in Shanghai and Bangkok.
We like:
- One of the best rooftops in Thao Dien, offering expansive views of the Saigon River and Landmark 81 building, especially beautiful at sunset.
- A French-Belgian menu with a variety of satisfying European-style comfort food.
- A lively party spot on weekend evenings (DJs playing great music…)
- Happy Hour from 5-7 PM, Monday to Friday (applicable to certain drinks only).
Practical Info:
- Address: 10 Đường số 54, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, HCMC
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HqzM1EgZNkoQRnv99
- Website: https://cafestagiaires.vn/
5. Lost Birds
Located right on the main street at the beginning of Xuân Thủy—a street that has recently been transformed into a walking street on weekend nights—‘Lost Birds’ has successfully created the feel of a speakeasy or hidden bar, thanks to its intentionally ‘hidden’ facade, despite its very central location.
We like:
- Beautiful and cozy decor, offering a private feeling
- Tasty cocktails
- Friendly bartenders
- Happy Hour from 6-8:30 every evening: All cocktails 33% off
Thông tin chung:
- Address: 24A Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, HCMC
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zQudDeWCEtHx7rPD7
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostbirds.cocktailbar
6. Twist Cafe & Bar
One of the reasons we’re fond of Thao Dien is due to its diverse offerings. No matter what your taste is, the area has something for everyone. Twist Cafe & Bar is a prime example of the fun “street bar” concept that is not bia hoi, or a bar that mainly caters towards tourists like those in Bui Vien.
Featuring a half cafe, half sidewalk bar model (with an indoor space as well), Twist is the perfect spot to relax alone or with friends in shorts and flip-flops without needing to dress up.
The drink prices here also are very affordable compared to other places: Cocktails and wines by the glass are around 100k on average.
It’s no surprise that Twist is always packed from evening onward, even on weekdays.
We like:
- The lively sidewalk atmosphere
- Good value for price
- Live Music / DJs on a regular basis
Pratical Info:
- Address : 88 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, HCMC
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8DboLcR5ipVoE4WF9
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twist.cafe.bar
7. The Muse – Cocktail & Tapas Bar
Le Café des Stagiaires is far from being the only good rooftop bar in Thao Dien. The Muse is another rooftop that we really enjoy, though it’s a bit out of the way (actually located in An Phu ward).
Located on the rooftop of the 5-star Mia Saigon – Luxury Boutique Hotel (part of the same group as the contemporary Vietnamese restaurant Madame Lam – Michelin selected), this is where we occasionally go for a change of scenery if we want to escape the often too noisy center of Thao Dien.
We like:
- A secluded, quiet, and relaxing space
- Beautiful sunset views
- Golden Hour from 5-7 PM: Buy one, get one free on alcoholic drinks by the glass
Practical Info:
- Address: Số 2-4, Đường số 10, An Phú, Thủ Đức, TPHCM
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DaY67BYujM7HUwGn9
- Website: https://www.miasaigon.com/culinary/the-muse/
8. BiaCraft
This article missed a solid option for craft beer lovers like me. Fortunately, Thảo Điền has no shortage of choices. On Xuân Thủy alone, you’ll find branches of both Pasteur Street and Ibiero—and that’s not even counting the many bars and restaurants that serve it without specifically branding themselves as craft beer spots.
The growing number of options in recent years is great, but I remain loyal to what I believe is the true OG of craft beer in Thảo Điền—Biacraft.
Their current location is much bigger than the one they started with a few years ago. They still offer a wide variety of beers (including some from their “competitors”), but they’ve now added an extensive comfort food menu along with more options for non-beer drinkers, such as cider, wine, and even homemade soda.
We like:
- A large selection of great craft beer
- An extensive food menu
- Several options for non-beer drinkers
Practical Info:
- Address: 90 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, District 2, HCMC
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x8oJfZTkACALECuV8
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biacraft
Looking for more craft beer options in Hanoi? This guide has you covered!
Read more : Top 9 Venues for Craft Beer in Hanoi
Additional personal recommendations
Additional places that we also tried and like:
Maltose – 49 Thảo Điền
This “jazz bar” is situated on the third floor of The Loop restaurant. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, featuring quality cocktails and a pleasant view in the evening. We found the staff friendly and attentive.
Check their Facebook for latest promotions.
BAIETA – 16/8 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng
Although it has only opened recently, Baieta has quickly become a hot spot in Thảo Điền. The open design with a spacious, breezy patio/sidewalk paved area offers a beautiful view of the Sài Gòn River and Landmark 81.
In essence, it is a restaurant, but you can also visit just to enjoy drinks during the Happy Hour (4-7pm Tue to Fri) or later in the evening. We advise you to make a reservation. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Afterglow Sky Bar – 43A-43B Xuân Thủy
It has only been a few months since it opened, but this rooftop bar on Xuân Thủy Street has already caught our attention. The sunset view from here is great, and the cocktails are quite good too. We recommend you try the signature Reflection cocktail (rum, seaweed, popcorn, milk, sour solution) below and see for yourself!
There are several promotions eg. Happy Hour 6-9pm from Tuesday – Saturday (50% discount on cocktails, beer and some snacks).
Monique – 28 Thảo Điền
This tiny whiskey/cocktail bar is perfect for introverts or anyone who enjoys relaxing with a drink in a quiet, cozy jazz music atmosphere.
The Deck Saigon – 38 Nguyễn Ư Dĩ
Another long-established restaurant/bar in Thảo Điền, The Deck is known for its beautiful riverside view. The food here hasn’t quite won us over, but it remains one of Thảo Điền’s busiest spots thanks to the view.
Happy Hour (4-7 PM and after 10 PM), and the weekend events and DJ sets.
In the immediate vicinity is also CLAY Saigon – a relatively newer name but with a similarly beautiful riverside ambiance, and very interesting Happy Hour promotions (3-7 PM and after 10 PM).
*This list is entirely based on personal preferences. We haven’t yet explored everything Thảo Điền has to offer, but we plan to update this list regularly.
If your favorite bar isn’t on this list, please let us know. We’re always eager to try new places!
Read more: 50+ best Happy Hour deals in Hanoi (by district)
