COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Smalls, a quirky corner bar on Suan Phlu Soi 1, is the kind of place where meaningful conversations take place over interesting cocktails – a long way from the blaring cacophony and mass-market booze of Soi Sukhumvit 11, where David Jacobsen opened Q Bar more than a decade back.
Enter Smalls’ revolving door and you’re greeted by a moody interior that draws heavily from an early-20th, French aesthetic, plus a few funky anachronistic touches like a weathered Ultraman figure hanging from the ceiling and a caged Barbie doll perched above the bar. Candles illuminate the booths and tables; service staff is only a glance away due to the small, intimate nature of the space.
With experience in French spirits from Q Bar’s French-inspired Le Derriere, it shouldn’t come as a complete surprise that Jacobsen pours a handful of Absinthes in the traditional fashion with spoons, fountains and intricate glasses.
In its first week after opening, the Chocotini had already emerged as a favorite, and that might be helped by a 45-ml pour of vodka instead of the standard 30ml – and that goes for all the cocktails. The signature cocktail list is long, and it’s sometimes difficult to decipher what ingredients go into cocktails like the Toxic A Merican, or the Cookie Run (named after the universally loved/hated mobile game) but in the case of the Dragon Piroska, there’s a hint – the Dragon Piroska is mashed Dragon fruit, honey and vodka. All signature drinks are THB350.
The seating area on the second floor is minimized due to the presence of a dumbwaiter, another touch paying homage to historic haunts. Interesting prints tower over the cramped room, one of which breaks down Thai cultural obsession with Japanese materialism. These odd artistic touches are meant to fuel conversation in a bar that has vowed never to play any sort of pop or commercial hip-hop. Instead Smalls opts for light jazz or instrumental tunes.
A second floor balcony in a New Orleans French Quarter style provides an interesting space for people looking to imbibe al fresco, or guests can opt for the third floor’s open-air deck. Surprisingly this roofed area is a big hit despite the blazing heat.
Fare at Smalls is relatively minimal, making it the kind of place to go for drinks after a meal rather than a destination for dinner. Platters like the rillete porc (THB210), the tomato mozzarella (THB150) or three cuts of cheese (THB340) are perfect to pair with a bottle of wine, while quesadillas(THB220) and chicken wings (THB220) might be better suited for a good beer, which Smalls planned to bring in after opening.
FIND IT:
Corner of Soi Suan Phlu 1
6pm – 2am Monday, 6pm to 2am Wednesday through Sunday
