Maybe you need some glam vintage gear to make your Bangkok home truly unique, but you’re too lazy to spend an entire evening walking through the train market and haggling with buyers. Or perhaps you never knew you needed that pricey Eames chair until you’d had three martinis and noticed it across the cafe. And, hey, look at that, it’s for sale. What’s THB20,000 (US$610) anyway? Wrap it up, deliver it to my condo, and another drink while you’re at it.
In the city, these scenarios are possible. At these quirky cafes, they are exactly what the owners hope for. Here’s our list of cafes decorated with retro furniture that’s all for sale:
Tuba Design Furniture & Restaurant
A classic Bangkok meetup spot, this maze of endless private rooms for eating, drinking, and karaoke are decked out with the weirdest most wonderful things, from ancient Ganesha statues to make you look Eastern woke to old-school Heineken neon signs to perfect your ironic frat boy decor.
The home furnishings aren’t cheap, but the owners of Tuba also have a great eye for curation and the items are all in excellent shape. This is a great place for a first date since you can chat about the unusual decor, knickknacks, and memorabilia if you aren’t quite sure what else to say.
We also recommend their happy hour, when you can get double-sized blue martinis for just THB250 (US$7.6). But don’t blame us if you make unwise buying decisions afterward.
34 Soi Ekkamai 21
Open daily, 11am-2am
This homey, eclectic Thong Lor cafe is about as quirky as they come, with an old TV filled with live goldfish and a huge tree growing through the center. Their food is delish and the staff all pleasant and artsy. We’ve heard reports of them sitting down with their customers for an impromptu drawing sesh when the cafe isn’t busy.
While the large decor here isn’t for sale (for the most part), many of the small items are, as is the artwork on the walls. As your server about them — many of the art pieces are the creations of the staff.
Check out our story on Sundays here.
44/9-10 Thonglor 13
Open daily, 11am-11pm
One of the more down-to-earth of the bars in Thong Lor — slip down Soi Thararom 2 and find this shophouse charmer on your right. Filled with mid-century modern goodness, you might find the perfect piece to finish off your bedroom or living room while you sip your G&T.
Or consider vintage gas station attendant uniforms or naked Barbie dolls while you munch on the free bar’s always fresh free popcorn.
808/12 Soi Tararom 2, off Thonglor Rd.
Open daily, 9am-2am
Conveniently located on the same soi as Tuba, this furniture store and cafe offers unusual colorful, funky and fun stuff for your home as well as pretty darn great coffee. As one reviewer said, “everything is up for sale except the espresso machine.”
If booze and furniture shopping might lead to some questionable choices, caffeine and decor browsing might just be genius. Hey, you can actually try a coffee creation on your would-be new-to-you coffee table.
24 Ekamai 21 Sukhumvit 63 Rd.
Open daily, 9am-5pm
This warehouse-sized space on Rama 9 offers a full Western and Thai menu and also specializes in Nordic vintage furniture. No Nordic food though. How’s that for a business plan?
Fans across the board recommend the Tom Yum spaghetti, but maybe try to purchase that perfect 1960s Danish globe lamp or unforgettable wishbone chair before the food coma sets in.
Rama 9 Soi 48 (opposite The Nine mall)
Open daily, 11am-9pm except Wednesdays
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