Swing Bar
Swing Bar is a jazz and blues venue on the fringes of the RCA nightclub strip, offering a sharp contrast to the EDM-heavy mega-clubs that dominate the area. The interior is dimly lit with exposed brick walls, candlelit tables, and a small stage at the far end where musicians perform nightly from around 21:00. The venue seats approximately 80 people across a mix of table seating and bar stools. The cocktail menu is more considered than the standard RCA fare, with a bartender who actually knows how to make a proper Old Fashioned. The crowd skews older than the surrounding clubs, attracting jazz enthusiasts, couples, and visitors who want live music without the nightclub volume. The bands rotate but maintain a consistent quality level, playing a mix of jazz standards, blues originals, and occasional Thai jazz compositions.
Where to stay near Swing Bar
Hotels and rentals within walking distance.
What to Expect
A small, dimly lit jazz bar with live music nightly. The atmosphere is intimate and conversation-friendly, a world apart from the booming clubs outside on RCA. Cocktails are well-made and the musicians are skilled.
Intimate and sophisticated, with live jazz creating a mood that stands apart from everything else on RCA.
Jazz, blues, soul, and occasional Thai jazz compositions performed live
Smart casual. The crowd dresses up more than at the surrounding clubs.
Jazz and blues fans, couples, and anyone who wants a quieter evening on RCA
Cash and credit cards accepted.
Price Range
Beer 180 THB, cocktail 280-350 THB, no cover charge
Beer ~$5.40/~4.90 EUR, cocktail ~$8.40-10.50/~7.60-9.60 EUR
Hours
19:00-01:00 daily (live music from 21:00)
Insider Tip
Reserve a table on weekends; the intimate space fills quickly. The cocktails are genuinely good here, unlike most RCA venues. Arrive by 20:30 to grab a table near the stage.
Full Review
Swing Bar exists in a parallel universe from the rest of RCA. While bass frequencies rattle the windows of Onyx next door, this small jazz venue maintains its own acoustic reality, dim lighting, candlelit tables, and musicians who actually went to music school.
The live performances start around 21:00 and run until closing. The bands cycle through a repertoire of jazz standards, blues numbers, and original compositions. On the nights I've visited, the quality has been consistently high. The musicians take requests if they know the song, and there's a genuine connection between performers and audience that you won't find on the club strip.
Cocktails are the standout on the drink menu. At 280 to 350 THB, they're pricier than a standard RCA beer, but they're properly made. The bartender uses fresh ingredients and knows the classics. Beer is available at 180 THB for those who prefer simplicity.
The space is intimate enough that it fills quickly on weekends. Reserving a table is advisable for Friday and Saturday visits. Weeknight shows are quieter but equally well-performed, with a more relaxed audience of jazz regulars.
Swing Bar is the Ratchada area's best-kept secret. It won't appeal to everyone, but for jazz fans and anyone who wants to escape the nightclub format without leaving the area, it's a genuine find.
The Neighborhood
On the outskirts of Royal City Avenue (RCA), Ratchadaphisek Road. The main RCA nightclub strip is a short walk away. Phra Ram 9 MRT station is the closest transit option.
Getting There
MRT to Phra Ram 9 station, then walk or Grab to RCA. Swing Bar is on the quieter end of the strip, away from the main club entrances.
Address
RCA, Ratchadaphisek Road
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