If you’re visiting Vietnam’s capital and looking to enjoy a night on the town, stopping by some of the best bars in Hanoi is a must. With a diverse drinking scene, there are establishments for every occasion. If blasting music is more of your style, check out the area’s nightclubs. However, if you’re interested in a cocktail lounge or American-style brewery, you should head downtown.
While some bars offer full menus, including food, many are limited to snacks, fancy drinks, and imported beers. Don’t be surprised if you run into other foreigners, as Hanoi is an international hub for socializing and pub hopping. Most places don’t require reservations, but it doesn’t hurt to ask if you plan to visit a high-end establishment on the weekend.
When you’re ready to raise your glass for a good time, head out to one of these top bars in Hanoi, which are listed in no particular order.
Binh Minh Jazz Club
Based right in the middle of Hanoi’s French Quarter, Binh Minh Jazz Club is a hot spot for music lovers that enjoy a chill environment. This venue has become an icon in the city and caters to customers with a polished taste for fine arts, low-key live music, and sleek modern decor.
Established in 1998 by local jazz musician Quyen Van Minh, who plays his saxophone live, this club is a space for true jazz enthusiasts. Binh Minh Jazz Club‘s intimate environment is soothing, and they are also open for breakfast. Imported beers, trendy cocktails, and pub fare are also served here.
1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội | +84 24 3933 6555
Ne Cocktail Bar
Nothing beats a classy drink in a luxurious environment, which is what Ne Cocktail Bar delivers to its customers every time without fail. Located in the Hoan Kiem District, this award-winning bar exudes elegance and professionalism. The Pho Cocktail is their famous signature drink, highlighting elements from the popular Vietnamese soup that everyone knows and loves.
Other house drinks incorporate native ingredients, and soothing jazz music plays in the background for as long as customers are still there.
3B P. Tống Duy Tân, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội | +84 90 488 62 66
The Unicorn Pub
A hidden treasure, Unicorn Pub is where you’ll find interesting cocktails bursting with flavor. The carefully crafted drinks at this venue are complemented by the quirky, comfortable decorations, wooden furniture, and relaxing atmosphere.
With a full line of native-themed cocktails, Unicorn Pub attracts drink enthusiasts to come and sample the “Taste of Vietnam,” as many of these concoctions are not found anywhere else. Open daily in the late afternoon and evenings, there is live music on Thursdays.
2a Hàng Than, Nguyễn Trung Trực, Ba Đình, Hà Nội | +84 97 664 28 71
Standing Bar Hanoi
Despite its name, “Standing Bar Hanoi” has plenty of seats to enjoy a nice cold beer. This speakeasy-style venue first opened in 2016 and has many Vietnamese craft brews on tap, making it a popular place for ex-pats and tourists. The location is fantastic too, offering beautiful views over Truc Bach Lake, especially at sunset. The bar also provides live entertainment, including comedy shows.
170 P. Trấn Vũ, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội | +84 24 2219 1486
Tannin Wine Bar
When you’re craving a nice glass of wine, Tannin Wine Bar is the place to go. Not only are the knowledgeable staff experts on all kinds of vino but also offer a great selection of cheeses and other snacks. If wine isn’t your thing, it’s no problem, as there is also a decent selection of cocktails and beers on the menu.
In addition to excellent customer service, visitors enjoy stopping in Tannin Wine Bar for its cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
46 Hàng Vải, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội | +84 90 478 94 82
New York Sports Bar
Situated near Hoan Kiem Lake, the New York Sports Bar is a fantastic choice for those looking to watch local and international sports. Boasting several television screens, a delicious menu, and several drink options, this bar is the go to place to catch a live game with friends. With a relaxing environment, the New York Sports Bar also has specials several days a week.
38 Bà Triệu, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội | +84 91 151 05 50
Kumquat Tree Speakeasy Bar
Based inside a nondescript building near the Hanoi Opera House, the Kumquat Tree is one of Hanoi’s most authentic speakeasies. Hard to find, the only way to get inside is with a passcode, which can be figured out by following the clues on their social media pages.
Once inside, this Kumquat Tree’s homey environment and collection of top-notch spirits are worth the trouble. Boasting a great waitstaff and carefully curated cocktail menu, the owner opens the doors as early as 9 AM most days for coffee.
1 Nguyễn Khắc Cần, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội | +84 98 268 53 35
Pasteur Street Brewing Co. – Hoan Kiem Taproom & Restaurant
The Pasteur Street Brewing Co. has a beautiful reputation, especially among tourists that love a good meal and beer at a local brewery. Traditional pub fare like burgers and hot wings are served here as well as year-round and seasonal taps.
The masters behind the bar have years of craft beer brewing experience, combined with local ingredients and flavors to bring Southeast Asia one of the first establishments of its kind. The spacious interior is simple and contemporary, creating the ideal place to catch up with friends over a flight or a few drinks.
1 P. Ấu Triệu, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội | +84 24 6294 9462
King Pirates Pub
Located in the heart of the Hoan Kiem Lake area, near the Old Quarter, King Pirates Pub is a no-frills, pirate-themed, rum-loving watering hole just off the beaten path from main tourist bars. Conveniently located near many of Hanoi’s attractions, this pub attracts many Western tourists and provides a welcoming environment to all.
Reviews of this venue state that the staff is friendly and don’t pressure people to make a purchase. However, most people who stop in enjoy indulging in one of the many delicious cocktails and beers offered.
24b Hàng Giầy, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội | +84 94 363 19 98
Polite & Co.
Inspired by 1920s gentlemen’s clubs, Polite & Co. is a rustic joint with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in the Hoan Kiem Lake District. And although fancy in decor and theme, the establishment doesn’t actually have a dress code. Formally known as “Polite Pub,” this venue has a large selection of cocktails, beer, and coffee and is set up with many stools along its polished bar.
The rest of the interior is eclectic with cool tones and has some great happy hour deals.
5b Ng. Báo Khánh, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội | +84 96 894 96 06
Craft Beer Pub
Situated right in the Old Quarter, the Craft Beer Pub has been one of the top locations for finding uniques in Hanoi for a few years. The social environment is a great place to sample new brews while chatting with travelers or locals, and larger meals are served for those who like to pair food with drinks.
The inside of the pub looks like a traditional European-style setting, including wooden fixtures and a long-serving bar. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, making sipping in the sunshine an option on lovely days.
26 P. Hàng Buồm, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Tadioto
An exotic and artsy bar, Tadioto is known for its delicious Japanese cuisine. The red doors on the outside are intriguing yet inviting, and the speakeasy-esque interior keeps a broody atmosphere to enjoy a drink or two. Jazz musicians often entertain in the background, keeping the tunes relatively low to maintain that calming environment.
24b Tông Đản, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội | +84 24 6680 9124
Leo’s Cocktails & Co.
Situated less than a five-minute walk from the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Leo’s Cocktails & Co. is a classic bar with high-quality spirits. Boasting infused bottles of alcohol to provide more intense flavors in drinks, but their house-made mulled wine is a big hit. With a relaxing 1920s feel, customers love visiting Leo’s Cocktails & Co. during happy hour to unwind from a busy day.
16 P. Lò Sũ, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000
Top of Hanoi
Set up on the 67th floor of the Lotte Hotel, the Top of Hanoi is one of the highest luxury sky bars in the city. The romantic atmosphere looking over the nation’s capital is something to write home about, as these breathtaking views are accompanied by decadent food and drink options.
On days with great weather, this is the place to be to sip while watching a beautiful sunset; just keep in mind that it can be windy at such a height. The staff speaks English, and the prices are somewhat premium, but if this is your first time in Hanoi, a stop here for a meal or happy hour is a must-do activity.
54 P. Liễu Giai, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội | +84 24 3333 1000
Lều Coffee & Bar
Coffee and alcohol are two substances that people love, and at the Leu Coffee & Bar in the Hoan Kiem District, you can get both in one shot. Customers love this venue for its egg coffee and then head to the upstairs floor for snacks and trendy cocktails. The decor is somewhat peculiar and circus-themed, but the food and cocktails are delicious and high-quality.
Past customers recommend trying their version of the Pho Cocktail while people watch over the street below from the balcony seating area.
Số 1 Tạ Hiện, Tầng 2, Quận Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội | +84 98 453 03 82
With so many styles of bars, the drinking scene in Hanoi has something for everyone. These watering holes are at your service, whether you’re stopping in for a happy hour, a meal, or just a beer to break up the day’s itinerary. And if you prefer your cocktails in the sky, make sure to check out some of the top rooftop bars in Hanoi. Cheers!