As the drinking culture and nightlife scene in Hanoi grows and flourishes, it is very easy to get lost in the never-ending lists of cocktail bars, pubs and clubs in this capital city of Vietnam . No matter if you are a whisky aficionado,  a man-about-town or the modern-day ‘good-time Charlie’…, look no further, here are the 5 best exclusive bars , pubs that promise top notch whisky experiences in Hanoi.

Table of content

Angelina

La Plume

The Black Sheep

The Den bar

21GAM

1. angelina

Amidst the fashion boutiques that surround Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s French Quarter lies the eye-catching angelina sign board – in bold and lowercase. No it’s not another fashion designer’s house or a luxury watch store, angelina is the sought-after bespoke cocktail bar and whisky lounge for suave and sophisticated clientele.

Distinguished from the colonial and traditional style of the hotel, angelina is set for a totally revamped menu and refurbished theme that is bold, modern, upbeat and refreshing. As a bespoke bar – whisky lounge – restaurant, angelina offers not only the progressive cocktails that are crafted to your personality and taste, but also a collection of world-class whiskies and expertly chosen wines. Whisky remains the specialty here, with a dedicated lounge that calls to mind polished smoking rooms and a specialty ‘The Connoisseur Club’ service. The atmosphere, the drinks, the food, the people, are also what makes angelina a most attractive option for the selective Hanoi based consumer.

Location: 56B Ly Thai To, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

2. La Plume

La Plume from Press Club is a vibrant spot to meet-up in the heart of the old city. Set on top of the Press Club building that used to be the Journalist Association or Foreign Correspondents Club, La Plume is a posh and exciting venue where you may enjoy your evening on the rooftop terrace overlooking the tranquil ambiance of Ly Thai To street. In addition to their classic cocktails, other beverage specialties including wines, fine teas and coffees are also available for guests to enjoy and wind down in the lounge space.

Location: 12 Ly Dao Thanh, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

3. The Black Sheep

The Black Sheep follows a “Cocktail Theatre” concept – decorated and designed as a miniature theatre where parties, musical and social events are held. Besides hosting evenings ranging from disco and jazz to new school hip hop, The Black Sheep also brings theatrical inspirations to their impressive drinks list, from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to Victor Hugo’s Fantine and Jean Valjean.

Location: 28 Tong Duy Tan, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

4. The Den bar

Situated inside La Siesta Trendy Hotel, The Den bar is a Hanoi’s hidden gem. The dimly lit lounge is fully-furnished with leather furniture such as wine bottle trunks and armchairs, reminiscent of London or New York’s sophisticated gentleman’s clubs. The Den bar guarantees a hip, relaxed and exclusive spot to unwind and chill out. In essence, a ‘hideaway’ spot for those who seek an intimate setting in town.

Location: 12 Nguyen Quang Bich, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

5. 21GAM

Newly established in 2020, 21GAM breathes a new life into the Hanoi bar scene. Young, dreamy with a hint of ‘moodiness’, the bar sets out to ‘heal every broken soul’ with innovative, contemporary-styled cocktails, a quality long bar and an interesting décor that includes a giant moon. This is the place to go to observe and let yourself sink into Hanoi’s youth culture including all of its passion and modern spirit.

Location: 21 Truong Han Sieu, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi