Hard Cocktail Bar - Chiang Mai: Simple, yet effective

I've started to get bored at my local bars so I am now branching out a bit to other locations. I like a wide variety of venues and sometimes when I see a place that looks like a dump I am hopeful that it will be a "diamond in the rough." Hard Cocktail Bar might become my new regular spot in the city center.

two lies on this sign: There is no 80B "cocktail" and I was there on a Sunday

Located just near the southern gate for the famous moat of Chiang Mai city center. Hard Cocktail Bar is easy to miss because the building doesn't really stand out and it is on a less traveled road. It also appears as though it is about to fall over which probably keeps most people from going in.

I like to give places like this a try anyway because in the time that I have spent living in Thailand my favorite bars have normally ended up being the sort of establishments without much curb appeal. It's a tiny little place with just a few bar stools and that is just fine with me. They do have food available but I didn't look at the menu. However, the cocktail menu is aptly priced and extensive.

To put things in financial perspective 100 Baht is approximately $3 U.S. I suppose it depends one where you are from whether or not any of this is a good deal. They do not use top-shelf spirits but I am from the school of thought that if you are drinking sugary cocktails the quality of the booze is less than of paramount importance. The correct mixture is what matters most and the bartender accomplished this perfectly.

My Pina Colada was lacking in presentation but it was delicious (as they tend to be.) The two other patrons were friendly and this is one aspect that I think is quite common in dive bars: The clientele tend to be more laid back. I would recommend this place for people looking to get some booze and maybe have a chat with a stranger. This obviously is not really a family place (I think most bars tend not to be) and you are very unlikely to meet a love interest here. However, if you are looking for a cheap-ish cocktail in a smaller establishment in a centrally-located place, Hard Cocktail Bar (the cocktails were not strong by the way) might be the place to go.

location including GPS coords
45 ถนนพระปกเกล้า ตำบล พระสิงห์ อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50200