6 Hidden Bars in Hanoi

If beer has long been a cultural trademark of Hanoians, then in recent years, cocktails have emerged as a new wave increasingly popular among the youth. Not as abundant as in Saigon, Hanoi also boasts its own bars with enchanting decor, specializing in unique concoctions.

A common trait of bars in Hanoi is that most cocktails are crafted based on recipes inspired by familiar local drinks, intriguing not only the capital’s diners but also impressing international friends. A prime example is the Phở cocktail, a creative drink that embodies Hanoi’s identity and has put Vietnam on the world cocktail map.

Hanoi’s cocktail bars are currently focusing on creativity and developing concoctions by prioritizing the use of local ingredients. The decor simultaneously reflects contemporary, classical, and elegant vibes.

Recreating the style of bars during the U.S. Prohibition era, Hanoi’s bars are also hidden in small and secluded locations, with spaces designed to be both luxurious and mysterious. Now, let’s explore five must-visit bars in Hanoi with Vietcetera.

Polite & Co

Polite & Co, formerly Polite Pub, was established by a Hanoian. Polite Pub was the first traditional pub in the capital, opened in 1995. In 2013, the owner passed Polite Pub down to his nephew, leading to its renovation and reopening under the name Polite & Co, specializing in whisky and cigars. Nowadays, although the bar has gradually embraced the cocktail scene, whisky remains popular here.

Polite & Co draws inspiration from gentleman’s clubs of the 1920s.

The interior design, inspired by the glamorous 1920s gentleman’s club, exudes luxury and coziness. Here, the cocktail menu changes every six months, featuring 25 cocktails from around the world, as well as mixes reminiscing Hanoi’s flavors. A special Mixology Journey menu typically includes 5-10 cocktails crafted based on weekly themes.

Polite & Co’s bartenders take guests on a blending journey with a Hong Kong-themed menu.

The Hanoi-themed menu at the bar includes five unique cocktails made from local ingredients, each with complex flavors and intricate presentation. One such drink is The Street Vendor, a cocktail recalling Hanoi’s Old Quarter with ingredients like chrysanthemum-infused gin, showcasing layers of fruity and floral notes.

Short description: A family-tradition bar transitioning from the first traditional pub in Hanoi to a redefined cocktail haven.

Address: 5B Ngõ Bảo Khánh, Hoàn Kiếm.

Jigger Cocktail & Wine Bar

Opened almost a year ago, Jigger Cocktail & Wine Bar is situated on Nam Ngu street, between diners, beauty salons, and clothing stores. Inside this beautifully refurbished building is a speakeasy bar with a contemporary design edge. Jigger’s space is thoughtfully considered, from lighting and seating to wall cladding and funky neon signs, creating a refined and cozy ambiance, distinct from the capital’s hustle and bustle.

Jigger is located on Nam Ngu street, among diners, beauty salons, and clothing stores.

Helen Nguyen is the head bartender here. Known previously for her role as a trainer at The Unicorn, Helen has breathed new life into the service and cocktail making at Jigger. To her, a good drink must achieve a balance of flavors. Her cocktail-making style is a blend of modern techniques while maintaining simplicity and valuing ingredients’ essence. Helen continuously seeks inspiration in crafting new drinks, driven by the joy of seeing customers’ satisfaction and happiness.

Head bartender Helen Nguyen.

With a desire to introduce and share the history behind each cocktail, Jigger’s menu includes annotations in Vietnamese and a flavor classification chart to assist patrons in selecting suitable drinks.

If you visit Jigger, try the signature cocktail ‘Neighborhood,’ representing the famous duck specialty of Nam Ngu street. This cocktail includes rum, dragon fruit, pineapple, Thai basil, coriander, and lime juice, accompanied by a bowl of roasted peanuts.

Jigger’s funky neon signboard.

Beyond serving excellent cocktails, owner Jeff Luong focuses on creating a comprehensive experience at Jigger. The music at the bar changes nightly, from jazz on Wednesdays to acoustic pop on Sundays.

Short description: A cozy classic bar expressed through every detail, from soft ambient lighting, comfortable seating, beautiful wall cladding to captivating neon signage.

Address: 59 Nam Ngu street.

Nê Cocktailbar

Steps away from the railway village, Nê Cocktailbar is a cozy speakeasy with a menu focused on Hanoi’s distinct ingredients and flavors. Opened in May 2017, it attracts locals, foreign residents in Hanoi, and tourists with its wonderful atmosphere. Most notably, it offers the famous Phở Cocktail.

The name “Nê” is short for Negroni, a favorite drink of one of the founding partners.

The name “Nê” is short for Negroni, a favorite drink of one of the founding partners. Naturally, Negroni is prominently featured on the menu, and you can order one with ingredients like cinnamon, jasmine, chili, coffee, chrysanthemum, or cloves.

A bartender at Nê preparing a drink.

Nê’s menu also includes signature cocktails, crafted from local ingredient essences to showcase Vietnam’s flavors and imagery. Most renowned is the Phở Cocktail, unveiled by bartender Phạm Tiến Tiệp during the Diageo World Class Vietnam 2012 competition.

Other cocktails exhibit a similar flavor fusion. For instance, you can taste soy sauce, coriander, garlic, lime, and fresh chili in the Vietnamese Bloody Mary.

Nê’s small bar with only 40 seats makes the bar counter the focus.

At Nê, seating is limited to 40, as the main attraction is the bar counter. Most patrons sit and watch as their drinks are prepared. Direct interaction at the bar allows the bartender to understand customers and precisely know their preferences. Special cocktails can also be made based on the drinker’s mood or their description of preferred flavors.

Short description: A cozy speakeasy with highly local ingredients and flavors.

Address: 3B Tống Duy Tân, Hoàn Kiếm.

Mad Botanist

Located in St Joseph’s Cathedral area, Mad Botanist hides on the third and fourth floors of HeSheEat Dim Sum (formerly V-Presso Café). Lavish, captivating interior with palm leaf patterns, geometric design elements, and predominantly copper details enhance the classic beauty of the 1920s era bars.

Mad Botanist behind the hanging curtain. The bar hides on the third and fourth floors of HeSheEat Dim Sum.

With 103 different types of Gin on display, this place is a haven for Gin lovers as it showcases numerous products from around the world.

Bar manager Nguyễn Công crafting one of the bar’s cocktails.

Striving to bring Gin closer to Vietnamese people, bar manager Nguyễn Công believes that leveraging science and applying new technologies in mixology is an advantage for the Vietnamese market. One of the best-selling drinks is the ‘Lab Inspired Gin & Tonic.’

Guests can enjoy views of Hanoi’s streets from above.

However, Gin isn’t the only specialty at Mad Botanist. There are several in-house infused spirits made from different cocktail types, like the Bacalao crafted from Sweet Muffin Tea gin, Maraschino Luxardo, and homemade fruit distillate. The delicate balance between sweet and sour is complemented by the cocktail’s exquisite presentation. Though the menu changes every six months, bestsellers like this will always remain.

Short description: A bar reminiscent of the American Prohibition era with captivating classic interiors, enriched with palm leaf patterns and copper elements.

Address: 45 Lý Quốc Sư, Hoàn Kiếm.

Cà Phê Hai Bốn

Located on bustling Bà Triệu street and just meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, Cà Phê Hai Bốn attracts many locals and tourists. As its name suggests, the place originally specialized in coffee, but recently added cocktails to the menu after a successful Halloween launch.

Quang Anh at Cà Phê Hai Bốn. He is a bartender who believes in customer understanding through service.

Bartender Quang Anh is behind the bar’s cocktail menu. His current achievements stem from a passion to bring cocktail culture to the streets. Recently, he moved to Hanoi (with a motorbike and his dog Pelle). In Saigon, he gained extensive experience working at famous bars like Saigon Rooftop Bar. He believes that key to a good cocktail isn’t the recipe but the bartender’s understanding of individual taste and mood.

Quang Anh making the signature Chili Cocktail.

Cà Phê Hai Bốn captivates a large clientele not only with the unique flavors of its classic cocktails made from fresh ingredients but also its service style. For just 68,000 VND, you can enjoy a Classic Cocktail, and 88,000 VND for a Signature Cocktail. Cà Phê Hai Bốn makes upscale, seemingly extravagant drinks accessible and approachable with affordable pricing.

By day a coffee shop, by night a cocktail bar.

The specialty here is the Chili Cocktail, a blend of chili-infused vodka, peach liqueur, mashed raspberries, lime juice, accompanied by a fresh chili. Other must-try drinks include Mai Tai and Espresso Martini, given the excellent coffee flavors here.

To keep patrons engaged, Quang Anh plans to refresh the menu every few weeks, promising new offerings like Lychee Martini, Banana Daiquiri, and more.

Short description: Initially a coffee shop but now transformed into a street cocktail bar – possibly the first of its kind in the current cocktail market.

Address: 24 Bà Triệu, Hoàn Kiếm.

Nectar Hideaway

Located at 20 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Nectar Hideaway is a highly acclaimed speakeasy cocktail bar, celebrated by international tourists with 230 five-star reviews on Google Maps. Nestled on the fourth floor of a historic building, it offers stunning views of Trang Tien Street and the iconic Hanoi Opera House.

Our bar is renowned for its unique cocktail creations, particularly the signature Starry Night, inspired by Van Gogh’s masterpiece. This, along with other distinctive signature cocktails, showcases our bartenders’ creativity and dedication to quality. Despite the high quality and exquisite presentation, our cocktails are priced reasonably, making Nectar Hideaway an attractive destination for both locals and visitors.

The intimate and cozy ambiance of Nectar Hideaway makes it an ideal spot for those seeking privacy or a romantic date. With a menu of 10 signature cocktails and over 150 classic beverages, we ensure a delightful experience for every palate. Whether you’re exploring Hanoi or seeking a relaxing evening, Nectar Hideaway promises a memorable cocktail journey at the heart of the city.

Short description: A speakeasy cocktail haven offering world-class signature and classic cocktails with reasonable pricing and a stunning view of Hanoi.

Address: 20 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

This introduction highlights the accolades, unique offerings, and overall appeal of Nectar Hideaway to entice potential visitors.