Buddha & Pals – Jazz Bar & Café
Overview
Buddha & Pals blends historic charm, live jazz, and laid-back café/bar vibes, making it one of Bangkok’s more distinctive jazz-bar experiences. Located in a restored old building in the historic Nang Loeng area, the venue shifts between café by day and jazz bar by night, attracting a mix of locals, creatives, travellers, and music lovers.
Whether you’re after live jazz, a relaxed drink, or a late-night meal and music, Buddha & Pals stands out as an inviting, atmospheric spot that doesn’t try to be flashy, instead leaning on authenticity, ambience, and good music.
📍 Location & Getting There
- Address: 716 Krung Kasem Road, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100.
- Nearest transport / Area context: The venue sits in the old-town area, not far from Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium and Khao San Road. It isn’t really close to any BTS/MRT stations. Taxi or motorbike-taxi from downtown is the typical access method; it’s also reachable by river + road depending on where you’re coming from.
- Building history & style: The venue is housed in a restored heritage building known as Kanvela House, originally part of a family property – the owners preserved vintage structure, giving Buddha & Pals its rustic/retro character, high ceilings, antique-style furniture, brick walls, and a warm, homey vibe.
Music & Atmosphere
- Live jazz focus: Buddha & Pals is explicitly designed as a jazz bar at night. From Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays), it hosts live jazz sessions, with house bands and jazz-oriented lineups; Thursdays might lean toward blues, showing some stylistic variety.
- Intentional music-first layout: Unlike many bars where music is ambient, the space here is arranged so tables face the stage, placing the music front and centre – the owner’s aim was to make jazz the main event.
- Ambience: The décor and layout – high ceilings, vintage furniture, warm lighting – create an intimate, nostalgic atmosphere. Patrons describe it as feeling like a “living room turned jazz lounge.” It’s cosy without being cramped, with a sense of calm by day turning into lively but comfortable vibes after dark.
- Crowd: A mix of locals, expats, music fans, and travellers – relaxed, unpretentious, and open to both dinner-goers and music-seekers. Dress code is smart-casual or relaxed.
Food, Drinks & Practical Info
- Day-to-night dual identity: During daytime, Buddha & Pals functions as a café — serving coffee, teas, light meals (e.g. pasta, simple dishes), cakes, and snacks. It’s a good spot for brunch or a casual daytime visit.
- Night-time bar & live music: After evening hours, the place transforms: tables rearranged, lights dimmed, and live jazz begins. Drinks, cocktails, beers, wines are all available; menu includes hearty dinners or late-night meals for those staying through to music sets.
- Price level: Generally considered mid-range pricing: meals like pastas or pizzas and modest cocktails/ drinks – generally more affordable than high-end hotel or rooftop bars, making it accessible yet special for a night out with music.
- Opening Hours (typical):
- Café hours: from around 10:00 AM onward.
- Jazz bar/night-time: from around 7:00 PM until midnight – sometimes until 1:00 AM on weekends (Fri–Sat).
- Closed on Monday.
- Contact: +66 (0)61-585-9283 or check out the social media linked at the top of this page.
Who It’s Best For
- Jazz and live-music fans seeking an intimate, laid-back venue rather than a tourist-heavy club.
- Anyone wanting good food + cocktails + quality live music in one place.
- Travellers exploring Old Town (Rattanakosin, Nang Loeng) – a great evening stop after temples or city walks.
- Locals or expats who appreciate a genuine music-bar atmosphere with minimal pretension.
- People looking for late-night jazz with a comfortable vibe, not loud or chaotic club energy.
Why Buddha & Pals Stands Out
- Historic building + authentic atmosphere: The heritage building and carefully curated retro-chic décor give it a sense of timelessness and character rare among Bangkok’s nightlife spots.
- Music is central: Unlike many bars where live music is background, here jazz is front-and-centre – space and layout prioritise visibility and quality of sound, creating a true “live music listening” experience.
- Day-to-night flexibility: It serves as a café by day and jazz bar by night, offering flexibility depending on your mood – casual day coffee or a full evening with dinner, drinks and live music.
- Accessible pricing and inclusive vibe: More affordable than luxury hotel bars or rooftop lounges, making it approachable for a wide audience – from students to expats to travellers.
- Consistent live jazz schedule: With shows most nights (except Monday), it offers a reliable option for jazz lovers who don’t want to hunt for occasional gigs.
ℹ️ Visitor Tips
- Check their Facebook/Instagram before going – schedules can shift, and sometimes music starts a little later than listed.
- Arrive early if you want a good seat – especially on weekends when live sets draw a crowd.
- Eat before or during the music – meals are good value and pair well with cocktails, and having food helps justify a full night out with drinks and music.
- Reach by taxi or motorbike-taxi from central Bangkok; BTS/MRT doesn’t connect directly to Krung Kasem. Consider going earlier in the evening to avoid traffic late at night.
- Casual dress is fine – no need for formal attire, though a relaxed smart-casual look suits the ambience.
Final Verdict
Buddha & Pals is one of Bangkok’s most charming and authentic jazz-bar experiences. Combining historic ambience, quality live jazz, good food and drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a spot where music lovers, travellers, and locals can enjoy a relaxed, soulful evening without pretension or inflated prices. For anyone wanting a genuine jazz night in a cozy setting, this venue remains a standout in the city’s growing jazz-bar scene.
Buddha & Pals FAQ
**Is Buddha & Pals open every day?
No: it is closed on Mondays. Live jazz typically runs Tuesday to Sunday evenings. Daytime café hours usually begin around 10:00 AM.
**What kind of music does Buddha & Pals feature?
Primarily jazz, with blues and acoustic-based sets depending on the night. Live music is a key focus, and most evenings have at least one live set.
**Is there an entry fee for live music?
Generally no fixed cover charge, but expect to order drinks or food during performances. Some special events may have a fee.
**How do I get to Buddha & Pals?
It’s located on Krung Kasem Road in the Old Town/Nang Loeng area. There is no direct BTS/MRT station nearby taxi or motorbike-taxi is recommended.
**Do I need to book a table?
Reservations aren’t always required, but weekends fill up quickly. Booking or arriving early is advised if you want a good seat near the stage.
**What is the price range?
Mid-range. Cocktails, wines, beers, coffees, and casual food options are reasonably priced, making it more affordable than hotel jazz bars.
