Brick Bar at Khao San Road

Overview

Brick Bar is a long-standing live-music venue tucked away in the Buddy Lodge Hotel / Buddy Complex at 265 Khao San Road. It’s especially popular with a local Thai crowd including uni students, and stands out on the Khao San strip for featuring live bands rather than just DJs or piped music.

What’s it Like? Atmosphere and Music

• The décor leans towards an “old Western tavern” or rustic bar vibe: exposed brick walls, wooden benches and tables, mezzanine and balcony seating above the dance floor.
• The venue is spacious — on busy nights it can hold hundreds of people.
• Music is very much the focus: multiple live bands each night (often three sets) playing ska, reggae, Thai-pop/indie, and energetic covers and originals.
• The crowd is lively: Many Thai locals join in dancing (on the floor, on tables, around the stage). Foreign tourists are present but the feel is more local party than typical tourist bar.
• It’s loud, high-energy and maybe not for those wanting a quiet conversation. It’s somewhere to let your hair down and enjoy the music.

Food & Drink

• The emphasis is on music rather than food, although Brick Bar serves standard bar fare and a good selection of drinks: local beers, spirits, cocktails.
• Food is fairly basic: if you want elaborate dishes you might want to fill-up first nearby; here the focus is on the music and crowd.

Brick Bar Highlights

• Live house band sets every night, often culminating after midnight with very energetic performance – especially at weekends!
• A somewhat “authentic” local-Thai nightlife experience rather than purely tourist-focused. Especially for Khao San Road.
• A little off the main strip inside the Buddy complex, which can make it feel like discovering a “local secret” in the bustle of Khao San.

Best Time to Visit

• Weekdays: A little less intense, possibly easier to find seating. You may be able to avoid a cover-charge: check their social media (listed above).
• Early evening (around 7pm-8pm): Arrive early to secure a good spot near the stage or on the balcony before the crowd builds.
• Peak time (10pm – midnight onwards): This is when things get wild, the bands hit their stride, the floor fills and the buzz is highest.
• Weekends (Fri/Sat): The busiest nights with the biggest crowds and most intense performances. Expect cover charges or minimum spends.

Brick Bar Insider Tips

• If you want a table close to the stage, go early (before the big rush) and consider ordering a bottle or a drinks package to claim a space.
• Bring ear-plug friendly expectations: it’s loud.
• Be prepared for higher drinks prices and possible cover/minimum spend on peak nights. An entry fee of 200-300 Baht may apply, often including a drink.
• Dress casually, but it’s probably best to avoid flip-flops if you value your toes!
• If you prefer a slightly more relaxed night out, consider arriving earlier or going mid-week. If you want full party mode, go late on a weekend.
• Keep in mind being in Khao San Road means dealing with crowds, vendors, noise — The Brick Bar gives a bit of refuge, but it’s still part of the broader hustle.
• Check the bar’s social media (Instagram listed at the top of this page) for special band line-ups or themed nights.