FooJohn Jazz Club Bangkok
Overview
FooJohn Jazz Club is a much-loved spot in Bangkok’s Old Town / Chinatown area, offering a mix of live jazz, soul, funk and occasional eclectic performances in a cozy, vintage-style setting. It’s housed on the 2nd floor of a historic shop-house building, with a focus on quality music, creative cocktails, and a relaxed but stylish atmosphere. The club has become a go-to destination for jazz lovers and night-owls seeking a genuine, intimate live-music experience.
📍 Location & Getting There
- Address: ชั้นที่ 2, 831 Charoen Krung 31 Alley, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100.
- Area: Close to the old city / Chinatown area – a short taxi or motorbike-taxi ride from central Bangkok or river piers; easily reachable via road or river transport.
- Entrance: The doorway is unassuming, down a small side street – treat it as a hidden gem, and check Google Maps or the club’s website for directions to the alley entrance. Guests sometimes note it’s easy to miss but it’s definitely worth seeking out.
History & What Makes FooJohn Special
- FooJohn Jazz Club has emerged as one of Bangkok’s key independent jazz houses, operating out of a renovated 1960s-era shophouse.
- The building combines multiple offerings: on the ground floor there’s Fou de Joie, a French-style bistro, while the upstairs houses the jazz club – giving FooJohn a layered, creative-house feel that blends dining, music, and nightlife under one roof.
- Its live-music programme is curated with a jazz-lover’s sensibility: scenes of improvisation, mix genres, and fresh line-ups, making each night unique rather than formulaic.
🎵 Music & Atmosphere
- Live shows: FooJohn Jazz Club hosts live music most nights from Wednesday to Sunday, typically from around 19:00 / 20:00 until midnight or later.
- Musical style: While jazz is the main draw – including classic jazz, modern & soul-jazz – the venue also programmes blues, funk, soul, and even neo-soul or R&B on select nights.
- Vibe: Intimate, slightly hidden, and with a laid-back charm. The balcony/rooftop area offers city-view ambience; the upstairs bar area feels warm and moody with low light, good acoustics, and a sense of discovery. FooJohn Jazz Club is known for the close-up, personal music experience and the inviting, unpretentious atmosphere.
- Audience & Dress Code: The crowd is a mix of locals, expats, music lovers and travellers. Dress is casual or smart-casual; there’s no strict code, but a relaxed sense of style fits the vibe.
🍸 Food, Drinks & Practical Info
- Drinks & Cocktails: FooJohn is also recognised for its creative cocktails and quality bar – a major draw alongside the music. Guests often highlight the well-crafted drinks and cocktails as part of the overall Jazz-club experience.
- Food: While the main bar upstairs is more focused on music and drinks, the ground-floor bistro serves food (French bistro and fusion-style dishes) for those who want a meal before or along with drinks. The combination makes FooJohn flexible: good for a casual drink, a full dinner + music night, or late-night lounging.
- Admission: Entry is generally free, though the venue fills quickly on weekends or popular nights – early arrival or reservation is recommended to secure a good spot.
👍 Who It’s Best For
- Jazz lovers wanting a more boutique, intimate live-music experience rather than a large, tourist-oriented club.
- Visitors seeking a mixture: good cocktails, relaxed vibe, and live music, ideal for a date night or a chill evening.
- Music explorers: people who enjoy a rotating line-up and diverse nights: jazz, soul, funk, neo-soul – rather than the same style every time.
- Expats and locals looking for a welcoming, less pretentious nightlife spot where you can enjoy quality music and drinks without luxury-bar price tags.
Why FooJohn Jazz Club Deserves a Spot on Your Bangkok Jazz Bars List
FooJohn Jazz Club captures a rare blend in Bangkok’s nightlife: the intimacy of a hidden jazz lounge, the quality of live local and international musicians, and the versatility of a space that serves food, drinks, and late-night music in one. Its commitment to jazz, soul, and creative atmosphere sets it apart from many generic bars or tourist-heavy venues. When you step through its unmarked alleyway entrance and climb to the second-floor bar, you enter a world where music, ambience, and good drinks meet — a genuine “jazz escape” in the heart of old Bangkok.
FooJohn Jazz Club – Visitor FAQ
What nights does FooJohn have live jazz?
FooJohn hosts live jazz from Wednesday to Sunday, featuring rotating local and international musicians.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations aren’t always required, but Friday and Saturday nights fill up fast, so booking ahead is recommended for good seating.
Is there a dress code?
FooJohn keeps things relaxed — smart casual is perfect.
What kind of drinks does FooJohn serve?
Expect signature cocktails, classic mixes, craft spirits, and a solid wine list.
Where is FooJohn located?
FooJohn Jazz Club is in the Chinatown/Charoen Krung area, inside a restored shophouse with three atmospheric levels.
Is there an entry fee?
Most nights are free entry, though special concerts may include a cover charge.
