When
the Sun Sets
There are various night activities from which to choose. The InterContinental Phnom Penh has bars available while Hotel
Le Royal offer bars with live music and are popular upscale
places to start the evening. Also popular in the early evenings
are ‘neighborhood pubs’ like the famous
FCCC, the Gym sports bar, Freebird on Street 240, Kiwi Bar, and
the new Black & White Bar. The Phoenix and the Jungle are located
on the riverside, Rubies wine bar, the elegant Riverhouse Lounge,
and the congenial Talkin to a Stranger. The legendary Heart of Darkness,
and nearby Howie’s and the new Ginger Monkey, as well as the
blokey Martini Pub, Shanghai and Sharky, all begin to get busy after
9.00 pm. After midnight the choice narrows but continues until sunrise.
For all the nighters Walkabout, Howie’s and the Heart
of Darkness are often busy past 3.00 am. Walkabout and XXL
offer all night western dining.
Live
Music
For a relaxing evening the piano bar at Hotel Le Royal
and a popular band at the InterContinental Phnom Penh offer
nightly live music. The Gym, GooChi, Martini Pub, La Louisiane,
Riverhouse Lounge, and the Riverside offer live music, mostly on
the weekends and range from rock and roll to jazz, and R&B.
The Riverhouse Lounge and Picasso provide music by DJs. When in Phnom
Penh heck the back page of the Friday Cambodia Daily for the latest
live music venues.
Nightlife
Much confusion came about after the Cambodian government's edict
back in 2001 banning discotheques and karaoke clubs. The initial
confusion about how to interpret the law spread exaggerated rumors
that all of the bars were closed and there were no drinks to be
had in Cambodia. Not true! The law has closed most of the karaoke
clubs and pressured the discos to alter their format. The law has
left most of the bars and nightclubs frequented by foreigners unaffected.
Most of the popular bars, taverns and night spots are open for business
- Heart of Darkness, Sharky's, Walkabout, Martini's, etc.
Bar Black & White
#6AEo, Street 278
4:00PM until Late
Telephone: 012-925747
A newer full service bar, comfortable, friendly, shop house size,
which seems to be popular. Beer is available by the bottle, canned
or draft. Lots of hostesses with reasonable prices. Also has a Pool
table and TV. On Sundays and Mondays, spin the wheel for free Tiger
beer.
Black Eagle Bar
#221, Street 107
2:00PM until Late
Located just down the street from the Capitol Guesthouse this air-conditioned,
intimate, stylish decor has a full bar, draft beer at reasonable
prices, a Pool table and music. Happy hour from 2.00 - 8.00 pm. ($1
beers).
The Cambodia Club &
River Street
Corner of Sisowath Quay and Street 178
7:30AM until Late
Telephone: 016-556677
This corner restaurant on the riverfront
has indoor and curbside seating with a large photo menu and a
good selection of western, Thai and Khmer food. They also have
a big pizza selection. The full bar is located upstairs and offers
music overlooking the riverfront. DJ spins on Friday and Saturday
evenings. It also has a Pool table. Open from 5.00 pm until late.
Cantina
#347, Sisowath Quay
This is a Mexican gringo bar and also known as ‘Hurley’s
Place’. This friendly riverfront bar is set amongst several
other bars and restaurants whose curbside seating blur into one
another. Serves cold beer, has a full bar and interesting company.
Freebird
#69, Street 240
8:00AM until Late
Telephone: 012-810596
This popular Street 240 pub with an American and Australian atmosphere
has its regular clientele and serves burgers, sandwiches, chili
con carne, burritos and more. It's air-conditioned and offers
sport TV, good music and a friendly staff.
Foreign Correspondents Club of Cambodia
#363, Sisowath Quay
7:00AM until Midnight
Telephone: 023-724014
Email: fcc_pp@online.com.kh
This beautiful old colonial building is located on the riverfront.
The good food, bar and colonial ambiance make this a very popular
gathering place for locals and tourists. It is also journalist’s
meeting place. The upstairs balcony overlooks the river. There
are frequent photo shows and exhibitions. Home delivery available.
The Bookshop, the Orange River boutique and the Fresco Delicatessen
are on the ground floor.
Visa/MC accepted.
Ginger Monkey
#29, Street 178(Near the National Museum
7:00PM until Very late
Telephone: 012-413492
This ia a newer bar on Street 178 near the riverfront. Stylish
and friendly ambiance. The building was formerly a sculpture shop
and still has displays of some traditional Cambodian art. A good
mix of music with full bar at reasonable prices with a Pool table
on the loft level. “No hassle policy.” Happy hour
from 7.00 - 9.00 pm and is usually open until at least 3.00 am.
GooChi Bar
#50, Sihanouk
11:00AM until Late
Telephone: 023-224666
This 3-story bar/restaurant offers balcony seating on the
2nd floor and a roof top bar that has an excellent view. Happy
Hour, live music, a Pool table and a menu with Western and international
dishes.
Heart of Darkness
#26, Street 51
7:30PM until Late
This is 1 of the most popular and well-known bars in Cambodia
and is busiest after midnight. Offering a clubby atmosphere with
dancing music with a Khmer-baroque flare. Tourists, locals and
expats pack this place on Friday and Saturday evenings. Within
walking distance are several bars and restaurants including Howie,
Walkabout, Shanghai and Eid’s.
Howie’s Bar
#32, Street 51
7:00PM until Late
Some call this bar a "way cool" atmosphere with cocktails,
draft beer, at reasonable prices. Has indoor and pleasant curbside
seating, 2 pool tables, and music. It is a popular, less frenetic
alternative to the Heart of Darkness located a couple of doors
down.
InterContinental Phnom Penh Hotel
(Restaurants and Bars)
#296, Mao Tse Toung, Intercontinental Phnom Penh
Telephone: 023-424888
Visa/MC/AE/JCB accepted
This is 1 of the finer hotels in town, offering a large international
buffet at the Regency Café and fine Chinese dining at the
Xiang Palace. A popular bakery with pastries cakes and breads
is on the lower level.
Kiwi Bar
#180, Street 130 about 100m from the Central Market
9:00AM until Late
Telephone: 012-815844
This bar and restaurant with indoor and curbside seating offers
Sports TV draft and bottled beer. Food options include Western
style breakfast, lunch and dinner, fish & chips, burgers,
spaghetti, and Vietnamese coffee. Reasonable prices.
Le Cyrcée Club
#13, Street 49 Just off Street 130
6:00PM until 2:00AM
Telephone: 012-739784
This hole-in-the-wall men’s bar with beer and spirits, decent
music and plenty of female company is somewhat more laid back
than other places of this sort. English, French and Khmer spoken.
Near the Central Market.
Martini Pub
#402, Mao Tse Toung next to InterContinental Hotel
7:00PM until 3:00AM
Lots of bar girls and generous drinks. If their ad reads, ”Bored,
lonely, hungry. We have everything you need!” that just
about sums it up. Dancing inside with an open air restaurant and
giant screen TV outdoors. Live rock and roll is on offer Friday
and Saturday.
New Collection
#31B, Sihanouk
4:00PM until 3:00AM
Telephone: 023-991789
Newer, stylish, upscale bar/restaurant attracting both a local
and international crowd. A full bar and Western and international
food. Non-stop music, dancing and VIP club cards.
Picasso
#68, Sihanouk about 20m from the Independence Monument
7:00PM until 4:00AM
A newer late evening bar and club near Independence Monument.
DJ dancing until late with a full bar, cold beer, slick decor,
club atmosphere.
Rendez-vous
#127Eo, Sisowath Quay corner of Street 108
5:30AM until Late
Telephone: 023-986466
Hearty portions of pizzas, salads, steaks, sandwiches and more
this is a popular riverside gathering place. It is near the Port
where the Siem Reap-bound ferry departs. A good place to buy a
coffee and snack before taking the ferry.
Riverhouse Lounge
#6, Street 110 above Riverhouse Restaurant
4:00PM until 2:00AM
Telephone: 023-220180
Visa/MC/AE accepted
This is an elegant cocktail lounge featuring a great view of the
river. An international a la carte menu with an extensive wine
list, single malt whiskey’s and even Cuban cigars.
Sunday, live music is offered. Weekend DJ’s and dance parties
take place in their Private VIP room. A club atmosphere that is
open late on weekends and quite popular.
Rose Bar
#8, Street 104
10:00AM until Late
Telephone: 012-992197
This very friendly little bar is just off of the riverfront. It
offers a full bar and draft beer with a good menu of Cambodian
and Western dishes. Plenty of friendly hostesses with two pool
tables and Sports TV.
Rubies
#13, Street 240
6:00PM until Late
Telephone: 012-823962
Email: rubies@online.com.kh
A popular and stylish small corner wine bar on Street 240. A good
wine selection offering wine by bottle/glass, cocktails, full
bar. Also wine of the day in an airy indoor bar and sidewalk seating.
This place consistently gets good reviews. A pleasant place to
begin your evening. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Shanghai
Street 51 and Street 172
5:00PM until Late
Telephone: 012-804836
A pleasantly more subdued than similar bars this offers a men's
bar atmosphere with lots of friendly hostesses. A small menu,
full bar, good music and a Pool table. It is in the heart of the
bars and restaurants on Street 51.
Sharky Bar
#126, Street 130 about 500m east of Central Market
6:00PM until late
Website: www.sharkysofcambodia.com
A popular and happening night scene with a men's pub atmosphere.
A full bar, full kitchen offering Western, Thai and Mexican food
with indoor and balcony seating. Classic rock music, lots of friendly
females and three pool tables. A big screen TV with comfortable
bar seating.
Sophie Club
#9Eo, Street 118/53
6:00PM until 3:00AM
Telephone: 012-885234
Look for the small sign on the street and then up the stairs.
This hole in the wall men's bar is somewhat relaxed serving beer
and spirits, female company and decent music.
Talkin to a Stranger
#21, Street 278
Telephone: 012-798530
An Australian managed bar and lounge serving food with an international
villa style, open air terrace and indoor seating. Good service,
food, cold beer, cocktails, and a full bar. The small menu of
changes weekly. It is spen 5.00 pm until late on Wednesday through Saturday while Sunday
from 3.00 pm until late.
Tamarind
#31, Street 240
10:00AM until Late
Telephone: 012-830139
A long-time loyal following and very favorable reviews from customers
makes this moderately priced French and Mediterranean menu very
popular. Wonderful Tapas and a good wine selection can be served
either sidewalk, in the bar or indoors up the stairs. Catering
and delivery is available Billiards too.
M/C accepted
Temple Club
#38-#50, Street 148
Always open 24 Hours
Telephone: 023-217609
This 24 hour restaurant and bar is located on the ground floor
of the Angkor International Hotel. It offers an extensive menu
of western, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Cambodian food with indoor
and curbside seating. Has ore of a restaurant-bar atmosphere during
the day, and a bar-disco feel at night. VIP rooms, movies and
2 good pool tables. Happy hour is from 4.00 - 7.00 pm.
Teukei
#23b, Street 111 near Capitol GH
3:00PM until Midnight
This French bar with style and atmosphere is a laid back, kind
of hidden, hole-in-the-wall with indoor and terrace/curbside seating.
Very reasonable prices serving good French food. Don't forget
to ask about the daily specials. This popular but rarely over
crowded bar has good music and also serves Cuban Rum.
The Gym
#42, Street 178
4:00PM until Late
Telephone: 012-687664
This is a sports bar with pool table, darts, a large screen TV
with schedules posted on the board. Serves draft beer and has
a good beer selection. Pub grub at reasonable prices. Quiz night
takes place every Tuesday at 8.30 pm. Pool competitions on Wednesdays
and Fridays and live music Friday and Sunday evenings.
The Jungle
#273, Sisowath
7:00AM until 2:00AM
Telephone: 012-474230
A congenial riverfront bar and restaurant with indoor and curbside
seating serving cold beer, draft and bottled, a full menu with
the popular variety of western items like burgers, steaks, F&C,
spaghetti as well as some Thai and local dishes. Lots of games
like Jinga, dice, etc. Sunday a river cruise is available.
Walkabout
Streets 174 & 51 (100m from the Heart of Darkness)
Open 24 hours
Telephone: 023-211715
A popular, well-known, reasonably priced bar-restaurant in a moderate-range
hotel. One of the few bars and the only western restaurant open
after 2:00AM that also serves good Western style breakfasts. Tuesday
and Thursday is pool competition night . The ‘Jokers Wild’is
held on Friday evenings. Also a big screen TV with most of the
major sporting events. |
