The Above Eleven rooftop bar is a popular 32-storey bar on Sukhumvit Soi 11 that offers a more exotic experience than most other rooftops bars in Bangkok. The few things set this bar apart are – Peruvian cuisine, modern party music and value for money signature cocktails being the most apparent. Built over three floors, the view of downtown Bangkok is impressive and far-reaching (despite the lack of riverside views). From here you get a 180-degree panorama of Bangkok, looking towards Siam and the famous row of Bangkok’s shopping malls on Sukhumvit Road. There is nothing better than looking down at the non-moving traffic whilst you enjoy the breeze, drinks in hand.
The interior design at Above Eleven is modern and without the formal atmosphere typical of rooftops. Here, steel tree-like structures, gentle neon lighting and touches of fake grass make a great place to actually hang out for the night, rather than just a ‘catch a sunset and go’ type of place. Proving many tastes and styles are catered for, the music spans genres depending on the day of the week. Salsa nights on Wednesdays sees the dance floor packed with couples swinging and twirling, while Thursdays takes it down tempo with a three-piece jazz band. Weekends are typically lounge house music to attract the party people from Soi 11 wanting to warm up for a night on the town.
Like most rooftop bars, the creative cocktails are an essential part of the blend. Above Eleven have incorporated hints of a Japanese/Peruvian/New York mash-up into the menu. If you fancy a taste of New York, try the Big Smokey Apple or Park View – a blend of Feijoa, rose apple, elderflower, mint and lime. If it’s a South American flavour you are after we recommend the Chilcano – a muddle of Pisco, lime, fresh ginger and ginger ale. Cocktails cost around 300 baht.
There are also plenty of sake based concoctions. A light and refreshing option is the Michelada beer, served over ice with lime, pepper and a salted rim. You might be dubious (we were), but it’s something everyone should try once. The excellent food menu is certainly no afterthought. With a focus on Nikkei cuisine – the Japanese/Peruvian fusion that is served at Above Eleven Rooftop – you are sure to sample something fresh and new. Sashimi is popular here and makes the perfect sharing platter, with many spicy and sour dippings and coatings for that South American flavour.
The Peruvian chef personally recommends the seafood ceviche: prawns and sea bass cured in a lime and chilli broth, with deep-fried calamari and sweet potatoes. The fish is amazingly succulent due to the gentle cooking method and the sour broth is addictive – we were fighting with our spoon for the last drop. Also highly recommended is the Peruvian Anticuchos, or beef heart skewers. The meat is cut thick with a gently spiced marinade akin to Indian tikka marinade.
There is a decent selection of vegetarian options too, such as the Causa Vegetarian, a plate of bread-crumbed mashed potato with yellow chilli and lime juice. Above Eleven Rooftop Bar and Restaurant is on the top of Fraser Suites, around ten minutes’ walk from Nana BTS (or a 10 baht motorcycle taxi from the entrance of Soi 11). The elevator is around the back of the hotel complex. Open from 18:00 until 02:00 every night, it’s always busy so if you fancy dinner it is worth booking ahead.
Opening Hours: 18:00 – 02:00
BTS: Nana
Address: Fraser Suites Sukhumvit 33rd Floor, Sukhumvit Road Soi 11, Bangkok, 10110