Top Bars in Hanoi – Most Viewed (2025)

Polite & Co is one of Hanoi’s true institutions – a bar that feels like it’s been here forever, quietly pouring great drinks while the Old Quarter pulses just outside. Open since the mid-1990s and formerly known as Polite Pub, it’s widely regarded as Hanoi’s oldest dedicated cocktail bar and a pioneer of the city’s pub culture. Step in from the narrow Ngõ Bảo Khánh alley and the energy of Hoàn Kiếm Lake instantly fades. Inside, the room is long, warm and intimate: dark wood panelling, a polished bar running almost the full length of the space, leather stools, framed movie stills and portraits, soft lamplight and high shelves stacked with bottles. The aesthetic deliberately nods to 1920s gentleman’s clubs and speakeasies – think old-world charm rather than themed cosplay. Music is a big part of the experience. On many evenings you’ll hear jazz and swing setting a laid-back, grown-up mood; at other times DJs ease the room into a livelier vibe without turning it into a full-on club. The bar draws a mixed crowd of locals, expats, travellers and a strong LGBTQ+ following, helped by its reputation on queer nightlife guides and its location close to Golden Cock bar. The real star, though, is the drinks list. Polite & Co is very much a cocktail and whisky bar. The menu covers well-executed classics (Negronis, Old Fashioneds, Martinis, Sours) alongside a rotating collection of signatures that riff on Vietnamese flavours – think floral, fruity and herb-driven combinations inspired by Hanoi street life. One of their best-known drinks, “The Street Vendor”, weaves local fruit and floral notes with gin as a nod to the city’s pavement culture. If you’re into whisky, the back bar is especially strong: a broad selection of Scotch, Japanese and other world whiskies, plus gins and other premium spirits lined up on floor-to-ceiling shelves behind the bar. Craft beer and wine round things out, but this is first and foremost a place for cocktails, spirit-forward drinks and slow sipping, not buckets or beer pong. Service is generally polished and friendly. Table service is the norm; staff are happy to walk you through the menu, build something off-menu based on your preferences, or make recommendations for a “first Hanoi cocktail bar” stop. Many nights there are happy-hour deals or themed evenings – from Old Fashioned specials to DJ nights – which are usually announced on their social channels. The space itself is not huge, and they tend to keep numbers controlled so it never feels packed to the point of discomfort. Couples gravitate towards the softer corner seating for date nights, while solo drinkers and small groups often claim spots along the bar to watch the bartenders at work. Being just a minute or two’s walk from Hoàn Kiếm Lake also makes it ideal as a pre- or post-dinner stop when you’re exploring the Old Quarter. Overall, Polite & Co is best thought of as Hanoi’s “classic cocktail house”: old-school atmosphere, serious but not stuffy drinks, and a timeless style that has aged far better than many newer bars trying to emulate the same speakeasy vibe.

Nê Cocktail Bar opened in 2017 in Hanoi and has since become one of the city’s most talked-about independent cocktail venues. Nestled on a quieter side street in the Old Quarter (3B Tống Duy Tân, Hàng Bông Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District), the bar offers a creative, craft-driven experience that blends local ingredients, thoughtful presentations and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The space is relatively small and cosy — low-light, stylishly minimal décor, a single long bar counter, and intimate seating for small groups. Many visitors note the comfortable yet serious ambiance: you’re here for quality over volume. What really sets Nê apart is its bold flavour concept. The bar is known for using Vietnamese raw materials — herbs, spices, local fruits, savoury touches — and for its famous “Phở” cocktail, inspired by the Vietnamese noodle soup but re-imagined as a gin-based drink with aromatic spice, herbs and drama. The head-bartender and team here have been credited with pushing cocktail culture forward in Hanoi, introducing many guests (locals and visitors) to more adventurous cocktails. Service is often described as professional, knowledgeable and friendly — bartenders are happy to talk you through the flavour profile of cocktails, recommend drinks based on taste preferences, and may even craft something off-menu if you’re open to experimentation. The bar is especially popular later in the evening, and the crowd is a mix of cocktail-savvy locals, expats and travellers seeking a memorable drink. Because of its craft-focus and reputation, expect pricing to reflect the high quality of ingredients and presentation — somewhat above the standard street-bar fare in Hanoi, but still very reasonable for the level of craftsmanship. According to listings, many cocktails range in the 100,000–300,000 VND range (about US$4-12 depending on exchange). In summary: if you’re in Hanoi and serious about cocktails — beyond the typical tourist bar — Nê Cocktail Bar offers a standout experience. It’s not a loud nightclub, but a place for thoughtful drinks, pleasant conversation and flavour-driven adventure.

The Unicorn Pub is one of Hanoi’s standout cocktail dens: tucked away at 2A Hàng Than, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, it offers a creative, low-key, high-craft experience. From the moment you step in, you’ll note the mood: moody lighting, intimate spaces (the pub is compact with an upstairs/three-room layout), mix of wood and urban style décor, and a bar that encourages conversation and craft. The real draw: cocktails. This is a venue where classics are done well, but where the signature creations shine. Especially famed is the “Phở Cocktail” – yes, inspired by Vietnam’s iconic soup, crafted with gin, Cointreau, star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, lime, chilli and an aromatic flame show at the bar. The bartenders are reported as “some of the best in Hanoi” – professional, creative, friendly, happy to tailor something if you tell them your preference. Reviews mention staying several hours sampling inventive concoctions: “The best, most innovative cocktails I have EVER had!” The location off the beaten path (just outside the Old Quarter proper) means it has a relaxed feel early in the evening, but by later you’ll find a nicely lively crowd of locals, expats and curious drinkers. Happy hour deals (“buy one get one” early evening) are often mentioned. For those wanting an evening that’s less noisy club, more craft-drink adventure in good company, The Unicorn Pub fits perfectly. It doesn’t shout for attention, you may almost walk past it—but that’s part of the charm.

Moon Men Cocktail Bar is a distinctive and modern addition to Hanoi’s evolving cocktail scene. Located on the 5th floor of a building at No. 03 Âu Triệu Street (Floor 5, No 3 Âu Triệu, Hoàn Kiếm District) in the heart of the city, it enjoys a central location while offering a slightly elevated and refined vantage point away from the street-level bustle. From the moment you take the stairs or elevator up, the mood transitions: cool, cosmopolitan, slightly futuristic. According to a bar-crawl feature, Moon Men “brings a retro-futuristic aesthetic” to Hanoi’s nightlife scene. Inside you’ll find neon accents, dark-toned furnishings, layered lighting and an intentional sense of intimacy. The bar emphasises craftsmanship: the mixologists weave local Vietnamese ingredients (herbs, spices, unexpected flavour profiles) into modern presentations. The menu features both well-executed classics and their own signature creations—cocktails with names like “Umami Old Fashioned” or “The Side Walk” have been mentioned in reviews as highlights. Another strong point: the views. Because the bar sits above street level near St. Joseph’s Cathedral, you can capture glimpse of the cathedral’s façade and the surrounding Old Quarter rooftops. Reviewers mention this as a “stunning” view adding to the experience. Service is described as friendly and professional. One review noted the team adjusted flavours based on preferences and the ambiance allowed for both dates and group evenings. Happy-hour deals are available (for example: selected drinks at ~150,000 VND until 8 pm) as listed on the bar’s site. Overall, Moon Men strikes a balance: stylish but accessible, creative yet grounded, with a solid mixology foundation and an aesthetic that feels fresh for Hanoi. It’s a strong choice for visitors who want cocktail-craft, a memorable setting and an elevated hang-out rather than a loud club.

Perched atop the boutique hotel La Siesta Premium Hang Be, Lighthouse Sky Bar is one of Hanoi’s most distinctive rooftop venues. Located on the 10th and 11th floors of the building at 27 Hang Bè Street in Hoàn Kiếm District, it offers big-city views, sophisticated drinks and an atmosphere that hovers between lounge luxury and elevated social club. The concept is playful yet polished: the bar is styled like a boat moored above the streets of Hang Bè. The “bow” faces the street, the “stern” faces the Red River, and the multi-terraced space is anchored by a bold 6-metre red and white lighthouse tower—by night the flashing light gives the rooftop a landmark quality in the skyline. Inside and out, the design blends glass, metal, wood and monochrome tones, softened by greenery and comfortable terrace sofas. Chill-out music sits in the background, inviting you to linger rather than rush. Reviewers highlight the easy-going yet refined vibe: upscale without being pretentious. The drink list is curated for the rooftop crowd. There’s a strong focus on signature cocktails (for example “La Vie En Rose”, “The Scent of Green Papaya”) priced around 275,000-295,000 VND for these bespoke creations. Happy hour is especially well-regarded: early evening (17:00-18:30) sees select drinks at discount rates, which adds real value. Snack-wise the bar offers a smart menu of small plates: garlic bread, nachos, fresh summer rolls, even a platter of cold cuts & cheese—all to complement the drinks. Service is frequently praised. Guests note attentive staff, helpful recommendations and good treatment even when just dropping in for a drink. The high vantage point gives guests wide views of the Old Quarter rooftops, the shoreline of Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the distant river—ideal for sundowners and photo-worthy moments. One slight caveat: as with many rooftop venues, the premium location brings higher prices than standard bars in Hanoi. The food portions are also described as “snack-sized” rather than full meals. But for what it is—a rooftop escape with craft cocktails and skyline views—many say the experience more than justifies the cost. In short: if you’re after a sunset drink, cityscape views, stylish surroundings and a bit of rooftop theatre in Hanoi, Lighthouse Sky Bar delivers a memorable evening-out backdrop.