Travelling to Myanmar during ‘Green Season’ (June to September) has many advantages, but unless you know where to go, hitting the town for a good old-fashioned knees up is not one of them.
After much deliberation, here’s a list of Tour Mandalay’s top five Yangon bars that never fail to disappoint when it comes to atmosphere, F&B and a distinct local vibe.
BURBRIT TAP ROOM
With a traditional beer station inspired design and an impressive range of 100% Myanmar produced premium craft beer, ale and cider, our favourite ‘Green Season’ bar never fails to draw a jovial crowd. With a large indoor and covered outdoor space, making a reservation is not necessary and it’s suitable come rain or come shine. The Shwe Ale and Rangoon Blonde come highly recommended, although watch out for the Burma Pale Ale; at 6%, it’s got some serious legs on it!
Burbrit’s thirst quenching ale
Address: 74 Ma Naw Hari St, Yangon (near Thai Embassy)
Opening time: 11am – 11pm Monday to Sunday
Tel: +95 (0) 9788 089 287
BYBLOS PUB & GRILL
A Mediterranean fusion bar and restaurant that’s popular with locals and expats of all nationalities; its a melting pot of culture and flavour in every sense! With one of the partners being from Chindits Furniture—the place to buy and ship restored antique and vintage furniture—the interior benefits from quality colonial-era furnishings and a distinct barrel aged wooden vibe.
Byblos’ vintage themed interior
Address: 20 Pearl Street, Golden Valley, Yangon (near Real Fitness Gym)
Opening hours: 11:30am – 11pm Monday to Sunday
Tel: +95 (0) 9798 882 020
A150 CHINATOWN BISTRO
Located at the top of the legendary 19th Street—the closest thing Myanmar has to Bangkok’s Khao San Road—A150 is a former downtown Chinatown house that’s recently been converted into a trendy cocktail joint. Notable cocktails to try are the baiju-based Shanghai Mule and Sichuan Sour; at MMK3,500 (approximately USD2) you’re not going to leave with your purse feeling that much lighter either.
Friday night at A150 Chinatown Bistro (image credit: A150 Chinatown Bistro)
Address: 150 / A, 19th Street, Upper Block
Opening hours: 1pm – 11:30pm Monday to Sunday
Tel: +95 (0) 9266 995 158
PORT AUTONOMY
This former pop-up bar and restaurant now has a sense of permanence on Myanmar’s most historically prestigious road. With neon lights, tropical potted plants and funky Myanmar signage, the interior alone makes you want to let your hair down and party. The cocktails served here are exceptional but the food’s even better; think cuban sandwiches, charred kimchi quesadillas, soft shell crab katsu curries and spicy slow-cooked pork tacos. An eclectic range of DJs perform live most weekends; for up-to-date information, please visit Port Autonomy’s Facebook page.
Look out for Port Autonomy’s neon sign on Strand Road; it’s hard to miss!
Address: 42 Strand Rd, Yangon (a short walk from The Strand Hotel)
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm Monday to Sunday (with extended hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays)
Tel: +95 (0) 1 392 263
HARRY’S
Originating in Singapore, Harry’s has taken over Myanmar by storm. With two locations—one at Myanmar Plaza and another at Junction Square—this is where the youth of today flock to have a good time. Its modern, western-style interior and menu won’t appeal to all, but the predominantly local crowd helps to keep drinking here authentically local. To experience 21st century Myanmar, a country in transition, a visit to Harry’s may not be as absurd as it sounds.
Harry’s, one of the best places in Yangon to experience Myanmar in transition
Myanmar Plaza branch address: Unit G-09, Ground Floor, Myanmar Plaza, Yangon
Opening hours: 11am – 1am Monday to Sunday
Tel: +95 (0) 9777 708 395
Junction Square branch address: Ground floor, Junction Square, Yangon
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm Monday to Sunday
Tel: +95 (0) 9 777 708 395
A polite reminder, we’re sure you will, but please remember to drink responsibly!