PARKING TOYS BANGKOK REVIEW

First off, you’ve got to be willing to make the trek. In theory it’s not a difficult drive, just shoot straight up Thanon Pradist Manu Tham. When you pass Lad Prao, cab drivers get a little antsy and start asking questions (ours pulled over to ask a stopped cab and attempted to flag down a motorcycle policeman) but, smart phone in hand and a dedication to get out of Sukhumvit, assure them “Chai, ow knee”. Once you pass the KE Land building, a little ways down turn left onto Thanon Prasert-Manukitch. Parking Toys is on Soi 29, so keep going (you will pass a huge apple on your right) and once you spot a place to U-turn, take it. Pull into the Soi where Neverland (the, er, Realistic Club) is, and it’s right across the street.

Walk in and it feels like you’re in some sort of gussied up warehouse. (Which, now that I think about it, it probably is.) The music oscillates, food and drink is aplenty, and in true Thai-style no one is actually sitting at the bar. Comfortable couches, spacious armchairs, tables, barrels, and stools fill three stories of ample lounging space. No worries getting there to get a good spot because they expertly sound-proofed the place to make the band sound good wherever you’re seated. Beware: sit too close and you might get your ears blown off. The house band rocked old school Rage Against the Machine, Du Hast Mich and Nine Inch Nails, as well as less angry classics like U2 and Michael Jackson. When the band is on it’s a bit hard to hear yourself think, much less hear someone else talk, but they take a 30-minute break after each 30-minute set so there’s plenty of time to mingle pre- and post-sets. You’re far out enough to be a novelty pharang, but the crowd is cool enough to not care.  My only complaint was they started to collect the checks around 1 am, but I have a feeling closing time varies from night to night.

Great place for music, both DJed and live. Go for a unique adventure with old friends and meet some new ones along the way.