Features:
- Six taps with a heavy emphasis on local Thai craft beer
- Relaxed atmosphere and TV for sports
- Located near King Taksin Monument roundabout
Taopiphop Bar Project is west of the Chao Phraya river. The bar has a laid back feeling, has a bright blue neon sign of the name/logo, and also serves as the political office of the bar’s namesake.
There are six taps available, and a variety of beers on offer in the beer fridge, with a strong emphasis on local craft beer and spirits.
The bar is named for its owner, Taopiphop Limkittrakorn, a member of the Thai parliament. The customers base is a strong local crowd, as it is in a busy neighborhood that includes businesses, schools, and everyday shops. It also has a number of Progressive Party shirts and products on offer.
Additionally, the shop is also used as a community coordination center. During the day when the beers are not served, it has been used as a clinic to give free health checks to the local community.
Craft beer hero
The politician, Taopiphop (shown in poster) is a bit of a local craft beer hero among those that follow beer politics in Thailand. He was arrested for making home-brewing (making beer at home) and then became an MP to help change the rather old-fashioned alcohol laws. He helped do that as a member of the Move Forward Party. This also explains the political posters on the outside of the bar.
Address: 139 Charoen Rat Rd, Khwaeng Khlong San, Khlong San. (Google Map)
How to get to Taopiphop’s craft beer bar:
The bar is almost directly north of Wongwian Yai BTS (Skytrain) station. Exit 3 should get you out close to Soi Krung Thonburi 1 which leads up towards the bar.
The night we visited the bar was after trying out a few fancy cocktails. Going from a rather upscale cocktail bar to Taopiphop Bar Project was like a breath of fresh air. It was like getting home and being able to take off my jacket and tie. The bartender and I recognized each other from hanging out at Save Our Souls. He was very kind and even gave some sample tastes of the bottles of Sato – a local Thai rice wine.
The man himself, the MP, was not there, unfortunately; but we were able to try Dangle, his black IPA. I’m not always a big fan of the style, but this one was good. It was the only one of his beers that was on offer at the time.
Clif, Editor
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