Enjoying Sophisticated Libations & Silly Snaps at Al Bar
Enjoying Sophisticated Libations & Silly Snaps at Al Bar
Greetings, night crawlers!
Recently meeting up in Saigon with a globe-trotting buddy, we sought a suitably swanky yet cozy haunt for catching up over quality late-night tipples. Soon getting lost down a maze of alleys, a bit of perseverance uncovered an ideal atmospheric watering hole called Al Bar. Between goofy photo antics, bespoke cocktails and casual camaraderie, the elegant underground speakeasy delivered big on discreet indulgence.
When our taxi dropped us at a nondescript corner, only a lone motorbike hinted that a lively nightspot hid inside the unmarked building. Waving at a lone person sitting outside, they noted that we jump over the closed gate as we did, in fact, find the right place; oening the front door, we, at last, emerged inside a splendidly sleek lounge, empty save one dapper bartender awaiting patrons.
Claiming a leather couch inside the striking industrial-chic space, we merrily arranged ourselves amidst wood and steel while surveying the top-shelf spirits collection. Soon we were clowning with selfies and snaps styled like some glitzy magazine shoot. Our mixologist "Sen" gladly played paparazzo, indulging further hamming.
Before long, gorgeous bespoke Mai Tai cocktails arrived, ideal complements to the swanky atmosphere. We had settled into happy travel memory swapping when Sen returned to introduce us to the only other patrons - a couple visiting from California who had quietly entered. Friendly if low key, we exchanged a few polite travel stories between their Sazerac sips while Sen concocted an off-menu red shot for us all "on the house" - the first of several slyly appearing surprises!
By midnight when we bid the spot adieu after the Californians' early departure, the indulgent evening of laughs and quality libations capped my Saigon reunion perfectly.
Have your own memorable bar tales to share?
Please do share the story below! For now, here’s to more chance encounters where top-shelf spirits and hospitality pave paths to fast friendships.
