Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall

Among the sports bars and seafood joints on this stretch of the river, this hole in the wall cocktail bar is legit. Located above a minimart, it's all about technique and a bit of local flair. There are no menus here but Sam Wong pushes out great bespoke creations that include Milo Whiskey and Rum & Raisin Manhattans.

Attica's Bar Rose

Ever since revamping, Clarke Quay's stalwart night club also has a new addition in the form of an al fresco cocktail and champagne bar. The pink-hued lights set the mood for a night out in party central and the place is decked out in oversized outdoor furniture. They serve fresh fruit martinis from Tuesdays to Saturdays, too.

Brewerkz

One of the oldest microbreweries here is still going strong at this riverside location. The atmosphere is always chill, the food comforting (think burgers, nachos and pizzas) and the beers fresh and cold. Classic brews include pilsners and golden ales, although it has a rotating list of seasonal beers like an American Pale Ale and X IPA.

Canvas

What was formerly Home Club is now a sleek club-lounge space. Although it does turn into an all-out party venue at night, weekday evenings are great for a couple glasses of wine or cocktails. Plus, the riverside location is great for people watching, too.

eM by the River

Tucked into Gallery Hotel, this bar is an oasis for afternoon drinking. With lots of natural wood and sofas aplenty, it's also a great alternative to the usual pubs dotting the area.

Harry's

This is a no-brainer when you're looking for fuss-free drinks (read: lots of beer). Aside from their house brews, this place has a good selection of wines and some standard cocktails. It's also gotten a facelift and now sports a more refined look, perfect for weekend drinks or a catch-up with friends.

The Penny Black

Another Boat Quay staple, this place is the one to go if you're looking for a raucous and slightly messy night out. In true English pub style, there's plenty of Old Speckled Hen to go around and a loud crowd that is ready for a party. Should you get peckish, the place also has great pub grub like bangers & mash and fish & chips.

Southbridge

One of the only rooftop bars along the riverside stretch, this oyster and Champagne bar is equal parts swanky and breathtaking. There are raw and cooked oysters on the menu, as well as a slew of other seafood-centric bar bites like lobster rolls. The drinks list comprises Champagnes, cocktails and artisanal spirits.

The Spiffy Dapper

Another hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar, this place is right next door to Ah Sam's. The owner and bartenders are super friendly and always down for a good party, so don't take yourself too seriously here. There's a long list of cocktails, too, just in case you're not feeling the bespoke creations. 

Super Loco

The sister outlet of famed Lucha Loco in Duxton Hill, this Mexican taqueria is even more casual and raucous. Aside from their killer tacos, they've got tons of Mexican beers, tequilas and, of course, margaritas.

Wine Connection Bistro & Tapas Bar

A go-to wine bar for any wine lover, this place has an added bonus of being affordable. From South African to Australian and French wines, this place has it all and more. Not only is there a huge list of wines, they also serve beers and basic cocktails, too. If you get peckish, head straight for the tapas plates that are perfect poppable snacks. 

2am:dessertbar

The ultimate sweet tooth retreat, this late night dessert haunt has made waves islandwide. Chef-owner Janice Wong's signature edible art displays include marshmallow walls to chocolate tables, and everything that comes out on a plate is equally decadent. There are dishes like matcha lava cake and pistachio sponge with coco mousse, as well as recently introduced savory items like beef cheek rendang and tacos.

CRAFT Bakery

For those who like a spot of people watching with a good lava cake and coffee, this is the cafe for you. The menu's pretty simple and the attention is focused on 3 Inch Sin's signature chocolate cakes, as well as a some savory options like  bacon mac n' cheese. There's also Papa Palheta coffee that's perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon.

Da Paolo Pizza Bar

As one of Da Paolo's remaining Chip Bee establishments, this pizza bar still draws the crowds with its cow print ceilings, wooden tables and huge wine racks. The thin-crusted pizza is the star of the show with options like tomato, mozzarella, pink peppercorns, avocado and chicken, as well as calzones (folded pizzas). If you're not in the mood for pizza, they've also got salads, meatballs and sandwiches on offer.

Hatched

If you love eggs, this is the place to go. The easy-to-miss cafe nestled amongst a stretch of banks and big corporations specializes in everything eggy. There are favorites like eggs benedict with streaky bacon and ham; wagyu burgers with fried eggs; breakfast burritos and baked eggs, too. 

Original Sin

An institution in Chip Bee Gardens, this Mediterranean restaurant is known for its vegetarian offerings. It's cozy and quiet, which is a welcome change from the raucous weekend atmosphere across the road, with dishes like pan-fried haloumi salad with roasted capsicum and lentils, creamy porcini pasta and great mezze platters to share. Don't miss their ever-changing risotto dish, too.

PARK

Housed in a converted cargo shipping container, this place has a casual vibe with food like spam chips, smoked duck tacos and burgers. If you're looking for casual drinks, they've got a pretty extensive list of beers and wines like Kronenbourg Blanc, Zonin prosecco and Blaissac Bordeaux AOC. Plus, they've got pretty good happy hour and ladies night deals.

The Pit

Tucked away in a corner of Lorong Liput next to some tech stores, this no-frills pub is right below 2am:dessertbar. Frequented by lots of regulars and soccer fans, it's got a convivial atmosphere fuelled by local craft brews by Archipelago. Plus, they've got some pretty decent bar bites like buffalo chicken wings and ribs.

Sanpoutei Ramen

This Niigata ramen restaurant has something a little different to offer: it uses fish stock as its soup base, rather than the usual blend of tonkotsu (pork bone) and shoyu bases. On offer are bowls of tori and miso-based noodles with chasiu, bamboo shoots and, of course, Japanese soy-flavored eggs.

Sunday Folks

Another dessert-centric place, this one specializes in more down-to-earth favorites like waffles and soft serve ice cream. Their ice cream swirling skills are pretty impressive, piled high atop waffles by the Creamier folks. They've also got other sweet treats like yuzu cheesecake, sticky toffee cake, chocolate peppermint marshmallows and takeaway ice cream cones.

Wala Wala

Who doesn't love a casual night out in the open air drinking with friends? This Holland Village stalwart pub has nailed the atmosphere with their approachable list of drinks, pub snacks, sports telecasts and live music. Think drinks like beers on tap, bottles of wine, rudimentary cocktails and bottles of spirits. Don't forget to order jugs of frozen margaritas on that next balmy night out.

Eat

Sabeinglae

438/82 Moo 1, Maret, 077-233-082, 081-538-7045. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.sabeinglae.9nha.com
Sabeinglae offers a long list of authentic local dishes like gaeng kua hed lhoob (mushroom curry), wai kua (squid simmered in coconut milk), and gang som pla grabog yod mapraw (sour curry with fish and young coconut). Also try the fresh oysters with deep-fried garlic (B40 each). The kluay buad shi (bananas in sweet coconut milk) can’t be missed for dessert. Unlike other seafood restaurants in Samui, the bill is affordable and might come in under B1,000 for two.

Janhom

7/3 Bang Por Beach, 077-236-458. Open daily 10am-10pm
If you want authentic, then test your tongue with Janhom’s fiery Southern dishes like the nam prik goong sod (vegetables with shrimp relish, B120) and wipe your tears away with the kua gling moo (stir fried pork with spicy herbs, B150) at this popular no-frills eatery.

Kanomjeen Pa Maitree

217/2, Maenam Beach Soi 4, 077-247-075. Open daily 8:30am-3:30pm
A not-to-be-missed spot for its local food. Situated close to Maenam Intersection, Kanomjeen Pa Maitree offers various soups from nam ya (coconut soups) to green curry, or gaeng tai pla (a spicy Southern soup) to eat with rice noodles. Prices start from just B30.

Namcha

Fisherman’s Village, Bophut Beach, 077-427-115. Open daily 9:30am-1 pm. www.namchasamui.com
Run by a Filipino family with a tea obsession, this teahouse sits just at the entrance of Fisherman’s Village and is one of the most charming buildings in the area. Like almost everywhere in Samui, the place offers an open-air vibe, but here there are four sections with Japanese, Chinese, African, and English tea room styles. Their offerings range from English breakfast and Jasmine, to chai tea imported from around the world. Prices start at B120 per pot.

Le Salon de Ti / Zazen Restaurant

Zazen Boutique Hotel and Spa, 177 Moo 1, Bophut, 077-425-085, www.samuizazen.com
Created by couple Alex and Ti, Le Salon de Ti serves desserts, cocktails and 23 kinds of Dilmah tea, served hot or cold. The open-air space on the 2/F of the teak building is decked out in vintage-style French furniture and is perfect for afternoon high tea (from B590 for two people). Downstairs, Zazen Restaurant is a casual oceanfront joint serving tapas and Thai cuisine by day, after which it turns into a candlelit, intimate outlet for French Executive Chef Cyrille Keyser’s fine Mediterranean cuisine. Zazen also has the only underground wine cellar on the island—it’s blissfully cool.

Drink

9 Gems

141/190 Moo 6, Bophut, 077-256-125, 080-692-0520. Open Tue-Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri-Sun 4pm-2am. www.9gemssamui.com
Hidden away on one of the island’s many hilltops, 9 Gems combines fine dining with breathtaking views of Pru Chaweng (Chaweng Lagoon) and Chaweng town center below. The menu offers fusion food, tapas, desserts, cocktails and bubbly. Request to be seated on one of their beds on the rooftop to enjoy the 360-degree view. Settling yourself in just before sunset is highly recommended.

Green Mango & Sweet Soul

Soi Green Mango, Chaweng Beach Rd. Open daily 9pm till late. www.thegreenmangoclub.com
This has long been one of the most popular nightclubs in Samui. With a gigantic open-air space that contains several bars, pool tables, and huge dance floors, all you need is a plastic bucket of Sangsom mixed with Red Bull and some straws. To warm up, stop by at Sweet Soul, the sister club of Green Mango (located right in front).

Sound Club

Soi Green Mango, Chaweng Beach Rd., Open daily 11pm-6am. www.soundclubsamui.com
Sound Club has both open-air and indoor spaces, and the DJs are usually the same ones who do the Full Moon parties on nearby Koh Pha Ngan.

TOP SUNDAY BRUNCHES

Beach Republic

Elegant and sexy with its red hot decor, Beach Republic boasts two infinity pools, regular DJs and live performances. The Ultimate Sunday Brunch Club features a buffet offering myriad international options like meat carving stations, seafood, Thai dishes, sushi, cold cuts, and crepes suzette. Outside those hours, entry into the club for outside guests is B500, but that does turn into F&B credits. There are also 39 rooms available from B3,900 per night.
176/34 Moo 4, Maret, 077-458-100. Sunday brunch B1,400, 11:30am-3:30pm. www.beachrepublic.com

Nikki Beach

Laze on their throw pillows, daybeds, plush champagne beds and Nikki’s signature teepees. The highlight of the week is the “Amazing Sunday Brunch,” offering over 40 dishes including seafood, sushi, meat carvings, and desserts. The brunch includes one free mimosa or bellini. Annual membership (approximately B7,500) gets you entry into the club for a year, but won’t include special events like Sunday brunch. Private bungalows available, starting from B4,600.
96/3 Moo 2, Lipa Noi, 077-914-500. Sunday brunch B950, 11am-4pm. www.nikkibeach.com

Going somewhere else? Check out Thailand's Best Restaurants and Bars.