Bar.Yard’s Smooth Evolution on Bangkok’s Rooftop Scene

The notion of a revamp is synonymous with a drastic makeover, aesthetics stripped down to the bone, abundance in improvements, and cultural shifts.

However, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, there is a smoother transition to what used to be good, now better.

The transformation at Bar.Yard, perched on the 40th floor of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, leans into exactly that kind of evolution—one that is currently unfolding, with its refreshed menu debut.

Crowd: It’s an amalgamation of swanky, suave, and simpática (likable, charming, and friendly).

The diverse crowd is a beautiful representation of what Bar.Yard aims to achieve and maintain: creating an environment where friends or colleagues can either unwind or celebrate over tantalising cocktails and mouthwatering food.

Depending on the occasion, the dress code ranges from smart casual to cocktail dresses, welcoming both guests of the hotel and outside visitors looking for a fun night out. In other words, contemporary cool.

Space: The view is something Bar.Yard will never lack.

Taking in the stunning skyline of Bangkok on the 40th floor will always be a major draw for most patrons.

But when you have the vibrant elements of the tropics as the decor, a dedicated space for talented DJs, and an open-air layout bridged by a central bar, it helps temper the Thai heat in the most stylish way possible.

Seating is ample, the breeze is felt throughout, and the music is evenly distributed without the auditory assault. Dare I say, it’s a vibe.

The dishes sampled during our visit reflect the outgoing menu, but they offer a clear sense of the kitchen’s flavour-forward direction.

Bar.Yard feels firmly in refresh mode, refining rather than reinventing its rooftop personality.

The spread signifies its DNA: grill-driven, Thai-meets-American-meets-Mex; the new version is veering toward Latin American flavour and flair.

We were treated to a selection that served as a useful snapshot of the kitchen’s playful and confident nature on the grill.

The Smoked grilled river prawn (THB 990++) and the Mesquite grilled ribeye (THB 790++) are the ideal examples of Bar.Yard’s excellence on the grill.

The prawns arrived deeply charred yet succulent, as the sweetness was heightened by the smoke rather than masking it.

And the latter? Comforting, assertive, and designed for sharing, even though I would have devoured the entire plate myself.

It reinforced that sense and restraint continue to guide the kitchen’s hand.

Now, more to the Thai-Mex (or Latin persuasion) experience: Chicharron with guac & chips (THB 320++).

A true success to Bar.Yard’s rooftop personality, the crisp chicharrón in a bed of guacamole, comes off as a casual and crowd-friendly delight, perfect with a cerveza.

For the raw and fish bites, the Larb tuna (THB 390++) and Salmon crudo (THB 390++) provided a counter to the smoked and rich items from the menu.

The larb-style tuna highlights the brightness and heat, whereas the salmon delivers clean flavours, refreshing the palate in between bites.

And in between bites requires one to drink, helping to digest our food, of course.

The cocktails are as lively as the dishes. Whether it’s the Hey! hunny (THB 380++), Peach emoji (THB 380++), BDSM (Best Damn Spicy Margarita) (THB 480++), El jefe, which will be in the new menu (THB 540++), or the classics such as Mojito (THB 420++) and Espresso martini (THB 440++), you’ll have plenty of reasons to keep you from leaving.

The extra helping of complimentary margaritas kept us in our seats, to say the least.

Eyes wide and exchanging glances with the company you keep is what the Thai-mex gooey queso fundido (pork krapao) (THB 320++) will do to you.

It’s rich, molten, and laced with pork krapao, walking the line between indulgent and inventive, with a beautiful extra kick of spice that hits the spot.

My mouth waters as I type this.

Our favourite dish encapsulates the ambience of Bar.Yard, from killer skyline views, the relaxed yet buzzing crowd, to a kitchen incredibly comfortable in its own skin.

Bar.Yard
40th floor at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
78 Soi Tonson, Lumpini, Pathumwan,
Bangkok 10330

Open
Sunday – Wednesday: 5 PM to 1 AM
Thursday – Saturday: 5 PM to 2 AM

Instagram: @bar.yard
Facebook: @bar.yardbkk
Tel.: +66 (0)2 056 9999
Email: BarYard.Kimptonmaalai@ihg.com