What’s the Hype? Three Best Newly Opened Bars In Vietnam Decoded
Discover the best newly opened bars in Vietnam that are redefining the country’s cocktail culture across three major cities. From Hanoi’s retro-chic basement hideaway to Danang‘s tropical paradise and Saigon‘s sophisticated three-in-one concept, these bars represent the finest new additions to Vietnam’s thriving nightlife scene.
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a design enthusiast, or simply seeking memorable experiences, these best newly opened bars in Vietnam offer distinct atmospheres and exceptional craft cocktails. Each venue tells its own story through carefully curated spaces, innovative drink menus, and a passion for hospitality that reflects the best of Vietnamese creativity and international influences.
Réno Bar – Among Hanoi’s Best Newly Opened Bars
Step into a time machine at Réno Bar, one of the best newly opened bars in Vietnam and Hanoi’s newest retro-themed cocktail destination that transports guests back to the golden era of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Opened in early 2025 in the basement of the CLASSYC Hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this underground hideaway combines nostalgic aesthetics with contemporary mixology expertise. The bar specializes in classic US and UK cocktails from these iconic decades, reimagined with modern techniques and fresh ingredients. What sets Réno apart from other newly opened bars in Vietnam is its commitment to authenticity—each cocktail is meticulously researched and recreated to capture the spirit of the era, from the ingredients to the glassware and presentation.
The atmosphere at Réno is electric and full of unique vibes, with a carefully curated soundtrack featuring R&B, old-school hip-hop, and funky beats that perfectly complement the retro ambiance. The intimate basement setting creates a speakeasy-like feel, making it a true hidden bar where the windowless space has been transformed into a warm, welcoming environment. Despite its underground location, the bar has managed to create an inviting atmosphere that’s been drawing in a great mix of locals and tourists since opening. The skilled bartenders craft handcrafted drinks with enthusiasm and precision, offering personalized recommendations to match every guest’s taste preferences, ensuring that each visit feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
What truly distinguishes Réno Bar as one of the best newly opened bars in Vietnam is its role in Hanoi’s evolving cocktail landscape—it represents a new wave of bars that prioritize both atmosphere and craft. As part of Hanoi’s growing speakeasy culture, Réno offers an escape from the bustling streets above, providing a sanctuary where patrons can slow down, enjoy carefully crafted drinks, and immerse themselves in an era when mixtapes ruled and cocktails had character. Whether you’re craving something sweet, sour, or bold, the talented mixologists ensure each cocktail is a conversation starter, making Réno a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic throwback experience with modern sophistication.
Location: Basement B1, 7-9 Hang Thung Street, Hanoi
Firebirds – Danang’s Best Newly Opened Bar Experience
Firebirds proudly ranks among the best newly opened bars in Vietnam, billing itself as “probably the best and biggest cocktail bar in Da Nang.” This exceptional bar lives up to its bold claim with a deeply personal concept born from love, nostalgia, and the universal yearning for home. The bar’s origin story is as compelling as its cocktails—created by award-winning head bartender Lucas, who returned to Da Nang after years building a decorated career in Dubai, and his childhood martial arts companions Charles, Alain, and Victoria, who had all been scattered across the globe. As Lucas explains, “We wanted a place we can come back to everyday, a place where we can slow down, unwind; a place that we feel like home.” This profound sense of homecoming permeates every aspect of the bar, from the warm hospitality to the thoughtfully curated space.
The bar’s design philosophy is refreshingly whimsical and authentic, featuring eclectic decorations collected from across Vietnam that evoke memories of old Vietnam—vintage medicine cabinets, checked tiles, retro restaurant chairs, old-school glasses, and even a small garden in the front yard. What makes this one of the best newly opened bars in Vietnam is that the founders handcrafted much of the interior themselves, including the bar counter, and personally planted the trees. Every piece of furniture was carefully selected or created, and all bitters and garnishes are made in-house, demonstrating an uncompromising commitment to craft and authenticity. The space draws inspiration from the homes they grew up in, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and liberating. “We were whimsical, free, and we wanted our guests to feel that walking in through our door,” the founders share.
The atmosphere at Firebirds is one of tropical bliss and laid-back sophistication, where the hidden bronze door at the entrance sets the tone for discovery. Supported by four international wanderers and lovers of Vietnam, Firebirds was started by “worn-out souls, hoping to cheer up every one that walked through that hidden bronze door.” This mission of providing comfort and joy translates into exceptional hospitality—guests can order from the menu or request bespoke cocktails tailored specifically to their preferences. The spacious venue accommodates groups comfortably while maintaining an intimate, welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel like they’ve truly come home. As the founders invite, “Come in, unwind, enjoy the freedom and whimsical atmosphere. Firebirds shall be the place for you to come back to and be yourself after a long day.”
Location: 2D My Khe 7, Danang
Raw Atelier – Saigon’s Best Newly Opened Cocktail Concept
Raw Atelier stands out as one of the best newly opened bars in Vietnam, representing a bold new chapter in Saigon’s cocktail scene. Conceived by the dashingly talented Jimmy Nguyen, the 2024 Mathieu Teisseire Flavour Masters Vietnam champion and former mixologist at the beloved Drinking & Healing, this bar is extraordinary. Now, he’s hung up his ‘Healers’ pharmacist-style jacket to open his own atelier, and the result solidifies Raw Atelier’s position among the best newly opened bars in Vietnam. As Jimmy explains, “Nearly every bartender I’ve spoken with, every bar I’ve visited — each of them has played a role in shaping RAW + Atelier into what it is today.” This bar is the culmination of years of stacking life lessons, traveling, learning, and refining his craft—and it shows in every detail of the three-in-one concept that includes a café, cocktail bar, and the intimate Room No.5, each offering different menus and contrasting experiences across its floors.
What makes Raw Atelier truly unique among the best newly opened bars in Vietnam is its embrace of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi—the acceptance of imperfection and the impermanence of earthly things. This philosophy shapes the entire cocktail experience, creating drinks that prioritize experience over expectation. “What you receive in the glass may not always match what you expected from reading the menu — and that’s intentional,” Jimmy reveals. “Each drink is uniquely crafted, its character shaped by where you sit and how you experience it.” The opening menu, ‘Off The Script,’ delivers on this promise with twisted classics like the Fizzy Manhattan and Shaken Old Fashioned that sound heretical but taste revelatory. Rather than relying on high-tech gadgetry, the team has eschewed modern equipment in favor of obsessive attention to local Vietnamese ingredients and flawless execution of fundamentals.
The space itself exudes tranquility despite its central District 1 location on Ly Tu Trong, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s relentless energy. The ground floor operates as a sunlit café during the day, perfect for espresso and conversation, while upstairs transforms into a sleek cocktail bar that feels like a whispered secret in the heart of Saigon. The minimalist design, combined with natural materials and thoughtful lighting, creates an atmosphere that’s both contemporary and timeless. Jimmy recommends experiencing the bar’s evolution: “Start with an Espresso Martini downstairs, migrate to the balcony for a Dirty Martini Sour while watching the city wind down, then finish at the intimate Room No.5 with a Vintage Manhattan and a neat whisky.” Whether you’re settling in with meticulously brewed coffee or exploring their innovative cocktail menu, Raw Atelier delivers an experience that honors craftsmanship and authenticity in every detail, making it one of the most exciting additions to the best newly opened bars in Vietnam.
Location: Lầu 2, 97B Lý Tự Trọng, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
