Discovering Bangkok's Tawandang German Brewery

As readers of this blog may have quickly discovered, I enjoy socialising as well as visiting different places around Thailand. It is a fantastic country to relax after dark, with many towns and cities being completely different once the temperature cools and people want to have fun. There are options to suit all tastes and budgets, and one venue that has given me countless memorable nights is the Tawandang German Brewery in Bangkok.

It is worth avoiding any confusion between the Tawandang German Brewery featured here and the many Tawandang Mahason branches found around Thailand.

Tawandang Mahason 

Tawandang Mahason comprises large halls that open until the early hours. They are a combination of restaurant, disco, nightclub and entertainment venue, attracting large crowds through their doors. They are often the best option when in a provincial town, invariably attracting large crowds, especially at the weekend.

There is waitress service to each table, with drinks served in large bottles, while lots of Thai whisky and soda are being consumed. There are often drink promotions on offer. A live band will play several sets, with a DJ coming on between times, before ending the evening playing tunes for the dancing masses.

Tawandang German Brewery

As I pen this article, there are three branches of the Tawandang German Brewery in Bangkok. One is in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, with another off Rama III Road in Chong Nonsi in the heart of the city. However, the one I am featuring is near Ram Inthra in Lat Phrao. 

Over the years, I have visited the establishments many times, both as a tourist with friends and before moving and living a few kilometres away. I have yet to leave without having a great experience. Let me explain why.

A Great Concept

When I go out for the evening, I want to have fun. In Thailand, it invariably means eating, with many not bothering to make meals at home. I want to be in good company in a safe environment, to be entertained in some way, whether it's by my friends or by the performers on stage. Tawandang German Brewery does all of this, and more.

I’ll do my best to describe a typical evening. The branch at Ram Inthra is off a highway, making it easy to reach. It is an enormous hall, with balconies along the side containing private glass-fronted rooms that can be hired for the evening. It also has a large upstairs seating area with a view of the stage at the far end.

When you first go in, there is a large bar with stools for those waiting for others to arrive, or customers simply wanting a few drinks and snacks without taking up one of the many tables across the large floor space to accommodate groups.

Although the venue serves alcohol, I wouldn't describe it as somewhere purely for drinkers. Families, groups of friends, work colleagues and couples all come here to enjoy the food and entertainment. It's one of the reasons the atmosphere always feels welcoming rather than intimidating.

Choices for Everyone

Around that area is the brewery, with large brewing vessels and pipes producing the beers enjoyed throughout the evening. It is a great feature, not least because both the lager and dark dunkel beers, brewed using German recipes, are extremely palatable. 

Once seated, a waitress is allocated to your table. She brings the beers, which can be ordered by the glass or in towers so you can share them out and pour them whenever anyone is ready for a refill. Whenever I’ve been, the first order is always a tower of each beer. There are also spirits and soft drinks available.

The menu is predominantly Thai and of good quality. I think one of the reasons everyone seems to enjoy Tawandang German Brewery is that it has pork knuckle with mash and sauerkraut, with several other Western snacks, so even those not keen on local cuisine can find something they like.

That’s Entertainment

I think of a night at the brewery as one of two halves. It opens at 5 pm but doesn’t usually get too busy for a couple of hours. On stage, a variety of acts come and go, doing several sets. It can consist of singers, dancers, magicians and comedians. Sometimes a famous name will appear, needing an early arrival to be sure of a table.

It takes me back to being a kid going to the panto or watching the old variety shows on TV. The building is a cross between a theatre and a converted bingo hall, with large screens by the stage and TVs dotted around so everyone can watch.

Around 10 pm, the scene seems to change. The local produce takes effect, and the DJ reads out birthday greetings to those celebrating, with the table where they’re sitting being shown on the screens, while a cake is delivered, increasing the excitement. Then a huge chorus of happy birthday is sung by the whole audience.

After the break, it's as though the handbrake comes off. The entertainment goes up another level, with the DJ doing his stuff in between. The areas around the tables see people out of their seats dancing, with others heading to the front by the stage. 

By closing time at 1 am, the crowds have thinned out, with those remaining on their last legs. Outside, there isn’t too long to wait for a taxi, at least in my experience. That said, it’s never a bad idea to order one in advance on one of the local apps.

Some Memorable Experiences

Over many years, I have enjoyed some great experiences at the brewery. The first time, I was invited by an Aussie friend in town who was taking some work colleagues who were over for a seminar. It was an interesting introduction. I probably got more out of it than they did.

I’m not sure how anyone couldn’t enjoy it if they go with an open mind and want to have fun, as there is something for everyone. I have been to the place on Ram Inthra when it has shown Premier League football on one of the screens.

On another occasion, Thailand’s women's volleyball team reached the final of a tournament. The climax of the final set was put on the screens as the entertainment was put on hold. It was absolute mayhem when they won, just before it was time for the birthday greetings.

Steve and Fah, living in Minburi, usually came, with my mate telling the staff that it was the birthday of one of the guests at our table, much to their surprise as they expected to be celebrating on the day they were born rather than some random night. We even joined in the conga round the hall one night.

In Closing

If you want to enjoy a night filled with fun, watching quality acts, including dancing, celebrations and a great atmosphere while eating nice food and drinking freshly brewed beer, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend spending an evening at one of the Tawandang German Brewery branches.

If you enjoyed this story, feel free to check out my YouTube Channel, where I share videos about everyday life in Thailand, local football, and travel across the country.

Thanks for reading.