The Story

About This Place

86 Proof Whiskey Bar sits on a quiet stretch of Xuân Thủy in Thảo Điền, drawing a steady mix of expats and locals who return as much for the daily 50% happy hour — running from 4 to 7 PM every single day — as for the whiskey list displayed behind the bar. Warm lighting and comfortable seating pitch the room closer to a refined neighborhood bar than a nightlife venue, the kind of place where a single drink tends to become three.

The whiskey program is the anchor. Guests can build their own flights to work through the range, and the staff are knowledgeable enough to guide both newcomers and enthusiasts. The cocktail list reaches well beyond whiskey: the yuzu moon serves as many first-timers' benchmark, while the Newton Law Sour — offered in both a 1.0 and a 2.0 version — and a Lychee Rose Sour give non-whiskey drinkers genuine reasons to return. The Earl Grey Nudi tea is a quietly refined option for those after something lighter.

Food runs alongside the drinks rather than as an afterthought. Once a month the bar hosts a Chef Series, bringing in a visiting chef to design a menu — often built around cocktail pairings — which has become one of the more distinctive recurring events in the Thảo Điền bar scene.

The bar stays open until 1 AM on most weeknights and until 2 AM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, making it a natural late stop after dinner elsewhere in the neighborhood. Pricing sits at the reasonable end for a dedicated whiskey bar, and the relative calm of Thảo Điền compared to District 1 is part of the draw — the atmosphere encourages lingering.

yuzu moon cocktailwhiskey flightsdaily 50% happy hour 4–7 pmnewton law sour (1.0 and 2.0)monthly chef series with cocktail pairings
lowkeywarmrelaxedspeakeasyrefined

Reviews

4.5(347)
Chrissy Tran
Chrissy Tran
1y ago

My favourite bar in Thao Dien area. I tried lots of drinks at this bar and most of them are truly amazing. They have something for everyone. You can try the yuzu moon (their special one) if it’s your first time. My go-to drink are whisky sour, Newton law sour (or 1.0 coz they have 2.0 too) or any gin. The food is good too. The service is beyond expectation. We always stay at this place till late for the drink and the vibe.

A F
A F

A solid speakeasy for whiskey lovers. Selection is good, though by far not the most extensive in town. Firkin and Dram probably would beat this by 3 times. However, the pricing for a whiskey bar is reasonable. Also, it is in the heart of Thao Dien, which is more quiet than D1. Good solid place for a dram.

David Hayter
David Hayter
1y ago

86 Proof is one of the best bars in the world. The happy hour is hard to beat. Their classic cocktails are all too notch and the seasonal drinks give you something to come back for. The extensive selection of whisky and other drinks will satisfy any cravings you might have.

Andy Nguyen
Andy Nguyen
1y ago

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Thao Dien, 86 Proof Whiskey Bar is a true gem for anyone looking to unwind in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. This bar has quickly earned a reputation as a favorite hangout for both locals and the expat crowd, creating a perfect blend of cultures. The ambiance is relaxed yet refined, with warm lighting, comfortable seating, and an impressive whiskey collection proudly displayed behind the bar. Whether you’re an aficionado or a casual drinker, the knowledgeable bartenders are happy to recommend a whiskey that suits your palate or craft a delicious cocktail to your liking. One of the highlights of 86 Proof is their unbeatable happy hour deal, which runs daily from 5 PM to 7 PM. During this time, everything on the menu is 50% off. Yes, everything. This makes it an ideal spot for an after-work drink or a casual pre-dinner meet-up without breaking the bank. Aside from their exceptional whiskey selection, the menu also features a variety of cocktails, beers, and wines, as well as some light snacks to pair with your drinks. The atmosphere during happy hour is lively but never overwhelming, making it easy to strike up a conversation or simply relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe. In short, 86 Proof Whiskey Bar is more than just a whiskey bar—it’s a community hub where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy great drinks and good company. Whether you’re new to Thao Dien or a long-time resident, this spot is worth adding to your list. Don’t miss out on the happy hour; it’s a steal!

Tran Hang
Tran Hang
2y ago

Lowkey and chillout cocktail bar in the heart of Thao Dien. Lychee Rose Sour and Earl Grey Nudi tea are my absolute favorite

Visit Tips

Visiting 86 PROOF Whiskey Bar

  • Open late: Doors stay open past 4 AM on at least one day — handy for after-work dinners.

  • Breakfast available: Opens by 4 AM — a viable breakfast stop in Saigon.

  • Best for: after-work drinks, whiskey exploration, date night, late-night hangout.

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Photos

15

Other

86 PROOF Whiskey Bar photo 1 in Thao Dien
86 PROOF Whiskey Bar photo 2 in Thao Dien
86 PROOF Whiskey Bar photo 3 in Thao Dien
86 PROOF Whiskey Bar photo 4 in Thao Dien
86 PROOF Whiskey Bar photo 5 in Thao Dien
86 PROOF Whiskey Bar photo 6 in Thao Dien
86 PROOF Whiskey Bar photo 7 in Thao Dien
86 PROOF Whiskey Bar photo 8 in Thao Dien
Common Questions

Frequently Asked

What is the happy hour at 86 PROOF Whiskey Bar?
50% off all drinks from 4–7 PM every day. Multiple reviews call it 'hard to beat' and 'utterly amazing.'
What cocktail should first-timers order at 86 PROOF Whiskey Bar?
The yuzu moon is consistently recommended as the benchmark for first visits. The Newton Law Sour (available in 1.0 and 2.0 versions) and Lychee Rose Sour are also frequently cited.
Does 86 PROOF Whiskey Bar serve food?
Food runs alongside the drinks menu. Once a month the bar hosts a Chef Series, where a visiting chef designs a pairing menu — one reviewer called the food 'innovative, especially with the cocktail pairing.'
How late is 86 PROOF Whiskey Bar open?
The bar is open until 1 AM on most weeknights and until 2 AM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Is 86 PROOF Whiskey Bar good for whiskey enthusiasts?
The bar anchors its program around an extensive whiskey list displayed behind the bar. Guests can build custom flights, and staff are noted as knowledgeable enough to guide both newcomers and enthusiasts.
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