Located right next to the University of Fine Arts, in the hall of its exhibition center, Viet Art café is the go-to place of Vietnamese aspiring young artists. Decorated as artistically as you can expect in red, white, glass, and crystal, it's all-too-easy to be swept in and get lost watching the many exhibited works, from paintings, to photography, to installation art. The café has a selection of more than 40 kinds of cocktails to help get your creativity flowing, or a conversation with your favorite artist going. Jazz music and a quiet, serene atmosphere certainly help too. The café also has breakfasts and lunch buffet. - Van Le
Offering a unique bar and cafe experience, on Tong Dan Street, is Tadioto. Known for its Bohemian style and excellent service, the bar has a wide range of cocktails, whiskeys and wines. Tadioto offers an alternate space solely dedicated to artists, photographers, exhibitions as well as experimental music. Besides being a favorite spot for coffee and liquor, a number of fashion and editorial photo shoots also take place. This is a nice location to relieve you stress and share ideas among friends.
The Polite Pub offers its largely foreign clientele the comforts of home. The owners sate cravings to munch while you drink with an endless supply of roasted peanuts; the CD collection draws from mostly Western favorites, both past and present; and foosball and pool provide sporting distractions from the main activities--drinking and cavorting. Besides beer, the women's Vietnamese pool champion bartender mixes good margaritas and Long Island ice teas.
Don't judge this restaurant by its exteriors. The old villa look may have you thinking that you get traditional Vietnamese food here. But the interiors, done up with contemporary art and the use of fresh, local produce in the cuisine makes this place different. Try the Fish Stew with Coconut Milk or the Chinese Style Prawn and Black Mushroom Soup. The strong flavors are blended well. Choose a wine from their extensive list to accompany your meal.
Host to a variety of events including Rugby World Cup Viewing and the monthly construction professionals meet-up, Jaspas works equally well for a business lunch or for an after hours drink. Owned by the same company running Pepperoni's, Al Fresco's and Papa Joe's, Jaspas retains much of the same casual atmosphere while its surroundings are decidedly more upscale. Conveniently located in the city center at Hanoi Towers, it offers a good buffet spread for under $10/person, and is a good way to stuff your face and mingle with local Vespa drivers and the thirty something expat crowd.
If you are looking to spend the evening partying with your friends, Bar Betta is the place to go. Set in an intimate space with unique decor, dim lighting and a typical bar feel, the mood in here is set perfectly for an evening of immense enjoyment. Boasting a fine collection of exquisite spirits and wines from across the world and a remarkable selection of beers on tap, this bar assures you a drinking experience that you won't forget anytime soon. While the spirits might be extraordinary, it's the bartender's signature concoctions that has the most fans. Add great music to the incredible drinks and you have a place that truly provides you with unlimited excitement throughout the night.