When I first heard about a new place called Cheers on Sukhumvit soi 22, I couldn't help but think of Cheers, the fictional Boston bar that dominated tv screens in the UK and US back in the 80s.
I've been to a 'Cheers' bar before. But that one was in London, back in the late 90s, when life was all about working and playing. These days, it's more about working and eating . . . in my case at least.
I arrived here yesterday lunch time, ready for a sit down and a bite to eat after a somewhat taxing language lesson.
Having walked from Asoke BTS, it only took me about six or so minutes. It was a nice day and frankly, I needed the walk.
Located underneath the Regency Hotel, Cheers Bar & Grill is on the right hand side of the Soi when walking down from Sukhumvit road.
The interior looks brand spanking new, which is a good thing, seeing as this place only opened on 2nd December. I must admit, I felt a little honoured to be one of their earlier customers.
Kitted out in teak wood, the bar is at the back, three flat screen televisions, plenty of tables and chairs and a couple of high tables on the balcony for those who love to people watch (although it can get noisy outside!).
A waitress instantly greeted me, allowed me to sit where I wanted to - which was in the corner on the large table - and gave me a menu to study.
And study it, I did. The frosted plastic covered menu is fairly extensive as menus go: sandwiches with chips from 200 baht, steaks (from 600 baht, pizzas, pastas, fish and chips, Thai and Isaan food from 150 baht. I can't name them all, but there is lot on offer. Apparently there was more, but it's been cut down?!
For vegetarians, I did notice that there weren't any dedicated vegetarian dishes. And as one customer politely pointed this out, she was duly accommodated and was able to have her dish prepared with no meat.
I, as a meat eater (trying to reduce my consumption though) ordered a simple dish, stir fried rice noodles with chicken and vegetables (sen yai phad se-uw gai) at 150 baht. It came presented in a lovely clean white dish - which made for a refreshing change. Usually, I get it slopped onto a plate, no wiping away any spills. But then I am partial to eating this at cheaper, no frills spared establishments.
This sen yai phad se-uw gai was steaming hot and after I got my compulsory four condiments to personalise it, I began to dig in. It was tasty and hit the just right spot.
This place is still so new, I feel it's yet to make an impact. I imagine it's a busy place in the evenings where many 'farangs' would flock to.
Service is polite, the place is clean. The other dishes that came out of the kitchen looked generous and my friend tells me, their steaks are pretty tasty.
Likes: The clean plate that my noodles came in.
Dislikes: The slightly too loud 80s glam rock music (I'm not that young anymore) which I grew out of in my late teens. But those with a glam rock disposition will love it.
Final Thoughts: I am sure this new kid on the block will be a popular place for farangs and tourists alike.
Cheers Bar & Grill
12/3 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Klong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Tel: +66 (0)2 259 7420
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong, exit 3. Go down the stairs instead of into Emporium and carrying on walking straight ahead until you get to Soi 22 on your left hand side. Turn down Soi 22 and Cheers Bar & Grill is a few hundred metres on your right.
