Favorite cocktail bars in town
I wouldn’t call myself a liquor connoisseur, but I do know a good cocktail when it hits my palate. One easy thing about Cambodia is that alcohol is both affordable and varied. Beyond the usual beers, hotel bars, and backpacker happy hours, there are also local brews and distilleries offering genuinely eccentric flavors: Kampot pepper rum, for example, or even durian nori liqueur.
But in the middle of Phnom Penh’s overwhelming mix of sky bars, overpriced hotel cocktails, and ultra-cheap draft beers, here are three cocktail bars that, in my opinion, sit right at the intersection of quality, price, taste, and that little something special.
THE WHITE RABBIT
Tucked into a corner of Phnom Penh’s “rue de la soif,” Bassac Lane — where clubbers and partygoers usually end up — The White Rabbit is a cozy little bar serving whimsical drinks with a very Alice in Wonderland atmosphere.
The space is tiny, probably no more than 20 square meters, but that is also what makes it charming. It has intimate little lounge corners that are perfect for a date or a night out with a close-knit group of friends.
The drinks are mostly classic, but with small twists and the occasional use of Cambodian spirits, giving them a local touch without trying too hard.
SAMAI DISTILLERY
A couple of Venezuelans came to Cambodia and apparently thought: why not open a rum distillery? Years later, Samai has become one of the most recognizable liquor brands to come out of Cambodia, now exporting internationally.
But beneath all that success, the distillery bar itself remains one of the best places in Phnom Penh for cocktails. It offers live music, a lively atmosphere, and unique drinks wrapped in rich, Cambodia-inspired flavors: pandan leaves, sugar cane, kaffir lime, Kampot pepper, and more.
It is the kind of place where you can go for a proper cocktail, but also end up mingling, meeting people, and staying much longer than planned.
ODIN BAR
Legend has it that Odin was opened by a Japanese liquor collector who shipped an entire container of Japanese alcohol to Cambodia, then didn’t quite know what to do with it, so he opened a bar.
I have no idea how true that story is, but what I do know is that Odin has the best selection of umeshu I have found in Cambodia.
The bar itself is simple and beautiful: one long wooden counter, dim lighting, and a cozy, almost hidden atmosphere. It also serves surprisingly delicious Japanese food and sashimi, which makes it feel like more than just a drinking spot.
With its international selection of high-quality liquor, quiet charm, and excellent Japanese drinks, Odin is the kind of bar you go to when you want something intimate, tasteful, and a little different.
