The Drink Bar is one of the newer Asian-style hostess bars in Phnom Penh. Obviously Cambodia is located in Asia. So any bar here could probably be described as “Asian style”. What I mean is that this place resembles some of the KTVs in other parts of Asia than the traditional hostess bar in Cambodia.
A typical hostess bar basically looks like a regular bar with some women on staff to keep customers company. Drink Bar is like the previously reviewed Top 136 in that it looks more like a KTV club.
I have been reporting on hostess bars in Phnom Penh for over a decade. Over the last year I have reviewed several of the bars that have survived the pandemic or emerged in its wake. I believe I have painted a pretty good picture of the current scene with these write ups. This review of The Drink Bar should round things out nicely.
Layout and location
The Drink Bar is located on Street 136 near the riverside. It is one block back from Sisowath Quay on one side and a block away from the guest friendly Sun and Moon Hotel on the other.
Easy to find with a very large sign The Drink Bar sits across the street from the previously reviewed Alaska. That is quite fitting since the two bars appear to be owned by the same people. That doesn’t mean they are mirror images of each other though. The Drink Bar is quite different.
This venue is twice as wide as most local businesses of the sort. Another thing that sets it apart is the layout. One side of the bar has diner style seating with big comfortable booths. The side with the pool table has seating fit for royalty or at least a karaoke club in China.
Staff, prices and summary
There are a good number of women working at The Drink Bar. I wouldn’t say it is overflowing with women but there are always ladies around. The gals employed here tend to be on the more fit and attractive end of the spectrum. They also tend to dress very nicely with sexy form fitting outfits that really show of their bodies. The place is popular with Asian customers. As you might expect the women skew towards the Asian standard of beauty.
Prices are on par with other area establishments. A lady drink costs $4 USD. The barfine is the typical $10. The place doesn’t have a revolving door with women coming and going all night. But gals can be taken out of the bar. The women usually ask for the now standard $50 to $100 when they do decide to go out with a guy.
I would certainly say that The Drink Bar is different than pretty much all of the competition. There are a couple of other places that follow this model. They tend to be newer establishments that cater more to Chinese guests. Is this a sign of things to come? I don’t think the classic girly bar model is going anywhere soon.
Phnom Penh has always been somewhat of a melting pot of cultures. Especially among the adult entertainment scene. There’s something for everyone including locals, Asian guys, Africans and Westerners. And everyone is more or less welcome in all of the bars no matter where they originate from. Where does that leave us with this review? The Drink Bar is unique with a great interior. But that doesn’t necessarily make it any better than the rest. I give it two-and-a-half stars. 
The Drink Bar. No 13 Street 136, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Click here for a map. Open every day from 6:00 PM until 3:00 AM. Phone: +855 177-85-222.
