Where to Drink in Ho Chi Minh City If You Like Jazz, Cocktails, Pizza and Unique Decor

We weren't planning to time travel last night.

But that's what it felt like when we walked into House of Merlin. A jazz-filled bar tucked behind a quiet gate in District 1. Inside, it's like a mad scientist built a lounge and invited you over for drinks.

There's bubbling glass tubes, plasma balls, glowing gears on the walls. Oh, and cocktails aged in chocolate barrels.

Add Vietnamese fusion dishes like pho pizza and scallop pani puri, and it somehow all works.

Here's what we tried, what surprised us, and why this is one of the great cocktail bars to visit next time you're in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Vibe: Like a Steampunk Scientist Built a Cocktail Bar

From the moment you walk in, you know this isn't your average bar. There's a massive metal globe suspended from the ceiling, plasma lamps glowing in corners, and vintage machinery lining the walls. It feels like the secret headquarters of a brilliant-but-slightly-unhinged inventor.

Despite the quirky decor, it doesn't feel gimmicky. The space is cozy, the lighting warm, and the energy relaxed. You could come here for a chill drink or a full night out.

Great Cocktails: Creative, Thoughtful, and a Little Bit Mad

We tried four drinks and each one felt completely different. Some playful. Some classic. Some like something out of a chemistry lab.

Stogie

Smoky whiskey aged in chocolate barrels. This one blends 8-year bourbon and saffron, aged in a chocolate barrel and finished with a bold smokiness from a mix of Cuban cigar and apple wood. Rich, bold, and surprisingly smooth. If you like whisky, don't miss this. Bonus: it's served in a Baccarat rock glass for that extra touch of fancy. This was Liam's favorite of the evening.

Time to Toast

Sarah's top pick for the night. A light and refreshing mix, perfect for after a long day exploring Vietnam. You can actually catch a subtle scent of toast in the aroma, which adds a warm, comforting layer to the drink.

We also tried a couple of their classic cocktails

• Brownie-Groni - a strawberry brownie twist on a negroni. Rich with a hint of bitter fruit, but still balanced. Dessert without being too sweet.
• Earl Grey Martini - super drinkable with a tea-forward edge. More delicate than expected, and perfect if you want something lighter. They also offer a non-alcoholic version, so you can still enjoy the flavor even if you're skipping the booze.

Each cocktail felt like a story in a glass. The bartenders and servers knew every chapter by heart, explaining each cocktail's inspiration and ingredients with the kind of detail you'd expect from someone who helped invent it. Every drink had a whimsical backstory that made it feel more like a character than just something to sip.

The Food: Vietnamese Fusion That Hits the Mark

We came for the cocktails but were blown away by the food. It's experimental without trying too hard. Fusion done right. And if you're after something more classic, they also serve traditional options like Margherita, Salami, and Four Cheese pizza. There's something for everyone.

Pho Pizza

Yes, you read that right. It's got all the comforting flavors of a good bowl of pho, layered onto a delicious Italian-style pizza. It shouldn't work. But it does.

Pani Puri Scallops

One-bite flavor bombs. Sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy. It all hits. This one was Liam's personal favorite. Be warned, once you try them you'll have to order more.

Sliced Fries with Butter Sauce, Scallion Oil, Dried Shrimp & Bacon

Thinly sliced and fried until crispy, topped with sticky-sweet chili and bacon. This is an elevated version of a local Vietnamese dish, bap xao. Addictive. Great for sharing.

Hu Tieu Carbonara

Vietnamese noodles meet creamy Italian sauce. Rich and satisfying, with a local twist.

Each dish feels like a playful experiment between comfort and curiosity. Familiar flavors reimagined in bold, surprising ways. It's not trying to be fancy for the sake of it. The combinations genuinely work, and you can tell the kitchen is having fun creating food that blends iconic Vietnamese dishes with international favorites.

The Jazz Nights: Unexpected and Memorable

At 9PM, everything shifts. The lights dim. A live jazz band kicks in with classics from Sinatra and more. Suddenly you're not just drinking in a cocktail bar, you're in a different decade.

The jazz is live every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, and it adds a whole new vibe to the experience. The band plays right next to the tables, making the bar feel intimate and connected. It's not background noise, it's part of the experience. You're so close you can see every note played, and somehow it makes the whole place feel warmer, like everyone's in on the same moment together.

Final Thoughts

House of Merlin isn't just a bar. It's an experience. One part mad scientist lab, one part speakeasy, and one part cozy local hangout. Easily one of the best cocktail bars in Ho Chi Minh City if you're after something unique.

If you're into cocktails with personality, fusion food that actually works, and live music in a wild setting, this one's worth visiting.

Know Before You Go

• 📍 Address: 178/1 Pasteur, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• 🕒 Hours: 6PM–1AM, 7 days per week
• 🎷 Jazz Nights: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday — 9PM to 11PM
• 💬 Tip: Ask about your cocktail's backstory if you want a fun chat with the bartender
• 🔗 Website: HouseOfMerlin.com
• 🗓️ Reservation: Book a table