Chi's Madrid Review: Oldest Expat Pub In Bangkok - Est. 1969

**Davis Knowlton** · 17-11-2009, 05:12 PM

In all the years I have been going there, I can't recall one of the employees ever leaving with a customer. (Not to say they didn't meet up after work). They do quite well, even (or possibly especially) the older gals, as many of them have waited on the same customers for decades. A lady's drink or three, tips now and again (or quite frequently), gifts from customers returning from jobs abroad; they appear to do fairly well seeing how long many of them have stayed. I know two cases where waitresses have married customers (and I am sure there are others). In one case, it was about twenty years ago and is still going strong. In the other, it's been twelve years or so and also going very well. It's an older established guy that tends to frequent the place, and they are generally there for a drink with their mates, a chat with one of the girls they know, and food prior to heading out for the evening.

**chitown** · 17-11-2009, 05:16 PM

I did not think you could pull a girl from there. They are all very friendly and the service is good. I enjoy my food and the atmosphere immensely. The atmosphere makes me feel like I am at a pub back home.

**Travelmate** · 17-11-2009, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by chitown

The atmosphere makes me feel like I am at a pub back home.

Chicago? is that a good feeling?

**chitown** · 17-11-2009, 05:26 PM

Sure is!! I love going for a meal at an old style neighborhood bar in Chicago. I really us3ed to love to sit and sip a beer and listen to all the old timers yack.

**Davis Knowlton** · 17-11-2009, 05:27 PM

^^And when you do get drunken tourist scum wandering in, they usually leave quite quickly after the girls totally ignore them and they figure out there is nothing there for them. Do get some legitimate tourists in there, usually because a friend back 'home' has recommended the food. Those usually come back more than once during their stay.

**Davis Knowlton** · 17-11-2009, 05:41 PM

^^Great thread; brought back a lot of memories. If you haven't already, try the ham hock soup and cornbread. Best a few hours after the lunch rush when it has simmered longer and you get the big chunks off the bottom of the pot!

**MeMock** · 17-11-2009, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by chitown

I wish I had my camera last night!

I was at the Madrid and have to report that they have the best onion rings I have ever had, Light, fluffy and made from scratch.

How else would they be made?

What time does this place open for breakfast?

**Marmite the Dog** · 17-11-2009, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by MeMock

What time does this place open for breakfast?

I wouldn't bother with the breakfast. Go to Molly Malones if you're in that area.

**chitown** · 17-11-2009, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by MeMock

Originally Posted by chitown

I wish I had my camera last night!

I was at the Madrid and have to report that they have the best onion rings I have ever had, Light, fluffy and made from scratch.

How else would they be made?

What time does this place open for breakfast?

Maybe 7am.

Usually I get stuck eating frozen onion rings.

**MeMock** · 17-11-2009, 07:59 PM

If a place can't be bothered making 'made from scratch' onion rings then their place is not worth visiting.

What time does Molly Malones open MtD?

**English Noodles** · 17-11-2009, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton

I've been eating there for more than 30 years.

That must be one big meal, I hope you are enjoying it.

**Marmite the Dog** · 18-11-2009, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by MeMock

What time does Molly Malones open MtD?

9am.

www.mollymalonesbangkok.com - Home Page

**Davis Knowlton** · 18-11-2009, 09:45 AM

^^Stuck in the damn booth. And they just laugh and keep bringing more onion rings!

**EmperorTud** · 18-11-2009, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Go to Molly Malones if you're in that area.

Isn't it another faux Irish bar built with boiler room money?

**English Noodles** · 18-11-2009, 11:45 PM

^Yeh, but the 'early bird breakfast' is only B99.

Fried Egg
Sausage, Bacon
Grilled Tomato
Hash Brown
Toast & Butter
with a pot of Tea or Coffee

**EmperorTud** · 19-11-2009, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by English Noodles

Yeh, but the 'early bird breakfast' is only B99

I'll remember to thank the unfortunate Australian pensioners that donated their life savings while I'm dribbling egg on me chin.

**Marmite the Dog** · 19-11-2009, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by EmperorTud

Isn't it another faux Irish bar built with boiler room money?

Probably, a few years ago, but I can think of 5 or 6 bars that might be tarred with the same brush.

It still does a better brekkie than the Madrid, and that's the only criteria that matters imo.

**Norton** · 19-11-2009, 08:22 PM

Molly Malones has a very good brekkie. Do like the Eggs Benedict at Madrid though.

**Fabian** · 19-11-2009, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by EmperorTud

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Go to Molly Malones if you're in that area.

Isn't it another faux Irish bar built with boiler room money?

I always wondered how all those irish pubs pop up. There is a huge one on Koh Chang which seemed to be quite surreal to me.

**Fabian** · 19-11-2009, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by chitown

Usually I get stuck eating frozen onion rings.

That must be pretty tough to chew on. Couldn't they have the decency to defrost them?

**Cattoc** · 12-02-2013, 03:47 PM

If I am not mistaken a Bangkok resident Barry Petersen (Australian Army Captain at the time) who is still living not far from this bar was the real character that Col Kurtz was modelled on. The CIA had tried unsuccessfully several times to assassinate Petersen after he refused to relinquish control of his 10 000 strong Montagnard force and to personally support the CIA Phoenix program - so I very much doubt that he would have been frequenting a CIA bar (EVER). Barry's own autobiography Tiger Men and a recent biography The Tiger Man of Vietnam by Frank Walker tell the real story.

John Poe was with the CIA earlier (1961-62) operating in Laos mustering hired Hmong villagers as Prathet Lao bounty hunters.. he acquired a reputation for drink and women - and was not taken seriously as his method confirming kills was send severed ears (not exactly a confirmed method).. Although having a genuinely colourful background he actually spent more time at Ventienne's USAid Warehouse in Ban Houeo Sai than in any hostile area during that period. Francis Coppola denied that John was the basis of the Col Kurtz character in Apocalypse Now .He died of liver failure in 2003.

Also this month - Bangkokeyes Feb13 Rare Photos edition published a picture of The Copa (Copacobana) which opened in June 1963 on Sukhumvit Rd between 5&7 (which subsequently was renamed Checkinn99 in 1983 after merging with the old Silom Rd Club99, it has been a continuously operating bar and night club for now its 50th year - predating the R&R period. Popular with Military advisers, peace corps and USAid types, Bob Hope was a frequent visitor during his USO tours.

Am open to comments here.....

Originally Posted by chitown

The Madrid was an old CIA hangout during the Air America days. At that time, you most likely would run into Jack Shirley or Tony Poe downing a few beers in the Madrid. Tony Poe is who the Colonel Kurtz character from Apocalypse Now is based on. The photo below is an old one from the Lucy's Tiger Den. The walls at the Madrid are plastered with photos of customers new and old.

Jack Shirley is on the right and Tony Poe is sitting with him to his left.

**carlspencer** · 17-04-2013, 11:49 AM

Damn I have been craving for some good Pizzas here, will definitely check them out, thanks for the heads up.

**steve down under** · 18-04-2013, 05:04 PM

Wow a five year old thread suddenly comes back to life ..................Run its a ZOMBIE !!!!!

**aging one** · 18-04-2013, 05:10 PM

No a guy on a mission here in Thailand. Find good Pizza!!!

**armstrong** · 18-04-2013, 05:21 PM

is it even still open?

Thread: Chi's Madrid Review: Oldest Expat Pub In Bangkok - Est. 1969

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