Polite & Co.

★ 4.4 · 1,232 reviews Hanoi Opened Opening date unknown

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Hanoi's original speakeasy, 500-plus bottles

This is the bar that made Hanoi fall for the speakeasy idea in the first place, and it still plays the 1920s gentleman's club straight: dark wood, leather, low light. The back bar carries more than five hundred spirits.

The team behind it, also of Etēsia, has over twenty-seven years of collective bar experience. Go early for happy hour, the cheapest way onto a fairly expensive list.

What guests say

Reviews by Google

Joseph Waldo 26 reviews · Local Guide 6 August 2026

We were looking forward to visiting Polite and Co., the oldest cocktail bar in Hanoi. Unfortunately, it is VERY disappointing. A bar of this caliber should know what a Sazerac is - it didn't. The bartenders were unfriendly and cold. Their menu was featuring special cocktails based on India that looked interesting but when we asked for one, they said they were not serving them. Huh? Why have ui on the menu. And they could have served us water with our cocktails instead of up-charging us. This bar needs some work.
anita y 11 reviews · Local Guide 26 May 2026

Good happy hour with buy 1 get one free. I haven’t seen a Hugo spritz for a while so I got 2 of them during happy hour. We also got the beef jerky which is different from what we’re used to, but it’s good. It was also good for a big group on a Monday at 6pm… lots of space. The downside is no kids allowed inside, but allowed outside on the few tables and chairs.
Andrea Santos 1,004 reviews · Local Guide 4 May 2026

decent cocktail bar with a creative menu, highlighting flavors from around the world. execution was hit or miss but maybe i just didn’t find a drink i enjoyed. liked the live dj on the weekend
David Lin 37 reviews · Local Guide 9 April 2026

Came here based on ChatGPT recommendations. There was no live music but I chose to stay. Ambiance is calm, more secluded and private and lighting kept dimmer. Less than 20% occupied on Thursday 8pm. Came in just in time to catch the 6-8pm happy hour B1G1 on standard cocktails. My Old Fashioned was well crafted, strong and flavorful, with a nicely cubed big ice. The whiskey sour was a little too “edgy” for me but still acceptable. Good deal at B1G1 around $5USD per drink. Not having live music was a bummer for me, especially if sitting alone. Service was quick but impersonal.
Adeline Ng 141 reviews · Local Guide 4 April 2026

Polite & Co is a solid spot for a whiskey chill. Got a decent selection of brands, nothing too wild but hits the spot. Major props to the staff - they speak English fluently and were super helpful in picking out a dram. Vibe's relaxed, warm and welcoming, perfect for catching up with mates or a romantic evening for a night cap.