June 25th, 2006 marked the opening of Balcony Bar...an initial foray into the nightlife business by three of Hanoi's better known DJs. The establishment was owned by DJ Phuc (of Toilet Pub fame) as well as by DJ Zaki.
While the two owners continued to entertain their old fans at the venues of their previous employment with weekly performances, they were also the primary architects of Balcony Bar's initial sound. House/Funk/Hip-Hop/R&B/70s/80s....as long as it kept people's spirits hopping, they pulled it all together. With the 2007 Tet holiday, they also began a small menu of bar foods to keep the crowds energized.
The space isn't large, but the location is choice. Taking over a lease held by a struggling cafe/bistro (Lake Road Restaurant), the boys have put together a chill spot to take in the madness below.
In June of 2007, the bar was purchased by a trio of Russians who have lived in Hanoi for years. With a new approach to the in-house management and a lively new Romanian manager, Balcony Bar's prospects have been looking up. Frequently open late, they've managed to turn this easily missed bar into a popular nightspot once again.