Siem Reap Nightlife Guide

Pub Street Restaurants & Food

Where to eat and drink on Pub Street, Siem Reap — Khmer classics, BBQ, international food, happy-hour bars and tips for choosing by budget.

Pub Street is as much a dining street as a bar street. You will find Khmer curries, barbecue and noodles alongside Asian and international menus, often open-air and budget-friendly. Below is orientation on what to expect and how to choose, without steering you to any single business.

What kind of food you will find

The lane and its side streets mix Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and Western kitchens. Signature Cambodian dishes such as amok (curry steamed in banana leaf), Khmer BBQ and fried noodles are common, as are fruit shakes and desserts from small stalls.

Drinks and happy hour

Local beer, cocktails and fruit shakes are widely available, and many bars advertise happy-hour pricing. "Bucket" mixes are popular but strong — pace yourself. Free or cheap entry is normal; you only pay for what you order.

Long-running, well-known spots (orientation only)

A few venues have been around for years and are useful landmarks for finding your way around, not endorsements. Angkor What? Bar (opened 1998) and The Red Piano are among the original Pub Street names; Temple Club and Abacus are longer-standing bars nearby. For Khmer food, well-known casual kitchens include Khmer Kitchen and The Sugar Palm, while Chanrey Tree is a short tuk-tuk ride away for a more formal Khmer dinner. Always check current hours and reviews before visiting.

Eating on a budget vs a treat

Street stalls and small Khmer joints are cheap and filling; riverside and hotel restaurants cost more but are quieter. Scan public reviews and menus posted outside, then choose by budget and cuisine rather than following one name.

Practical tips

Cards are accepted at many bars and restaurants but small stalls prefer cash. Bottled water is safest; peel fruit yourself. If you have allergies or dietary needs, confirm ingredients in person.

Well-known venues for orientation

A few long-running, widely recognised spots are listed below as landmarks to help you find your way around — not recommendations or endorsements. Hours and ownership change, so check current reviews before visiting.

Angkor What? Bar

Area: Pub Street corner

One of the original backpacker bars (since 1998)

The Red Piano

Area: Pub Street corner

Long-running bar-restaurant, a known landmark

Temple Club

Area: Near Pub Street

Multi-floor bar with live music

Abacus

Area: Near Pub Street

Long-standing cocktail bar

Khmer Kitchen

Area: Old Market area

Casual Khmer classics, popular with travellers

The Sugar Palm

Area: Central Siem Reap

Well-known Khmer restaurant

Chanrey Tree

Area: Short tuk-tuk from centre

Formal Khmer dining

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation on Pub Street?

Usually not — most places are walk-in. Reservations help for popular dinner spots or larger groups, especially on weekends.

Is food on Pub Street expensive?

It ranges widely. Street stalls and small Khmer kitchens are cheap; riverside and hotel restaurants cost more. Menus are usually posted outside so you can compare.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Khmer curries, stir-fries and noodles can be made vegetarian, and many menus mark plant-based dishes. Confirm with staff, as fish sauce is common in Cambodian cooking.

What Khmer dishes should I try?

Amok (curry steamed in banana leaf), Khmer BBQ, nom banh chok (fermented rice noodles) and fried noodles are good starting points, along with fresh fruit shakes.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Stick to bottled or filtered water and sealed drinks. Avoid ice if you are unsure of the source, and peel fruit yourself.

Are there places to eat with families?

Yes. Early evening is calmest, and most restaurants welcome families. The louder bar energy builds later at night.