Coconut at Rawai Beach

Coconut at Rawai Beach is a bar and restaurant on Rawai’s beachfront road in Phuket — a place people drop by for dinner or “just one drink” that easily turns into a long night. After the renovation, the interior feels fresh and laid-back with a beach vibe, but the concept has shifted in a more club-like direction: it’s now enclosed and air-conditioned, and smoking is allowed only outside.

What really sets the venue apart is the live music every evening. Instead of a simple “singer with a guitar,” you get a full band. The style changes throughout the week, the musicians take requests, and they’re happy to engage with the crowd. Dancing near the stage is normal, and now and then the manager, Shean, even joins in. Sports may be shown during the night as well, including football.

The drinks menu offers plenty of choice. Cocktails and other beverages are reasonably priced for the area, promotions pop up from time to time, and some drinks come with a bit of flair — served straight in a coconut, for example. One small caveat: the beer isn’t always as cold as you might expect, and can occasionally arrive a little warm.

Service is generally friendly and attentive, with decent table service, but at peak times things can get hectic — staff may double-check your order in several steps or mix up items. The music is often very loud, which is part of the atmosphere, though it can make conversation difficult, and not everyone loves the post-renovation acoustics.