The beer bar is Chiang Mai's easygoing nightlife staple — open-air stools, hostesses to chat with, pool, and a cold Leo, with none of the Bangkok/Pattaya hustle. They line Loi Kroh Road and the Old City, where the line between a beer bar and a lady bar is thin (same relaxed, low-pressure vibe).
It's the value corner: local beer 80~120฿, lady drinks 150~200฿. Some bars run a barfine to take a hostess out; the rip-off risk is low here, just don't let the lady drinks pile up while you're drinking. Wednesday to Friday are the liveliest nights.
Bars fill from around 21:00 and most wind down by 01:00~02:00 — Chiang Mai closes early and police enforce it. The 1 bars below are live-ranked by 7-day visitor traffic and recent reviews. Updated daily.