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If someone asks, "What's your favorite bar like?", the answers would likely be varied. Some people prefer a lively atmosphere, pounding music, and flashing lights. Others are captivated by breezy rooftops where the city below seems to be merely a backdrop for a sophisticated cocktail.
But then there are also a few weary souls who need refuge, who simply want to find a small corner to relax and listen to themselves – they will say: "I like a small cafe, dim lighting, hand-mixed cocktails, and music as gentle as a breath."
At The 9H Affair, there's nothing too extravagant, just a little music, some lighting, a few words, some handwritten playing cards, and handcrafted cocktails made with meticulous care and heart. "We want our customers to feel comfortable and at ease, away from the bright lights of the bustling city outside. It's not that the place lacks lighting. We just turn it on enough so that everyone feels comfortable and wants to stay a little longer," shared Mr. Chinh, the owner.
The 9H Affair space
A tranquil and melodious space
On the muted walls are prints of Van Gogh's paintings, quiet yet vibrant, carrying the swirling emotions and very human loneliness. The whirlwinds in "Starry Night" seem to reflect, in part, the inner world of the patrons: souls seeking dialogue with themselves.
On quiet evenings, a small screen in the corner of the bar shows an old film. You can sip a cocktail while your gaze follows the story as it slowly unfolds, as if you were living within your own film – a film that doesn't need a climax, just authenticity. And if you want to explore your heart further, the bar offers tarot readings with enthusiastic readers, not for fortune telling, but to open up a deeper conversation with yourself.
Van Gogh's Curtain
Tarot reading space
A cocktail at The 9H Affair is more than just a combination of liquor, fruit, ice, and syrup. It's a story told through aroma, gently touched by taste, and sometimes even by memories. Each cocktail here is handcrafted, meaning the bartender makes each one individually, without rushing or following a rigid recipe, but according to the emotions and requests of each customer. From a Negroni with its deep, bitter notes, to a classic, cool Martini, or a light, refreshing Mojito – each drink has its own story, a silent reflection of the emotions we've experienced.
The bartender here isn't just a mixologist, but a storyteller. Someone who always knows when to be silent so you can immerse yourself in the experience, and when to play a classic jazz tune to soothe your restless heart.
The space is small, but every detail is carefully considered. From the arrangement of the wine glasses, the gentle clinking of the ice and glass, to the soothing music emanating from the small speaker hidden behind the bookshelf, everything creates a serene atmosphere where you don't need to be anyone else, just be yourself.
The 9H Affair chooses a light tone that's just right. Light enough to see the shimmering golden-brown hue in the wine glass. Light enough to notice the gaze of the person opposite you. And light enough for you to look in the mirror not to adjust your appearance, but to realize you're in a place where all imperfections can be forgiven, and all wounds in your soul can be soothed.
A place to unwind after a tiring day.
Dim lighting is for you to forget the blinking of deadlines, Zoom meetings, and the thousands of daily phone notifications. It's for you to remember the eyes you once loved, the long nights you stayed awake, and the unfinished conversations you always wanted to continue.
A small shop, a little privacy, one day it's closed.
"The cafe is closed on Mondays because our bartender is usually gloomy on the first day of the week," Mr. Chinh whispered. Perhaps we've all experienced that feeling—those chilly Monday mornings, when the coffee isn't enough to wake us up, the sun isn't warm enough, and our mood is inexplicably downcast.
The cafe is closed, not for rest, but for sadness—in the truest sense of the word. A day to reorganize my mind, to slow down, to listen to myself. So that tomorrow, when the cafe lights up again, everything will begin with a new joy.
Love is like a cocktail, a blend of many different emotions. Each ingredient, from spicy, bitter, sweet to salty, contributes to a unique and captivating flavor.
There are gentle romances like a Mojito – fresh, sweet, with hints of mint and lemon like a soft touch at the beginning of summer. There are passionate romances like a Manhattan – spicy, warm, and distinctly classic. And there are intense romances, sometimes even painful, like a Negroni – a blend of red Vermouth, Campari, and Gin, leaving a bitter aftertaste that is both captivating and hauntingly unforgettable.
Love is like a cocktail; it never has just one flavor. It's a delicate blend of expectations and disappointments, of joy and tears. But like a cocktail, once you've tasted it, you'll always want another. Not because you haven't had enough, but because you've fallen in love with the feeling of a little adventure, a little thrill, and a little uncertainty about what will happen next.
The 9H Affair doesn't strive to be a perfect bar. It doesn't cater to the masses, doesn't chase trends, and doesn't have flashy LED signs or colorful glasses for photo opportunities. It's simply a place for those who are tired, feeling empty, or carrying an unnamed sadness.
Here, you can sit alone. Or with someone. Or simply quietly admire your cocktail and write a few lines on a small card placed on the table. Each card is a message – perhaps to an ex-lover, someone you never got to confess to, or a part of yourself that you've grown old and can't let go of.
Some people come here to get drunk. Some come to sober up. And some come to forget, only to end up remembering even more. Whoever you are, you'll find a seat for yourself – a place with just the right amount of warm light, gentle music, and where no one will ask you why you're there.
