Where to meet Americans in Hanoi isn’t a weird question for locals. Americans are a typical sight in the daily life of Hanoi and they’re able to blend in the Asian living with expats rising in numbers. Vietnamese has very warm ties with Americans, the friendship shaped by the Cold War era.
If you’re planning to meet fellow Americans on your visit, I’ll suggest some places where you’re likely to catch a group or two. There are already organized American communities in Hanoi and reaching out to one is as easy as spotting a Bia Hoi drinker on the streets.
1. Red Apron’s Wine Cellar
Red Apron at the Tay Ho District is a favorite meet-up place for the American community. InterNations is one of the organizations hosting the gatherings of expats in the city and you might be lucky to spot one during your visit.
Anyway, it’s not every day that you’ll get to see a group but I’m sure another wandering American can be your host. The place has both the Old World and New World selections and wine-loving Americans will surely drop by any day.
2. Chop’s Old Quarter
Even though many Joes chose to live in Hanoi, their taste buds will surely crave for the authentic American food. Their menu is pumped up with burgers, lamb dishes, salads, and booze. Trip Advisor ranked this as one of the best American restaurants in Hanoi and I’m sure our fellows are dropping by once in a while.
Situated at Hoan Kiem, expats are sure to roam when they have free hours from work. The flock of tourists will not fail you here.
3. Jackson’s Steakhouse
Another top notch American restaurant in Hanoi is Jackson’s Steakhouse. The place is known for its Jack Daniel BBQ and lamb rack. It’s ten minutes away from the Hoan Kiem Lake which is sure to attract a mix of locals, expats, and tourists.
It’s oozing Western look is inviting for an American, so if you’re considering eating out for lunch, try Jackson Steakhouse. I’ll bet on a few expats lunching by with you. It’s the image of a Pensacola establishment and it’s a great hit for Americans.
4. Melia Hotel Hanoi
Expats and American tourists alike are attracted to this Western-inspired hotel. It’s situated in the heart of Hanoi where lots of American businesses found its place. The Thuong Kiet Street can be flooded with tourists at times and you can spot a group of Americans for sure.
If you’re still wondering where to meet Americans in Hanoi, you can relax by the poolside and make friends with foreigners including some chilling Joes. Expats may take a break from their Hanoian life and hop in the hotel. Also, American communities love this place for meet-ups and you can join them by registering ahead on their online sites.
5. Hanoi Social Club
Located near the Old Quarter is the open-til-late little hub for expats and foreign friends in Hanoi. It is very well-known among locals, backpackers, and expats as a cozy place to enjoy a cup of egg-coffee, grab brunch and late night talk. Hanoi Social Club has a European hipster style and yet it is very Vietnamese. From the old chair to wall-decorations, this little club creates the perfect ambiance for a social gathering.
Hidden in Hoi Vu alley, it is located near Hang Bong street and can be a little bit tricky to find for first-timers. However, once you’ve known about Hanoi Social Club, you’ll definitely keep on coming back.
6. The American Center Hanoi
This center is the project of the American Embassy in Hanoi to host information about the United States. It’s situated at Lang Ha Street and you can visit free of charge every weekday, just be mindful of local and U.S. holidays.
Aside from the books and materials they lend, they also conduct programs, short courses, exhibits, and film showings for the public. Also, they offer field trips for big groups if scheduled three weeks in advance. During these occasions, you can make friends with a lot of locals and meet many Americans too.
7. American Club Hanoi
ACH is a community recreational organization in Hanoi located at Hoan Kiem. It’s a big place for events and they offer provisions for parties, sports event, and more engagements. If you want to take a visit, you can contact them ahead, anyway, they also accept walk-ins.
They’re affiliated with the U.S. Embassy so if you happen to visit The American Center, you can already inquire about ACH. You can even meet people who can accompany you on your visit.
8. The Moose and Roo Smokehouse
Americans love barbeque and there’s no best place to have that in Hanoi but in The Moose and Roo Smokehouse. It opened in 2013 and started offering authentic Western flavors of burgers, barbeques, and succulents. Watch out for their special events so you’ll visit in time with the flock of tourists, locals, and expats. This is where to meet Americans in Hanoi without missing the fun.
They have two branches in Hanoi; one in the Old Quarter and another in Hai Ba Trung. It’s the first of its kind in the city and I’m sure that a day will never pass without a group of Americans dining in.
9. Tay Ho District
Tay Ho is known to be the expat area of Hanoi. It’s a quiet place near West Lake and there’s a large group of American teachers in their 20s that adds to the vibrancy of the district. There are American establishments here as much as there’s in Ho Chi Minh.
You just wander here, maybe take a stroll at West Lake or sit in a café. It’s effortless to meet a fellow Joe to chat with. Aside from Americans, Tay Ho is a melting pot of races with Albanians, Argentinean, Algerian, and more expats settling here.
10. Old Quarter
This old place is a visible product of Vietnam, France, and America’s influence. Traders usually occupy the side streets as well as a stream of motorcycles. Like at Tay Ho District, Americans are not a rarity here. You can see them riding motorcycles too or strolling to purchase some local goods.
Old Quarter is another prominent expat place next to Tay Ho. The line of boutiques, shops, cafés, and restaurants is filled with expats and tourists getting their own dose of Hanoian lifestyle.
Places, where to meet Americans in Hanoi, isn’t hard to find. Many of our fellow Joes decided to live their lives here and a hundred bunches flew over to discover a part of our history. With Hanoi’s colorful culture, it isn’t undeniable for Americans like us to want to make a visit.
Have you met some of our fellow Americans in the city? Share your experience with us!
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