Went for pre-dinner drinks just after sunset. The view from the roof terrace is nice and there was some good live music (though the bar opposite also has some louder live music which makes for an unpleasant sound mix). Drinks are pretty standard, neither expensive nor cheap. The place in general clearly has an interesting history to it so it’s worth perusing some of the artefacts and pictures on show. As you’d expect though, it’s packed full of tourists and doesn’t really have the sincere ‘old’ atmosphere at all anymore that it probably once had. Feels dated rather than classic.
Called in for a drink and then a meal today after strolling along the Prom. Nice to have a decent ‘craft’ beer, though only one of 2 was available. Food was good, but service was awful. 45 min wait for a starter, then discovered the waiter had only written down one main rather than two. When the other came, it was delivered to (and eaten at) another table. Eventually got serbed. Disgusted to be charged 5% for service, so made a fuss. This removed the charge and free (very good) coffee. They are clearly understaffed and are overcharging (though I’ve only just arrived in Cambodia).
If you are looking for a place to eat and/or get a drink that has a view of the river and the opportunity for some good people watching then is the place to go. It may be a little rough around the edges but that is part of its charm. The service was good and the bowl of garlic and chili flavoured nuts that came with the beer was a nice touch but its really the location and the view that are the reason for visiting. Just sit and watch the traffic and the pedestrians as the sun sets.
Iconic destination with great terrace. On this visit after an absence of many years, I found the same great ambiance. I have no experience with the hotel, but the bar is great. Recommended for at least a one time drink.
You know what? I like this place. Is it touristy, and a tad overpriced? Of course it is- but there's a cool and unique history and vibe that makes it a must visit. I killed a few hours here one morning waiting for my flight. There's a beautiful view of the riverside from the balcony, which is the perfect spot to sip a cocktail while watching the madness of Phnom Penh roll by.
Oh, if you buy one of the tiny bottles of infused sugarcane liqueur from the gift shop, Cambodian airport security will confiscate it when you leave the country. Ask me how I know. (I'm not bitter)
Lots of history in the FCC. I loved the little snippets of stories dotted around the restaurant. The view from here overlooks the river and it’s a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the breeze. I was a bit disappointed that their dessert menu didn’t appeal. Also drinks prices here are pricey compared to nearby places.
Nice cold beer, great view over the Mekong.
You can still feel the history in the place, can imagine it full of reporters before the time of laptops. The food was OK had Pad Thai seasoned with too much soy sauce, and a bowl of French fries and a steak pizza type dish, with one beer and a fresh pineapple juice just under $30. I think you pay for the history and view more than the quality.
Worth a look to find out yourself but.
Great to be sitting in the FCC such an Iconic building. I’m sure we could still hear the sound of the typewriter keys banging away reporting those bygone stories!! Great cocktails and a great view over the river.
Drinks: good. Although you can get cheaper in town, the view at the top floor accompanies your drink well.
Food: We were with a big group. Quality was below average for half of the dishes (sent back to kitchen, or really small). Some dishes like the fried spring rolls were better.
Conclusion: Value for money? Not really!
Nice rooftop place for a drink overlooking the riverside. Live entertainment on wednesday and friday night.
Best views of the tosle sap river and Mekong River in Phnom Penh Cambodia from its third story restaurant that has balcony dinning .
This is the hotel that the international media used when covering the 1974/79 Khmer rouge war .
Best times to visit is about 1 hour before sunset so you can see Phnom Penh city turn from dusk into darkness and see the mighty Mekong River at the moment August/ September / October it's in flood as it's the end of the rainy season and the river is bank to bank with fast flowing flood waters .
Great view, but very expensive drinks. There's a bar directly across the street that is 75% cheaper and higher..so has better view too
Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC)
From our very first days in Phnom Penh and in Siem Reap, FCC has been the meeting place for intrepid adventurers, locals and visitors, from around the world. This was also the places where internal correspondents stay during Pol Pot's time and shot photos to tell the world about terrible things happened in Cambodia.
Near the river and central at Sisowath Quay, good for a drink, food. Not cheap though. I had a fish amok & a juice and paid around $12-15.
Eat pizza, have a drink watching the Mekong river, go to another place happy to have visited history. There are better places but this has the legacy.
Great view over the river. Nice place to sit back and enjoy people watching down below.
FCC is a bit of a tourist trap. Although the food is consistently pretty good, it is not cheap.
But the views of the Mekong and the Quay are fantastic. It is nice a cool during the day, and sparking at night.
The staff is well trained.
FCC can be great when they have a special function, e.g., salsa night, live music, etc.
If passing through PNH, definitely worth a visit. After the Cathouse closes down, it has to be one of the oldest western customer bar/restaurants in the city.
It is also safe; no working girls or scammers inside. The security for motorcycles parked outside seems pretty good; I never had a problem.
A nice and historic place to grab a coffee, lunch or a beer and enjoy a fabulous view of the riverside. Prices are high for Phnom Penh standards, a cappuccino is $3.00, you will probably not find many locals here.
Iconic place to go for a beer and soft shell crab while you watch the road and river. Go up the stairs, and up again, to find 2 floors of space, with a large selection of food for everyone to find something they like. (and I love the confidence I have in not getting "Phnom Penh Belly" there) Relaxed dining and drinking, for 2 or a larger tour group as long as you book ahead for larger numbers.
The FCC has this amazing building and view, but I no longer care to participate in the illusion of what it used to be. I want the FCC to stop relying on their historic reputation and try harder! Anyone who gives the FCC more than a single star in the last year cannot be trusted to know how many other establishments in town are offering excellent food and service that far surpass what is offered at the FCC. The FCC is by far one of the worst restaurants in town!
The food is about as trustworthy as a frozen pre-made tin diner that's been plated well to disguise its substandard quality. Go ahead and take a picture of your $6 cocktail, but don't expect it to taste good.
I really hope the FCC can step it up, the current situation is embarrassing.