Sometimes at the end of the day, all you want to do is head to the nearest watering hole and treat yourself to an ice cold drink. Speakeasy bars are aplenty in Klang Valley and sometimes one can simply be spoilt for choice. Fret not, that is what this comprehensive guide is here for.
Whether you’re looking for one which is closer in proximity to you, or one which fits the exact ambiance you are searching for, there’s definitely 1 speakeasy bar out of the 35, that is right up your alley.
1. The Attic Bar
This speakeasy is located within Travel Hub KL and is in the heart of Chinatown. It also helps that it’s only 5 minutes away from the Pasar Seni Station, making it a convenient one to head to, if you’re travelling via public transportation. The must-try at The Attic Bar is certainly their signature cocktail menu emblazoned across a chalkboard.
Find It: Take 2 stairs 2 floors up at Travel Hub KL.
Address: 15-3, Jalan Balai Polis, 50000, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Website: The Attic Bar
Tel: 012-3938 627
2. Hyde at 53M
Hyde received 4.7 stars out of 5 on its Facebook page and it’s clear to see why. The atmosphere in this speakeasy is sexy but not pretentious and they have a wide selection of alcohol to choose from, whether you’re looking to get yourself some vodka, or whiskey.
Find It: Slide the screen doors.
Address: 53M, 47400 Petaling Jaya.
Website: Hyde at 53M
3. Blue Elephant Bar
If you’re a movie junkie, the Blue Elephant Bar is a bar which is right up your alley. Classic movie shots spice up the wall, making it an experiential visit indeed. Expect large-scaled Oscar statues and a seating area which is reminiscent of the director’s chair, which you could rightfully sink into with a drink in hand.
Find It: Look for the SCSG Corporate Service signage.
Address: 17M & 15M Plaza Damansara Medan Setia 1 Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Blue Elephant Bar
Tel: 03-2011 7715
4. Anno Domini Bar
Speakeasies often have the liberty to truly refurbish the interiors into something that is no commonly seen in common bars, and Anno Domini Bar, or AD Bar, has become a medieval tavern in modern times. Stone walls and concrete structures, wooden tables and chairs that seem like they’re about collapse at any second, you’d half expect a Templar Knight to jump out and slice a sword in your direction.
Find it: Take the stairs next to Variant and don’t run into the fake door
Address: 21A, Jalan Telawi 3, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Anno Domini Bar
Tel: 03 2201 7979
5. The Locker & Loft
The staff at The Locker & Loft were handsomely reviewed and past guests have mentioned how they truly know their stuff. If a bartender who knows what he or she is doing is vital to you, opt to pay this speakeasy a visit. On Tuesdays, they even play alternative and bluesy tracks from the likes of Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Find It: Look for gray steel doors.
Address: 40A, Jalan SS 20/10, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya.
Website: The Locker & Loft
Tel: 03-7496 7222
6. 61 Monarchy
Whiskey is 61 Monarchy’s specialty and they have a wide selection to choose from. It’s interesting to note how they serve up food which are unique pairings of the whiskey as well. These include pan-seared salmon and dried cured meat platter that you can sample alongside some whiskey.
Find It: Climb the stairs of hallways number 61 in Uptown.
Address: 61M, Jalan SS21/1A, 47400 Petaling Jaya.
Website: 61 Monarchy
Tel: 017-6801 357
7. Three X Co
Before Three X Co, there was Mr Brooks, which unfortunately closed down last year. Emerged from a partnership between three pals and David Hans, a Giffard West Cup World Champion, this speakeasy is hidden in a corner of Bangsar Shopping Centre and serves bespoke cocktails that blends oriental and western tastes together.
Find it: Look for the Othrs’ barber pop up and you’ll be able to find the hidden entrance of Three X Co.
Address: Level 3, T117A, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya
59000 Kuala Lumpur
Website: Three X Co
8. Virgin & Throne
If your personal preference for liquor leans toward the sweeter side, Virgin & Throne is the speakeasy for you, as that is their unique specialty. Expect flavours which are bound to impress, such as a combination of Citadelle gin and East Imperial tonic, as well as the Watermelon Mint Soup, which is a crowd favourite.
Find It: Close to Food Foundry (look for a shiny shield).
Address: Jalan Datuk Sulaiman TTDI, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Virgin & Throne
Tel: 03-7731 2838
9. Whisky Tango Foxtrot
Whisky Tango Foxtrot (WTF) is a speakeasy which is exclusive to cigars and whiskey, and it has an atmosphere which suits its theme as well. WTF carries a large array of cigars from places like Cuba, Nicaragua, Dominica and Cameroon.
Address: 2nd Floor 128b Jalan Kasah, Damansara (WTF Damansara).
Website: Whisky Tango Foxtrot
Tel: 03-2181 0250
10. P&C Cocktail Bar
A few things to note about P&C Cocktail Bar is the fact that they are menuless, and don’t be too shocked either by the concept by which they operate: the omakase concept. Basically, what this means is you’ll be getting liquor which is part of the chef’s recommendation, and it is bound to be a nice touch to your experience at this speakeasy as well.
Find It: Look for aged posters of Al Capone and the Prohibition era.
Address: 2, Ground Floor. 24/70A, 50480 Desa Sri Hartamas.
Website: P&C Cocktail Bar
Tel: 011 3309 0085
11. Tate, The Intermark.
As Tate is also a part of The BIG Group, like Mr Brooks is, it has the same gentleman’s abode vibe about it. Expect the likes of a pool table, cigars and chess games which are all part and parcel of the Tate appeal. The most important “decor” in the room however, would of course be the knight in shining armour.
Find It: Look for a golden handle.
Address: The Intermark, 348, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2161 2368
12. IKKI Bar
Find It: Push a wall.
If you’re looking to spend the evening in a spacious speakeasy, IKKI is the place to be. Boasting a spacious floor plan of 3000 square feet, you can park yourself anywhere and grab a drink with a buddy or even a newly-met stranger.
Address: E-1-08 Tingkat 1, Electric Boulevard TREC, Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: IKKI Bar
Tel: 012 2701 343
13. The Vault KL
Stepping into The Vault KL, you would find yourself transported back to the medieval era. If you were to picture Gaston from The Beauty and The Beast at a bar, this would probably be it. Their uniquely classic setting is balanced off by modern day beverage offerings such as Kavalan, The Hakushu and Jose Cuervo.
Address: 5, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: The Vault KL
Tel: 012-4650 551
14. Nomi Tomo Sake Bar
The Nomi Tomo Sake Bar screams Japanese, from its interior to its decor. Expect a traditional furniture setting and Japanese liquor such as sake, shochu, biru and The Yamakazi whiskey.
Find It: Walk up to the third floor.
Address: 3rd Floor, No. 2 & 4 Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Nomi Tomo
Tel: 03-2011 2839
15. Botak Liquor
Petaling Street is perhaps the last place you’d expect to have bars – let alone speakeasies – but as of now, there are two, and Botak Liquor is one of them. In spite of the negative effect that brothels have in driving people away, the owner of Botak Liquor decided to keep the brothel vibes which the structure used to be, and built the bar around it. Imagine if the walls could speak, they would probably say “Clean me.”
Find it: Enter Chocha Foodstore and find the looping staircase.
Address: 156, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Website: Botak Liquor Store
Tel: 03-2022 1100
16. Omakase + Appreciate
Here’s another speakeasy which operates by the omakase concept, much like P&C Cocktail Bar. It’s interesting to note that they are also among Thirstmag.com’s top 50 bars in Asia. Their mixologists include Shawn Chong and Karl Too, who are renowned in the industry for their skills in crafting imaginative takes on the regular ol’ liquor.
Find It: Look for a ‘no admittance’ door.
Address: Bangunan Ming Annexe, KL.
Website: Omakase + Appreciate
17. PS150 @ Petaling Street
Be ready to be transported to a speakeasy which offers a strikingly similar vibe to Shanghai. PS150 truly fits in with the location it is situated in – Petaling Street, Chinatown Kuala Lumpur. In line with its Oriental theme, you can expect drink offerings such as BaiJiu Sour and OouHaa Gimlet.
Find It: Look for a stationery store, under a coffee shop.
Address: 150 Jalan Petaling, Ground Floor, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: PS150 @ Petaling Street
Tel: 03-2022 2888
18. Private Room TTDI
Most speakeasies tend to gravitate towards offering the likes of whiskey and cigar, but Private Room strives to be different by being a wine bar. If privacy is vital to you, consider heading to Private Room, because as its name suggests, you can enjoy the atmosphere of a hidden bar, while at the same time sample their wine offerings such as Bulletin, Napier, and The Chocolate Block.
Find It: Look for a yellow door.
Address: Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Private Room TTDI
Tel: 019-3346 631
19. The Pawn Room
The Pawn Room brings the fanciful spirit of Shanghai in the 1920s back to life, emphasising on the glory of pawn shops back in the days. You will be sipping and humming from your cocktail on classic rattan chairs, surrounded by cabinets of Chinese medicinal herbs, lighted and warmed by oil paper parasols and lanterns.
Find it: Search for a staircase next to DC Restaurant and follow the Chinese oldies echoing through the space (no it’s not haunted)
Address: 46b, Second Floor, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Website: The Pawn Room
Tel: 013-483 8863
20. Coley Bangsar
Ever heard of Ada Coleman? She is in fact the mixologist responsible for the Hanky-Panky cocktail, which is basically a gin and sweet vermouth cocktail. Nicknamed Coley, she is the inspiration for this speakeasy located in Bangsar, which aims to bring about the same fun vibes that Ada Coleman brought with her cocktail creation.
Find It: Behind Bangsar’s DR.Inc café.
Address: 8 Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Coley
Tel: 019-2709 179
21. The Nightingale
This new speakeasy in Atria Shopping Gallery might not be on the tip of everyone’s tongue just yet, but its young age is not a deterrent to its brilliance. Tucked behind an old London telephone booth in the mall, this hidden speakeasy offers the likes of cocktails, wine, whiskeys and beers.
Find It: Behind an old London telephone booth.
Address: C37, Concourse Floor, Atria Shopping Gallery.
Website: The Nightingale
Tel: 014-3072 911
22. Rils Bangsar
Rils Bangsar is not just a bar, for it also offers an intimate place to dine as well. Whether you’re looking to have a business meeting or a first date, Rils provides the perfect setting for just about any occasion. They also host live acts like Gregory Ramanado & Friends as well as Kaya the Band.
Address: 30 Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Rils Bangsar
Tel: 03-2201 3846
23. CHAZE
CHAZE is conveniently located in an office area, hence making it the perfect spot for an after-work drinking session with the colleagues. Boasting a chilled ambiance, CHAZE also offers lunch and dinner meals, on top of their cocktail menu selection.
Address: 1st Floor, Menara Lien Hoe, No. 8, Persiaran Tropicana, Tropicana Golf Club & Resort, 47410 Petaling Jaya.
Website: CHAZE
Tel: 010-3111 888
24. The Berlin
Disregarding the entire controversy surrounding German history and the whole Berlin Wall thing, you have to admit that Berlin is a pretty interesting city, and The Berlin smuggles inspiration from the German capital. In this speakeasy, you’ll see knickknacks that will temporarily transport us from our world to theirs and graffiti scattered all over the walls.
Find It: Go through the little red door in Agosto Guesthouse.
Address: 208 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur
Website: The Berlin
Tel: 03-2022-2111
25. Suzie Wong
This is where you get the ultimate exotic and harmonious collision of east and west. The lounge is furnished with an ageless archetype-English decor, such as Cheshire couches, wooden tables, and statues. And in another room, it looks oriental, gritty, and grimy and will remind you of Hong Kong: birdcage chandeliers, a medicine cabinet to store the liquor, phoenix statues, the likes.
Find It: Locate a classic ‘won ton noodle’ signboard and search for a wooden door.
Address: Wisma Lim Foo Yoong, 86 Jalan Raja Chulan, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Suzie Wong
Tel: 017 22 66 480
26. Skullduggery
One of the latest hideouts in Damansara, Skullduggery will not fail to give you the creeps when you first get in, but you’ll get used to it and even start to get comfortable. Eventually, you’ll be drinking a margarita and doing tequila shots with rows and columns of skulls watching over you.
Find It: Look for the entrance which is in the back alley behind Huckleberry.
Address: 2M, Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Website: Skullduggery
Tel: 017-328 5141
26. BarAtas
It can’t get more Malaysian than BarAtas. Combining the word ‘bar’ with ‘atas’, it literally stands for “bar upstairs”. They have food that any typical Malaysian would go for, and drinks that are localised with Malaysian ingredients. It’s also quite eclectic with the decorations, what with a bicycle hanging from the ceiling and a painting of a girl flying with a wau on the wall.
Address: 3-1 Jalan Telawi 2, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 59100
Website: BarAtas
Tel: 011-1894 4113
27. Crime Cocktail Bar
If you’ve ever seen a film noir-Casablanca, anyone?- you would’ve seen the ever-present appearances of speakeasies where the criminals hang out and the detective will scoop out information. Crime Cocktail Bar takes inspiration from these speakeasies, or more specifically, the ones during the prohibition era in the 1920s. Their tagline is the classic Al Capone line: “When I sell liquor, it’s bootlegging. When my patrons serve it on a silver tray on Lakeshore Drive, it’s hospitality.”
Find It: Make your way to Crave Oysters and Seafood, and you will be given a code to punch in at the hidden doors which is located perpendicular to the restaurant.
Address: E-1-09 Electric Boulevard, 436 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 50400
Website: Crime Cocktail Bar
Tel: 011-2129 9361
28. Jack Rose
Jack Rose is actually the name of a cocktail and this entire hideout bar is built on the concept of that cocktail. Instead of a Titanic-esque interior with probably murals of Jack and Rose, you get a 1950s diner, equipped with the chessboard tiles, flat top grill, neon lights, and a vintage record player.
Find it: Just take the stairs to the basement of Wisma E&C and you’ll see it.
Address: B1, Wisma E & C, Lorong Dungun Kiri, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50490
Website: Jack Rose
Tel: 03-2011 0682
29. Pahit
The second brainchild of Coley’s founder, Pahit is the successor of Barlai – a speakeasy that has since retired. Instead of a cocktail bar, it is a specialty bar that focuses on gin. Situated between two roads that are infamous for the traffic, Pahit provides a respite for those who just want to get out and get some alcohol in their systems.
Find It: Look for a white house with two obnoxious structures on the lower roof.
Address: 3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50150
Website: Pahit
Tel: 03-2110 0776
30. JungleBird
Rum isn’t appreciated enough here in Malaysia, but if you like rum and you’re looking for good cocktails involving it, JungleBird may be the ideal place for you. The concept is a tropical rum house, whereby they create a comfortable atmosphere with locally made rattan furniture and mini bamboo forests. The leafy motif gives it a resort-y and tropical vibe.
Address: 15 Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50490
Website: JungleBird
Tel: 03-2011 7715
31. The Whisky Bar
The name tells it as it is – whiskey fans, this is your time, you only gotta successfully find it first. They literally have cabinets of whiskey selections for you, even some that you have never heard of. Plus, if you’re up for some high quality nicotine, they also have premium cigars at the ready.
Address: 46 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50200
Website: The Whisky Bar
Tel: 03-2143 2268
32. Great Hall
Let’s just make it clear that this is not a hideout for communists. Rather, it is a parody of Mainland China in the grips of Maoism. The dishes are wittily named, like Mao’s Mushroom Moustache or Mao & His Chips. There are murals of the Red Army and the unforgettable fist in neon lighting.
Address: C-GF-6&7, Sky Park @ One City, Jalan USJ 25/1, Subang Jaya 47650
Website: Great Hall
Tel: 03-5022 3033
33. SIX
What started out as dissatisfaction between six friends towards the unreasonable price of alcohol in the mainstream, has now burgeoned into a rather successful hideout in the heart of Bangsar. They serve an extensive selection of whiskey, beer, wine, and creative cocktails. It has been a magnet for expats and Bangsar locals for a long time, and yet it remains a quiet haven from the busyness that never leaves Bangsar.
Address: 33A, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 59100
Website: SIX
Tel: 012-602 0016
34. Loushang
It means upstairs in Mandarin, but upstairs where? The owner, Manfred, came up with this idea when he was on one of his barhopping adventures while studying and part-timing in Sydney. Unlike a lot of other bars, Loushang is homey and does not remind you of a drinking place at all. Their alcohols are Asian-inspired, such as asam laksa cocktail, lou han guo gin cocktail and more.
Find It: Look for a small red signboard outside the storefronts with a woman in a glass, take the stairs, and the entrance is the nondescript wooden door to your right.
Address: 10M, Jalan SS21/58, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 47400
Website: Loushang
Tel: 03-7731 8870
35. Shuang Xi
It means double happiness, which is kind of true because fermented stuff makes a lot of people happy. Call it a chamber of secrets, call it the Forbidden City, call it a labyrinth, whichever fits, because in every corner, every direction, you’ll probably find something that is either out of place or odd. There’s a cat on the windowsill; coat hangers by the cash register; a bathtub with plants; a glass display of Frankenstein’s head, a baby with a shrunken body, and a mangled Barbie doll – you don’t know whether you’ve stepped into a bar or Cirque du Soleil. You can even lounge on the carpet with your drink if you like! It’s that bizarre.
Address: 177A, First Floor, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Shuang Xi
Feature Image Credit: PS150, Time Out.
