While Kuala Lumpur is known for its beautiful tourism spots and its seemingly endless shopping malls, there’s also much to look forward to after dinner time. Yes, nightlife in Kuala Lumpur isn’t just limited to bustling nightclubs or hawkers and mamaks that remain open until the wee hours of the morning. It’s a city that never sleeps that’s filled with hidden gems and new experiences – you just gotta know where to look.
The idea of a speakeasy disguised in plain sight, where patrons could only enter through a secret passage or a password is certainly intriguing, and we’ve got ALL the deets for you! So, if you’re one of those people who’ve always wanted to visit these bars, use this as a cheat-sheet to discover some of the most intriguing hidden bars in KL and PJ:
Her House
No, not your ex’s house, Her House. Located in Chinatown KL, this hidden cocktail bar is located upstairs in a pre-war shop lot that was once used as an antique store and mahjong café. To enter, you’ll have to push open a solid metal door, in which you’ll be greeted with a psychedelic and neon portal that transports you into a different time and space. The Japanese-inspired menu offers cocktails with lower alcoholic strength for those with a lower tolerance, as well as a variety of other cocktails.
Location: No. 63D Jalan Sultan, Chinatown City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Pahit Bar
If you’re a fan of gin, you’ll LOVE this! Run by the people who opened Coley @Bangsar, this hidden gem specializes in all things gin, from gin-based cocktails to the classic gin and tonics. The bar is located along a quiet row of old houses that go all the way back to the 1920s, between the two busy roads of Jalan Hang Jebat and Jalan Pudu. The menu boasts a comprehensive list of gins from all over the world, with a variety of concoctions that make for the perfect refreshing drink after a long week at work.
Location: 3, Jln Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Te Amo
One of the newest hidden speakeasy bars in KL, Te Amo is located in the nightlife hub, Changkat at Bukit Bintang. The place is decorated in charming Oriental and Spanish-inspired interior design, with red leather sofas and a gorgeous bar counter where you can watch the skillful bartenders in action. They also serve a diverse and unique selection of cocktails, as well as Asian and Western bites like beef nachos and pot stickers. Ladies can head over on Wednesday and Thursdays for their ladies night, where they offer a free flow of wine and infused margaritas from 8pm-10pm. To enter, you’ll have to provide their daily entry code, which you can retrieve on their Instagram story.
Location: Somewhere in Changkat Bukit Bintang (Yes, it’s THAT hidden)
Remedy Cocktail Bar
Need a remedy for a broken heart? Taman Paramount’s Remedy Cocktail Bar might just have what you need. The bar is decorated in the classic cocktail bar style, complete with some retro seating and a private area for any occasion. The menu offers both classic and modern cocktails and some interesting signature house specials; mix that with a lively jazz soundtrack, you’ve got yourself a memorable night ahead.
Location: 11A, Jalan 20/7, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
First Chapter
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnOG9wOPZdp/?hl=en
Another speakeasy bar hidden in plain sight, you can find First Chapter behind a large bookshelf. Located in the heart of TTDI, you’ll require a passcode when you enter, which you’ll receive once you make a reservation. Upon entering the premises, there are several sections with studded leather couches and coffee tables for small gatherings, as well as a handful of chairs at the bar. The menu consists of a unique selection of drinks, all inspired by the classics and local cuisines. The ambience and low lighting make this an ideal place for a chill night out with friends.
Location: 139a, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Circa Bar
A fan of R&B? You won’t wanna miss out on this one. Circa Bar is hidden along a back alley in the bustling Plaza Batai, where you’ll need to go through a ‘hole in the wall’ and take the spiral staircase up. Home to a roster full of cocktails inspired by the seasons, the bar gives off an old Parisian boudoir vibe, creating a welcoming atmosphere thanks to its brick walls and vintage mismatched furniture. Groove to their tasteful R&B tunes as you watch their skilled bartenders work their magic behind the counters.
Location: 8-7, Jalan Batai, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
The Rebel Penguin of Funky Town
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmJhUUapLbv/?hl=en
If you love the ’80s and all things funky, you HAVE to visit The Rebel Penguin of Funky Town! You’ll need to make a reservation beforehand as the speakeasy only has 20 seats in its small (but not cramped) area. Hidden among an office building’s old dental clinics and travel agencies, the bar transports you back in time with its groovy furnishings reminiscent of ’80s cocktail culture. The menu, however, is especially fascinating. You should expect a tantalizing selection of interesting cocktails that come in quirky looking glasses and mugs, making the entire experience unlike anything you’ve tried before.
Location: Lot 1.24, Cosway Guesthouse, 88, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
