Kuala Lumpur is a city that never sleeps, especially during weekends. With so many cool hangouts (such as clubs, pubs, and bars) to choose from, night owls are spoilt for choice. But if you’re like us, then you probably have a favourite drinking spot that you ALWAYS go to, without fail. While being a regular at a bar has its perks (discounted drinks, better service, more alcohol in drinks *wink wink*), it can get a little mundane over time.
Don’t know where to explore? Fret not, because we’ve compiled a list of trendy new cocktail bars that you should visit on your next night out. And who knows? Maybe you and your friends will be able to find a new favourite hangout. You’re welcome 😉
1. Case Study @ Bangsar
Innovative, bold, and fun, Case Study offers unique Asian-inspired cocktails that will leave you wanting more. Prepared by bartenders Alvin AuYong and Joel Poon, who worked at The Library in Singapore, the bar’s visually-pleasing cocktails are made with quirky ingredients such as herbs and flowers, which are homegrown in-store. Each cocktail is named after the type of cup (or other vessels) that it’s served in. One of its standouts is the purple Terrarium cocktail that consists of sweet potato, egg white, lotus root gin, lemon, butterfly pea and apricot infusion, and Indian borage.
Note: The cocktails at Case Study are priced at RM36.
- Address: Lot S-4 APW, 29 Jalan Riong, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: 6pm – 1am (Wednesday to Sunday)
- Tel: 011-3639 0695
- Facebook | Instagram
2. barAtas @ Bangsar
Combining the English word “bar” with the Malay word “atas” (upstairs), barAtas is a laid-back drinking joint snuggled on the first floor of one of Jalan Telawi’s busy buildings. The hipster bar is also an Instagrammable space as it is decorated with red lanterns, exposed bricks, and a mural of a girl flying a Kelantanese wau. Influenced by Malaysian flavours, the bar features an array of localised food such as fettuccine chilli pan mee and spaghetti wantan mee, as well as cocktails like Cold Fire ice lollies and Cendol Atas.
- Address: 3-1 Jalan Telawi 2, 59100, Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: 5pm – 3am (Closed on Mondays)
- Tel: 011-2722 0648
3. The Pawn Shop @ TTDI
Brought to you by the TPG team, The Pawn Room is a cocktail bar with an oriental twist. Drawing inspiration from ancient pawn shops, the snazzy bar is filled with vintage ornaments – be it an old record player or a ceiling filled with Chinese paper umbrellas. Needless to say, their drinks are also inspired by oriental flavours. For example, the Chinese Cinderella, which is served warm on a tea cup, combines black dates with sherry Carpano Bianco Vermout, and elderflower liqueur.
- Address: 46 Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: 5pm – 1am (Monday to Thursday); 5pm – 2am (Friday and Saturday)
- Tel: 013-483 8863
4. Suzie Wong @ Jalan Raja Chulan
Oriental-inspired bars are definitely the trend in Kuala Lumpur’s drinking scene right now. Featuring classy antique ornaments, Suzie Wong is a unique “underground” speakeasy that screams 1950s Shanghai/Hong Kong glamour. Though its drinks are on the pricey side (ranging from RM44 to RM56), be sure to try their signature cocktails like Roberto Lomax, Ron Jeremy, and The Erik. Suzie Wong also stages live performances every night.
Note: Black Card members are able to enjoy the premium seating at the bar’s raised pavilion.
- Address: Basement, Wisma Lim Foo Yoong, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50350 Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: 4pm – 3am (Monday to Thursday); 6pm – 3am (Saturday); 8pm – 3am (Sunday)
- Tel: 012 842 8280
- Website | Facebook
5. Crime Cocktail Bar @ TREC KL
With cocktails specially-crafted by Kelvin Lee, Crime Cocktail Bar is the city’s latest hidden bar located inside and above CRAVE Oyster & Seafood house. Influenced by the 1920s’ American crime mob scene, the speakeasy is furnished with brown leather chairs and sofas, exposed bricks, as well as black-and-white portraits of American gangsters. We highly recommend you to try the PRC Triad, which is made with Martell Cordon Bleu, vermouth, and sour plum-infused rum.
- Address: E-1-09, Electric Boulevard, TREC, Jalan Tun Razak, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: 6:30pm – 3am
- Tel: 03-2110-5664
6. Shelley Yu’s @ Bangsar
Shelley Yu’s is not just a bar, it’s also a Peranakan food haven. Believed to be named after the wife of one of its co-founders, the bar cum restaurant is famed for its gin and homemade tonics that are infused with Nyonya elements like assam boi, tumeric brine, and salted pineapple. For the foodies, they also serve Malaccan favourites such as telur dadar cincaluk and ayam sioh.
- Address: 49, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: 12pm – 3:30pm (Lunch); 5pm – 2am
- Tel: 03-22014139
7. AD Bar @ Bangsar
“Game of Thrones” fans would be delighted to know that AD Bar (short for Anno Domini, which means “in the year of the Lord”) dons a medieval theme that will bring you back to the middle ages with its dark yet intriguing settings. This hidden tavern offers all sorts of cocktails that are prepared by the head bartender, Owen, and his team. We absolutely love the Yeti Cup because it’s a chocolate milkshake made just for adults 😉
- Address: 21A, First Floor, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: 5pm – 1am (Monday, Wednesday, and Thurday); 5pm – 3am (Friday and Saturday); 4pm – 12am (Sunday)
- Tel: 03-2201-7979
Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out some of the rooftop bars that has the best views of Kuala Lumpur as well as these speakeasy bars.
Did we missed out any cool, new bars in our list? Drop us a comment below and we’ll be happy to check ’em out ?
Sources: The Yum List, Eat Drink KL (1), (2) TimeOut KL, Janice in the Wonderland’s Blog / Featured image: Pink Monkey Solutions.
