The concept of a speakeasy bar is no stranger to Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife scene, but with numerous hidden entrances, it can be a challenge to discover them all.
Speakeasies are essentially a bar meant to be shrouded in secrecy. These establishments hinge on the feeling of discreetness, embodying a prohibition vibe, some with dim lighting.
There’s just something about the idea of a drinking spot that’s a well-kept secret that makes it exciting. If you’re up for some undercover fun this holiday season, check out this cheat sheet to discover 9 hidden bars in KL. ??
1. PS150
PS150 is one of the OGs in the KL Speakeasy scene. They have earned its stripes as a top-notch hidden gem in Petaling Street. Tucked away in Chinatown behind what seems like an old-school sundry shop with a quirky toy collection, PS150 vibes perfectly with the neighborhood.
Featuring snug 2-person booths, a relaxed courtyard, and a vibrant main bar area. The menu brings a cool schoolbook vibe to life.
Location: Ground Floor, 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre
Operating hours: Open daily, 6pm-2am
Three X Co is a cozy spot in Bangsar that offers a stylish, intimate ambiance and crafted cocktails, perfect for a discreet post-dinner date. The bar, styled with a touch of prohibition-era charm, puts an eastern twist on classic drinks, making them feel familiar to those who grew up in Malaysia.
Their signature drinks, like the Balik Pulau infused with Penang nutmeg juice or the Eastern Poem inspired by ginseng herbal tea, cater to diverse tastes.
Location: Lot T6A, Level 3, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar
Operating hours: Monday-Saturday, 5pm-12am | Sunday closed
Hidden in a quiet stairwell in Bukit Damansara lies a cathedral of science, an enclave for enthusiasts who appreciate futuristic aesthetics. Greeted by a white-on-white hostess station, surrounded by futuristic clean lines and cool-tone strip lighting.
Diagonal pathways made of artfully tarnished copper lead you through the space.
Reka:Bar is a great pick if you’re after something a little more private with your friends. The outer balcony, or the chill viewing deck, is ideal for discussions of exploratory missions and interplanetary life forms, for more private crew conversations.
Location: 67M, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara
Operating hours: Monday-Sunday, 6pm-1am | Tuesday closed
Towards the back of BAC, you’ll find a semi-private space adorned with a playful painting of Pulp Fiction monkeys, and a cozy private room with a subtle Star Wars theme.
The scene is set with walls painted in black and adorned with vibrant artworks. Their specialty lies in highballs, spirits, and tonics, and they even have a few secret drinks.
Here’s a hint: they’re on the menu but revealed in invisible ink. ?
Location: 73-1, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara
Operating hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 6pm-1am | Sunday & Monday closed
5. The First Chapter Speakeasy
If you’re a book enthusiast, this bar is a hidden gem for you. Hidden discreetly behind a massive bookshelf, The First Chapter Speakeasy offers a sophisticated atmosphere with Chesterfield couches, coffee tables, and bar seating in a generously spacious, dimly lit setting.
Located in the heart of TTDI, The First Chapter Speakeasy’s cocktail menu is a delightful blend of classics, local culinary treats, and pop culture influences. Among the playful drink names, you’ll come across gems like the Regina George, in reference to the Mean Girls movie.
Location: Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara
Operating hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm–12 am | Monday & Sunday closed
Whose house? ? Her House is tucked away upstairs in an old shophouse that seems a bit suspicious to host a bar. The hunt for it is part of the adventure. Once you spot it, you’ll discover a psychedelic, neon-lit space that leads you through a trippy mirrored-wall corridor into the actual bar.
No spoilers here, but finding the entrance is all part of the experience.
Take your time locating the glass doors, many patrons pause for Insta-worthy mirror selfies before stepping into Her House.
Location: 63 D, Jalan Sultan, City Centre
Operating hours: Open daily, 5pm-11:59pm
Shuang Xi is surrounded by a mix of greenery and vintage furniture, creating a chill and homey yet cool vibe. With Chinese-retro decorations, it aims for a picnic ground feel, making it a trippy but welcoming spot to gather over drinks.
Oh, and be sure not to forget to check out the restroom; its stylish blue lighting adds an extra cool factor!
Location: 177, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre
Operating hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 5pm-1am | Monday & Tuesday closed
Te Amo is your new holy grail. It’s a hidden cocktail bar seamlessly blending East and West flavors. Unlike your regular rooftop bar, they’re generally less commercial, more intimate and serve much better cocktails.
The menu offers a variety of signature cocktails paired with Asian-inspired small plates.
Location: 20-2A, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang
Operating hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 6pm-3am | Monday & Tuesday closed
Benang features a thread-themed concept, in reference to its Bahasa Melayu name meaning “thread”. It discreetly concealed behind a secret door.
Location: Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara
Operating hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 6pm-3am | Monday & Tuesday closed
10. The Rebel Penguin of Funky Town
The Rebel Penguin puts a dose of fun into Funkytown, celebrating the iconic 1980s era by reviving disco-era cocktails with a modern twist.
Their drinks are crafted with freshly squeezed juices, homemade ingredients, and a medley of fresh fruits and herbs. Each drink is presented in unconventional and stylish ways.
Location: Lot 1.24, Cosway Guesthouse, 88, Jalan Raja Chulan
Operating hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 7pm-12am | Sunday, Monday & Tuesday closed
Discovering a hidden bar becomes a matter of knowing where to look, and The Attic Bar makes it easy, all you have to do is just follow the red lanterns. The bar provides a picturesque view, capturing the sunset over the national mosque and old railway station on one side, while the Petronas Twin Towers and Menara KL grace the other.
You’d be surprised at how budget-friendly their cocktails are, though you might still need more than a couple of drinks for a comfortable buzz. ?
Location: Third Floor, 15, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Operating hours: Open daily, 5pm-1am
Enjoying drinks with friends can create shared experiences, providing a fun way to unwind and relax, especially after a long week, with the holidays just around the corner.
So, take a break this holiday season, let your hair down, and explore these hidden bars for a memorable night out.
Also read: ‘F’ Language, Roti Man, Brickgame & 8 Other Ways to Tell That You Grew Up in the ’90s
