You can’t leave KL without visiting some of its top watering holes. Let’s bounce to the top bars in Kuala Lumpur.
If your weekend trips to beloved Johor Bahru are getting a little stale, venture into Malaysia’s capital for a change in scenery. Good food, great deals, and a bustling scene. What’s not to love about Kuala Lumpur? And a big plus to fellow imbibers out there – its bar scene has come a long way, boasting some of the most innovative cocktail spots we’ve seen. Need the 411 on where you should be? Here are our top picks for the best bars in Kuala Lumpur.
A toast to the best bars in Kuala Lumpur
1. Penrose
Hidden behind an understated door with no obvious signs is Penrose, a must-visit spot in Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife. This cocktail bar is so impressive that two years into its launch, it already sits pretty at the eighth spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 (which is no easy feat!). Enter and be treated to a masterclass in classics done with modern twists. The bar covers most of the space, which means no matter where you’re seated, you’ll be able to chat up your bartenders and ask as many questions as you want.
Penrose, City Centre, 149 Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Bar Trigona
Ever since its establishment in 2018, Bar Trigona has had the honour of being Malaysia’s best bar from 2020 to 2023. It constantly pushes the boundaries with its cocktail menu, creating exceptional experiences with its gorgeously opulent space. Bar Trigona also boasts a strong farm-to-bar philosophy, incorporating local Malaysian produce like nutmeg, rose apple, and torch ginger in its concoctions. And it doesn’t stop there – the spirit-free drinks here are just as thoughtfully crafted. So your designated driver doesn’t need to feel left out!
A highlight in the menu is the Trigona Honey Flight, spotlighting the bar’s namesake honey. This trio of cocktails takes three classics – the airmail, penicillin, and bee’s knees – and gives them some added Trigona flair with the local honey. Other ingredients you might find on the menu include locally crafted chocolate, carrot, and pickle brine.
Bar Trigona, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, 145 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3. Reka:Bar
With bottles, glass jars, and funky contraptions displayed behind the bar, you can tell Reka:Bar has got a trick or two up its sleeve. It’s captured the attention of many cocktail enthusiasts with its stellar service and innovative menus. We’d recommend spending a few hours here perusing both the cocktail and the food selection, because we hear the elevated bar bites shouldn’t be missed either.
Reka:Bar, 67M Jalan Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4. Three X Co
Inspired by the dim and intimate spaces of The Great Gatsby is Three X Co, a bar hiding behind a pop-up barber shop within a shopping mall. You can thank co-owner and award-winning mixologist David Hans for the innovative cocktail menu that continuously impresses.
Three X Co, Level 3, Lot T6A, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
5. Rakh
Funky, sustainable, and innovative are the usual words you’d use to describe Rakh. It might be one of the most experimental bars in Kuala Lumpur yet! Blending the fine line between food and drink, cocktails here make use of unique Southeast Asian spices and flavours, challenging what a traditional drink should look like. Kitchen scraps are also put through fermentation and distillation so nothing goes to waste.
Rakh, Level 1, Block E, The Five @ KPD, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
6. Here&Now
Tiki-themed cocktails and island flavours are key at Here&Now. This tropical bar dives into nostalgic themes, celebrates the present, and explores the unknowns of the future. Drinks are known to be balanced and easy to sip, enjoyable even for anyone beginning their cocktail journey. If the menu of signatures doesn’t interest you (it will, we promise), you can check out its array of cocktails on tap, zero-proof drinks, and snacks.
Here&Now, E-3-02, Block E, The Five @ KPD, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
7. PS150
The first time you walk past PS150, you might not even notice it’s there. This speakeasy disguises itself as an old-school vintage toy shop, with just a little wooden sign to indicate the bar’s presence. Once you make it through a multitude of wooden doors, you’ll be rewarded with a dreamily-lit bar and three distinct seating areas. We’d recommend the Opium Den for the intimate date night vibe. Not bad for a spot that used to play host to a brothel back in the day!
PS150, 150 Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
8. Junglebird
Rum takes centerstage at this spot full of flair. Filled with locally made rattan furniture and tropical prints, the space is warm, energetic, and oh so inviting. Over 100 labels of rum from all over the world can be found at Junglebird. From small batch bottles from Haiti to high ester rum picks from Jamaica, the collection is constantly rotated to make way for hot new finds.
Junglebird, 61M, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
9. Coley
For a more laidback option we’d highly recommend popping by Coley. Despite being located in a quieter part of Bangsar, there’s always something going on at this establishment. Whether it’s guest shifts or brand takeovers, the energy is always high and the people are always friendly. Oh, this is another spot with a pretty hearty food menu too, so come hungry if you want!
Coley, 6-G Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
10. Skullduggery
An elegant bar with whispers of mischief, spot the skull decor and you’ll know you’ve arrived at Skullduggery. The stylish interior sets the tone for your bar hop through Kuala Lumpur. Classics here are elevated with the use of premium spirits, while the cocktail menu is unique, inventive, and complex. And if you spy the model train chugging through the walls, be prepared for a delivery of shots potentially going your way.
Skullduggery, 2M Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
11. Concubine
Inspired by the women who played pivotal roles in the Chinese empire, Concubine is all about empowering the modern, independent, and strong willed women that we admire. The space stands out with its colourful decor and gorgeous murals, there’s no way you can miss it. The cocktails lean on Asian flavour profiles, incorporating flavours and ingredients like assam, nutmeg, and torch ginger. The only thing better than the cocktails? The atmosphere, of course. Most people who only step in for one drink end up spending their whole night vibing away!
Concubine, Lot 2, Jalan Panggong, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
12. The Iron Fairies
A fantasy world comes to life when you visit The Iron Fairies. Designed by the famed Ashley Sutton who pivoted into design work, the bar’s layout and decor are inspired by the mines, steel business, and colourful art in his children’s story books. Beware of the Green Fairy, a six-spirit signature cocktail available on the menu that’ll pack a punch.
The Iron Fairies, H-G-06, TREC Kuala Lumpur, 438 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
13. Pahit
Turn to Pahit for all things gin as this specialist bar stocks just about anything you can think of when it comes to the juniper-based spirit. Despite being located right smack between two busy roads known for their endless jams, Pahit is a vibey spot for anyone looking to kick back and relax.
Pahit, 3 Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
14. Tickets
Don’t be surprised if this bar seems unrecognisable to you, because Tickets is known for its ever-changing themes. As with any speakeasy, spotting the entrance might be a bit of a head-scratcher. But once you do find it, you’ll be treated to a whole show. It’s whimsical, theatrical, and dramatic in the best ways possible. We’re sure you’ll be talking about the memorable experience here for ages.
Tickets, G05A, Republik Damansara 1, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phew! Now you know where to be for great cocktails and vibes. Let’s explore the best bars in Kuala Lumpur.
