From Southeast Asian-inspired flavours To Era-Inspired cocktails, these Cocktail bars are shaking up the Bar Scene
Discover a world of speakeasy enchantment in the Klang Valley, where each bar is a journey through time and taste. From prohibition-era mystique to the avant-garde mixology, these hidden gems offer an unparalleled blend of ambiance, creativity and flavours.
VÉR
High above the bustling city, Vér – The Bar at Nadodi sits quietly in the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, offering an experience that’s anything but ordinary. It’s not just about beautiful drinks—it’s about where they come from. Vér, which means “roots” in Tamil, draws inspiration from the cultural tapestries of South India and Sri Lanka.
Each cocktail is thoughtfully designed, often reflecting childhood memories or traditional games, giving your palate a taste of heritage reimagined.
Image credit: @verbarkl
Address: Level 7A, Four Seasons Hotel, 145, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 5pm – 2am Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays
HERE & NOW
Here & Now offers a menu divided into three distinct sections, each drawing inspiration from various time periods: past nostalgia, present day and future unexplored. Adding a playful twist, their menu features a “What’s your love language?” quiz, ensuring that both novice and seasoned cocktail enthusiasts find a drink that suits their palate.
With a tempting array of cocktails on tap and a meticulously crafted cocktail menu, Here and Now extends an irresistible invitation to return and savour each unique creation. Set in a modern and stylish ambiance, it provides a welcoming escape from the weekday hustle and bustle of Bukit Damansara.
Image credit: @hereandnow.my
Address: Level 3, Block E, The Five @ KPD, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 6pm – 1am Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, 7pm – late Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
CABINET 8 BY JWC
Tucked behind a discreet facade along Jalan Sultan, Cabinet 8 by JWC is a moody, modern speakeasy that invites guests into a world of secrets and storytelling.
With an entrance as enigmatic as its cocktails, this hidden gem blends contemporary flair with bold experimentation. From meticulously crafted signatures to unexpected twists on classics, Cabinet 8 delivers a cocktail experience that’s both intimate and intriguing—perfect for those who crave a sense of discovery with every sip.
Image credit: @cabinet8.kl_jwc
Address: 70, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
Operation hours: 7pm – 12am Monday to Thursday, 7pm – 1am Friday to Sunday
DISSOLVED SOLIDS
Discover the artistry in every sip at Dissolved Solids, where the cocktails, though delicate in appearance, deliver an explosion of flavours. Tucked away above the streets of Petaling Jaya, a climb up the discreet staircase transports you to a cocktail adventure. The minimalist interior sets the stage for the innovative libations, leaving you eager for the next creation well before the ice has a chance to dissolve.
Address: 43-1, First Floor, Jalan SS20/11, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya, 47400 Selangor.
Operation hours: 3pm – 12am on weekdays, 1pm – 1am on weekends
THREE X CO
Concealed behind a vintage-style barbershop in Bangsar Shopping Centre, Three X Co invites guests into a world of refined indulgence. This award-winning speakeasy, recently named in the extended list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, is a seamless fusion of glamour and craft.
Inside, the atmosphere channels Gatsby-era elegance—complete with dark leather seats, gold trimmings, and curated vintage glassware. The cocktails, curated by some of Malaysia’s finest bartenders, balance bold innovation with timeless charm, offering something exceptional for every palate.
Address: Lot T6A, Level 3, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 5pm – 12am Monday to Thursday, 5pm – 1am Fridays & Saturdays
PENROSE
Recently ranked at number 50 in the prestigious top 50 bars list, Penrose stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation in the world of cocktails. Penrose’s menu revolves around five core principles: alcohol, flavour, taste, body, and dilution.
While both the interior and cocktails exhibit a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, prepare to be pleasantly surprised as Penrose’s skilled bartenders not only craft exceptional drinks but also impart their knowledge, taking you on a captivating journey of taste and discovery.
Image credit: @penrose.kl, @aimaris
Address: 149, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 7pm – 1am Wednesday to Sunday, closed on Monday and Tuesday
RAKH
In a city filled with bars and lounges, Rakh Bar has carved its own unique niche. It’s not just a place to grab a drink; it’s a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and curious sippers alike. From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll find yourself in a world where imagination meets mixology. Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails or prefer adventurous, avant-garde creations, Rakh Bar has something to please every palate.
Image credit: @rakh.kl
Address: The Five @ KPD, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 5pm – 1am Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, 6pm -2am Friday to Saturday, closed on Mondays
COLEY
A hidden gem nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. This speakeasy-style bar is a delightful tribute to Ada Coleman, the first female head bartender at the iconic Savoy Hotel in London. As you step through the unassuming entrance, you’ll be transported to an era of classic elegance and cocktail craftsmanship.
Image credit: @imaaronccy, @sip_sensei
Address: 6-G, Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 5pm – 1am Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays
SUNSAN RESERVE
Hidden above a bakery in Taman Shanghai, SunSan Reserve is a minimalist speakeasy that blends innovation with nature. With only 15 seats, the bar creates an intimate, sensory experience where spirits are infused using sous-vide methods and aromatic woods like sandalwood and agarwood, elevating every sip with rich, smoky notes.
Image credit: @sunsanreserve, @photos_luoyi
Address: 216, Jalan Pisang, Taman Shanghai, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 5:30pm – 11:30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays
TERUMI BAR
This speakeasy-style bar offers a unique and intimate cocktail experience for those seeking a refined evening out. Known affectionately as ‘the tender bar,’ Terumi Bar is not just a place to savour exquisite cocktails, it’s an oasis of tranquillity where every drink is a poetic creation.
Image credit: @bar.terumi
Address: 9a, Jln 20/16, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operation hours: 6pm – 12am Monday to Thursday, 6pm – 1am Fridays & Saturdays, closed on Sundays
FRANK’S BAR
Tucked away on the third floor of Avenue K, Frank’s Bar KL is a sophisticated speakeasy inspired by the golden age of jazz and the timeless charm of Frank Sinatra.
Known for its vintage New York ambiance and innovative cocktail program, Frank’s elevates the classic bar experience with refined drinks and a touch of showmanship. From sonic-aged spirits to unique flavour pairings, each visit offers a journey through the unexpected—making it a hidden gem for those in search of creativity, class, and a little mystery.
Image credit: @franks.kl
Address: Avenue K, Unit 06 Level 03, 156, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 5pm – 12am Monday & Sunday, 5pm – 2am Tuesday to Saturday
REKA:BAR
Reka is a slick spot that would fit perfectly inside a spaceship science workshop. As a self-proclaimed ‘post modern flavour lab’ – the name ‘reka’ is taken from the Malaysian word for ‘creation’ – the decor is apropos, with a cocktail menu that bounds boldly into the future of mixology.
Image credit: @reka.bar
Address: 67M, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 6pm -1am Sunday to Thursday, 6pm till late Friday to Saturday, closed on Tuesdays
BAR TRIGONA
Sequestered away in an unassuming section of the Four Seasons Hotel, push back a heavy set of dark-stained oaken doors and Bar Trigona will greet you with a scene that feels straight out of The Great Gatsby. Here, art deco elegance meets the intoxicating glamour of the Roaring Twenties, with marbled floors and palatial bronze fittings.
Trigona is one of the KL bar scene’s heavyweight champions, having garnered a series of prestigious accolades, including the title of Malaysia’s Best Bar on Asia’s 50 Best Bars List since 2020. With a range of signature drinks that carry an opulence rivalling its gilded facade, a post-dinner tipple here is sure to impress.
Address: 145, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 5pm – 1am daily
BAR MIZUKAMI
A one-man show helmed by Shawn Chong, Bar Mizukami brings the art of Japanese bartending to Malaysian soil. The name “Mizukami” comes from the Japanese words for ‘Mizu’ (water) and ‘Kami’ (god), a cognate of the Malay ‘Kami’ (us, we, our). This thoughtful integration lovingly marries both cultures within the bar’s identity, giving you a taste of Tokyo with your tuak.
Notably, this cozy space features a blonde, omakase-style table with a seating capacity of 10, ensuring you get not only distinct insight into Chong’s meticulous process, but a free-flowing, personalised experience with your drink.
Feeling peckish? Mizukami recently added an experimental midday diner to their operations, available on Saturday, 1pm to 7pm only. Reflecting the bar’s cultural fusion, their ever-rotating menu includes a Hakka Lui Cha and Ochazuke hybrid that serves up a hearty bowl of laksa broth, rice, dashi, and chicken strips – soupy food for the soul.
Address: Bangunan Ming Annexe, 9, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 6pm – 12am Tuesday to Friday, 1pm – 7pm Saturday, closed on Sundays and Mondays
PAHIT
A visit to gin bar Pahit is sure to put a woozy grin on your face. Tucked away in a quiet back pocket of busy Bukit Bintang, this speakeasy bar specialises in all things gin; from fruity, locally-inspired flavours to the classic gin and tonic that never fails to hit the spot after work.
A sister bar to Bangsar’s Coley, it features the same hidden-gem quality and quaintly charm, housed in a renovated, two-storey 1920s building that maintains much of its historic architecture. With its surprisingly suburban surroundings, a cool, open courtyard out front, and abundance of intimate hidey-holes for hushed conversations, Pahit is the perfect oasis of respite from the city.
Address: 3, Jln Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: 5pm to 1am daily, closed on Mondays
