Your Ultimate Guide to Georgetown’s Best Cocktail Bars

As the sun dips behind Penang’s dinner scenes, the real party begins! Strap on your comfy kicks and get ready to hop through Georgetown’s hidden cocktail bars. Whether it’s a well-known hotspot or a hidden gem, each promises a night filled with surprises.

And for anyone questioning Penang’s bar scene against Kuala Lumpur, the uproar from the recent Penang Cocktail Week spilled the beans – Penang knows how to shake things up!

BISO

Biso, the latest gem in Penang’s bar scene, boasts big flavours executed with perfection. Don’t be misled by its size – this newcomer is the sister bar of the highly acclaimed Magazine 63, situated right beside it. With a modern and sophisticated interior, Biso offers a sleek and minimalist ambiance that mirrors its crafty, well-balanced cocktails. True to its name, Biso, which means “flavours” in Hokkien, delivers on its promise with a range of cocktails that may seem familiar at first glance but offer delightful surprises upon tasting.

Address: 63a, Jalan Magazine, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operation hours: 7pm – 1am daily, closed on Mondays

^{Image credit: @biso.pg & @vivi153}

DRUNKEN GELATO

Hold onto your taste buds because Drunken Gelato just crashed the Penang bar scene, and it’s way more than your typical cocktail bar. Meet the rebellious sibling of Good Friends Club, where they’re not just serving cocktails but rocking the world of boozy gelato. Think flavours like Milo Guinness Bomb and Strawberry Margarita Cheesecake – it’s your favourite treats, but with a cheeky twist of booze! And for those who crave the familiar, yes, you can still enjoy classic cocktails at Drunken Gelato, but why be basic when you can have your drink and eat it too?

Address: 166, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operation hours: 8pm – 1am Sunday to Thursday, 8pm – 2am Friday and Saturday

^{Image credit: @drunkengelato, @rey.winter.s & @ann_chong}

GOOD FRIENDS CLUB

Good friends never bojio, so here’s the scoop – they have a revamped menu that’s all the Penang buzz! From Laksa Negronis and Rojak Margaritas to Durian Sticky Rice cocktails (yes really!), savour ingenious twists on iconic flavours inspired by Penang’s bustling hawker stalls.

Each cocktail is a love letter to iconic Penang flavours, inspired by the legendary stalls themselves. So after you conquer your taste buds, grab your friends and hunt down the OG stalls and see if the originals live up to the hype!

Address: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: 8pm – 1am Sunday to Thursday, 8pm – 2am Friday and Saturday

^{Image credit: @tashahoe_}

BACKDOOR BODEGA

Tucked away behind a clothing store, this seemingly “overpriced pin shop” is, in fact, one of Penang’s most celebrated cocktail bars. Making waves, it boldly secured a spot in Asia’s top 100 bars in 2022, a groundbreaking feat for Penang. With roots tracing back to 2016, this speakeasy bar takes pride in crafting a menu that diverges from the norm, weaving local flavours into every concoction.

Don’t forget to snatch up a pin before you make your exit – it’s not a proper visit to the overpriced pin shop without claiming your badge of honour!

Address: 37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operation hours: 8pm – 1am Thursday to Monday, Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday

^{Image credit: @champions1984, @backdoorbodega, @chinggetslow}

NO BAR HERE

Contrary to its name, there’s no hiding the fact that this place is indeed a bar, the unmistakable beats and buzzing ambiance make it impossible to ignore.

As a proud member of the Backdoor Bodega family, this bar is a departure from its secretive counterpart; it’s easily found, and there’s no need for hushed tones or secret knocks – this is no speakeasy. Drawing inspiration from the lively eighties (because, let’s be real, the 80s are the new 21st century), the atmosphere exudes a nostalgic vibrancy. With a collection of cocktails paying homage to that iconic era, each with its modern twist, rest assured that these libations taste as incredible as they look.

Address: 25, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operation hours: 8pm – 1am Tuesday to Friday, 8pm -1.30am Saturday, closed on Sunday and Monday

^{Image credit: @nobarhere}

chez chez

This bar and modern eatery thrives to bring everyone together for a night of good food, good drinks and great company. Offering a menu of small bites and dishes with European flair, it’s the perfect kickoff for a night of Love Lane bar hopping!

Address: 41, Love Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Operation hours: 5pm – 1am Sunday to Friday, 2pm – 1am Saturday, closed on Tuesdays

^{Image credit: @rey.winter.s, @jerriexlim & @chezchez.pg}

COCKTAILS AND SHOTS

Tired of the same old cocktail routine? Forget dusty menus and say hello to Cocktails & Shots where the bartender reads your mind (well, your taste buds)! This cosy, homey bar ditches convention with a bespoke cocktail experience. Share your flavour cravings and let the bartenders whip up twisted classics or dream up a cocktail just for you.

This isn’t just a bar, it’s a haven for genuine connections. Founded by Justin Eng, the 20-seater haven (soon to blossom into a 35-seater gem in mid 2024) is his love letter to vintage char, authentic bonds and liquid discoveries. Come as you are, leave with newfound friends, and let every sip tell a tale in this safe, welcoming space.

Address: 11, Lorong Cheapside, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operation hours: 5pm – 1am Sunday to Friday, 2pm – 1am Saturday, closed on Tuesdays

^{Image credit: @tashahoe_}

MAGAZINE 63

Craving a night off the beaten path? Ditch the tourist traps and step into Penang’s best-kept secret: Magazine 63. This hidden gem, inspired by a secret Chinese inn, throws open its doors to reveal a clandestine haven where vintage vibes meet modern craft cocktails.

Every corner of Magazine 63 whispers tales of the past, setting the scene for an unforgettable night. And for a true taste of tradition, don’t skip their signature “jiu gang” cocktails, served in classic Chinese wine jars. Plus, with live bands setting the stage every Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, the atmosphere promises to be nothing short of captivating.

Address: 63, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operation hours: 8am – 3am daily, closed on Mondays

^{Image credit: @xccarmennx, @magazine_63 & @jalansamaboko}

THE NEST

Nestled within an old Peranakan shophouse, this cocktail spot pays meticulous attention to its garnish pairing. Each cocktail is thoughtfully paired with an edible garnish that complements the drink. Think creative flavours such as their Oyster Shot, Quack Quack Penicillin, and others that will undoubtedly captivate your palate.

By collaborating with premium Japanese restaurants to source quality garnish products, this establishment this is a nest you won’t want to fly away from.

Address: 82, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operation hours: 6pm – 12.30am Thursday to Saturday, closed from Sunday to Wednesday

^{Image credit: @karimeeninc, @thenestcocktailbar}

ER YI TAI

Brace yourself for a bit of cheekiness because, hey, second time’s the charm, right? Meet Er Yi Tai, which, believe it or not, translates to “second wife” in Chinese. Now, hold onto your cocktail – this Japanese and Chinese fusion bar is all about bringing the sexy and fun vibes you’d imagine a second wife would have! Nestled next to Hygge restaurant, it’s the spot for playful cocktails that make you question if the name truly captures the party spirit. Swing by, sip, and let the debate begin.

Address: 56, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operation hours: 11.30am – 12am daily