Best bars in Kuala Lumpur - spoilt for choice over the BEST drinks ever. Kuala Lumpur has a thriving bar scene and houses some of Asia's best bars. With speakeasies, spirit-forward bars, and old-school cocktails, you have a plethora of options to choose from! Being a bustling city with many skyscrapers, there are also plenty of rooftop bar options to choose from, mostly located in five-star hotels. The prices are almost comparable, the bartenders were the kindest and most generous with other recommendations in the city. Try to get reservations in advance, but in case you can't, the staff would be happy to accommodate you the best they can!
Here are my picks for the 10 best bars in Kuala Lumpur in no particular order -
Bar trigona
Located inside Four-Season's Hotel in the KLCC Park complex. This was one of the finest experiences, hands down. The name Trigona comes from a bee variety and they own and encourage adopting beehives. They produce and use a lot of sustainable honey in their cocktails.
But, let's put that aside for a second, the maximalist bars, the glimpse of the Petronas tower, and cocktails to knock your socks off, Bar Trigona is one of the best bars in Kuala Lumpur for a reason - their bartenders and hospitality. The cocktail program is led by Rohan Matmary, and you will experience some of the most complex cocktails and yet so easy on the palette. Opt for some unusual flavours with native ingredients. Or simply trust the bar keeps and take the plunge!
Jungle Bird
This specialty rum and cocktail bar sits at #35 on the Asia Best bars list. The tropical theme and many, many, many bottles of rum make this into a cute little space, and is also great during the day. The Caribbean-inspired menu is a refreshing respite from the heat. They use a lot of pandan, coconut, and all things tropical to get you in Holiday mode. They also serve some killer bites, the Cubano is highly recommended.
Tickets
From the team behind PS-150, Tickets is a concept bar that aims to focus on a different spirit every year. And the concept and ambiance of the bar change with each featured spirit. We visited when it was Gin season. Hidden in plain sight, the front of the bar looks like the ticket counter of a travel agency, with 'to-let' signs. You have to figure out the entrance to the door, I won't spill it here because where's the fun in that? Walk through a dark tunnel to a small-ish bar room, with seating by the bar and couches. Let the bar tenders take you through the menu and help you choose your drink as per your preferences. You will not be disappointed in the least!
Skullduggery
A stone's throw distance away from Tickets is Skullduggery. Entry from what seems a dingey back alley, and a flight of stairs up, this kitschy bar has a lot of skulls, plush couches, and the biggest highlight is the cocktail master himself - master mixer Viji Thomas. They are known for their classic cocktails. But then there are also things like truffle infused vodka, seaweed agave and cardamom milk jam.
Reka Bar
From the maximalism of Skullduggery to the minimalist and futuristic Reka bar. About 1.5km from the former, the neon sign follows you up and you enter the future of cocktails. The menu is inspired by the Domino effect where each ingredient from one cocktail, becomes the inspiration or part of the next. And even though the decor, lines and menu can be slightly intimidating, but the staff is so warm and funny. This right here is the future! And you must
Pahit
Located in Bukit Bintang, this speakeasy bar in the bustling Bukit Bintang is located very close to VCR, a place you must check out for brunch! Pahit is known for its gin cocktails - from craft gin cocktails to its many takes on GnTs. They also boast of an impressive Gin selection. It is cozy and calm, and the vintage courtyard adds to the charm!
Ps-150
One of the oldest speakeasy bars in Chinatown, and Kuala Lumpur's first cocktail bar - PS 150 comes with great cocktails but also a lot of memories. This hidden bar is housed in an old-time war building which was previously a brothel. Walk through long pathways, passing many rooms and you reach PS-150. The cocktails are rooted in typically South East Asian flavours.
G-STRING
Looking for a bit of fun? Walk on Petaling Street and follow the loud peppy music. A shut restaurant called Asia Street Food Club will greet you. Take a flight of stairs up and the space is going to bedazzle you! The live music, bewitching energy, and damn good cocktails were quite a find!
Penrose by jon lee
Just next door to G-String is one of Kuala Lumpur's best speakeasy bars. Penrose has a heavy front door that opens to the slickest bar! The minimal interiors let the cocktails shine. And there is no going back without an invigorating conversation with Jon and Maria. The cocktail menu is divided into Classics, Sours, High balls, and Spirit Forwards. The drinks are no fuss, clean and the flavours hit it out of the park!
Frank's
Inspired by Frank Sinatra and 1950's New York, this place is sure to transport you to NYC! This Speakeasy is something of a classic choice for the locals. And to add to their glory, almost all the bartenders of Kuala Lumpur would suggest a pilgrimage to this classic bar! The cocktails are inspired by everything classic American, but also celebrate South East Asian ingredients and music!
Plan your bar hopping in Kuala Lumpur - the best go about it, and trying as many bars are tackling them location-wise. Bar Trigona and Frank's are located not far from one another. Check out Pahit when you are at Jalan Alor. Penrose, G-String, and PS-150 are both located within walking distance from one another in Chinatown. Reka, Tickets, Junglebird, and Skullduggery are all very close to one another but about a 30-minute cab ride from the city center. So, best to try them all together and be back in time as finding a Grab can be a challenge at night.