16 Hidden bars in the Klang Valley for your next big night out
Tasty tipples
Luckily for us late-night revellers, the Klang Valley (and beyond) has an abundance of exciting watering holes, and our thriving nightlife scene frankly doesn’t stop flourishing. If more intimate and obscure settings are your thing, speakeasy bars are definitely the way to go for your next big night out. With that said, here are some of the top speakeasy establishments you should always have on your radar. We’ve included a good mix of pioneers and newcomers too!
1. PS150
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One of the very first players within the speakeasy scene in the Klang Valley is PS150, a cocktail bar in Chinatown hidden behind what looks like an old pre-war sundry shop with a big toy collection on display. Separated into three sections of varying vibes and interior styles (intimate two-person booths, a courtyard, and the main bar area), PS150’s schoolbook menu offers unique concoctions fused with local ingredients, paying homage to its locale that is filled with heritage.
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Address: Ground Floor, 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: 6PM to 2AM (Open daily)
Contact: +603-7622 8777
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2. BAC
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BAC offers an alternative speakeasy experience that is more subdued, but this doesn’t mean that it lacks personality. With walls painted in black and decorated with vibrant artworks, BAC has its focus on highballs, spirits, and tonics, with a few secret drinks up its sleeves (PS: they’re on the menu, but displayed in invisible ink!). Don’t forget to sample some of BAC’s dishes too, which are carefully prepared and more than just an afterthought.
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Address: 73-1, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6PM to 12AM (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +6010-287 0731
3. Three X Co
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This award-winning establishment is not your typical hidden bar. For starters, it’s the only one on this list that you’ll find tucked within a neighbourhood mall (Bangsar Shopping Centre). Look for (what appears to be) a pop-up barbershop on the third floor, push on the wall panel on the side and you’ll end up in a prohibition-style space with deep emerald green walls, gold accents, and leather sofas. Co-owner David Hans is in charge of the crafted menu of innovative originals, featuring signature orders such as Balik Pulau and Chocolat Fashioned. Guests shifts with international bartenders take place quite regularly here, prompting loyal fans to return for limited-edition cocktails!
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Address: Lot T6A, Level 3, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5PM to 12AM (Tuesdays to Thursdays) | 5PM to 1AM (Fridays & Saturdays)
Contact: 019 336 6031
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4. Reka
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Concealed in a modest stairwell illuminated with blue neon lights, Reka was put together by a team of first-class bar industry professionals with global experience, and the team’s finesse is most certainly reflected through the bar’s flavour-forward cocktails. Many of Reka’s concoctions, which are cleverly illustrated on its menu, utilise ingredients concocted in the bar’s very own ‘Flavour Lab’, using methods like distillation, fermentation, and clarification.
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Address: 67M, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6PM to 1AM (Mondays to Thursdays) | 6PM to 2AM (Fridays and Saturdays) | 6PM to 12AM (Sundays)
Contact: +6010-287 8908
5. 61 Monarchy
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Whisky takes centre stage at 61 Monarchy, a hidden drinking den featuring wrap-around shelves that display over 400 different drams from across the globe. Should you be a whisky aficionado, this bar offers various whisky flights so you can sample different ones without ordering full glasses. If you don’t like your whisky served straight, there is also a selection of classic cocktails on the menu here.
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Address: 61M, Jalan SS 21/1a, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 5PM to 12AM (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: +6018-213 9291
6. Circa Bar
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Along the back alley of Jalan Batai, you’ll find a golden archway that leads you to a spiral staircase. Key in the secret code (found on their Instagram page), and you’ll find a glamorous venue akin to an adult playground. Adorned with mirrors on the ceiling and splashes of gold, silver, and taupe, Circa Bar’s glitzy interior affords plenty of photo ops at every corner. Its drinks also echo a playful and imaginative sentiment, with many signature and classic cocktails on offer.
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Address: 8-7, Jalan Batai, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6PM to 3AM (Mondays to Saturdays)
Contact: +6014-726 2474
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7. The Attic Bar
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Accessible via a spiral staircase and situated above one of Chinatown’s hippest hostels, The Attic Bar is a fun haunt with laid-back vibes and a nice balance between classic and one-of-a-kind cocktails, with some even featuring our local rice wine, tuak. Its balcony is probably our favourite area within the bar to snag a seat as it affords gorgeous views of the skyline at sunset.
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Address: Third Floor, 15, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5PM to 1AM (Sundays to Thursdays) | 5PM to 3AM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Contact: +6012-393 8627
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8. Sip Society
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Focused on craft cocktails, whisky, and wine, Sip Society is situated in Aman Suria and features contemporary art deco interiors ornamented with plush velvet sofas, huge wall murals, and the colours of fall. Led by head bartender James, Sip Society uses bottom-shelf spirits in its concoctions to keep the prices of its drinks reasonably priced, but they are no less flavoursome and well-crafted.
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Address: 18, Jalan PJU 1/43, Aman Suria, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 4PM to 1AM (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: +6010-202 1663
9. The First Chapter
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Discreetly tucked away behind a giant bookshelf, The First Chapter’s classy space is decked out with Chesterfield couches, coffee tables, and bar seating, all in an expansive space that is dimly lit. Located in the heart of TTDI, The First Chapter’s cocktail menu is inspired by classic drinks, pop culture, and local culinary delights. Amongst the fun drink monikers you’ll find, for instance, include Regina George, which pays homage to Mean Girls.
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Address: 139a, Jln Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (currently relocating to a new venue)
Opening hours: 8PM to 12AM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Contact: +6011-2319 2556
10. Her House
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Previously an antique shop and mahjong cafe, Her House is accessed through a modest metal door. Once inside, you’ll be greeted with a psychedelic, neon-lit space that continues towards a trippy mirrored-wall corridor into the actual bar. Her House’s extensive cocktail menu is backlit with LEDs and features two pages of libations, including classic cocktails and Her Signature Cocktails that give prominence to unusual flavours.
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Address: 63 D, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5PM to 11:59PM (Thursdays to Sundays) | 5PM to 2AM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Contact: +6017-227 3220
11. Te Amo
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Before heading to Te Amo, one of KL’s latest hidden speakeasy bars situated along the city’s nightlife hub Changkat Bukit Bintang, make sure to retrieve the daily entry code from their Instagram story. Intimate and charming, the bar’s vicinity is decorated with oriental and Spanish-inspired interior elements, furnished with red leather sofas and a statement-worthy bar counter where you can watch the bartenders prepare your unique concoctions.
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Address: 20-2A, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6PM to 3AM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Contact: +6012-521 1396
12. Remedy Cocktail Bar
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Whether you’ve had a long work day or you’re suffering from a broken heart, Remedy Cocktail Bar may just have the cure you need. Within its sexy dark sienna-coloured space complete with funky retro seats, Remedy’s menu presents both classic and modern cocktails as well as some signature house specials. If you’re feeling peckish, you’ll also be able to order snacks or even an actual meal (upon request) from Habanna Charbroil Steakhouse, which is right downstairs.
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Address: 11A, Jalan 20/7, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 6PM to 12AM (Sundays to Thursdays, closed on Tuesdays) | 6PM to 2AM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Contact: +6017-781 7110
13. Benang The Second Chapter
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Located somewhere in the back alley of Plaza Damansara is Benang The Second Chapter—sister to The First Chapter, but no points for guessing—a speakeasy hidden behind a secret door. The name benang is a Malay word that means thread in English. This thread and fabric theme tastefully runs across the entire bar, complementing its dark and moody setting. Led by head bartender Ben Nair, one can expect to find unique signature cocktails with his personal twist, as well as a food menu offering loads of sharing plates.
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Address: Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5PM to 12AM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Contact: +6011-1400 9621
14. Xun Bar
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Opened in December 2022, Xun Bar is a fairly new addition to Damansara Utama’s established F&B scene. You’ll find the hidden cocktail bar located above V Kitchen, distinguished by a traditional Chinese signboard. The name means “tipsy” in Mandarin—suggesting how visitors should enjoy their night with just enough to drink *wink, wink*. Inside, the neon-lit bar features a small counter, a seating area and a lounge furnished with large chesterfield sofas. The cocktail menu sees a variety of libations inspired by Chinese ingredients and culture, such as Pei Pa Kao and Oolong Tea. Main courses are also available for those looking for a substantial meal to chow down while sipping on drinks.
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Address: No.72M (Mezzanine Floor, Jalan SS 21/35, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 5PM to 1AM, Thursdays to Mondays (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Contact: 016 975 5685
15. The Rebel Penguin of Funky Town
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If you’re into all things whimsically fun and colourful a la the ‘80s, The Rebel Penguin of Funky Town may just be right up your alley. Taking over an old barbershop, this kitschy place run by Alvin Au Yong offers innovative cocktails divided into three categories: Chill, Radical, and Legit. The outstanding libations here aren’t just loud in flavours, but also in the way they are presented. Think disco ball-inspired mugs, doughnut cups, and unicorn drink floaties.
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Address: Lot 1.24, Cosway Guesthouse, 88, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6PM to 12AM (Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays)
Contact: +6011-2506 3313
16. Penrose KL
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This list wouldn’t be complete without one of the fastest rising bars in terms of popularity over the past year in KL. Named after the Nobel-prize-winning Sir Roger Penrose—a British mathematician, mathematical physicist and philosopher of science whose work has helped unlock the secrets of black holes—Penrose reflects its moniker with a concept that blends math with art. Even its discreet metal entrance and classy yet edgy interiors spells “smart” in a dark palette of blacks, granites and greys. We won’t get into a math lesson here, but prepare to pick up a thing or two with the thoughtfully curated menu that reveals art through arithmetics (read: a series of classics, highballs, and spirit-forward creations). As seating is limited to 25 pax only, reservations are highly recommended.
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Address: 149, Jalan Petaling, City Centre50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7PM to 1 AM (Closed on Mondays, and Tuesdays)
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