When thinking of prime locations to get a stiff drink, Johor’s capital city, Johor Bahru, might not be the first spot that comes to mind. But for those in the know like us here at Glitz, Johor Bahru’s nightlife scene should not be looked down upon. Far from just a pit stop when travelling to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru—or JB to Malaysians—is now a destination in its own right.
Whether you have a penchant for cocktails, a love for beer, or are just seeking a comfortable spot to relax at the end of a tiring day, our compilation of Johor Bahru’s finest bars has something for everyone.
The Best Bars in Johor Bahru
Contents
1. Haiiro Usagi
As is the case with speakeasies, Haiiro Usagi is well-hidden, revealing itself only through a “75A” sign perched above a regular metal door. Stepping into this cocktail bar feels akin to visiting age-old China and Japan with its Chinese-Japanese retro concept. Think the Forbidden City with the addition of bright neon lights.
Amongst the popular cocktails at Haiiro Usagi is Fifty Shades of Haiiro, an inventive blend that combines vodka, rose tea, cacao, and charcoal cream. The drink is crowned with exquisite French petals for a uniquely captivating drinking experience.
For more information & to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 75a, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor |
| Operating hours | Monday to Saturday (7:30pm – 1:00am) Closed on Sunday |
| Contact details | +60135250062 |
2. Whisky House Johor Bahru
Whisky lovers will be spoiled for choice at Whisky House Johor Bahru. As Asia Pacific’s first ever whiskey ambassador’s bar, one should expect nothing less than 300 different kinds of whisky and cocktail options when visiting—and Whisky House does not disappoint.
Try out their extensive menu of whisky-based cocktails such as the classic Whisky Sour and Old Fashioned. Whisky House also boasts a tempting food menu with dishes featuring meat, pasta, and much more. There’s no excuse to drink on an empty stomach here.
For more information & to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 5, Jalan Molek 1/27, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor |
| Operating hours | Monday to Saturday (3:00pm – 12:00am) Closed on Sunday |
| Contact details | +60182936868 |
3. 90 Tailor Bar
If you think you’ve seen it all, think again. Ever come across a cocktail bar that doubles as a boutique selling custom suits and providing suit rental services? We thought not. 90 Tailor Bar sets itself apart in more ways than one, as it also doubles as a charming café selling steaks and pizzas.
Another hidden bar, this vintage Chinese-themed spot takes its decor seriously. Where else can one find old-fashioned sewing machines in this day and age? These forgotten contraptions can apparently be found at 90 Tailor, one of the best bars in Johor Bahru.
For more information & to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 8b, Jalan Pendekar 10, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Johor Bahru |
| Operating hours | Tuesday to Saturday (6:00pm – 12:00am) Sunday (6:00pm – 12:30am) Closed on Monday |
| Contact details | +60127788501 |
4. Mulligan’s Pub & Bistro
Everyone knows that no one drinks quite like the Irish people. Mulligan’s Pub & Bistro emulates the lively Irish style of drinking, complete with pool tables and regular screenings of football matches. As you can imagine, this brightly coloured pub is hard to miss.
Keeping it authentically Irish, Mulligan’s is known for its extensive selection of classic craft beers, stouts, and even a range of seasonal cocktails. They even serve up hearty cuisine like savoury pies and soup. Drink like the Irish, eat like the Irish too.
For more information & to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | No. 17, Jalan Permas 10/2, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor Bahru, Johor |
| Operating hours | Opens daily (4:00pm – 1:00am) |
| Contact details | +60127788501 |
5. Shang Bar & Restaurant
Behind a cleverly concealed terrarium door in a flower shop sits the hidden Shang Bar & Restaurant. Ascend a neon-lit spiral staircase to discover a creatively designed loft space that’s reminiscent of a secret garden. Fancy a drink amongst the flowers, anyone?
The menu features visually appealing cocktails and even delicious vegan dishes, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As the bar has limited seating, consider calling ahead to reserve your spot in the secret garden, one of the best bars in JB for celebrating your birthday.
For more information & to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | Blok B, 01-19, Jalan Ekoflora 7, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor |
| Operating hours | Monday to Thursday (4:00pm – 12:00am) Friday (3:00pm – 1:00am) Saturday (1:00pm – 1:00am) Sunday (1:00pm – 12:00am) |
| Contact details | +60167570288 |
6. Cabinet 8 by JWC
If you’re looking to drink in style à la James Bond, Cabinet 8 by JWC is the perfect spot to visit. A stylishly furnished speakeasy hidden behind a closet, Cabinet 8 serves up some incredible cocktails that will make you feel like the well-dressed hero of a film with just one sip.
Cabinet 8’s head mixologist is Justin Tay, who represented Malaysia as a finalist in the 2018 La Maison Cointreau cocktail competition. With someone like Tay behind the bar, patrons know they’re in good hands when drinking at Cabinet 8.
For more information & to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 102, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor |
| Operating hours | Sunday to Friday (7:00pm – 12:00am) Friday and Saturday (7:00pm – 1:00am) |
| Contact details | +60132341018 |
7. Pantheon Lounge, Sky 26
Want a great view to go along with your drinks? A rooftop bar is the answer and no one does it quite like Pantheon Lounge, Sky 26. Situated atop the Holiday Villa Johor Bahru hotel, it stands as the sole bar in the city offering unparalleled views of JB.
Featuring live performances from bands and DJs, the Pantheon Lounge makes the ideal spot for those ready to party. Alongside the outstanding alcoholic beverages, this Johor Bahru bar also offers Japanese and Asian-fusion dishes—a definite must-try.
For more information & to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 26th Floor Holiday Villa, 260 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor |
| Operating hours | Opens daily (6:00pm – 2:00am) |
| Contact details | +60136846005 |
8. The Bierhaus
You know that a business is top-notch when it has more than one location. Proving their dedication to quality, you can find The Bierhaus all over Johor, including in Johor Bahru. This German-inspired bar exudes warm, convivial ambience complete with high chairs, dark wooden furniture, and even a conservatory style Beer Garden.
Speaking of beer, The Bierhaus stays true to its name by offering up to eighteen different types of imported beers. Every beer enthusiast agrees that pork and beer go hand-in-hand, so it’s a good thing that The Bierhaus’ menu is filled with pork dishes galore.
For more information & to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 1-G, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor |
| Operating hours | Opens daily (3:00pm to 12:00am) |
| Contact details | +60135250062 |
Make sure to follow Glitz on Facebook and Instagram for the latest update.
