Penang, a gem in Malaysia, is not just famous for its cultural heritage and scrumptious street food but also for its hidden bars. These hidden bars in Penang offer a unique experience far from the bustling tourist spots. Tucked away in narrow alleys or behind unassuming storefronts, each bar presents a world of its own. From speakeasies echoing the Roaring Twenties to modern hideouts with a twist, these spots are perfect for those looking to explore the less-trodden path. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, discovering the best hidden bars in Penang is an adventure in itself, promising an evening filled with intriguing cocktails and unforgettable stories.
10 Best Hidden Bars in Penang
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1. Magazine 63
Magazine 63, a pioneer in Penang’s speakeasy scene, is ingeniously hidden amidst Jalan Magazine’s ordinary shophouses. With no signboards in sight, the thrill begins as you seek the enigmatic wooden door leading to a surprise inside. Stepping into Magazine 63 feels like entering a scene from a Chinese period drama, where tradition meets modernity. The ambiance is a blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair, making it a favourite haunt for those seeking a unique drinking experience. The bar’s eclectic mix of classic and innovative cocktails, coupled with live performances, creates an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and vibrant.
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| Address: | 63, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
| Operating hours: | Open Daily: 8 pm to 3 am; Closed on Mondays |
| Contact details: | +60 17-636 3551 |
2. Manchu Bar
Manchu Bar is tucked behind a storefront adorned with Chinese script and stone statues. The heavy timber door veiled behind red curtains leads to a space echoing ancient Manchuria. This bar not only serves creative cocktails but also immerses you in a culturally rich environment, complete with traditional attire and occasional Chinese opera performances. Its interior, a tapestry of oriental elegance, complements the lively atmosphere where classic and contemporary tunes blend seamlessly. Manchu Bar is a perfect escape for those who appreciate a fusion of history, culture, and innovative mixology.
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| Address: | 38 & 40, Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
| Operating hours: | Open Daily: 7 pm to 3 am; Closed on Mondays |
| Contact details: | +60 12-500 7588 |
3. Backdoor Bodega
Discover the elusive Backdoor Bodega, a speakeasy nestled in Hin Bus Depot, accessible through a discreet door behind the Good Friends Club. It cleverly masquerades as a pin shop, where the price of a pin becomes your ticket to an array of innovative drinks. In this orange-hued, intimate setting, the bar shines with its unique concoctions that infuse local flavours, like the Patpoh Negroni or the refreshing Teh O’ Rum Limau. Despite its fame, the space remains a cosy enclave where friends gather for an evening of relaxed conversation and cocktail experimentation, courtesy of a founder with a knack for graphic design and inventive mixology.
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| Address: | 37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
| Operating hours: | Thursday-Monday: 8 pm to 12am; Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays |
| Contact details: | – |
4. Good Friends Club
Good Friends Club sits quietly on the same stretch as Backdoor Bodega, its entrance so reminiscent of a traditional coffee shop, it might just fool you. Step inside and you’ll find a speakeasy that celebrates camaraderie with drinks that echo the local palate. Here, amidst an atmosphere that harks back to simpler times, you can enjoy a cocktail menu that’s both comforting and novel. It’s a place that encourages you to linger, share stories, and appreciate the company of good friends in a setting that feels like a nostalgic slice of Penang.
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| Address: | 39, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
| Operating hours: | Open Daily: 8 pm to 2 am |
| Contact details: | +60 10-568 0527 |
5. Beso Rosado by ChinChin
Beso Rosado by ChinChin, previously known as Golden Shower, offers an escape into an elegantly appointed space that stands out with its striking pink, white, and gold tones. No longer hidden behind a lavish bathroom facade, the entrance is now a graffiti-adorned alley that hints at the chic experience within. The bar’s ambiance is as luxurious as its drinks are playful, with bartenders crafting each cocktail with a flair that’s visually and tastefully exquisite. Following a pandemic pivot, this speakeasy also doubles as a purveyor of fine Spanish cuisine, making it a destination for both gourmands and cocktail aficionados alike.
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| Address: | 86 Lebuh Bishop, George Town, Malaysia |
| Operating hours: | Open Daily: 7 pm to 3 am; Closed on Mondays |
| Contact details: | +60 11-2418 4223 |
6. 12 Senses
12 Senses is an enchanting Chinese-inspired bar with a hidden entrance: a cleverly disguised lever on a Wing Chun dummy. Once inside, you’re transported to a time where East meets West, with an interior that blends 60s Chinese aesthetics with Western influences. The bar’s ambiance, illuminated in soft blues, greens, and purples, creates a serene yet lively setting. Enjoy live band performances on a quaint stage, adding to the bar’s vibrant energy. The heart of 12 Senses is its elegant wooden bar, featuring an ornate painting of a Chinese opera lady, where skilled bartenders craft exquisite cocktails.
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| Address: | 12, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
| Operating hours: | Open Daily: 6 pm to 12 am; Closed on Tuesdays |
| Contact details: | +60 16-493 2833 |
7. Out of nowhere
Out of Nowhere transforms from a minimalist café, into a whimsical hidden bar at night. The secret passage? An unassuming orange refrigerator opens up to a cosy, dimly lit space adorned with minimalistic décor and tree motifs. This bar challenges the ordinary with its inventive cocktail menu, offering custom mixes for adventurous palates. By day, it’s a coffee haven; by night, a futuristic, yet understated bar where experienced mixologists create unique drinks, far from the usual cocktail fare.
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| Address: | 75 , Jalan Kuala Kangsar 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia |
| Operating hours: | Open Daily: 8 pm to 2 am |
| Contact details: | +60 19-727 6748 |
8. The Bund
The Bund in Georgetown offers a nostalgic Shanghainese era, combining a cosy, mafia-esque ambiance with a selection of affordable beverages. This small yet inviting spot is perfect for gatherings, offering a wide array of drinks without breaking the bank. The bar’s charm lies in its ability to transport patrons to a different era, all while ensuring a relaxed, enjoyable experience. Customers often leave satisfied, making The Bund a cherished spot for those seeking a blend of history and modern nightlife.
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| Address: | 117, Lebuh Noordin, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang |
| Operating hours: | Open Daily: 6 pm to 3 am |
| Contact details: | +6013 417 8777 |
9. Le 楽
Le transitions seamlessly from a daytime café serving toasts and light snacks to a relaxed, alcohol-infused evening hangout. It offers a more café-like atmosphere, devoid of loud music or pretense, focusing on creating a space for great friends and positive vibes. This humble establishment may be small in size, but it makes up for it with a big heart and a dedication to pleasing its patrons, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a low-key, friendly environment.
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| Address: | 33 , Jalan Gurdwara 10300 Georgetown Pulau Penang, Pinang George Town, Malaysia |
| Operating hours: | Open Daily: 8 pm to 3 am |
| Contact details: | +6010-380 6202 |
10. Kara Kara
Kara Kara excels in transitioning from a daytime café to a sophisticated speakeasy at night. The cocktail menu here is experimental, featuring a creative twist on spirits and presentation. One standout is the Barbella, a gin-based cocktail with a soothing light blue hue, thanks to the butterfly pea flower. Another highlight is Brazil 1985, a robust concoction of Plantation OFTD rum and Amaretto, promising a strong, memorable finish. This unique spot offers the perfect balance between your morning coffee and an evening cocktail indulgence.
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| Address: | 5B, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
| Operating hours: | Open Daily: 2 pm to 3 am |
| Contact details: | +60 17-270 6729 |
Penang’s hidden bars are a testament to the city’s vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. Each establishment, from the enigmatic 12 Senses to the understated elegance of Kara Kara, offers a unique experience that goes beyond just sipping on a cocktail. These speakeasies are not just places to drink; they are destinations where history, culture, and modern mixology meet.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, exploring these hidden gems is an adventure in itself, promising unforgettable nights filled with intriguing concoctions, atmospheric settings, and the joy of discovery.
So, next time you find yourself in Penang, remember to seek out these clandestine spots – they’re sure to add an extra layer of excitement to your Malaysian adventure.
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