Best Bars in Kuala Lumpur 2022
Here we round up some of the best bars in Kuala Lumpur we’ve visited in 2022. That’s not to say there are not many more out there that we love. We had to limit the list in some way. Find a full list here and feel feel to drop your recommendations in the comment box below.
Best Bars in Kuala Lumpur 2022
Reasons to visit Cheong Somm: Meeting Alison Christ; the cool vibe in REX KL; not only access to but the expert guidance in biodynamic, natural, organic and sustainable wines; a great stop before or after having dinner in Chinatown; 15% discount on take-home bottles.
Reasons to visit Juliet Wine Bar:Â incredible natural wine selection; amazing food; as good for a date as an evening with friends; welcoming atmosphere and excellent service; unique approach to serving and sharing wine for anyone to enjoy.
Reasons to visit The Chamber Starhill: Extensive alcohol and cigar collection in the heart of retail Kuala Lumpur; enticing membership programme that rewards you the more you spend; appealing options for both private and corporate functions, such as the hire of their Mobile Chamber; dedicated and knowledgeable team to help you find the right bottle for the right occasion; food from neighbouring Tarbush and Shook! can also be enjoyed at The Chamber.
Reasons to visit Frank’s Bar: unique sound-aged liquors; incredible cocktail craftsmanship; well-curated menu; excellent food from Natalina’s; great service and ambience in a pleasant private space in the heart of KLCC.
Reasons to visit Jann: stylish bar with city views; creative cocktail menu with unique ingredients and inspired craftsmanship; five-star service; good choice of bar snacks, food and sharing platters.
Reasons to visit Brooklyn Bar KL: cuddly and clubby atmosphere; cool breeze and upstairs view; the feeling like you are at home before sunset and can take a quick nap on the couch before the party starts; the mix of different genre music beats, the mixologist wizard Danny who can make any drink of your choice on the spot plus anything off the menu to your liking. Lastly, for me, Ladies’ Night because you know I’ll be dropping like it’s hot on the dance floor.
Reasons to visit Benang The Second Chapter: classic speakeasy vibes; great for date night; generous Happy Hours; excellent signature cocktails and extensive spirits menu; delicious food that’s perfect for single servings as well as sharing.
Reasons to visit TAP TAP Hartamas: cool cave-like setting; fast service and affordable, consistently good cocktails.
Reasons to visit Terrazza KL: a rooftop bar that is just the right size – large enough to have several seating options but small enough to maintain intimacy and style; quality bar bites; tempting cocktails; great views; an energetic team.
Reasons to visit The Sticky Wicket: gastro pub food, creative cocktails, service with a smile and a good shake.
Reasons to visit Hybrid KL: Cosy and discreet vibe, an extensive selection of whisky and gin, excellent house-made tonic water, must-try the Negroni Sbagliato and Oligarch’s Black Russian.
The Rebel Penguin of Funky Town
Reasons to visit The Rebel Penguin of Funky Town: Somewhere over the Rainbow; Permanent Surprise; Intimate and retro setting that satisfies your 80s nostalgia; cool and quirky drinks that come in all shapes, sizes, and lighting configurations to fill up your Instagram feed and tummy.
Reasons to visit AlcoHall by Wholly Spirits: a talented team ready to recommend something to quench your immediate thirst or something to take home; good variety of beverages, even including keto-friendly options; Mon & I are fond of the fruity Kombucha Sangria, loved their Reverse Star Fruit Daiquiri, and very much enjoy the versatile White Lady.
Reasons to visit Haba Restaurant & Bar: great location for a swift lunch (great deals) or after-work drinks that quickly turn into an evening out; a pleasant neighbourhood strip in Bangsar; three Hours of Happy (5-8 pm)! with selected wines and highballs at RM 15 per glass and draft beer from RM11; don’t miss the Salmon Rolls and Chicken Gyoza, get a pitcher of Sakatini to share and give my fave Rumput Lemon a go on a hot afternoon.
Reasons to visit Penrose KL: Matthew, Jon and their passionate team have created something special. It is a pleasure to be in the heart of buzzing Chinatown and yet be transported to a calm, elegant and welcoming space that takes such pride in its refined offerings. The gents spoke about how after only three weeks in operation, they already have a group of steady regulars, and it’s not hard to see why. Add yourself to this equation as soon as you can. Matt loved the comfy bar stools and is still musing on the different banana tastes from the Rum Musa. Monica enjoyed the freshness of the Cherry Pop, while Rich and his fancy camera adored the thoughtful lighting of this intimate space.
Reasons to visit Panggung KL: bright, flashy setting; all of the cocktails are fun with some twist guaranteed to spark conversation; good food; great team.
Reasons to visit Moromi KL: infused sakes, spicy sashimi tartare, and a private lounge.
Reasons to visit Gekko Dining: the experience of being here has stayed with me for a while and for the reasons listed here, but I think that the main reason to visit is to experience the care taken by the team at Gekko Dining in all that they do. From the layout, furniture, soundtrack and lighting (not to mention the gorgeous moon-inspired stone circle on the wall), to the well-prepared and thought out items on the menu for both drinks and food, you will experience something special here, whatever the occasion. Matt is now an avid fan of a mangosteen Saketini, while Monica enjoyed the tea elements in the Old Fashioned. Gekko Dining may be relatively new, but word is spreading fast – make your reservation for an exceptional night out sooner rather than later.
Reasons to visit Kapitan Haus: the very newly rebranded kid on the block knows what it’s doing, and you will really enjoy all aspects of it – the well thought out space, cool design elements, adventurous cocktails and delicious dishes. Matt recommends the Petaling Street Sour and any food menu item with mushrooms involved. Monica was bopping along the whole time to the Kapitan’s cool beats. Rich was especially impressed with the crunch of the croquettes, and Monica thought the char siew filling was genius. Experience the story for yourself.
Reasons to visit Sip Society: upbeat, classy and fun setting; love the electro-swing playlist; great craft cocktails that are reasonably priced; ladies get a 20% discount on all bottle buys on Wednesday nights.
Reasons to visit The First Chapter Speakeasy: isn’t it always a thrill to find a new hidden bar? Well-balanced cocktails, fun and hospitable bar team, my love is for Ben’s Margarita, but if you have a sweeter tooth, you might enjoy the Regina George and Payasam. Eat the beef sliders. Fantastic happy hours!
Reasons to visit Baijiu KL: your tastebuds – and followers! – will thank you. It’s a feast for the senses, with a fusion of flavours and colours combining to add memorable moments to any evening out. The setting is delightful, particularly upstairs under the grand lampshade and out on the back deck watching the street art being enjoyed. Matt is still wondering if he can pretend the ingredients of the Bling Bling constitute a health regime and would never say no to another order of Siew Mai.
Reasons to visit The Crane KL: Friendly staff and owners, generous portions, cool vibe and music, great cocktails, cocktail flair, zodiac position education.
Reasons to visit BAC Bukit Damansara: a loud and raucous atmosphere bursting with personality; an intentional food menu that pairs with the drinks; cocktails crafted with intelligence and passion without being pedantic. Our fave highball is the Americano, and we love the Habibti Crumble and XXX from the food menu. To me, it’s the perfect blend of artisanal craftsmanship and a down and dirty bar vibe.
Reasons to visit Reka:Bar: Geeking out over the science behind great cocktail making! The Naughty Congee, Cloud & Clear and Drink Your Toast were utterly delicious, as were the Reka:Trout and Popcorn Chicken Wings. However, the talent, the passion and the inspired innovation will have us returning time and again.
Done a bit of barhopping yourself this year? What are your favourite cocktail bars in Kuala Lumpur for 2022?
Stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings around Malaysia here and here.
The drinks are all so well presented and the settings look lovely.
Those were the days when I used to hang around such places.
I always have cocktails in bars. These bars seems to have some good tasting ones!
Terrazza would definitely be my ticket with the beautiful cityscape that envelops you!