Contrary to what you may think about Ipoh, there is in fact more than hor fun in this little city in northwestern Malaysia. You might find it hard to believe but the bar scene has grown quite significantly in Ipoh over the past few years with many speakeasy-type bars and gastro pubs sprouting out in and around the city.
Lining up a list of activities to do for your upcoming trip to the capital city of Perak? Be sure to squeeze in one (or a few) of these hidden bars in your list.
1. Atas Speakeasy – Ipoh’s first authentic speakeasy
One of Ipoh’s fast-emerging speakeasies, Atas Speakeasy is a bar housed above an unassuming shophouse that oozes chill and homey vibes. Contrary to its casual appeal—that’ll inevitably remind you of your very own living room—, the bar is home to an experienced team of mixologists who serve remarkable handcrafted cocktails.
Address: 183a, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6PM – 1AM (Sun to Thu), 6PM – 2AM (Fri & Sat), Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: +60 12-778 7365
2. Bricks & Barrels – Chill bar with beer and live music
If an ice-cold beer, live music and the promise of a solid night out is what you’re after, many locals will point you in the direction of Bricks & Barrels. Boasting a decent array of drinks and pub-style nosh, this open-faced, alfresco concept bar serves as a relaxing hangout spot to mingle and possibly dance (or drink) your worries away.
Address: 28-30, Jalan Lau Ek Ching, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 4PM – 2AM (Sun to Thu), 4PM – 3AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +60 5-253 8558
3. Jeff’s Cellar – Sip on fine wines in a natural limestone cave
Rated as one of Ipoh’s most magnificent bars, this exclusive wine bar offers a truly one-of-a-kind wining and dining experience. Housed inside a huge natural limestone cave, the bar curates a wide range of natural, premium as well as rare wines, all to be slowly enjoyed as you marvel at the intimate cave interiors and stunning natural water features.
Address: 1, Persiaran Lagoon, Sunway 3, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6PM – 11PM (Daily)
Contact: +60 5-210 7777
4. La Rouge Cocktail Bar – Located inside Palm Hotel
A fairly recent entrant in Ipoh’s emerging libations scene, having only been established in 2017, La Rouge Cocktail Bar impresses with its fine array of original cocktails that are entirely handmade using a special brand of mixology by the hands of owner, Johnny Liew. Located on the lobby level of Palm Hotel, the bar has all the trimmings of a prohibition-era speakeasy—long wooden bar, dim lights and plush leather seats.
Address: 3, Persiaran Menglembu Suria, Pusat Perniagaan Menglembu, Suria, 30200 Menglembu, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6.30PM – 12AM (Tue to Thu), 6.30PM – 1AM (Fri & Sat), Closed on Mondays & Sundays
Contact: +60 5-281 0998
5. She said 皇上吉祥 – Ancient Chinese-themed lounge
Boasting ornaments and props hailing from the Chinese dynasty era, this quirky speakeasy in Ipoh Old Street will have you feeling as though you were part of some period drama—think, red paper lanterns, government official robes and ancient scrolls.
The bar’s aesthetic is on point and the drinks, even more so. Albeit unorthodox, expect cocktails that comprise ingredients like tofu and pipagao.
Address: First Floor, 124A, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7PM – 12AM (Mon), 12PM – 3PM, 7PM – 3AM (Thu), 7PM – 3AM (Fri to Sun), Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Contact: +60 12-591 9821
6. The Deck Gastrobar (WEIL Hotel) – Stunning rooftop bar
A delightful fusion between Eastern and Western flavours, this rooftop bar perched on the top floor of WEIL Hotel knocks it out of the ballpark in almost every aspect from its array of fusion bar bites, drinks and ambience. Savour the bar’s range of unique drinks, exotic gin collection or opt for a beer, regardless of what you opt to have, it’ll only come second to the rooftop bar’s impressive view.
Address: 13 floor, 292, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 12AM (Sun to Thu), 5PM – 2AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +60(5) 208 2228
7. Tiga Bar – Cocktails concocted with local Malaysian ingredients
A hidden gem situated within an old vintage building in Ipoh’s Old Town, Tiga Bar sports rustic industrial chic vibes, evoking the old-world charm synonymous with the historical precinct. The bar houses an interesting range of cocktails, a lively and friendly crew and enough good vibes to have you feeling jolly all the way until closing.
Address: 35, Market Ln, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Sun to Thu), 6PM – 2AM (Fri), 6PM – 3AM (Sat), Closed on Mondays
Contact: +60 19-906 8682
Read our guide to Malaysia’s nightlife.
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