You might not know this, but beer licensing is a tricky issue in the capital of Malaysia. Currently, only three companies have licenses to brew beer! Of these three, two are Heineken and Carlsberg. It’s no wonder some beer connoisseurs have said that Kuala Lumpur is lagging in the craft beer scene.
That said, with a little grit and perseverance, you just might still be lucky enough to land yourself in craft beer paradise in KL. Here is a guide to 5 craft beer bars in the bustling Malaysian city to drink yourself silly.
1. Ales & Lagers
Hidden along the obscure Solaris Dutamas lane, Ales & Lagers is a dignified craft beer shop that might not look like much if you compare it to many of its more stylishly furbished counterparts on this list, but if you focus solely on the craft beers they import, you’ll be more than impressed.
Carrying just shy of a hundred varieties of craft beer, the aim here is to educate anyone and everyone from novice beer drinkers to seasoned veterans so don’t be afraid to ask questions to which owner, Kennhyn will gladly oblige. Patrons can either opt to take away their bottles or savour them on the spot.
Address: Publika Shopping Gallery, D5-G4-3, No 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 3PM – 10PM (Daily)
Contact: +60 3-6419 0328
2. Beer Bank
Located behind a supermarket, Beer Bank astounds with its dizzying array of craft beers numbering close to a hundred. This craft beer joint is somewhat hidden so a bit of persistence and perseverance is necessary.
Once inside, refer to their massive fridge and take your pick. Drink your way through a myriad of different expressions from Germany and Belgium to America and Japan.
Address: Wisma Lim Foo Yoong, 86, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12PM – 2AM (Mon to Sat), 12PM – 12AM (Sun)
Contact: +60 16-218 9218
3. PAUS
One of KL’s more recent craft beer shop openings, PAUS is a great place for beer-lovers to congregate over tasty brews and quality conversations—paus not included. Their range of beer is carefully selected by the owners themselves, making sure to strike out all types from your humble lagers and pilsners to German wheat beer, porter stout, IPAs, fruity ciders and so on.
To help with the decision making, the bar also has in place a system that helps track the beers you’ve tried so that you can filter out the ones you liked or try a completely new one on subsequent visits.
Address: 42a, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 12AM (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +60 3-7731 8006
4. Taps Beer Bar (Plaza Arkadia)
Boasting an impeccable range of craft beer and fairly decent entertainment in the form of live acoustic numbers that play on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, Taps Beer Bar has more or less everything a beer drinker could want on lock.
Its outlet over at Plaza Arkadia might be a little far off compared to its former, now defunct outlet, but it does have its merits. That is, a much bigger space appropriate for family gatherings. They have close to 30 craft beers on tap and many more bottled varieties. For kids, they can order the bar’s luscious and caramel-covered Butter Beer.
Address: F-G-1, Plaza Arkadia, No. 3 Jalan Intisari Perdana, Desa Parkcity, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 4PM – 12AM (Tue to Fri), 12PM – 12AM (Sat & Sun), Closed on Mondays
Contact: +60 3-6411 8840
5. The Great Beer Bar
Owned by the same fellow behind Ales & Lagers, The Great Beer Bar is everything you’d want in a craft beer joint. It’s cosy, casual and fitted with enough beer varieties to keep guests excited. In their beer fridges, you’ll find familiar bottles such as Arrogant Bastard Ale, BrewDog, The Wild Beer Co, Stone Brewing Co. and Hitachino Nest Beer—just to name a few. But you’re lucky you just might find something interesting.
Address: 86, Jalan SS 21/62, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 3PM – 12AM (Daily)
Contact: +60 16-391 9301
Read our guide to the best bars in Bukit Bintang.
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