Given the rate at which numerous restaurants and bars come and go in Malaysia’s busy capital, the fact that there are a handful who enjoy longevity in the city’s ever-evolving landscape really does speak volumes about their respective qualities.
Here we list 10 notable bars in KL’s Bukit Bintang district, ranging from polished speakeasy-type bars, speciality gin joints to low-key whisky bars where only the true enthusiasts dare venture. Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife scene is booming, and we have these establishments to thank for.
1. Havana Bar & Grill – One of the most popular bars in Bukit Bintang
Nestled at the heart of bustling Changkat Bukit Bintang, long-standing and ever-popular Havana Bar & Grill is a Latin American-inspired restaurant, bar and nightclub that has been winning expatriates over for >20 years.
All who step foot inside find it hard to leave, whether it’s due to the influence of their signature mojitos—these suckers pack a punch—their vibrant Cuban hacienda-style furnishing which comes accented with lots of lush, leafy elements or the club’s salsa music.
Address: Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 3PM – 3AM (Mon to Thu), 1PM – 3AM (Fri to Sun)
Contact: +60 3-2142 7170
2. Heli Lounge Bar – Enjoy drinks on an actual helicopter landing pad
Sipping on cocktails with your mates on an actual helipad towering over the city might seem like a far stretch for the imagination. But in KL’s Heli Lounge Bar, it’s very possible. Unlike many themed bars that adopt the look and feel of a particular concept, Heli Lounge Bar actually operates as a fully-functional helicopter landing pad.
By day, helicopters do land there but by night, the pad is converted into a bar—which explains the rooftop bar’s uncomplicated layout and easily-transportable decor. Drinks-wise, the selection is pretty standard but very affordable.
Address: 34 Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50450, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 12AM (Sun to Wed), 5PM – 1AM (Thu), 5PM – 2AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +60 3-2110 5034
3. The Rabbit Hole – 6 concepts inspired by Alice In Wonderland
The Rabbit Hole KL was inspired and designed to emulate well-known fantasy narratives of Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia. This whimsical multi-faceted bar embodies six unique concept environments within a three-storey pre-colonial building. It is strategically located along the infamous street of Changkat Bukit Bintang—previously where French restaurant Le Bouchon and nightclub Envy once stood.
Whether you’re looking to turn up on a pulsating dance floor, sip on a cocktail and ponder about life or listen to live bands, The Rabbit Hole has it all. Wherever you wander, one thing’s for certain. The alcoholic beverages on offer are plenty.
Address: 16, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 4PM – 2AM (Sun to Wed), 4PM – 3AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +60 10-899 3535
4. No Black Tie (TEMPORARILY CLOSED) – KL’s leading jazz bar
If live music—more specifically jazz—is what you’re after, look no further than to No Black Tie. As KL’s leading jazz bar, this sleek, contemporary venue hosts some of the region’s most established musicians. Having been around for close to over two decades now, this restaurant-bar is considered an institution in the city.
Uncompromising in its acoustics and sound quality, No Black Tie boasts a reputation for being the most sought-after venue for up-coming as well as established musicians. The restaurant marries dining and entertainment beautifully, leaning toward French and Japanese-inspired plates and drinks in the form of fine wines and a small but substantial selection of signature cocktails.
Address: 17, Jalan Mesui, off, Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6PM – 1AM (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mondays
Contact: +60 3-2142 3737
5. Old Shanghai – Oriental-themed bar with an excellent F&B programme
Inspired by 1920s Shanghai, Old Shangghai (previously called Opium KL) is widely known among revellers as one of the coolest spots in town for Asian dishes and folklore-inspired cocktails. The bar’s decor is something to admire, elegantly decked out in an oriental chic, illustrating scenes from actual opium dens of old, but its elusive decor comes only second to their elaborate list of cocktails and food. Time-washed classics see intricate revamps centred around local ingredients and Chinese cultures such as their signature, Consort Yang and the Assam Laksa.
Address: 50, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12PM – 2.30PM, 5PM – 1AM (Mon to Sat), 5PM – 1AM (Sun)
Contact: +60 12-526 1335
6. Pahit – A gin specialist bar hidden in a shabby old house
A place where gin enthusiasts gather, Pahit is one of KL’s few speciality bars that focuses primarily solely on gin. In terms of the bar’s aesthetic, it’s not much to look at. It adopts a rustic and laid-back 1920s look, very unlike your typical elaborately fashioned gin joint. Which is perhaps a good thing, seeing as to how it allows their gin-based drinks to better stand out.
If you’re mad about gin, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The bar curates a vast selection of gin from around the world, with each performing different roles in a variety of drinks. If it’s your first time, you probably won’t go wrong ordering one of their signature gin & tonics.
Address: 3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mondays
Contact: +60 3-2110 0776
7. Pisco Bar – A hot spot for KL’s expatriates
Recognised as one of the most action-packed nightspots in the whole of the Bukit Bintang nightlife circuit, Pisco Bar often sees a multitude of expatriates and hip locals who gather there, looking for nothing short of pure revelry. The bar adopts an industrial-chic and is fashioned with plenty of pop culture elements. Prime your senses with their array of delicious cocktails before unleashing your moves on the dance floor.
Address: 29, Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Tue, Thu & Sun), 5PM – 2AM (Wed), 5PM – 3AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +60 3-2142 2900
8. The Swimming Club – This rooftop pool bar oozes major Bali vibes
The perfect destination for lazy afternoons and sunset vibes by the poolside away from the hustle and bustle of Bukit Bintang’s busy eateries and bars, The Swimming Club is an eclectic pool bar perched on the 11th floor of boutique hotel, KL Journal hotel, that’ll allow you experience a beachside oasis right in the middle of it all. Exuding major Bali vibes, the bar is decked out in vibrant eclectic colours, and comprises four spaces—the bar, dining area, terraced deck and mezzanine area—and boasts an impressive array of beach club-like tropical drinks and grub.
Address: Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12PM – 12AM (Daily)
Contact: +60 3-2110 2211
9. The Whisky Bar KL – More than 800 curated bottles
The Whisky Bar KL may seem small in size but that’s far from the case as far as their list of curated whiskies go. The bar houses ~800 whisky labels from around the world, featuring Scotch, Irish whiskies, Japanese whiskies and more.
Stepping into this swanky, gentleman’s lounge, you’ll find it hard to resist the allure of plush leather couches, flanked by seemingly endless rows of glass cabinets filled with whisky bottles. Don’t be intimidated by its sheer collection though, what we appreciate is the bar’s expertise in easing drinkers of varying expertise into the realm of whisky by means of tasting flights that give anyone—novice to enthusiasts—a good grasp of how to appreciate, let alone, differentiate the dizzying varieties of whiskies.
Read: Here are 5 common types of whisky to know & love.
Address: 46, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Sun to Thu), 5PM – 2AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +60 3-2143 2268
Read our guide to KL’s speakeasy bars.
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