The capital of Sarawak is one of Asia’s most alluring cities; complete with fabulous food and a drinking scene with roaring potential. Kuching combines colonial charm with a deeply rooted sense of culture and it shows in its architecture, light traffic and lack of skyscrapers.
There are plenty of bars to check out in Kuching and you’ll be sorry if you didn’t at least try. From fun joints that serve up healthy doses of potent libations to restaurants armed with curated wine lists, here is our guide on 5 bars in Kuching.
1. 21 Bistro
21 Bistro is a gritty but lively bar-restaurant that’s perfect to unwind at, accompanied by a good selection of tipples and a live band to boot. The bar boasts a range of draught and bottled beers, wine, a home-brewed (lethal) rice wine known as ‘tuak’, and cocktails and the kitchen does a variety of fusion plates such as pasta, grilled meats and seafood. Their resident band—made up of a bunch of insanely talented Filipinos—injects a bit of atmosphere.
Address: 64, Jalan Padungan, Road, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 4PM – 2.30AM (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +60 10-969 2739
2. Beer Garden
Housed within a repurposed bungalow, Beer Garden offers a relaxing atmosphere that’s good for unwinding over a pint or two. The establishment is surrounded by lush greenery and might seem a little rough around the edges, but give their food a chance and you’ll be surprised. They do up a decent array of German dishes from sausages to schnitzels, perfect to pair with an ice-cold beer.
Address: 147, Jalan Song Thian Cheok, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Mon to Sat), 5PM – 12AM (Sun)
Contact: +60 10-977 0080
3. Drunk Monkey Old Street Bar
Nestled away in the iconic Carpenter Street, Drunk Monkey Old Street Bar is one of the city’s veteran watering holes, one that brings a taste of the urban hipster scene by means of its extensive drink selection and rustic look. The alfresco bar is widely patronised by local expats and backpackers alike, mostly because of their curated list of whiskies and beer. Hungry? You’re bound to find something on their menu that’ll tickle your fancy.
Address: 68, Carpenter St, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 2PM – 2AM (Daily)
Contact: 012-8558888
4. The Walk Star Bistro
Located just a street away from the busy waterfront, there’s not really a lot going on at this casual bistro in the day other than a handful of beer varieties and spirits to choose from, but it does serve as a decent spot to hole up in, enjoy a pint and perhaps even a meal when the sun’s up. When night comes though, watch as shots exit the bar by the dozens as this seemingly lifeless spot transforms a full 180 degrees.
Address: 22, Carpenter St, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 4PM – 1AM (Daily)
Contact: +60 82-240 760
5. ZINC Restaurant & Bar
Hailed as one of the best restaurants in Kuching, ZINC boasts a menu that focuses on quality European cuisine with a heavy emphasis on Spanish and French classics. Here is where you can chow down on tasty seafood paella, share tapas with friends and knock back a couple of bottles of wine too in the process. The bar offers a good range of tasty cocktails too if you’d prefer something with a little more attitude.
Address: 38, Tabuan Rd, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6PM – 12AM (Daily)
Contact: +60 19-467 4868
Read our guide to Malaysia’s nightlife.
No Comments