Singaporeans are known to travel across the Malaysia–Singapore border into Johor Bahru for massages and lok lok. But there is more to the Malaysian city than meets the eye. When you’re finally done with cafe hopping and kneading your tensed muscles at your favourite JB massage parlour, do explore Johor Bahru at night and check out its selection of bars.
From romantic lounges to specialty cocktail speakeasies, we’ve compiled a list of 7 drinking dens so that you can get your alcohol fix at the coolest spots.
1. Brooos & Co
Source: Brooos & Co
Open daily from 12pm to midnight, Brooos & Co offers a cozy cafe vibe by day and a vibrant bar scene by night. Enjoy an intriguing selection of cocktails on tap, with prices ranging from RM20 to RM30. Try the Like Their Bossy (RM20), a whisky-based cocktail infused with oolong, elderflower, and lemon, or the ABC Wanna-be (RM30), a tropical rum concoction featuring jackfruit and pineapple.
Address: 18, Jalan Sri Pelangi 4, Taman Pelangi, johor, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 80400
Contact: +60 12-240 6442
2. Cabinet 8 by JWC
Source: Cabinet 8 by JWC
Cabinet 8 concocts stylish cocktails that are well-balanced and highly Instagrammable. The perfect hideout away from the hustle and bustle of life; drop by for a tipple or two after a long day at work.
Head mixologist Justin Tay of JWC’s range of cocktail bars has achieved the standard of WSET Level 2 on spirits back in 2018 – you can expect nothing less than extraordinary from the wide range of cocktails available at the bar!
Address: 65, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 13-234 1018
3. Chaos Natural Wine Bar
Source: Chaos Natural Wine Bar
Reserve your spot at Chaos Natural Wine Bar by sliding into their DMs and get ready for a night filled with natural wines, handmade pasta, and amazing vibes. With regular pop-ups and tasting events, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. And the service? Just as fantastic as the food and drinks, ensuring you’re well taken care of from start to finish.
Not sure what to start with? Go for the Beef Ragu and Burnt Cabbage—then let the friendly team suggest the perfect red or white wine for you (from 45RM per glass).
Address: 73, Jalan Kemuning, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
4. Haiiro Usagi
Tucked away along the stretch of Jalan Maju is a discreet watering hole only recognisable by the “75A” sign above a nondescript metal door. Haiiro Usagi encapsulates the essence of the “prohibited” chamber of Forbidden City with its neon aesthetics flushed against the grey walls and with traces of Chinese and Japanese elements.
Some of the highly recommended drinks are “Earl”Mazing – an earl grey steeped gin cocktail mixed with orange liqueur salted milk foam and Fifty Shades of Haiiro, dubbed an ingenious concoction – combining vodka, rose tea, cacao and charcoal cream which is topped off with beautiful French petals.
Address: No. 75A, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, Johor Bahru
Contact: +60 7-336 0209
5. Shui
Source: Shui
Shui is tucked away on the third floor of a shophouse, and true to its speakeasy style, it’s a gem you’ll have to discover for yourself—especially with no sign to guide you. The bar’s sleek, futuristic, laboratory-like ambiance, paired with techno beats and an impressive range of eye-catching clarified cocktails, makes it a must-visit in Johor Bahru.
A true enthusiast of clarified cocktails, Pow takes pride in the meticulous clarification processes that takes drinks to the next level—stripping away impurities for a crystal-clear, smooth texture while intensifying flavours. His love for this craft also inspired the bar’s name—Shui, which means water in Chinese.
Address: 25-03, Jalan Sri Pelangi 3, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru 80400
6. Whisky House Johor Bahru
Source: Whisky House Johor Bahru
Whisky House is Asia Pacific’s first whiskey ambassador’s bar. The bar offers an impressive selection of over 300 whisky and cocktails, making it an easily accessible drinking paradise.
On Thursdays, treat yourselves to a customisable whisky flight (RM 68++ for a flight of 3, RM 88++ for a flight of 4 and RM 108++ for a flight of 5; 15ml/ serving note). From Blended Whisky, Speyside Whisky to Japanese Whisky, you can choose to sample from 30 different types of whisky. Not to worry if whisky is not your preferred drink, as the bar also serves cocktails and ice-cold beers.
A tantalising food menu which serves mains such as Baby Lamb Rack & Chorizo Sausage with Pesto Sauce (RM 42.90++) and Fresh Seafood Spaghetti (RM 28.90++) would be ideal to line your stomach before a big night.
Address: Jalan Molek 1/27 Taman Molek, Johor Bahru
Contact: +60 154-876 6666
7. Vigneto Wine & Dine
Surrounded by gorgeous Hemingway-type decor, Vigneto Wine & Dine drives splendour and awe to all who pass through its doors. With an all-night menu and a special focus on fine wine and cocktails, this bar promises a multi-sensory experience to remember—fuelled with elegant fine dining and expertly crafted cocktails.
Address: 106, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 7-562 4488
Read our guide to Johor Bahru’s supper spots.
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