5 Best Hidden Bars in KL
Ever think of bars and the usual loud music and crowded dance floors? Fear not, Kuala Lumpur is full of great bars of all kinds hidden all over the place. If you’re interested in trying something new, here are 5 of the best hidden gems that are well worth your while.
During the day, it’s just an ordinary helipad — one of only five in the city. But at night, the place transforms into one of the city’s hottest hidden bars. Just below it is a lounge with a quirky aviation theme — aircraft propellers on the walls, a DJ console made from Boeing 747 turbines, and stark black and white tiles on the floor.
Once you reach the lounge, just go up the stairs and you will reach the rooftop bar. You can get some of the most stunning skyline views of Kuala Lumpur — especially if you arrive early enough to catch the sunset. Be sure to bring your camera!
2.PS150
PS150 is an atmospheric cocktail bar located in Chinatown. Today, it’s divided into three sections: the retro-inspired Opium Den, with intimate booths perfect for date nights; the outdoor courtyard, known as a tiki or post-war space, perfect for larger groups; and finally the main bar area — a dark A place of romance, where magic unfolds. In keeping with its location, Far Eastern accents animate the bar as the interior is designed to take us back to a darker but more exciting era in the city’s history.
PS150’s cocktails take on a bold Southeast Asian twist, using ingredients unique to all parts of the world. There is also a selection of spirits and liqueurs. Walking into the store is like stepping back in time. The cocktail list is divided into five different eras: Vintage (1850s to 1910s), Classic (1920s to 1930s), Tiki (1940s to 1960s), Disco (1970s to 2000s) and Contemporary (2000s end of the century to the present).
3.The Vault
Step into The Vault for an evening of joyful and unbridled. This cozy little speakeasy offers a wide range of specialty cocktails to satisfy even the most discerning clientele. This bar evokes the spirit of the Prohibition era, with charming bartenders and soothing music ranging from jazz swing to house.
Note that The Vault’s dress code is Smart Casual, so don’t forget to take off the flip-flops but put on nicer clothes before entering.
4.Omakase + Appreciate
Tucked away in Kuala Lumpur’s arts district, Omakase + Appreciate is an eclectic concept bar that brings together the best of the elements for balance. This small bar combines Japanese and Western bar service styles to make the perfect drink you’ll love every time.
Owners Shawn Chong and Karl Too are award-winning mixologists who never stop experimenting, fusing new styles and ingredients together to create something unique and original. Becsuse of the top-notch cocktails and a cozy atmosphere, it’s no wonder Omakase + Appreciate was named to Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2016 and 2017.
5.No Black Tie
Walking into No Black Tie for the first time is almost like an initiation into a very exclusive fraternity that embodies the artistic soul and essence of Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1998 by Sarawak-born American-trained classical pianist Evelyn Hii, No Black Tie is more than just any bar — it’s Kuala Lumpur’s Premier Jazz Club and Gastro-Bar.
With unparalleled acoustics, NBT’s stage has witnessed top-notch Malaysian and international performances of jazz, classical, blues, folk or spoken word. Walk through the door to discover food, wine, and even better, live music.