The notion of a pub crawl just got more interesting with these fantastic bars located in unassuming nooks and crannies in the city of Kuala Lumpur. Join us in seeking out these places that are worth getting a little lost for!

1. PS150

As one of the first speakeasy bars in KL, the PS150 is legendary for kickstarting the hidden bar allure in the city. Paying homage to Prohibition-era dens, the PS150 has arguably one of the most historical locations of all the bars, located in a pre-war building that was a brothel in its heyday. While most may simply walk past the tiny retro toy shop that disguises its entrance, simply remember the coded name for its location: Petaling Street lot #150. Its cocktail menu consists of drinks popular by era, with a twist of local flavouring. Divided into three different areas, from pre-Prohibition to the contemporary Revival to highlight its history, enjoy a themed tipple in the mysterious Opium Den, the breezy Outdoor Courtyard, and the dazzling Main Bar.

Location: PS150, Ground Floor, 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-7622 8777
Opening hours: 6pm – 2am (Tuesdays to Saturdays), 6pm – 1am (Sundays and Mondays)

2. The Deceased

Summon Southeast Asian spirits at this devilishly decorated bar! Revel in horrific kitsch deco of Indo Chinese mythology and sip on drinks inspired by some of the most fearsome creatures birthed from superstition this side of the world. Acquire the passcode for entry from their Facebook page, and settle into a pub with an ironic history of being an apothecary prior to being abandoned and refurbished as a death-themed bar. With cocktails themed after local death dealers and old wives tales such as Dukun, a Malaysian murderer, Petty Person Beating, after the curse work used to inflict pain on enemies, the fun never stops, even by the gates of Hell! Look for a fairly clean blue door for entry.

Location: The Deceased, 55, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2715-7492
Opening hours: 6.30pm – 2am (Wednesdays to Mondays), closed on Tuesdays

3. Suzie Wong

Set in the glitzy era of when the Chinese Dynasty and British Empire still were finding amicable ways to co-exist, Suzie Wong’s is a proper vintage treat. Tucked away behind a mall, look out for a fantastically traditional noodle hawker stall selling noodles and dim sum, and ask your way into this hidden wonder of cocktails and cabaret performances. Based on a story of the eponymous Hong Kong high-end prostitute who fell in love with a British client, the romantic ambience combined with a naughty feature of a Hennessy pong table (substitute of meagre beer), and burlesque shows on Mondays and Tuesdays offer a step back into a time where even Gatsby himself would feel right at home.

Location: Suzie Wong KL, Wisma Lim Foo Yong, 86 Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur 50450, Malaysia
Tel: +6 017 226 6480
Opening hours: 4pm – 3am (Mondays to Fridays), 6pm – 3am (Saturdays), closed on Sundays

4. Flying Monkeys

Taking a cue from the fantastic world of The Wizard of Oz, the Flying Monkeys Bar KL is practically brand new to the Kuala Lumpur bar scene, but has plenty to offer. As the third outlet to be unveiled by the team behind Yellow Brick Road and Wizards at Tribeca, there is no doubt that the menu offered here is as imaginative as the story they draw upon. Try out the Elphaba’s Brew,a blend of Tanqueray 10 Gin and NikoNeko matcha, presented as a green concoction in an old fashioned glass, or the Wizard Butterbeer, a 10-year old Laphroaig, Guinness, and homemade ginger syrup to hit you right in the Harry Potter fandom.

Tipsy Free non-alcoholic mocktails and large servings of bar snacks are also available to keep your night out on the town full of genuine fun! Be sure to spot the three monkeys painted by our March 2019 edition of The Expat’s featured artist, SillyJellie!

Location: Flying Monkeys Bar KL, 8th Floor, Tribeca, 215 Jalan Imbi, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +6 03 2713 1630
Opening hours: 5pm – 1am (Tuesdays to Thursdays), 5pm – 2am (Fridays and Saturdays), closed on Sundays

5. Omakase + Appreciate

Repeatedly crowned as Asia’s Top 10 Bars of The Year, this fusion of two bars into one tiny space offers a beautiful, tailor-made cocktail experience. As ‘omakase’ terms the art of chef selecting the ingredients for you based on emotional and energetic connection, this bar is definitely one not to miss. A true hidden bar, you will have to give in to the little rebel ignoring the ‘No Admittance’ sign by its plain doors and head right into a wondrous quaint bar.

There is a set menu displaying the selections of a master bartender, but the ‘omakase’ experience of having a custom cocktail made just for you is also not to be missed. Taking on the expertise as fine as a sushi chef, enjoy a show of concoction mastery tailored to you!

Location: Omakase + Appreciate, Basement Level, Bangunan Ming Annexe, 9, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2022 2238
Opening hours: 6pm – 1am (Tuesdays to Fridays), 9pm – 1am (Saturdays), closed on Sundays