Sweet dreams are made of this… And we mean it! Truth be told, we’re proud to say that Penang is home to the finest cocktails you can ever dream of. With a thriving nightlife that zings to life with exceptional bars and speakeasies – each unique in it’s own way, follow along with us as we take you on a fun after hours night out. Together, we’re unveiling 10 must-visit bars and speakeasies in Penang that promises a night to remember.
10 Must-Visit Bars & Speakeasy In Penang
1. Backdoor Bodega
There’s no place quite like this! On our list of the best bars in Penang is this spot that has been chosen as “the most elusive of George Town’s speakeasies” by Lonely Planet. Backdoor Bodega will enliven your nights with their ever-changing menu of specialty cocktails that are each served free with the purchase of a themed lapel pin. Famed as an overpriced “pin shop,” Backdoor Bodega was even the first Penang bar to be listed among 100 of Asia’s Best Bars by Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2022!
Backdoor Bodega
Address: 37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 8 pm – 1 am (Thursday to Monday), Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
2. No Bar Here
Look away, there’s no bar here. Kidding, we’re talking about No Bar Here; voted as Tatler’s Top 20 Best Bars in 2025. We’ve been here and we absolutely loved the chill vibes paired with soft hues lighting and nostalgic 80’s and 90’s music. It’s cozy, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day. You can tell the bartenders here are passionate about their craft, evident in their unique disco-inspired drinks like the Megumi Highball and Pink Hawaiian.
No Bar Here
Address: 25, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, Malaysia 10300
Operating Hours: 8pm till late
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
3. Manchu Bar
Exhilarating patrons with a vibrant red Chinese-themed interior, let’s paint the town red at Manchu Bar! With red lanterns, Oriental style furniture, red lights and red walls, have a sip on some of Manchu’s creative Classic and Imperial Cocktails. Cocktails like the Spring Ripple and Elixir Of Youth even come served in teapots to add to the fun. Also, can we talk about their latest Popcorn Pina Colada that’s uniquely exciting?
Manchu Bar
Address: 38 & 40, Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 7 pm – 3 am (Tuesday to Sunday), Closed on Mondays
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
4. Magazine 63
Let the good times roll at Magazine 63 next party animals! Widely known as Penang’s first premium speakeasy lounge bar, enjoy some live music performances here as you relax with a bubbly cocktail in hand. Exclusive cocktails like their Sultan Negroni, Dirty Martini, Apple Manhattan and The New Old Fashioned are not to be missed.
Magazine 63
Address: 63, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 8 pm – 2 am (Tuesday to Sunday)
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
5. Good Friends Club
“Good friends never bojio,” that’s Good Friends Club’s motto. Promising an uplifting nightlife experience, innovative local-inspired cocktails such as the Bakana, Milo, Penang Laksa Negroni, Syrup Limau and Smokey Chai will have you in delight. If you’re feeling hungry, make sure to order some Cheesy Fries that are extra yum!
Good Friends Club
Address: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 8 pm – 1 am (Sunday to Thursday), 8 pm – 2 am ( Friday & Saturday)
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
6. Kool Kongsi Listening Bar
Photo: @kool_kongsi(Instagram)
Ever wanna chill at a bar with some friends over drinks with amazing music in the background that still lets you enjoy a good conversation? Well, then head over to Kool Kongsi Listening Bar for their inventory of vinyl records is simply amazing. Feel free to order from their menu, or if you’re feeling indecisive, let the bartender curate a special drink for you. As its name suggests, Listening Bar kindly reminds you to keep conversations at a respectful volume so everyone can enjoy the awesome music lineup too.
Photo: @kool_kongsi(Instagram)
Photo: @kool_kongsi(Instagram)
Address: Level L, 61, Jalan Argyll, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 6pm-12am (Sunday-Thursday) | 6pm-2am (Friday & Saturday)
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
7. Beso Rosado by Chin Chin
As a restaurant/bar with a bright neon atmosphere, Mediterranean-inspired tapas and an exciting curation of cocktails are definite must-tries at Beso Rosado! Have a seat at their glamorous peachy pink bar and treat yourself to signatures like their Chiky Jack, L & S Martini, Yip Basil Smash and Purple Rain. We love the Cold Capellini, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Chorizo Croquette and Molten Tiramisu desserts here too!
Beso Rosado by Chin Chin
Address: 86, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 6 pm – 12 am (Tuesday to Friday)
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
8. Er Yi Tai
Filled with travellers, unforgettable stories and energy, Er Yi Tai is one of Penang’s most memorable cocktail bars. With a warm and inviting environment, live it up with a tall glass of their Secret Desire cocktail and some delicious Chicken Gyoza. It’s definitely a must-visit!
Er Yi Tai
Address: 56, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 5 pm – 12 am (Tuesday to Friday), 12 pm – 12 am (Saturday & Sunday), Closed on Mondays
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
9. Sphere Rooftop Bar
3, 2, 1… Blast off! With an unobstructed view of Penang’s city skylines, Sphere Rooftop Bar is definitely the perfect sun down spot for cocktails in a modern space-themed sanctuary. Did you know, it’s also the very first UFO-themed bar in Penang? We highly recommend giving their irresistible Counting Stars, Sphere’s Oddity and Fly Me To The Moon cocktails a try as you soak in the stunning Moon murals and spaceship setting.
Sphere Rooftop Bar
Address: 403, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 6 pm – 2 am (Monday to Sunday)
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
10. A S!P Bar
Nestled on the 6th floor of Juru Sentral, A S!P will have you awe-struck with their wide variety of handcrafted cocktails and specialty country grape wine. Savour your drinks together with some of their Italian delights amidst a scenic city view. Cheers!
A S!P Bar
Address: No.23-6th floor, Juru Sentral, Jalan Juru Sentral, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 4 pm – 2 am (Opens daily)
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
Raise Your Glass To Fun Times, Laughter & Good Vibes At These Bars In Penang
Whether you found yourself lost in the charm of a hidden speakeasy or dancing the night away in a lively bar with local-inspired cocktails, Penang’s bar scene definitely offers something exciting for every taste and mood. So, grab a vibrant cocktail, groove to the beat and keep the good times rolling adventurers!
READ MORE: 15 Best Supper Spots In Penang To Fix Your Midnight Cravings (2025 Edition)
