If you haven’t tried any of the bars in Penang, then you have not trully experienced nightlife. Penang is an island, of course night time would be really happening especially when bars in Penang are mushrooming recently. Too many choices and don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. These places may be really tricky and hard to find (that’s why it’s called hidden), but it’s like treasure hunt, very rewarding. So here are the 10 New Speakeasy&Hidden Bars in Penang that we would recommend to you Foodies. (Ps: Stick till the end we have a little surprise for you)
Where Bar Hopping Begins:
1. Golden Shower by Chin Chin
Have a drink over a pink, gold plated fancy pants place? Every girl’s dream. Sister to the ever famous Chin Chin Gastropub, Golden Shower offers a more welcoming vibe with its pink, gold and white interior. Different from bars, Golden Shower is a fine dining place that specializes in small plates. Pair your main with a glass of wine or cocktail for that everlasting flavors. The place has an open kitchen concept so you get to see the chefs in action. We heard this place is popular so be sure to make your reservations beforehand.
Address: 86, Lebuh Bishop 10200 Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hour: 5.30pm-2am (Closed on Monday)
More details HERE
2. 12 Senses
12 Senses is yet another Chinese inspired bar where the entrance requires a little brain to figure out. For those of you who couldn’t, we’re here to break the code for you. Simply push the lever on the Wing Chun dummy and the door would slide open. As in which lever, it’s up to you guys to find out. We heard it’s very happening each night over here at 12 senses, the bartenders are all well-equipped with knowledge and skills. If you want to see them live in action, hop over to the bar and ask them to craft your favourite cocktail.
Address: 12, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 Penang
Operating Hour: 4pm-2am (Closed on Sunday)
More Details HERE
3. Secret Door
Thought bar hopping is easy like anywhere else where you just walk in and order a few cocktails? Bars in Penang tend to make things hard for you guys to appreciate their effort, just like Secret Door. Living up to its name, entering the bar requires a secret code. You have to punch in the code at the door in order to gain access, if you failed, sorry better luck next time. But don’t worry there’s a clue located right beside for you and you can always ask your friends who’ve been there for the code. Do not give up so easily because all the hard work will pay off once you enter. Secret Door is beautifully decorated and there’s even life jam for you to enjoy.
Address: 211, Lebuh Carnavon, 10100 Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hour: 6pm-2am
More details HERE
4. Out of nowhere
This place lives up to its name, it’s even harder to find as compared to other bars in Penang. Who knew the entrance would be an orange fridge from a cafe? By day the café serves up freshly brewed coffee, by nightfall the hidden bar opens up to serve some mean cocktails.This time around, the bar is futuristic yet humbly designed. Their menus are different from the plain o’ Bloody Mary or Margarita, head over there to find out why. If you feel that their menu lacks of booze, simply customize yours at the counter, they’re experts.
Address: 75, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, 10100 Penang.
Operating Hour: 6pm-1am (Closed on Sunday)
More details HERE
5. 天下第一客栈 Magazine 63 Penang
Probably one of the first few hidden bars in Penang with a heavy influence of Chinese concept, Magazine 63 is hidden at Magazine Road with no obvious signage but a small white flag that says “alcohol” in Chinese. From the outside, the building itself looks really run down and abandoned, but don’t be fooled because it’s a hidden Chinese Pearl. Servers are all dressed in traditional Chinese costume and drink directly from bowls, where alcohol is poured out from special containers. You get to experience how a true Chinese drinks just like those you see in Chinese dramas.
Address: 63, Jalan Magazine, 10300 Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hour: 8pm-3am
More Details HERE
6. The Bund 上海滩
Penang seems to love the older Chinese days that they have so many bars reminiscing it? This time it’s the Shanghainese era where mafias and money were all about. Tucked in the center of Georgetown, The Bund might be small but cozy, surrounded by good music. Selection of beverages are wide and on top of that, prices aren’t cut throat. So if you’re looking for a good place to gather and have a few glasses, The Bund is the right choice. Most of the customers are happy with what they have on their sleeves.
Address: 117, Noordin Street, 10300 Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hour: 6pm-3am
7. Le楽
By day Le is a cafe serving toasts, beverages and light snacks. By dawn, Le still serves all these but added with alcohol and a lot more good vibes. This place is more of a cafe type than bar, no loud music, no unpretentious human beings, just great friends with great vibes. The place is small but their hearts are big, humbly serving their best to see smiles on their customers.
Address: 33, Jalan Gurdwara 10300 Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hour: Morning 10am-6pm / Night 8pm-1am (Closed on Wednesday)
More Details HERE
8. Norm / Noct
This is no hidden, in fact we fell in love with this place again and again. Tucked in the corner of The Saw Emporium Penang is Norm, a quaint and cosy little haven. Norm serves speciality coffee, tea, cocktails, as well as delicious signature waffles and tiramisu. At dusk, see this corner transforms into Noct, an after-dark concept featuring an alternate beverage and dining selection. Baristas turn into bartenders as they serve signature cocktails and desserts with a boozy kick.
Address: Norm, 1, Gat Lebuh Macullum, 10300 Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hour: 9am – 12am
More Details HERE
9. Good Friends Club 好友俱乐部
Good Friends Club opens its door after sunset at Gurdwara Street, their neon pink store name is definitely easy to spot. They aim to create a network that better portrays the island with a creative touch of design towards nostalgia and the playfulness of contemporary art space. Their special cocktails have a special localized name, such as “Lao Hao Peng” and “Pat Poh Peng”. Besides, they also serve chilled beer, snacks and other variety of alcohol. Good Friends Club is a place to reminisce the past and to emphasize the importance of friendships.
Address: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, (Hin Bus Art Depot) Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hour: 7pm-1am (Closed on Tuesday)
More Details HERE
10. Room 495
“Hidden, not speakeasy” according to their description. Yes this is yet another hidden bar in Penang located behind Wassup Hotel. This might sound like any other hidden bars, but believe us every bar has their own essence, so is Room 495. The ambiance is cozy, staffs are professional, and a place could pack a bunch of family and friends. This bar leans more towards the cozy side rather than young and fun. We heard the lady boss over there is really pretty (eherm).
Address: 495, Jalan Penang 10000 Georgetown, Penang. (at the back of Wassup hotel, next to Komtar Walk open carpark)
Operating Hour: Mon-Thu 7pm-1am /Fri & Sat 8pm-3am (Closed on Sunday)
More Details HERE
BONUS:
Manchu 满族
You guys must be thinking Penang has more than enough Chinese inspired bar, nope we have Manchu which sets itself apart from others. That’s why it’s a bonus for you foodies. Manchu resembles the Jin Dynasty where Manchurians once ruled the kingdom and were nobles. Step into this Manchurian-inspired bar, your heart will feel a little heavy, maybe due to the settings which is like a walk down the memory lane. Different from other bars who have live bands, Manchu has Chinese Operas. They take their culture seriously.
Full Video Here:
