Before we go into our main topic today, let us ask you a question. Do you know what’s George Town Festival? Happening from 4th of August to 2nd of September, we let you do the rest of the research. So in conjunction with the mega event’s 9th Anniversary, we’re collaborating with Georgetown Festival. Now you know why the number 9. There’ll be more coming, this 9 speakeasy bar in Penang is the first to go!
1. Golden Shower by Chin Chin
If you have not heard of Golden Shower or seen elegant pink photos on Instagram, you’re truly missing out. Every detail of Golden Shower screams fancy, just like the name. The entrance is a luxury 24-karat gold bathroom, no joke. Walk in to be greeted by the elegant pink interior, ladies will scream. Golden Shower is a fine dining place, they’ve recently introduced omakase. Different from other speakeasy bars in Penang, this is truly the atas version with no quirky, confusing drinks, just good liquor.
Address: 86 Lebuh Bishop,Penang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m. (Closed on Monday)
Related: 10 New Speakeasy & Hidden Bars in Penang
2. Magazine 63 天下第一客棧
The “first generation” of speakeasy bar in Penang, Magazine 63 is really hidden in the corner of Magazine road. Find your way in and you’ll be blown by the setting. The ambiance resembles the past of China, more like 80s but with a touch of modernism. Servers are all dressed in traditional Chinese costume. Guess what, you drink directly from bowls, where alcohol is poured out from special containers. This is how Chinese men drink in the past, now you get to experience it yourself.
Address: No. 63 Jalan Magazine, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (Daily)
3. Manchu
Another Chinese vibe speakeasy bar in Penang, Manchu is something interesting. Apart from being a Manchurian-inspired bar, their entertainment is something else. You know how bars would have live band to warm up the ambiance? Manchu’s live band is Chinese Opera, we’re serious. Their drinks are not only Instagrammable, but also up to the standard. The rustic, Chinese vibe of Manchu would also keep you coming back for more.
Address: 38 & 40 Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 7 p.m.-3 a.m. (Daily)
4. Hidden Tiki
The latest addition to the speakeasy bar in Penang, we were blown away when we first visited Hidden Tiki. It seems almost impossible to find the key to the entrance, you have to search every corner. Let us give you a hint, it’s on the left, just open it. You’ll then be greeted by tikis and torch all over, you’ll think you’ve gone back to the past and entered an ancient cave. Their menu is very interesting, so is the place, so check them out. Owh, not to forget, have fun finding the location, you’ll never thought of it. (Hint: Opposite the building where we get our IC done.)
Address: 20, Jalan Anson, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-3 a.m. (Daily)
5. Out of Nowhere
Literally out of no where, who would’ve thought the entrance is an orange fridge? Compared to the sad, quiet exterior, the fridge brings you to a whole new world. The modern, minimalist vibe and experience bartender is what keeps the vibe going. Their drinks are unique and you could even customise your own, just hit the bar up. What’s best is they have a designated smoking area that won’t ruin your effort in looking and smelling good.
Address: 75 , Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: Sunday to Thursday 7pm – 1am Friday and Saturday 7pm – 2am Closed on Every Tuesday.
6. Backdoor Bodega
This is that kind of speakeasy bar in Penang that many have not heard of but still operates in style. Let’s be frank, Backdoor Bodega might be our new favourite bar now. We love their vibe and how they do things with an attitude. It’s like “love me or hate me” kind of vibe. Their cocktails are all filled with local twist. Pinang Colada, Chinese local dessert “A Si Guo Thing” and even Chrysanthemum Tea are just a few to name from their out-of-the-world menu.
Address: 37B Jalan Gurdwara,George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: (Only Avai on Thurs-Sat) 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
7. 12 Senses
12 Senses is again 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, Penang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. (Closed on Sunday)
8. The Bund
Also known as “上海滩“ which literally means the golden age of Shanghai, it makes you reminisce a lot. Although The Bund does not justify the glory of the old Shanghai, you’ll still have a great time with the cool, neon decorated ambiance and great drinks. The live band is also another thing to shout about, they have standard. Be sure to get here early as it would get crowded.
Address: 117, Noordin Street, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 6 p.m.-3 a.m. (Daily)
9. Platform 261
There’s something about this small, straight-up speakeasy bar in Penang. Platform 261 has no fancy interior nor it is anything inspired. It’s just a place to chill and have a glass or two after a long, tiring day. Unwind with your friends here at Platform 261, we bet you’ll fall in love in this unpretentious bar. The door is a vending machine, you’re welcome.
Address: 261, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: (Mon-Sat) 6 p.m.-3 a.m. (Sun) 6 p.m.-1 a.m.
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