There was a dark time when after work, drinks were limited to pubs and loud roadhouses with no soul. Those were the only options we had. Fast forward less than a decade, Penang now possesses a diverged collection of bars that you enter from a fridge to bars that scream pinkness all over.
Top 10 Bars You Need To Visit For A Boozy Night Out
But there’s more to consider now when you pull a barstool than ever before. Innovative drinks? Excellent services? Instagrammable shots? Which bar really has them all? After considering all these questions, here’s what we got. Ticking the boxes for value, service and quality, here are the top 10 bars you need to visit for a boozy night out in Penang for 2020.
1. Good Friends Club
With a neon pink signage that illuminates the hipster collection of shops along Hin Bus Depot, it’s hard not to take notice of the Good Friends Club. Kopitiam-style stools and steel roundtables that bring nostalgic stir ups to many Malaysians, the drinks menu doesn’t fall short either. Sip on popular localised booze like ‘Lao Hao Peng’ (Nutmeg Tincture) and ‘Pat Poh Peng’ (Herbal Cordial) that is entirely in a league of its own and you’re in for a win.
Location: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: (Wed-Mon) 7PM – 1AM | (Fri-Sat) 7PM – 2AM | Closes on Tuesday
2. Out Of Nowhere
One of the few hidden bars with a quirky entrance, you might have thought that the orange fridge in Hold Up Cafe is just a spot that stores chilled milk. You’re wrong! This is the magical entrance into the modern yet minimalist bar, Out Of Nowhere. You’d be hard-pressed to find welcoming bartenders who pride to serve their all-time signature I Went Bananas that features ghee-washed whiskey and topped with an actual banana chip.
Location: 73, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: (Wed-Mon) 7PM – 1AM | (Fri-Sat) 7PM – 2AM | Closes on Tuesday
3. Mish Mash
There are plenty of speakeasy bars out there and Mish Mash is no exception. Featuring fun cocktails, spirits and more than 80 different types of whiskeys from places around the globe, the degree of cocktail finesse on display at Mish Mash is staggering. Serving local-inspired Asam Soda that offers hints of tamarind sourness to their stellar cocktail, Bahama Mama, this is the kind of place to settle for something spesh.
Location: 24, Muntri St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hours: 5PM – 12AM | Closes on Monday
4. Backdoor Bodega
If you’re looking for a hidden speakeasy bar, then this is a spot not to miss. However, it takes a little effort to locate this place, but here’s the hint: the word ‘Backdoor’ is the clue. If you’re not sure, just give it a knock and you might be welcomed by a handsome bartender. The space in the bar is relatively limited, but definitely not the drinks menu. Featuring Chrysanthemum Tea in their one-of-a-kind menu, you know something fun is up.
Location: 37, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 10PM – 1AM | Closes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Links: Instagram
5. Noble Experiment
There are a number of bars with a unique theme and it’s no surprise that Noble Experiment stands in the centre of them all. Nestled among the shop lots at Lebuh Lembah Permai, the bar has a modern interior to pair with their classic Mexican fare and an array of cocktails. Start off with the basics such as Margarita to their groundbreaking Hot Botanist that includes a hot kick from the addition of chili padi, it surely is the spot to go if you’re seeking something adventurous.
Location: 6, Lebuh Lembah Permai 4, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: (Mon-Thurs)5PM – 11PM | (Fri-Sat) 5PM – 12AM | Closes on Sunday
6. Beso Rosado By ChinChin
Yet another spot that has won many hearts is at Beso Rosado By ChinChin. Formerly known as Golden Shower, this bar remains as chic as ever with its classic pink interiors. So, if you’re seeking something to feed your Instagram, then this is your time to shine. But hey, that’s not the main highlight here. The bar serves a playful cocktail menu list that is prepared by their head mixologist Francesco Moretti, and that’s when you know they can’t go wrong.
Location: 86, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 12PM – 12AM
7. Chili Head Social Bar & Eatery
You might not be able to go back in time, but you can spend a night drinking cocktails, listening to live bands and feeding on varying levels of Thai munchies! Tucked in the relaxing scene of Straits Quay, a drink in Chili Head Social Bar & Eatery is as good as a holiday. Their drinks menu is on an interesting note too. Chili Mojito, Roselle Mojito and Tom Yum Martini are just a few to name from their ambitious menu.
Location: 3A-G-11 Straits Quay Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Seri Tanjung Pinang Tanjung Tokong, 10470 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: (Sun-Thurs)12PM – 1AM | (Fri-Sat) 12PM – 2AM
8. Micke’s Place
Resting along the romantic alleyway of Love Lane, Micke’s Place is a spot worth wandering for an adventurous boozy journey. With old-style wooden chairs that occupy both sides of the narrow road, this is no dingy bar. Here, you can find tourists and locals sinking into the relaxing ambiance while sipping on chilled beers and classic finger foods at reasonable prices. Value-for-money box, ticked!
Location: 94, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 12PM – 3AM
9. Holy Guacamole
A hidden bar that’s always crowded after the sun sets, Holy Guacamole is a familiar name, right? With artsy graffiti walls that transform this Mexican style bar into a more hipster one, expect to find a handful of margaritas and cocktails that is wallet-friendly. Moreover, they’ve also got scrumptious Mexican delights up the sleeve to compliment their array of drinks collections too.
Location: 65, Love Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hours: 12PM – 2:30AM
10. Manchu
Last but definitely not least is this unique concoction of Chinese and Western fusion bar. This is the place where we would say “Leave that email for tomorrow because early birds get good seats”. Wondering why? Here’s the spill: They’ve got live Chinese Opera show here instead of the usual live bands! In addition to their show, they’ve also got fancy drinks to back up your Instagram feed too.
Location: 38 & 40, Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 7PM – 3AM
Here comes to the end of our list of ‘Top 10 Bars You Need To Visit For A Boozy Night Out In Penang 2020’ and we hope this is a useful guide to get you started with Penang’s nightlife and bars. If you’ve got any suggestions, leave us a comment below and see you in the next post!
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