Bar Guide To Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The words “drinking” and “cheap” or “free” in Kuala Lumpur aren’t exactly words you typically combine and although KL’s living expenses are manageable, drinking however is far from. (But fear not – we’ve got you covered.)

Long gone are the days of having to succumb to dive bars with depressing water flavored beer in order to score a budget friendly drink. Its time to keep it classy so put on your best shoes, dress to impress and enjoy the rest without going into debt with our ultimate night out in KL.

From speakeasies, to unique rooftop bars and free-flow wine – you’re guaranteed to have an awesome time at any of our pick of top bars in Kuala Lumpur below:

A Different Perspective: Rooftop Bars In Kuala Lumpur

facebooktwitterpinterest Elysium’s intimate rooftop patio provides not only a scenic view but also killer cocktails to boot! Photo credit: Elysium Bar+Terrace

Elysium Bar + Terrace

One of our favorite rooftop bars in this bustling city is none other than Elysium. Its small and intimate rooftop overlooks a 180 view of the city as you sit on cozy couches enjoying live music performances. During happy hour, their drink menu ranges from beers around RM11, wines for RM15 and cocktails for RM20.

Furthermore, every Wednesday and Thursday night from 9pm to close, ladies receive free cocktails such as “spring punch” made of vodka, apple juice, vanilla syrup and passion fruit as well as “bramble” made of gin, lemon juice and blackberry.

Location: Wisma Goldhill, No 67 Jalan Raja Chulan. Level 31, Kuala Lumpur
Elysium Bar+Terrace

Helipad Lounge Bar

For the ultimate view from what feels like the top of the world; do yourself a favor and be sure to head to the 36th floor to visit Helipad for an experience unlike no-other. There are no walls, no windows; simply a 360 view of the iridescent city at night. If you want to dance the night away, head to the 34th floor and order a cocktail at happy hour! RM15 for wine and RM20 for cocktails – how can you go wrong?

Location: Level 37, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Helipad Lounge Bar

SkyBar

Although drinking and swimming is a recipe for drowning, you can keep it classy by heading to SkyBar to do just that (minus the drowning preferably.) This swanky rooftop bar has an excellent view overlooking the city and free-flow cocktails for ladies from 6pm-11pm every Wednesday night.

Location: Level 33, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

UBar @ Level 33

On my first night in KL, I was told to close my eyes as my local friends led me blindly through a hotel and into an elevator going up. “Keep them closed,” they laughed and I held onto their arms seeing black until they said to open. “Now open!” they cheered as my eyes adjusted and widened with awe. There before me was a shimmering infinity pool with lounge chairs and a magical glow over the 360 view of the encompassing city as the sun transforms into a gradation of pinks, reds and orange.

Cocktails are expensive to say the least but it’s worth the price for the view. (Note Technically, the infinity pool is only for hotel guests but if you’re creative and wear your bathing suit underneath with a towel in hand as if you stay there, chances are high the staff wont question you.)

Location: Capri By Fraser, Kuala Lumpur
Capri By Fraser

Free-Flow Wine Buffet

facebooktwitterpinterest Look at buffets in a whole new way with Mezza 9’s free-flow wine buffet! Photo credit: Shannon Wolf

We love our wine and when we heard of a free-flow wine buffet in KL, we were couldn’t believe it so we had to check it out ourselves.

With a raging headache the next morning, I can clearly attest that it’s in fact not a myth but the real deal and I’ve probably never drank more.

Moral of the story: Forget the food and dine on wine the next time you’re in Kuala Lumpur at the following locations:

Mezza 9

Featuring 8 whites and 8 reds from 5 different counties.
Daily from 5pm-2am, Price: RM65+
Connoisseurs Lounge & Restaurant
Featuring up to 7 types of wines
Every Thursday from 8:30pm to late, Price: RM88 for ladies, RM98 for men.

Location:  No. 1, Publika Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Mezza 9

Chulo Restaurant and Bar

Featuring 3 whites, 3 reds and sangria.
Every Tuesday from 7PM TO LATE, Price: RM65

Location: Block E, Level 1, Jaya One, 72A Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya
Chulo Restaurant and Bar

The Steakhouse

Featuring 2hrs of free-flow house red and white wine
Between 6PM-12AM, Price: RM58

Location: 48 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
The Steakhouse

Kuala Lumpur Behind Closed Doors: Speakeasies

facebooktwitterpinterest Bring yourself back to the prohibition era once you arrive at Tate’s speakeasy. Photo credit: Shannon Wolf

Private Room

This is Malaysia’s first ever speakeasy and their hashtag is #findtheyellowdoor – and trust us, it’s hard to find but when you do, you’ll be rewarded with one incredible experience and a well deserved drink. If you’re a lucky lady, every Wednesday before 10pm you even get 1 free choice of cocktail, whisky, red or white wine.

Location: 48a-2, First Floor, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Private Room

Tate

If you wished you could revisit the 1920’s, Tate will bring you back in time with it’s intimate space and gentle music playing in the background while you sip on one of their many intricate cocktails such as the Matahari: A mix of Hennessy, chai-infused sweet vermouth, lemon juice, pomegranate & rosebuds. The best part? Drinks are reasonably priced at RM35 and up.

Location: Ground floor, The Intermark, 182 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur

Ales and Lagers

facebooktwitterpinterest With an extensive list of craft beer, you’ll be sure to find your favorite at Ales and Lagers. Photo credit: Shannon Wolf

When you come from the west and rely on craft beer as an essential part of your livelihood, Asia hasn’t stepped up to the plate in terms of beer selection besides the typical water-flavored lagers. Luckily, thanks to a local friend, it turns out that KL in fact has a wide selection of imported craft beer to choose from and although prices are high, when you need an ice cold and delicious beer, its worth the splurge.

Location: D5-G4-3, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, No.1 Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur
Ales and Lagers

Omakase & Appreciate

This eclectic speakeasy is a fusion of East and West – Japanese and western with prized cocktails to send your taste buds in all directions with their unique cocktails created by award winning bartenders. Be sure to try Shawn’s “Magna Plana” comprised of Diplomatico Planas, Mango, Kaffir Lime Lear, Umeshu and lime for RM40.

Location: Bangunan Ming Annexe, Kuala Lumpur
Omakase & Appreciate

The Attic

If you’re looking for a speakeasy with a relaxed vibe in the heart of Chinatown, The Attic is a great choice for those who want a co wear a t-shirt and hat without being starred at for not dressing to the nines.

Location: No.9169-G, Jalan Negara, Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur
The Attic

Did Someone Say Free Drinks? (…Or cheap?)

facebooktwitterpinterest Cocktails line up at Mezze bar. Photo credit: Mezze

WineZulu

Typically, we cry inside when looking at the price of wine in KL but wipe those tears away because WineZulu will turn that frown upside-down with their Monday happy hour starting from 5pm. A delectable glass of red or white wine is only RM10!

Location: G-1, Ground Floor, Trillion KL, No.338, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
WineZulu

Mezze

This modern high-end bar sure knows how to make their guests happy with their happy hour every day until 8pm and all day long on Saturdays with 2 cocktails for only RM20+ (choose between a Bourbon Sour, Tom Collins, Manhattan, Caipirinha or Negroni)

Location: 132, Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Mezze

Bar 51

Get revved up on a sugar overload with Bar 51’s happy hour every day from 5-9pm. Delicious mojitos only cost RM5!

Location: Ground Floor, Radius International Hotel, 51A Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Bar 51

Uncle Don’s (SS2PJ)

Don’t worry beer drinkers, we didn’t forget you! At Uncle Don’s, during happy hour you can get 10 mugs of Carlsberg for RM89.50

Location: No 17, Jalan Wan Kadir 2, Taman Tun Dr ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Uncle Don’s

Hideout

Bring out your inner tiger with Hideout’s happy hour – 5 Tiger mugs for RM45, 5 half-pints of Guinness for RM50 or one bucket of 5 tiger beers for RM50 or 10 Tiger beers for RM75.

Location: F-02-05, Star Parc Point, Jalan Genting Klang, Kuala Lumpur
Hideout

42 East

If you love margaritas and the words “free”, you’ll want to head East. Every Wednesday they give out two free margaritas upon arrival. After that, drinks are only RM4 and we can guarantee you wont find anything cheaper then that.

Location: 42, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, TTDI, Kuala Lumpur 
42 East

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