10 Live Band Bars in KL that Will Get You Grooving!
There are tons of ways you can spend a memorable night in Kuala Lumpur. You can go to countless rooftop bars, nightclubs and karaoke joints but personally, I love to sit down and eat some good food while listening to live music.
Lucky for me, I could just go outside and be close to the nearest live band bar in KL in just a few steps. Of course, you need to have been here for quite some time to find the best that this capital has to offer, but don’t worry because I’ve got you covered.
Below is a list of me and other locals who would agree to be the best bars in Kuala Lumpur that feature live bands where the music never ends. Let’s get straight to it!
Bobo KL
— Media credit: bobokl
Address: 65-2, Jalan Bangkung
Contact details: +60 12-263 8603
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Cost: $$$
If you’ve always wanted to visit one of those intimate jazz clubs you see in movies, then Bobo KL should be on your radar! Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, this live music venue features some of the most talented local acts, ranging from blues, jazz and pop musicians.
Of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without some alcohol to spice up the night, and boy do they not disappoint! They offer various kinds of cocktails, wines and bubbly champagnes, all of which pair perfectly with their appetisers.
Check out their website before visiting to see potential acts that you may be interested in! For instance, you can check out the dates of their comedy acts if you think you’re in dire need of a good laugh.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting with a group and you want to order something fancy that you can share with the table, we recommend getting their charcuterie board! It features turkey chorizo, salami and beef cecina!
Suzie Wong KL
— Media credit: klbarsandclubs, suziewongasia and malaysiafoodandtravel
Address: Ground Floor, Wisma Lim Foo Yong, 86, Jalan Raja Chulan
Contact details: +60 17-226 6480
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Cost: $$$
You’ll immediately fall in love with Suzie Wong as long as you step foot in its dim and cosy space. It’s a hidden cabaret bar that features some of the most fun live shows we’ve ever seen in Kuala Lumpur, and we’ve been to a lot of them!
The musical acts here are more than just live music, as they’re like theatre acts that are easily deserving of Tony Awards. They’re the perfect blend of comedy and musicality, which is something you may need after a long tiring week.
They also offer a wide selection of creative cocktails, champagnes and hard drinks to help set you in the party mood. Furthermore, you can indulge in their wide selection of Chinese dishes such as dumplings and bao.
Pro tip:
The shows aren’t always on 24/7 so be sure to check out their schedule on their website and Instagram page to avoid disappointment during your visit!
Hard Rock Cafe
— Media credit: hardrockcafekl and naqita_id
Address: Ground Floor, Wisma Concorde, 2, Jalan Sultan Ismail
Contact details: +60 3-2715 5555
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM
Cost: $$
You’ve most likely heard of Hard Rock since it’s a famous American establishment that boasts chains across the globe. It’s not hard to see why it spawned this many branches though, as it offers amazing Western food, refreshing cocktails and beers and of course, live music.
Regardless of what day you visit this place, you can expect to be treated to fantastic music performed by talented local and international artists. If you’re like me and you’re crazy about Western food, I recommend you to enjoy these live acts over some cheeseburger and fries.
The place itself also holds a legendary status and you just have to look closer to know why. If you’ll notice, the walls of this cafe are decorated with memorabilia of some of the most famous musicians around the world—pretty cool!
Pro tip:
If you want to munch on something local while you’re enjoying the live music, we recommend ordering the chicken satay! It’s one of the most famous Malaysian street foods and they pair perfectly with a cold pint.
SHI ER 十二
— Media credit: shierbar
Address: J-G-12 No, Jalan Solaris 2
Contact details: +60 12-935 7016
Operating hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Cost: $$
SHI ER is a go-to bar of ours whenever we’re looking to wind down somewhere relaxing that features great music as well. Its laid-back atmosphere is unmatched and it makes for a great venue for live bands that play everything from indie pop to blues, rock and more.
One thing we love about Shi Er is that it provides a platform for up-and-coming talents, allowing them to dip their toes in performing in front of a live audience. Of course, as a patron, I’m there just to enjoy their live music, regardless of their experience.
We also love coming back here because of the wide selection of drinks, ranging from craft beer to refreshing cocktails and different kinds of spirits. Meanwhile, if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can also get one of their authentic cigars.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on commuting, we recommend taking the bus and dropping off at the Mont Kiara Bus Station. From there, all you have to do is cross the street to Jalan Solaris and you’ll find the bar just outside Solaris Mont Kiara.
Backyard Pub & Grill
— Media credit: backyard.pubkl
Address: 28, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8
Contact details: +60 11-6135 5473
Operating hours: Daily from 3:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Cost: $$
Backyard Pub & Grill is another laid-back spot where you can enjoy good music and equally good food and drinks! The live music here is really the star of the show, as live bands play fantastic tunes, ranging from rock to blues, jazz and more.
You can also expect their bartender to serve some unique concoctions that will leave you with a buzz after a couple of glasses. They have everything from cocktails, beers, whisky and several other spirits.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something more fun to do with your friends aside from catching up, you can also play pool!
Pro tip:
If you don’t want the live music to drown out your conversation with your friends, you can opt for their outside seating.
The Bee Publika
— Media credit: thebeemy
Address: Lot 36B, Level G2, Block C, Publika
Contact details: +60 17-565 4233
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Cost: $$
The Bee Publika is one of the trendiest intimate concert venues in Kuala Lumpur, featuring live acts from local and international artists. It does a great job of incorporating a bar and restaurant with a venue such as this, which is why it’s one of our top chill spots in the capital.
We feel like the bar doesn’t get much appreciation than it deserves though, as it’s outshined by the musical acts, which is totally fine. However, it deserves the spotlight as well, as it serves a variety of cocktails, draught beers, whisky, single malts and more.
They also serve a solid selection of food that pairs well with one of their drinks. These dishes include chicken wings, burgers, pizza and other Western staples.
Pro tip:
Be sure to follow their Instagram to get updated with their latest announcements regarding their live acts. Alternatively, you can check out their calendar here.
Merdekarya
— Media credit: merdekarya
Address: 352 First Floor, Jalan 5/57, Bukit Gasing
Contact details: +60 18-661 4553
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Cost: $
If you’re looking for cheap drinks and amazing acts, then Merdekarya dubbed (the “people’s music venue”) should be right up your alley! Don’t be fooled by its affordable price range, however, as the quality here is anything but cheap.
For starters, the place itself features great acoustics so you can expect to hear the crispest quality of sound whenever there’s a live act. Furthermore, we like the overall intimate vibe of the bar, as it makes catching up with friends feel much more personal.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking to score a free shot or a discounted price, check out their mini-game on their website. All you have to do is land different colours on the shot glass to get the corresponding price. Just make sure to play in front of the bartender!
The Iron Fairies KL
— Media credit: theironfairieskl
Address: H-G-06, Hive, TREC, 438, Jln Tun Razak
Contact details: +60 16-221 3612
Operating hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Cost: $$$
The Iron Fairies should be on your radar if you want to experience a lively night paired with some amazing live bands. This gastropub isn’t your typical bar, as it boasts a unique fantasy-like atmosphere, hence its name.
The real magic here, however, is the live performers they have on stage every night. Whether it be DJs, bands, singers or anything in between, the live acts of this bar never disappoint!
The fairy-tale theme continues over their selection of drinks as well, featuring flavours with names such as creamy berry land, butterfly juice and more.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking to quench your hunger, we recommend ordering their Coli’s Beef Burger. It’s a massive burger consisting of an Angus patty, lettuce, tomato—the works.
LE Live House
— Media credit: lelivehouse
Address: Level 1, Menara KEN TTDI, 37, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi
Contact details: +60 17-991 1266
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Cost: $$
LE Live House is a haven for music enthusiasts around Kuala Lumpur, as they always diversify their lineup, catering to people with different tastes in music—pretty cool! It also helps that their sound system is amazing and the space itself features fantastic acoustics.
We also love how this place is set up, as it forces people to socialise with each other (you can choose not to, of course). Plus, with a well-stocked bar, it won’t be long until you gain the confidence to make new friends and bond over good music!
Pro tip:
Before the bar opens, we recommend you check out the next-door KEN Gallery to see some impressive artworks on display!
Rock Bottom Changkat
— Media credit: rockbottom_changkat
Address: 42, Changkat Bukit Bintang
Contact details: +60 11-6172 9892
Operating hours: Daily from 3:00 PM to 2:30 AM
Cost: $$
Rock Bottom should be one of your choices if you’re looking for a laid-back place that offers a wide array of food and alcoholic drinks. Contrary to its name, this business is actually booming, as it sees tons of patrons every night to enjoy its live acts.
One thing we love about this place is the selection of Western dishes, most especially their juicy burgers. We also love their pizza, as it’s perfect for sharing.
The drinks don’t disappoint as well! They offer various cocktails that feature spirits such as vodka, rum, whisky and more.
Pro tip:
While you’re in the area, make sure to stop by the famous Jalan Alor Food Street, where you’ll find lines of hawker stalls offering some of Malaysia’s most iconic street foods.