Malaysia’s 10 Most Promising New Bars With Great Drinks, Grub, and Vibes You Must Visit Now!
The past few months have been grueling with work and new projects, and I knew I needed a break with my friends.
As soon as I mentioned the words “tired” and “work” in our group chat, they delivered and sent over a list of new bars in Malaysia we should try for a much-needed hangout.
I was surprised that a lot of these bars just opened in 2025. So I went with my friends to check them out ourselves and see if they were worth the hype. This list is the result of that fun (albeit tipsy) trial.
So if you’re looking for a new and trendy spot where you can blow off some steam or just a tourist curious about the Malaysian nightlife, read on!
Up & Away
– Media Credit: kainisthetic_af
Address: 141, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +60 16-311 3369
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday (6 PM – 1 AM)
- Friday-Saturday (6 PM – 3 AM)
- Sunday (6 PM – 1 AM)
- Closed on Mondays
Up & Away is a charming bar where you can go for craft cocktails, bottle service, and fun DJ sets with your friends. Nestled in Chinatown’s streets, this bar is the place to be for vibes and delicious drinks.
They have a well-curated menu and fun activities like tile painting workshops, trivia and wine nights, and taco nights with free-flowing tequila (sign us up!). It’s a great chance to not just enjoy drinks but also get to know new people and do something different from your 9 to 5!
Some interesting drinks we’ve tried are the Banana-Rum-Ma, which is perfect for those who love layered flavors, and the Longantini, with a great aroma and a good kick.
The staff are friendly, knowledgeable about their drinks, and very welcoming. So it’s easy to feel at home right away. The atmosphere is light, and it’s just a great place to chill and forget problems for a while.
Pro Tip: Follow them on social media so you can see the schedule of their DJ sets and special events!
Humboldt
– Media Credit: thehumboldtco
Address: 73-1, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +60 3-2388 3976
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday (5 PM – 1 AM)
- Friday-Saturday (5 PM – 2 AM)
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Humboldt will really wow you the moment you walk in, with its beautiful interiors, orange statement wall, fun atmosphere, and friendly staff.
It’s a bar with South American influence and the brainchild of Lolita Goh and Joshua Ivanovic, who was also behind the award-winning bar JungleBird. The idea for this bar was inspired by many surfing trips in South America that left an impact on Joshua.
The drinks menu has 14 unique creations. Their best sellers are the Pisco sour made with their own mistela (a type of sweet wine originating from Spain) and the Chilcano which has triple ginger and apple cider.
It’s also a great place to get a bite to eat. We love the Antichichos (skewered meat), empanadas, and Arroz Con Menestra. Something unique you might want to try? They have a deep-fried rabbit dish called Conejo Chactado.
Pro Tip: Try ordering the Melon Con Vino and the Chocolate Santafereno (that has strong chocolate and cheese flavors) if you like sweetness in your drinks.
SunSan Reserve
– Media Credit: sunsanreserve
Address: Level 1, 216, Jalan Pisang, Taman Shanghai, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +60 12-283 5337
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Sunday (5:30 PM – 11:30 PM)
- Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
SunSan Reserve is the place to go to if you’re in the mood for something whimsically inventive. You don’t just drink here just for the sake of it, you experience your drink. They’re very intentional about their cocktails, putting a lot of thought in the preparation and the flavors.
Their bartenders, Ken and Melvi,n infuse liquor in sandalwood, agarwood, or sappanwood to capture the earthy, spicy, floral, and smoky notes of the drink.
This lengthy and painstaking process of it all must be why sessions here are exclusive, with only 15 seats available in their cafe bar at a time. You should reserve early to be able to get a slot.
Some must-try drinks include their Long Island Agar Tree and Sandalbourg 1996. The bartenders make the drink right in front of you, so you can sit back, relax, and watch them do their magic.
Pro Tip: Check out their seasonal drinks because you’re in for a treat. They had a campfire cocktail before – very festive.
GoldBar KL
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Address: STAR RESIDENCES TWO, G3, 1, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +60 11-1313 3188
Operating Hours: Daily (12 PM-1 AM)
GoldBar will make you feel like a million bucks. It’s a sophisticated bar with cozy interiors, attentive staff, and delicious drinks. While the prices are hefty here, you’re paying for the whole experience, making it worth your while.
The Lemon Whisper is the best seller. It’s great if you want something citrusy, fresh, and tart. It’s a gin-based cocktail with lime, limoncillo, and egg white. Other specialties you should look into are Berry Royale (bourbon-based) and Golden Ember (tequila-based).
This bar is fantastic if you’re feeling fancy and want a fun girls’ night where you can play dress up and enjoy zesty drinks. It’s also a great date place because they have amazing food.
The black cod with ikura on a bed of garlic butter sauce is to die for. The tiger prawn arrabiata and their lobster are also on our radar, and they didn’t disappoint.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their desserts. Split the hazelnut chocolate mousse cake with your friend or eat it by yourself (we won’t judge).
The Rebel Penguin of Whimzy Town
– Media Credit: therebelpenguin
Address: 37A, Jln 20/16, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +60 11-2506 3313
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday-Thursday (8 PM – 12 AM)
- Friday-Saturday (8 PM – 12:30 AM)
- Closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday
If you’re up for a quirky, fun, and funky experience, you can’t go wrong with The Rebel Penguin of Whimzy Town.
They have an extensive menu of cocktails with different flavor profiles, which they serve in cute statement mugs. If you’re a fan of pop culture, you’ll get a kick out of their themed drinks.
Buzz ‘Em All is served in a Pikachu mug and is good if you want something floral and smooth. The Rebel Penguin is sweet and has amazing herbal notes. Feel the Force is a wonderful option for those who like earthy drinks and are Star Wars fans.
If you and your friends are looking for a cool place to hang out and take loads of pictures, this can be a great option for you. Plus, the staff are cool and friendly!
Pro Tip: Follow them on social media to be updated on new drinks and other announcements!
@21 Rooftop Bar
– Media Credit: hyattcentriccitycentre_kl
Address: Level 21, 17, Jln Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +60 12-698 4462
Operating Hours: Daily (4:30 PM – 1 AM)
If you’re looking for a vibrant ambiance with a view, @21 Rooftop Bar is perfect. It’s on the 21st floor of the Hyatt Centric City Center, a place known for great staycations. It’s a fantastic vacation spot with friends or a solo trip.
You can get craft cocktails and yummy free-flowing quesadillas while you’re hanging out poolside. Since they’re just starting, all they have on their menu to eat are quesadillas. What they lack in menu options, they make up for in the view!
Since it’s on the top floor, you’ll also get the chance to take in the sight of the city lights. Our fave concoctions are the Butterfly Hana and Vibe Check.
Pro Tip: If you’ve had too much, you can get mocktail versions of these drinks, just ask for the alcohol on the side.
Lo & Behold KL
– Media Credit: loandbeholdkl
Address: 141G, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +60 17-588 2247
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday-Sunday (12 PM – 12 AM)
- Closed on Mondays
Right below the Up & Away bar we mentioned earlier in this list, you can find Lo & Behold, a casual Korean spot where you can bring your friends to. A lot of people eat here because they crave a comforting meal with some alcohol – some days just call for that, right?
They have some of the most amazing smashed burgers I’ve had in my life. They’re a good place if you just want to chill, drink, and debate your friends about senseless things over lots of laughter.
We love their gochujang wings, Asian chicken burger, and rose carbonara. They serve a lot of Korean fusion meals and some soju-based drinks that are worth the hype!
Pro Tip: They’re very active on social media, keep your eyes peeled for promo announcements!
Bru Cafe & Bar
– Media Credit: bru_cafebar
Address: No. 128, Blok P/A, Jln Kaskas, Taman Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Wednesday (12 PM- 9 PM)
- Friday-Saturday (12 PM-12 AM)
- Sunday (1:30 PM- 12 AM)
- Closed on Thursdays
Coffee or booze? Who says you can only choose one? Bru Cafe & Bar is unique in the way that it incorporates coffee, tea, cocoa, and house-fermented mead in their concoctions.
The cafe bar’s vibe and ambiance are pretty minimalist, but the concept is far from boring. They transition from being a cafe to a bar at night, which is pretty cool. They also have a lot of creative ways to shake up their day-to-day operations.
From bar takeovers to coffee workshop sessions and new product launches, they offer far more than just coffee and alcohol crossovers. Speaking of new products, they now have bagels and dumplings sold in the store.
As bread and dumpling lovers, these definitely pass the quality test. For the drinks, the honey wine, Irish coffee, and sunset coaster are must-tries. They’re very intentional in the way they make and present their drinks, making them only with the best and freshest ingredients.
The sunset coaster drink, for example, is made with single-origin cocoa, black tea, pink peppercorn, and berries for a fruity and chocolatey twist.
The staff are very attentive and easy to talk to. They answer any questions you may have about the drinks. It’s a great place to bring your introverted friends for a no-pressure coffee or drinks date.
Pro Tip: Their burnt basque cheesecake is divine. You have to try it with their coffee for a rich and flavorful dessert.
Dear Hearts and Chilled Spirits
– Media Credit: penanghungryfoodie
Address: 75A, Jalan SS 22/11, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +60 17-375 8798
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Saturday (5 PM-12 AM)
- Closed on Sundays
Dear Hearts and Chilled Spirits is a chill bar that aims to be a familiar and safe place for you to unwind over a couple of drinks.
They’re a 50s retro bar that offers unique drinks everyone should taste at least once, such as the Chicken Rice cocktail. It’s mindblowing how they’ve incorporated the best flavors from chicken and rice into a drink.
They’re daring, pushing the limits of drink, and are a testament to how flavors, when wielded right, can be used to tell a story.
They’re pet-friendly, you can bring your small to medium-sized pets with you. It’s not too noisy here, which is great. Definitely visit them if you want a quiet but fun night with your people.
Pro Tip: The place is not wheelchair-accessible, so if you have problems with mobility, this might be a concern.
Koka Izakaya
– Media Credit: kokaizakaya
Address: 36, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +60 13-804 7685
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday-Sunday (12 PM–3:30 PM, 5:30 PM –10 PM)
- Closed on Sundays
If you’re craving drinks and Japanese food, Koka Izakaya is a must-try. It’s a new neighborhood watering hole and hidden gem that’s perfect for casual dates or after-work hangouts with friends.
They serve reasonably-priced food and drinks, have excellent service, and delicious drinks, what’s not to love? We adore their Koka Lemon Sour because it goes well with a lot of their food. Imagine drinking this on a humid day – so refreshing!
The food is also great. Our favorites include onagi-don, tomato salad, skewered meat like chicken, pork, beef, and vegetables such as okra.
Pro Tip: Weekday afternoons aren’t too crowded, so that’s your sign to visit them after work (or school)!