The 10 Best Bars in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Bar counter
Bar counter | © Pixabay
Sam Bedford

While Kuala Lumpur lacks a reputation for having an active nightlife scene by Western standards, both tourists and expats alike can unwind with a drink if they know where to look. From Latin-themed bars, salsa nights and classy jazz clubs, to raucous nightclubs, here are the very best bars in Bukit Bintang.

1. Havana Bar and Grill

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Wine Bar, Pub Grub, Malaysian

Combining a restaurant and a nightclub, Havana Bar & Grill brings Latin America and Cuba to Malaysia. Located in a former mansion, the bar splits into three areas with Cuban-style decorations. Hosting drinkers and diners for more than 20 years, Havana often rates as one of the best bars in Bukit Bintang. Expect a certain sophistication with salsa music playing in the background as visitors, mostly expats and Western tourists, relax with a cocktail.

2. The Rabbit Hole

Bar, Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Wine Bar, Malaysian, Tapas, Italian

alcoholic beverages
© XOKA7164s / WikiCommons

The Rabbit Hole offers diversity inside six themed rooms. With an extensive menu covering several types of cuisines including Malaysian and an equally impressive drinks list, there’s little wonder why the pub/restaurant comes highly recommended. Regular promotions and Happy Hour give excellent value for money on beer, wine and cocktails. DJs play music in the evening into the early hours.

3. No Black Tie

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Wine Bar, Pub Grub, Malaysian

The Jazz Bar is a favourite among expats and locals in Kuala Lumpur. After providing some of the best and more refined live entertainment in Malaysia’s capital for more than 14 years, No Black Tie attracts a particular crowd with an air of sophistication. Expect a chilled out environment with a selection of fine wine and cocktails as skilled performers play live jazz.

5. Pisco Bar

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Malaysian, Spanish

Pisco epitomises the word cool. Combining a restaurant and bar with a Spanish/Latin influence, patrons can enjoy a variety of tapas with live music starting in the early evening. Boasting a selection of cocktails and a trendy atmosphere, Pisco Bar often appeals to expats and tourists looking to escape the mundane for a night of fun.

6. Whiskey Bar

Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Wine Bar, Steakhouse, Seafood

Looking to savour a glass of fine whiskey? If so, head to Changkat’s Whiskey Bar. Not only does this rate as one of the best bars in Bukit Bintang for its selection of more than 650 labels but it also exudes a certain ambience and class. Stocking everything from American and Irish labels to Japanese brands and some of the rarest whiskey in Malaysia, the connoisseur and refined drinker won’t be disappointed.

7. Twenty-One Kitchen and Bar

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Malaysian, Asian, Italian

With a sleek interior and a classy dance floor, Twenty-One combines a world-class restaurant with a trendy bar and nightclub. Live music blasts everything from 80s hits to R&B as partygoers either relax with a cocktail or dance the night away until closing at 3:00am. Patrons will get the chance to kick back inside an attractive and welcoming environment while enjoying themed-nights and drink promotions. Ladies Nights tend to be popular with tourists with many voting Twenty-One as the best bar in Bukit Bintang.

8. Tom, Dick & Harry’s

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Malaysian

With a deliberate interior design to resemble a basement poet’s club and an outdoor seating area, Tom, Dick and Harry’s is becoming the bar of choice for expats. The modern space with posters of musical instruments decorating the walls creates a hip atmosphere. But the design isn’t why it often rates among the best bars in Bukit Bintang. Instead, the biggest appeal starts in the early evening as independent bands play some of the city’s best gigs. Anyone who wants the choice between several brands of beer while enjoying an evening of world-class music will appreciate Tom, Dick and Harry.

9. Mr. Chew’s Chino Latino Bar

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Thai, Spanish

Located in Bukit Bintang providing a Latin-themed evening, Mr Chew’s Chino Latin Bar delivers both delicious culinary treats and an almost guaranteed evening of fun. On the top floor of the Wolo Hotel, the classy yet unpretentious design offers a welcoming atmosphere and a view of Kuala Lumpur. Combining elements of Chinese, Japanese and Thai food and a long list of drinks, Mr Chew’s is quickly ranking among the best bars in Bukit Bintang.

10. The Ceylon Bar

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Malaysian, Asian, Italian, Indian

Sri Lankan-themed Ceylon Bar in Bukit Bintang’s Changkat features an upstairs terrace and a downstairs bar. Serving up a selection of Western and Sri Lankan food and showing live sport on the big TV’s, Ceylon makes a favourite retreat for football fans on match day. Head down and grab a beer or cocktail and a plate of pub-grub and watch the latest football match. Or just relax with friends in one of the longest running bars in Bukit Bintang.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article