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.
Havana Bar and Grill
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Wine Bar, Pub Grub, Malaysian, $$$
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Combining a restaurant and a nightclub, Havana Bar & Grill brings Latin America and Cuba to Malaysia. Located in a former mansion, the bar splits into three areas with Cuban-style decorations. Hosting drinkers and diners for more than 20 years, Havana often rates as one of the best bars in Bukit Bintang. Expect a certain sophistication with salsa music playing in the background as visitors, mostly expats and Western tourists, relax with a cocktail.
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Wine Bar, Malaysian, Italian, Asian, $$$
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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.
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Wine Bar, Pub Grub, Malaysian, $$$
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The Jazz Bar is a favourite among expats and locals in Kuala Lumpur. After providing some of the best and more refined live entertainment in Malaysia’s capital for more than 14 years, No Black Tie attracts a particular crowd with an air of sophistication. Expect a chilled out environment with a selection of fine wine and cocktails as skilled performers play live jazz.
Changkat’s Taps Beer Bar is one of three branches in Kuala Lumpur and serves up the broadest range of craft beer in all of Malaysia. Since opening in 2011, the pub claims to have poured more than 800 different types of beer. Taps Beer regularly rotates what’s available, giving beer drinkers an even greater selection. Anyone with a passion for craft will rate this as the best bar in Bukit Bintang.
Pisco epitomises the word cool. Combining a restaurant and bar with a Spanish/Latin influence, patrons can enjoy a variety of tapas with live music starting in the early evening. Boasting a selection of cocktails and a trendy atmosphere, Pisco Bar often appeals to expats and tourists looking to escape the mundane for a night of fun.
Looking to savour a glass of fine whiskey? If so, head to Changkat’s Whiskey Bar. Not only does this rate as one of the best bars in Bukit Bintang for its selection of more than 650 labels but it also exudes a certain ambience and class. Stocking everything from American and Irish labels to Japanese brands and some of the rarest whiskey in Malaysia, the connoisseur and refined drinker won’t be disappointed.
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Malaysian, Asian, Italian, $$$
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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.
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.
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Thai, Spanish
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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.
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Malaysian, Asian, Italian, Indian, $$$
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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.
