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The 10 Best Bars in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Flame over a cocktail
Flame over a cocktail | © Maksim Fesenko / Shutterstock

“Whether you’re broke or evergreen, you’re black, white, beige, chola descent, you’re Lebanese, you’re Orient” — it’s not just Lady Gaga who celebrates you. These bars do, too.

Wall Street Cocktail Bar

Cocktail Bar, Asian

Flame over a cocktail
© Maksim Fesenko / Shutterstock

If your stocks need a pick-me-up but you can’t afford a ticket to South Street, drop by the local Wall Street and down your worries with a classic cocktail. The decor is generous with under table uplighting, which makes your drink look good, and you look even better.

Tipsy Monkey Sutera

Bar, Asian, Fusion

Cocktails at Tipsy Monkey
© Tipsy Monkey

Get tipsy, throw darts, play Bong, order chicken wings — all’s fair play here, and not necessarily in that order. This stylish, urban bar typically features a live band, so be sure to come early and “chope” your stage view. Signature drinks include the Monkey Mudslide Martini and Passion Honey Mojito.

The Replacement - Lodge & Kitchen

Bar, Cafe, Fusion

Atmosphere at The Replacement
© The Replacement

Minimalist cafe by day, buzzing bar by night. The Replacement is where the lights come on after the sun sets, and you can order churros to go with your draft imported beer. The food and drinks are both Insta-worthy here as well.

Mulligan's Pub & Bistro

Bar, Irish, Fusion

Interior of Mulligans Irish Pub
© Mulligans Irish Pub

The Irish do it best, even in Southeast Asia. With generous pints, cottage pies, potato-and-leek soup, and a classic pool table, you’d think you were back in Dublin. But this is for real, and the weather’s great to boot. Events and activities are part of the communal fabric here.

Olive The Bay

Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Indian

Alcohol meets food at the upscale Olive The Bay, where you can enjoy draft beer and house cocktails with a side of excellent North Indian fusion cuisine, including lollipop chicken, chettinad pizza (yow-za!), and their signature biryani. If you’re feeling competitive (or just tipsy), the pool table’s for you.

Grill Bar Steakhouse

Bar, American

Rare steak
© bucks134 / Shutterstock

If you like your steaks as much as your drinks (and you’re loose with your wallet), this is the place to go. A rustic American setting paired with a bounteous wine selection is always a winner, best accompanied by the juiciest Wagyu beef you’ll likely ever have.

The Bierhaus

Bar, German, Fusion

The Bierhaus
© The Bierhaus

Are you secretly rooting for a year-round Oktoberfest? Look no further! The Bierhaus serves great schnitzels (not the dog), pork knuckles (in Guinness beer!), and Philly pork sandwiches, along with Flaming Lamborghinis and Look at the Ceilings. You’d be forgiven for spending a little extra here.

Whisky House Johor Bahru

Bar, Fusion

Interior of Whisky House
© Whisky House

Raise the stakes at Whisky House, because it’s not just the whiskey (on or off the rocks) that will raise your spirits. The decor is luxurious, with red suede armchairs and a liquor display bar straight out of the Architectural Digest, and you’ll be pleased to know that live bands frequently perform here.

Bottle & Glass

Bar, Seafood

Ambiance of Bottle and Glass Seafood Bar
© Bottle and Glass

This new-age cocktail and wine bar is everything you want from an upscale bar experience: great decor, an open courtyard with fairy lights, lavish seafood platters, and a varied selection of liquors. On special days, you can even get half a pint for less than RM10 ($2.50).

Sky 26 @ Holiday Villa

Bar, Asian, Fusion

Interior of Sky 26
© Sky 26

What’s better than drinking mudslides to a boppin’ DJ? Drinking mudslides to a boppin’ DJ on a rooftop, that’s what. The prices are steep, the drinks steeper, but pay your dues and you’ll be rockin’ it out to Johor’s best night view.

About the author

Michelle is your textbook freelancer. She writes on a 13'', visits boutique cafes in old rustic towns, and travels the world every 80 days.

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