Kuala Lumpur’s drinking scene is as interesting as it can be, with casual neighbourhood pubs offering cheap drinks, hard-to-find speakeasies that take cocktails to a new level, and rooftop bars offering views of the city. Whether you are looking for the perfect pint or a drink to remember, here are 10 must-visit watering holes in Petaling Jaya.
Head to Stratosphere @ The Roof, and enjoy an unprecedented 360-degree panoramic view of the city as the sun sets. The bar, seated atop an infinity grassed helipad, is definitely worthy of an Instagram snap. Feeling a cool breeze under the stars with delicious drinks is an ideal way to enjoy Petaling Jaya.
Stroll the quiet streets of Bandar Utama at night and you might just find people sneaking through a side entrance into this classy watering hole. Leather Chesterfield-style sofas and soothing jazz music greet you as you walk in. The bar is well-stocked with everything from gin to absinthe. On the drinks menu, you will find classics like the Old Fashioned as well as their own creative concoctions like Peachy Peachy.
Hiding among many great eateries in Bandar Utama, 61 Monarchy is a speakeasy that’s popular among whiskey drinkers. Stepping into the bar, you will be greeted by a homey setting. The main bar area, with rattan chairs and wooden furniture, is decorated like a living room. The bar only serves whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails and may have the largest whiskey collection in Petaling Jaya.
Beer lovers will be in for a treat at The Great Beer Bar, located in Damansara Utama. You can explore many flavours at this bar, as it offers over 70 different types of craft beer from all over the world. If you need guidance tasting their extensive offering, reach out to any of their staff and they will happily guide you through the selection.
Tucked away behind a restaurant, you can find the entrance to this intimate bar hidden behind a classic red telephone box. Despite the small space, this bar packs a punch with its offerings. From whiskey to wine, you can find the poison that best suits you. Another highlight of the bar is their cocktail list that includes concoctions with comical names like Covfefe and Pretty Reckless.
Join in the beats at The Pound, situated in the heart of SS3, for some fun. Local artists and bands take the stage at this bar with tunes that will keep you entertained every night throughout the week. Patrons can enjoy beer at cheap prices, with most priced between RM12 (about $3) to RM18 (about $4.45). The Pound also offers a beer package for the heavy drinker, with 10 Tiger mugs priced at RM110 (about $27).
A well-loved hangout spot by nearby residents, Three Stooges Bar offers great food, fantastic live music, and of course, drinks to quench your thirst. It’s lively atmosphere and friendly staff also draw quite a crowd, including local office workers who are ready to wind down after a long day. They offer a small selection of wine, whiskey, cocktails, and beer at affordable prices.
Follow the lively tunes, and you might find yourself at Imaginarium. Offering more than live jazz music, Imaginarium aims to be the space where people can network and meet new friends over a drink or two. The minimalist industrial setting is contrasted by plush velvet sofas and classy leather seats, creating an experience you can’t find elsewhere.
Push through the unmarked eight-foot tall door and you will find a swanky speakeasy offering an experience like no other. Unlike other bars, this watering hole has ping-pong and pool tables to get patrons moving as well as a password-protected hidden room. Keeping the bar high, Chaze takes on a playful spirit in experimentation with its cocktails. If you are looking for something more simple, they also offer a selection of wine, whiskey, and beer.
Having been around since 1996, Waikiki has managed to withstand the challenge from budding competition over the years. You will find the standard bar selection of beer, liquor, and cocktails. However, it’s the atmosphere that has kept customers loyal. The bar has taken the idea of tropical to a whole new level with bamboo balls, rattan high chairs, a straw-thatched roof, and palm trees, creating an oddly comfortable place for patrons to drink the night away.