Best bars in Penang
Penang has plenty to offer locals and tourists alike, from its lip-smackingly good hawker food to its rich cultural attractions. When it comes to food, it only continues to exceed expectations. In recent years, the island has become a hub of hip cafes and also trendy bars.
Drinking dens in the state take on a mythical status – from snazzy hole-in-the-walls and alluring, well-hidden gems to flamboyant and quirky watering holes. To take your usual suppers at a nearby mamak up a notch, have a fun night out with your pals at one of these 11 stylish bars in Penang that open till late.
Table of Contents
1. Backdoor Bodega
Won the World’s Best Cocktail Menu Award in 2025
Image credit: @champions1984
In true speakeasy style, Backdoor Bodega is a bar hidden right at the back of a clothing store called The Swagger Salon. Stripped back and homely yet stylishly chic, the secret bar – which wittily parades as an overpriced pin shop – feels like an after-party-style drinking hideout that’s perfect for a night out with close friends.
Its award-winning The Backdoor Bodega Guide To Penang – a concept which earned the bar the World’s 50 Best Bars Best Cocktail Menu Award in 2025 – doubles as a cocktail menu and a guidebook to the island, weaving together local food, neighbourhoods, history and culture with the drinks themselves.
Image adapted from: @cafephileeee_ & @_ekqn_ via Instagram
On their menu, you’ll find unique creations such as the signature Kelapa Hotak (RM38), which is a combination of in-house coconut rum, pandan and a spoon of kaya, and Ulam Mojito (RM38) – an eclectic rum-based drink infused with local herbs such as ulam, daun kesum and kaffir leaf.
They also offer a tamer mix of flavours that are still strong on the alcohol, such as the cherry and vodka concoction Cherry Bomb (RM25) and the strong Vesper (RM60), which features Ford’s Gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc.
Image credit: @missleexinyi via Instagram
They have a range of seasonal bottled cocktails, some collaborations, that are available for certain periods of time only. These can be purchased on their website, where you’ll find other merchandise such as pins, drinking mugs, and T-shirts. They ship nationwide, with next-day delivery offered.
Price: $$
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2. Good Friends Club
Kopitiam bar that puts a twist on local drinks
Image credit: @goodfriendsclubpg via Instagram
We won’t laugh if you said you walked right past this hidden bar thinking it was just another kopitiam – we would’ve missed it too.
The Good Friends Club marks itself apart from other bars in Penang with its ingenious concept of an old-school Chinese kopitiam. An easy way to spot it: simply look out for a neon sign that spells “Good Friends Never Bojio”, which means a close pal would not invite you for the uninitiated.
Image credit: @thejspace_ via Instagram
Similar to a local hawker place, this bar has the vibes of a laidback haunt that you and your friends can revisit often.
A dimly-lit room with metal chairs and tables, wooden cabinets decorated with old trinkets, vintage posters plastered on the walls – it would be easy to forget you are in a speakeasy, if not for the shelves of cocktail bottles by the bar area and the always-present crowd with their drinks in hand.
Image adapted from: @btoproject & @goodfriendsclubpg via Instagram
In true kopitiam fashion, you’ll find cocktails that play around with the flavours of Malaysia’s hawker food culture. Among the signatures, the Laksa Negroni (RM50) puts a distinctly Penang assam laksa spin on the classic, while the Penang White Dai-Curry (RM50) takes inspiration from Perak’s white curry mee.
For something intrinsically Penang, go for the Air Itam Ginger Tea (RM55), which has local black tea and ginger mixed into the oaky sweetness of Auchentoshan three wood whisky.
Price: $$
3. The Nest Cocktail Bar
An exclusive bite to pair with each drink
Image credit: @penangcocktailweek via Instagram
Calling oneself a “bar for the flavour explorer” is a pretty bold statement, but The Nest Cocktail Bar definitely gives you reason to explore. Tucked inside a restored heritage shophouse along Lebuh Melayu, the bar has a nice space that strikes a balance between polished and laid-back, with a long bar, cosy botanical touches and a pool table tucked towards the back.
Image adapted from: @sippin_n_muchin via Instagram & @thenestcocktailbar
Its cocktails are designed around unusual flavour combinations, with each drink accompanied by a small bite designed to interact with the flavours.
The food-and-drink pairing menu brims with adventurous creations, which change up seasonally – think Hojicha Sour with Tatatmi Iwashi, a smoky Penicillin ginger tea concoction paired with smoked duck and caviar called Feather & Ash, as well as Ember Drift, a black garlic-infused cognac paired with torched Hokkaido scallops.
Price: $$$
4. BISO Cocktail Bar
Minimalist bar & innovative drinks
Image adapted from: @biso.pg via Instagram
For a cocktail night that feels a little more experimental, make your way to BISO Cocktail Bar – sleek, minimalist, and subdued, which creates a rather intimate atmosphere for lingering over drinks.
BISO’s name is derived from the Penang Hokkien word for “flavour”, and its menu is built around exploring just that. Instead of relying heavily on conventional classics, the bar explores techniques such as fermentation and distillation to isolate and intensify different flavour profiles of seasonal and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
Image adapted from: @sippin_n_muchin & @biso.pg via Instagram
And if you’re wondering what to order, N.E.O.H is one of the bar’s signatures, combining coriander with gin and melon liqueur, or the No.1, an unusual creation inspired by Italian pasta with lacto-fermented tomatoes, white balsamic and black pepper. The Double Espresso, made with Geisha coffee, is a good choice if you want a more familiar espresso-martini-style drink.
Price: $$
5. Steep Social
Tea & wine cocktails in a traditionally Chinese den
Image adapted from: @steepsocial.pg via Instagram
For something a little different from George Town’s usual cocktail scene, Steep Social takes an ingredient that is deeply rooted in Asian culture – tea. Its heritage-inspired interiors feature dark wooden details, atmospheric lighting and Chinese-influenced design elements that create a sophisticated atmosphere to sip on some unexpected concoctions.
As its name suggests, the bar’s concept revolves around the art of steeping, drawing out the aromas and nuances of tea to complement wines and spirits. Its menu also explores Southern Chinese heritage and the cultural influences that have shaped Malaysia’s food and drink scene.
Image adapted from: @steepsocial.pg via Instagram
For signatures, try Crimson Jade (RM55), which pairs longjing green tea with sparkling Lambrusco, or Barley Field (RM50), which takes inspiration from the humble grain, pairing shochu with herbaceous flavours and a lively fizz. Made with Moscato, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon, red fermented bean curd, red vinegar and mandarin orange, Pole to Pole (RM55) brings familiar Cantonese ingredients together intriguingly.
Price: $$
6. Nomu Co
Cosy-chic bar at Hin Bus Depot
Image credit: @nomucopg via Instagram
Nomu Co. at Hin Bus Depot is a new one in Penang that brings a polished yet laid-back feel to the city’s bar scene. Behind the bar is a collaboration between bartender Adrian Foo, formerly of Singapore’s acclaimed Jigger & Pony, and chef Kim Hock Su of the one-Michelin-starred Au Jardin, with a shared approach to bring together classic cocktail craftsmanship and flavours inspired by Malaysia and Penang.
The menu is divided into Revisited Classics, where you can stick to familiar favourites made with care, and Nomu Signatures, which venture into drinks that offer a more local twist.
Image adapted from: @nomucopg via Instagram
There’s the Hokkien Mary (RM60) that takes inspiration from Penang’s Hokkien mee, using prawn-shell-infused vodka to bring savoury, broth-like notes to a Bloody Mary-style cocktail. For something simpler, Bamboo (RM45) offers a smooth aroma, made with fino sherry, vermouths and Nomu’s house-made saké vermouth, or go for the Kopi Martini (RM50), which pairs Penang black coffee with Matusalem Reserva rum and gula melaka
Price: $$$
7. No Bar Here
80s-inspired retro bar with colourful drinks
Image adapted from: @nobarhere via Instagram
No Bar Here takes you straight back to the era of disco, cassette tapes and unapologetically vibrant drinks. Created by the team behind Backdoor Bodega, this Jalan Gurdwara bar has carved out its own identity with a concept centred on the cocktail culture of the 80s.
Image adapted from: @nobarhere via Instagram
Its menu is a celebration of the fun side of mixology, with classic cocktail references given a cheeky twist. Its signature Megumi Highball (RM45) puts a playful spin on the Pornstar Martini, while the Pink Hawaiian (RM50) reimagines the Blue Hawaiian as a pink, slushie-style drink. For something savoury, try the Steakhouse Shenanigans (RM50), a whiskey-based creation featuring tomato, capsicum and smoky barbecue notes.
Price: $$
8. Drunken Gelato
Artisanal gelato and craft cocktails
Image adapted from: @drunkengelato via Instagram
Why settle for a cocktail when you can have your favourite tipple with gelato?
Drunken Gelato is a quirky spot that combines the craft of mixology with the indulgence of gelato, so you don’t have to choose between a nightcap or a dessert. The bright red facade of the bar gives way to a retro-inspired speakeasy with checkerboard flooring, neon lights and a disco ball, setting the mood for a fun night out with your pals.
Image adapted from: @drunkengelato via Instagram
What they do here goes beyond simply adding alcohol to ice cream: gelato is shaken or stirred into a cocktail, or tipples are churned into a creamy, alcohol-infused gelato.
Its signature Drunken Rum & Raisin (RM30) combines dark rum and rum-soaked raisins in a rich gelato, while the Milo Guinness Bomb (RM25) brings together Guinness stout, Milo and Jameson Irish whiskey for a malty treat. For creative cocktails, try the Hope You Get Rich (RM35) – inspired by kaya toast – which has whisky infused with buttered toast and pandan kaya.
Price: $
9. BaoBae
Southeast Asian inspired cocktails
Image credit: @baobae.pg via Instagram
If you like a little mystery with your martini, BaoBae is worth seeking out. The intimate cocktail bar keeps things understated, with warm lighting, soft jazz and a bespoke cocktail experience.
Image adapted from: @baobae.pg via Instagram
Tell the bartender whether you prefer bright citrus flavours, warming spice, or something more adventurous, and allow them to create a drink. You could also choose from their menu of featured cocktails, including the Yuzu Business (RM50) for a fresh and citrus-led profile, or the more indulgent Salty Boy (RM50) that’s inspired by American soda floats.
Price: $$
10. Nomad
Backpacking-around-the-world concept
Image adapted from: @nomad_pg via Instagram
If you fancy taking your taste buds on a little trip, Nomad gives you a sense of that wanderlust with just a couple of the bar’s tipples. Taking inspiration from flavours and drinking cultures around the world, the menu explores everything from botanical and tea-infused drinks to savoury, umami-rich creations.
If you enjoy a drink with an aromatic edge, try the Botanical Garden (RM50), which combines chrysanthemum notes with orange bitters and amaro. For something that nods to local tastes, look out for the Dodol Manhattan (RM50), which gives the classic whiskey cocktail a Malaysian-inspired twist.
Price: $$
11. Manchu Bar
Enchanting old Chinese bar with opera performances
Image credit: @manchupenang via Instagram
If there is one bar that encapsulates the spirit of vivacity, luxury and fun, it is Manchu Bar – but perhaps in the Ming dynasty period.
Lively, flamboyant and glamorous – these are some words that’ll come to mind when raving about Manchu Bar to your pals. This speakeasy is truly an escape from the toils of your daily life. Push aside the black velvet curtains at the entrance, and step into the vibrant portal of a bar that’ll transport you to another place and time.
Image adapted from: @manchupenang & Manchu Bar
Manchu Bar is a Chinoiserie-inspired bar decked with vivid red lanterns, elaborately carved wood furnishings, silk draping and sprouts of tall leafy greens. Whimsical paintings and classic Chinese motifs on the walls add to the bar’s overall traditional, yet charming, ambience.
Image adapted from: Manchu Bar
It isn’t only the bar’s elaborate decor that takes you on an experience of escapism. Their drinks play the part just as well. Here, you can order an array of classic alcoholic beverages, as well as localised cocktail drinks served in gorgeous Chinese kitchenware.
The Imperial Cocktail menu boasts innovative concoctions such as Baijiu (RM50), Tangerine Taels (RM50), a zesty tequila drink with a citrusy touch of Chinese oranges, and Elixir of Youth (RM48), which is pretty much herby liqueur disguised as dainty teas.
Image credit: Manchu Bar
Manchu Bar puts on amazing live performances on certain nights as well. This is usually announced on their social media pages. You can expect band performances, operas, and Chinese traditional dance performances to take in as you sip on your drinks.
Price: $$
The best cocktail bars in Penang
Some nights, we just crave a boujee affair that involves sipping on well-crafted cocktails in a suave bar. Penang is filled with plenty of stylish bars, so in case you might not know where to locate them, this is the list for you.
Also read: We Went On A Shio Pan Hunt Across Penang To Find Our Favourite, Here’s Our Honest Review
Cover image adapted from: @steepsocial.pg, @drunkengelato & @nobarhere via Instagram
This article was first published on 16th November 2022, and last updated on 16th October 2026.