Retro bars in Pasar Seni, KL
Pasar Seni comes across as a rare gem in KL that manages to retain a piece of Malaysia’s bygone era. Instead of broad highways and skyscrapers, this town presents narrow roads with zebra crossings, vintage buildings with historical imprints, and local vendors selling goods by the streets.
Over the years, modern cafes and restaurants have filled up empty shoplots, breathing new life into the town. And its energy doesn’t dissipate even after the sun sets – nearby bars come alive once the night settles, igniting the area with music, booze, and neon lights.
If you’re intrigued to experience the nightlife scene in Pasar Seni like a true local, check out these 7 retro bars where you can enjoy Malaysian-inspired drinks in a throwback setting.
1. Baijiu – Baijiu-based cocktails & shots with 8 different flavours
Image credit: gevs via Google Maps
Featuring Chinese-style round stools and tables, bamboo, and hanging rolls of calligraphy art, Baijiu lets you have a glimpse of life during the Song Dynasty in the 1200s. A huge Chinese lantern takes centre stage, illuminating the space with a blue glow.
Image adapted from: 克里斯 via XiaoHongShu
A visit to this bar will not be complete without ordering their signature baijiu, which is a type of fermented Chinese liquor that has a long establishment in Chinese culture.
Their Baijiu Shooters are served in a tray of 16 cups (RM200) with eight different flavours, each showcasing a different colour and name inspired by a natural element such as Fire, Wind, and Thunder.
Image adapted from: 暗中保护你 via XiaoHongShu, ShiChie via XiaoHongShu
Additionally, they serve Malaysian-style cocktails such as Pisang (RM38) – a sweet-and-rich mix of banana puree, dark rum, baijiu, and cacao – and Bling Bling (RM40), a fruity and tart fusion of dragon fruit, goji berry, and vodka.
If you are curious about the taste of tea-based cocktails, consider getting their Date-ing (RM40), which combines Kuan Yin tea with the flavors of pear puree, lemon juice, and red dates-infused gin.
Address: Lorong Panggung, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am | Fri & Sat 5pm-2am (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 010-266 6093
2. Concubine KL – spiced cocktails in a vintage-modern bar
If bars had personalities, Concubine KL would be flirtatious, sassy, and unbothered.
While the place portrays an age-worn aura with wooden floorings and partially furnished walls, the bar area stands out with a fancy and funky charm. The neon sign casts a striking pink hue upon the bar counter, which has a contrasting green-tiled finish that adds an upbeat element to the space.
Image adapted from: Chuan chuan via Google Maps, Ckwong via Google Maps
as for drinks, their Bunga Kantan Fizz (RM45) is incorporated with bunga kantan, a crucial spice in Nyonya and Malay cuisines, which gives the drink a nice floral note.
Their Kung Fu Pandan (RM45) is yet another aromatic crafted cocktail infused with pandan syrup, coconut juice, and coconut-flavoured Malibu.
KL-ites come by not just for the drinks but also for their delectable Asian fusion dishes such as Keropok Nachos (RM15), Double Cheese Burger Gyoza (RM25), and Xi’an Lamb Tostada (RM26).
Address: Lot 2, Jalan Panggong, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sun-Wed 5pm-1am | Thu 5pm-2am | Fri & Sat 5pm-3am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 014-711 2185
3. Shuang Xi – cocktails named after classic Chinese films
Image credit: Mey Than via Google Maps
You’ll feel like you’re starring in a Stephen Chow or Wong Kar Wai film when you step inside Shuang XI, which doesn’t only house a bar but also a thrift store and a tattoo parlour.
Image credit: Hitesh via Google Maps
The old movie posters on the wall, the collection of bizarre figurines and dolls, and the dim red lighting bestow this place with an air of mystery, quirkiness, and fantasy.
Their cocktail menu lets classic booze run the gamut, featuring drinks such as Gin & Tonic (RM32), Old Fashioned (RM38), and Whiskey Sour (RM38).
Image adapted from: Anh Masanori via Google Maps
If you grew up watching Hong Kong movies, the names of their cocktail specials will strike a chord of familiarity.
For instance, Happy Together (RM38), which shares the same name with the popular romantic 1997 Hong Kong movie, mixes chrysanthemum gin with dates, longan, and lemon to portray the bittersweet relationship between the two leads in the film.
Whereas, He Mu Zi (RM35), named after the lead female character in the movie See You Tomorrow, boasts luscious and aromatic flavour of coconut juice and pandan-infused gin.
Address: 177, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Thu-Sun 9pm-1am (Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
Contact: 014-944 5130
4. Botak Liquor – cocktails made with local fruits at a nostalgic kampung house-like bar
Image adapted from: @h_sohee.my via Instagram
You might think you arrived at a rumah kampung instead of a bar when you step inside Botak Liquor.
The walls here are dressed in vintage shades of off-white and pastel green, acquiring a vintage harmony with the blue and yellow subway tiles. Within this nostalgic realm, Malay-style wooden sofas, fabric stools, and long tables gather to recreate a Malay village house in the 60s.
Meanwhile, the bar counter looks like an open kitchen situated in a forest, with vining plants dangling from above.
Image adapted from: @botakliquorbar via Instagram
Once you’re done marvelling at the ambience, take a peek at their array of drinks. Cocktails in Botak Liquor are crafted using Malaysian tropical fruits.
Bunga Raya (RM40) is a summer cocktail in which hibiscus kombucha, Borneo Tuak, and mangosteen are used to create the fruity-floral mix, representing our national flower.
Their Mata Kucing (RM40) is another sweet and refreshing drink that incorporates popular Chinese tong shui ingredients namely longan, monk fruit or Luo Han Guo, and snow fungus.
Address: 156, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-12am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 03-2022 1100
5. Kapitan Haus – Malaysian-inspired cocktails served in teacups, kopi cups & traditional bowls
Image credit: gevs via Google Maps
Nestled just above Da Bao – a restaurant that serves fusion Chinese buns – Kapitan Haus lets you indulge in refreshing booze while savouring delicious Chinese steamed buns and snacks.
Image credit: gevs via Google Maps
Cocktails and spirits – or distilled alcohols – are typically enjoyed in a tall clear glass. But Kapitan Haus ditches the conventional for an innovative local twist, using Malaysian-style drinkware to serve their concoctions.
Their Kopi Kaw (RM40), for starters, is playfully served in a kopitiam cup and saucer with a traditional biscuit on the side. You might just be tricked into thinking you are having kopi-o, but this cup actually holds bittersweet cocktail of coffee-infused wine, pandan-infused Italian bitter, and brown butter-washed gin.
Image credit: gevs via Google Maps
Other cocktails on the menu that ooze a nostalgic Malaysian vibe include Liang Cha (RM38), Bor Bor Cha Cha (RM42), and Pisang Kuno (RM40).
The Tong Shui (RM38) is especially a feast for the eyes. Jujube-infused gin is served in a beautiful Chinese floral bowl and topped with pear, longan, and snow fungus, resulting in a herbal-citrusy drink that makes a great post-meal indulgence.
Address: 1st floor, 145, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-12am | Fri-Sun 3pm-12am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 012-602 2680
6. The Attic Bar – Tuak-based cocktails at a rooftop bar
Image adapted from: Ishvarya Chandrasekaran via Google Maps, xinyeegoh via Google Maps
It is very easy to overlook the entrance of The Attic Bar as it sits above a mamak stall and a hostel.
That being said, getting to the 1st floor of the building doesn’t immediately take you to this rooftop bar. Instead, you have to stroll through a narrow hallway of the hostel and climb up the spiral staircase at the end of the hall, which eventually leads you to the bar.
While both indoor and outdoor seats are available, the bar’s rooftop dining area overlooks the city centre of KL and Menara Merdeka 118.
Other than classic highballs, cocktails, and shooters, The Attic Bar experiments with Malaysia-only flavours and uses Tuak, or East Malaysian rice wine, for their drinks such as the Tuak Martini (RM35) and Tuak Sangria (RM38).
Image adapted from: 張博閔 via Google Maps, Aurora via Google Maps
Their Chen-doll (RM40) is creamy, fragrant, and tangy with a mild sweet taste as this cocktail brings together coconut cream, pandan syrup, ginger, lime, and white rum.
Whereas the Guinness Tarik (RM40) is just as aromatic and smooth as teh tarik. Guinness beer is spiced with nutmeg, topped with foamy condensed milk, and garnished with a cinnamon stick.
For some after-work drinks with friends, you’ll want to drop by this bar as you can enjoy free flow Gin & Tonic at RM68 every day between 5pm and 8pm.
Address: 3rd Floor, 15, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-1am | Fri & Sat 5pm-3am
Contact: 012-393 8627
7. Suzie Wong – chilli cocktails at an oriental-themed resto-bar with cabaret shows
Image credit: Suzie Wong – Dinner and Show via Google Maps
Suzie Wong is an oriental-themed resto-bar that resembles an old Shanghai tavern.
The flooring is upholstered in red carpet, tables are covered in red cloth, and ceilings are hidden behind Chinese bamboo pendant lights. As you explore the place, you’ll spot corners decorated with traditional Chinese plaques.
Image credit: gevs via Google Maps
Besides unwinding over good food and drinks, you also get to enjoy live band and cabaret shows at Suzie Wong. The performances take place every day, with shows starting at 7.30pm.
Image credit: Phillip Teh via Google Maps
Their Rama Rama (RM38), which is served in a cage to trap “butterflies”, glows in a beautiful blue that comes from butterfly pea. Don’t miss out on their Wild’s Spice (RM38) either, which boldly infuses the fiery flavour of bird’s eye chilli.
Whereas Mei Ling (RM38), which is a strong mix of VSOP hard liquor, rye whiskey, and their in-house ginger beer, is one that you will pour out from a Chinese floral vase into a traditional tea cup to enjoy.
Image credit: Hemen Kulkarni via Google Maps
For private parties and events, this resto-bar further houses a private suite that you can reserve in advance. The suite is bathed in dim yellow light and has a decoration with a British flair, featuring Chesterfield sofas, fireplace mock-ups, and English-style paintings.
Address: 86, Ground Floor, Wisma Lim Foo Yong, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Wed-Sat 6pm-1am (Closed on Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays)
Contact: 017-226 6480
Retro bars in Pasar Seni, KL
Old buildings are getting torn down and replaced as time moves forward. But owners of retro bars in Pasar Seni in KL have pressed the reverse button, magically restoring the beauty of Petaling Street and retaining the captivating allure of the days of yore.
The next time you are hankering for a sense of nostalgia, come by any one of these retro bars in Pasar Seni, KL. Or, check out these 14 retro cafes that serve fusion dishes and these 8 modern-day kopitiams in KL.
Cover image adapted from: Hitesh via Google Maps, gevs via Google Maps, @dannykma via Instagram
Photography by XinYee Goh.
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