The First Chapter Speakeasy
KL is not new to the bar scene – be it drinking holes with lack of signage to trendy bars tucked away in alleys, there are plenty of spots around the city to visit for a nightcap. For cocktail lovers searching for a new bar that crafts unique cocktails and has chilling areas, places like The First Chapter Speakeasy will not disappoint.
This bar, which recently opened in TTDI, is where you can head to for a tipsy night with your friends, sipping cocktails – including a payasam-inspired drink – in a cosy space among friendly bartenders.
It takes a bit of searching to locate. But this is all part of the fun of discovering this hidden bar.
A hidden bar behind a bookshelf
The First Chapter Speakeasy is a speakeasy-style bar in the heart of Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Patrons visiting this bar for the first time will be in for a surprise, as it is discreetly tucked away behind a bookshelf. But first, you’ll have to locate its equally hidden, and lowkey, entrance.
It’s easy to miss the bar’s entrance. But we’ll let you in on the secret – locate a humble black door, with a red mailbox out front. To enter the bar, you must first make reservations with the bar representatives prior to your visit, as this door is pin-enabled with a password of the day.
You can make a reservation by dropping them a message on their social media accounts.
Once you gain entry and walk up the stairs, you’ll wonder if there’s even a bar inside – there’s nothing but a shelf full of books in a dark hallway. But you’ll soon realise that the bar’s actual entrance is ingeniously carved out within the bookshelf when you manage to find your way in.
Video credit: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Simply walk to the end of the hall, and pull the bookshelf to enter.
Exclusive set-up for a cosy drinking nights
Once you’ve figure out your way inside, you’ll be greeted by a stylish set-up comprising sophisticated furniture such as Chesterfield sofas and leather armchairs, along with classy wall lamps.
The dimly-lit interior of the place adds to the speakeasy ambience that you are meant to experience here.
The First Chapter Speakeasy was founded by two university friends, Ben Nair and Shawn Luke, who had the idea of opening up a secretive speakeasy, combining their passion for drinks and love for books which they have shared since they were students
Dessert-inspired cocktails & infused gins
Being a one-of-a-kind bar in KL, The First Chapter Speakeasy offers a selection of craft cocktails made with exquisite ingredients, as well as tasty appetisers, for guests.
The First Chapter Signature Rose Infused Gin and Payasam, along with the quirkily-named Regina George and Wake Me The F*ck Up cocktails, are some drinks you’ll find on the menu.
During your visit, try out Ben’s Margarita (RM38), which is the bar’s founder’s own version of the classic Margarita that comes with a double shot of Don Julio tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, organic agave, and sea salt.
We also recommend the Payasam (RM30), a dessert-based cocktail inspired by the classic Indian dessert payasam that’s perfect for mint lovers with a sweet tooth.
The drink is served with a crunchy coil of Murukku for an added twist.
If you want something stronger while you’re here, we’d suggest you go for The First Chapter Signature Rose Infused Gin (RM42) or Regina George (RM38), made from house-infused ingredients such as gin and tincture.
Tuesdays are Ladies’ Nights at The First Chapter Speakeasy, when they serve complimentary red and white wine sangria, as well as other cocktails. So, if you’re planning a night out with your girlfriends in the city, this is the perfect time to drop by this spot.
Bite-sized appetisers to pair with drinks
Fried Button Mushrooms
Image credit: The First Chapter Speakeasy
A night at The First Chapter Speakeasy wouldn’t be complete without trying some of their popular bite-sized appetisers. There are Gula Melaka Chicken Cutlets for RM22, and Fried Button Mushrooms served with garlic dipping sauce for RM20.
Beef Sliders
Image adapted from: The First Chapter Speakeasy
The savoury and spicy chicken cutlets coated in a tangy and sweet Gula Melaka sauce are a crowd pleaser, and great for sharing with your friends. The fried button mushrooms, on the other hand, are light and crispy on the outside, and juicy and moist on the inside, making them a perfect combo with drinks.
In case you’re craving something more filling, then the Beef Sliders (RM48) is the way to go. The burgers are served with crispy fries on the side and topped with caramelised onions, with two dipping sauces for extra flavour.
The First Chapter Speakeasy bar at TTDI
From its unique set-up to tasty cocktails and foods, The First Chapter Speakeasy is definitely a must-visit bar for passionate drinkers – and book lovers – in the Klang Valley.
This hidden bar is steadily making a name for itself in the local bar scene despite its recent debut. So, consider checking out this bar with your friends to experience its speakeasy-style ambience and delicious drinks made by skilled bartenders.
Address: 139a, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-12am (Closed on Mondays and Sundays)
Contact: 011-2319 2556 | Facebook | Instagram
Read more here:
- Concubine KL, unique bar at Kwai Chai Hong
- Tiffin At The Yard, food court with 15 vendors & a wine bar in Sentul Depot
- Keijometo, new industrial-themed cafe in Johor Bahru
Photography by Siva Selan.