You’ve stepped foot onto the Pearl of the Orient, and you’re already looking forward to the glorious food here. Many famous restaurants and makan stalls seem to be more happening during the day, but you start to wonder if there’s any best bar in Penang that you can visit for a drink or two, party like crazy or just plain chill.
The good news is, yes Penang does have fun nightlife as well!
Let us take you on a quick tour – here are the top 16 bars in Penang you should go to!
Popular Bars in Penang
Garage Music & Bar
Image source: Garage Facebook
Locals would know this is one of the cosy yet popular bars around the island. Living true to its name, Garage Music and Bar sports a garage theme, with its container-like walls, neon lights and graffiti art all over the place.
Guests can enjoy a wide range of cocktails, whiskeys, gin, vodka and more, accompanied by live band music and DJ music each night.
They have Ladies’ Night every Wednesday and the Buy 1 Free 1 offer for all cocktails and wines every Thursday, so it’s no wonder why this place is always full and crowded.
If you don’t know where to party in Penang, this place is just perfect!
Address: 117, Lebuh Noordin, 10300 George Town
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm – 3am. Closed on Mondays.
The Pokok
Image source: The Pokok Facebook
This pub used to operate nearly all day from 9am but has adjusted its business hours to cater to the evening crowd. Packed during the weekends with both the local and tourist crowds, this is the place to sit, chill and relax with a beer or two in the open space. You can choose to sit in the air-conditioned area but the section is only open from 9pm onwards (check with the staff first).
Some word of caution: This place garnered mixed reviews in terms of the consistency of the drinks, and you may have to battle with quite a lot of mosquitoes here. It can get stuffy with a large crowd, but otherwise this place is good if you want to just grab some booze and enjoy some live band in the area.
Address: Lot, 227, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town
Hours: Opens daily, 4pm – 12am
Manchu Bar
Image source: Manchu Bar Facebook
Manchu Bar is a place to behold really – elaborate Oriental decors, Cheongsam-clad staff, extensive food and drinks menu, all of which will make you go wild with so many choices. Wear your best (traditional) outfit and make merry with your companions for the night at this lovely modern-day speakeasy bar that is rich in culture!
Apart from letting your eyes feast on the beautiful interior while your mouth enjoys every sip of their alcoholic beverages and every bite of their expertly crafted dishes, this bar is also one of the few places in Penang where you can listen to wonderful guzheng performances and watch opera shows.
This best bar in Penang is heaven to all your senses!
Address: 38 & 40, Jalan Pintal Tali, 10100 George Town
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 6pm – 3am. Closed on Mondays.
Micke's Place at Love Lane
Image source: Micke’s Place Facebook
A longtime establishment near the beginning of Love Lane when you turn in from Chulia Street, Micke’s Place Penang has served as the go-to bar for many international tourists, backpackers and even young locals to relax and unwind with their favourite alcoholic drinks.
Easily accessible, you will feel right at home here with the friendly atmosphere, good food and drinks, and some guitar sesh serenading your evening away. This is the place for you if you enjoy drinking the usual beers and cocktails with foreign tourists around but not if you are looking for a fancy menu.
Address: 94, Lorong Love, 10200 George Town
Hours: Opens daily, 4pm – 12am
Best Hidden Bars in Penang
天下第一客棧 Magazine 63
From the outside, unsuspecting passersby may not even realise the existence of this place along the busy Magazine Road. But behind the unassuming wooden door lies a vibrant bar that is almost always full house each night, with local patrons gathering for their unique range of cocktails and small bites while relaxing to some live music.
Image source: Magazine 63 Facebook
Even if you don’t do alcohol, their inviting ambience is enough to lure you in for a pot of Chinese tea. This is a must-visit hidden bar in Penang!
Address: 63, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8pm – 2am. Closed on Monday
Backdoor Bodega
This Penang hidden bar can be found in The Swagger Salon at Hin Bus Depot and has been serving both local and international alcohol lovers since November 2016. It’s a rather unique speakeasy bar in Penang – buy a cute pin, get a drink for free!
Backdoor Bodega often invites top bartenders from abroad to showcase their creative cocktails, which makes your drinking experience far more interesting than any other bars. Many visitors have vouched for the place to have great vibes perfect to chill with friends, plus the drinks are awesome.
Image source: Backdoor Bodega
Their bestsellers include the Covid-inspired range of cocktails such as Sinosour, Pfizermeister and ExtraGineca, each named after the popular brands of Covid vaccines with a fun twist.
What’s more, this hip hidden bar even makes it into the list of top 100 best bars in Asia this year 2022, so it’s definitely worth checking out!
Address: 37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town
Hours: Thursday to Monday, 8pm – 12am. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Best Rooftop Bars in Penang
屋上 Attic 23 Rooftop Bar, Menara Summit
Image source: Attic 23 Facebook
Previously known as HH Rooftop Bar, Attic 23 continues to be a popular sky bar in Penang mostly frequented by young locals. It’s great for couple dates or those looking for a more private spot to drown their souls with delicious wines and cocktails under the sky overlooking the glorious view of George Town.
Whether you are drinking to celebrate an important occasion or just want a cool, windy place to drink and unwind, consider paying this place a visit.
Address: 191, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town
Hours: Opens daily, 5pm – 2am
Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, Bayview Hotel
Image source: Three Sixty Rooftop Bar Facebook
A longstanding rooftop bar Penang on top of Bayview Hotel, Three Sixty Rooftop Bar is famous for being located right next to the unique revolving restaurant.
You can sample authentic Peranakan cuisine buffet dinner at the Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant, then settle down for some of their house cocktails or cold beers at the Sky Bar lounge surrounded by the splendid views of the city.
This is another best sky bar in Penang to check out, especially if you have yet to dine and wine with a 360° panoramic view of Penang. Take note though, the restaurant only revolves from 7pm to 10pm so make a reservation with the place before your visit.
Address: 25-A, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Georgetown
Hours: Opens daily, 4pm – 1am
DSRT Sky Room, St Giles Hotel
Image source: D Shining Rood Top website
D Shining Roof Top or simply, DSRT, is the highest rooftop bar in Penang, situated on the 31st floor of St Giles Hotel at the heart of Georgetown. Choose between the open terrace or indoor seating as you admire the beautiful sunset sky or night view while sipping wine or downing buckets of beer from their well-stocked bar.
This place is great for enjoying Happy Hours in a comfortable yet chic setting.
Address: 183, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town
Hours: Monday to Friday, 5pm – 1am; Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays, 6pm – 1am
Best Beach Bars in Penang
Beach Blanket Babylon
Think about beach bars and you will think of going to the beach in search of one, but Beach Blanket Babylon makes enjoying alcohols at the beach setting more convenient and accessible in the city!
Image source: Beach Blanket Babylon Facebook
You can enter this beach bar Penang via 32 Mansion. Happy Hour starts from 12pm until 8pm, which means you can grab some beer or wine along with your meals anytime from lunch all the way to dinner.
You can choose to dine indoors or outdoors but of course, we’d recommend going for the outdoor setting so you can listen to the calming sound of the sea waves and take in the scenic sea view as you dine and drink to your heart’s content!
Address: 32, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10450 George Town
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday, 12pm – 11pm; Tuesday, Friday & Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Frandy Beach Bar
Image source: Frandy Beach bar Facebook
Perhaps you are searching for the perfect venue to host a party with a wide selection of good food and plenty of booze to boot? Look no further than Frandy Beach Bar if you miss the Phuket, Krabi or Bali vibes!
Seating isn’t the most comfortable but look past that and you’ll find yourself a welcoming place to relax in and melt your worries away. Alcoholic beverages aside, there’s actually more you can do at this pub – you can enjoy the beautiful sunset and sea, delectable Western and Oriental cuisine that comes with good service, live music and even horse riding along the Batu Feringghi beach!
This is a favourite spot among locals and expats staying around Batu Feringghi and Tanjung Bungah so consider dropping by for a drink if you are nearby.
Address: 363, Gerai Kilat, 11100 Batu Ferringhi
Hours: Weekdays 12pm till 11pm; Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays, 12pm till 12am midnight
Best Live Music Bars
D’Loovi’s
D’Loovi’s deserves a mention on this list as the best live performance venue to enjoy some cold beers and cocktails at a more private yet cosy corner. This is one of the few places where you can listen to good rock and roll music and occasionally some oldies. It was originally located at Love Lane before being shifted to Malay Street.
On top of live band performances, there’s plenty of events and performances lined up each week, from comedy nights to afternoon tea dance parties and open mic sessions. Simple yet charming, the warm and friendly service here will keep you coming back for more buckets of beers.
The entrance can be a tad tricky to find for first-timers – it’s actually facing Lorong Toh Aka instead of Lebuh Melayu.
Address: 24, Lebuh Melayu, 10200 George Town
Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 12pm – 12am. Closed on Tuesdays.
The Canteen, China House
The Canteen at China House is a popular cafe during the day, but when night falls, this all-day restaurant bar becomes the next best venue to drink, listen and sing along to the wonderful live music performances held daily. Treat your ears to all kinds of music genre here – blues, jazz, funk, pop, rock, soul – you name it!
The Canteen is always a happening place to be in, which explains why it is usually packed with both locals and international guests. While you’re here, don’t miss ChinaHouse’s specialty cakes to go with your liquor!
Address: 183b Lebuh Victoria , George Town
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am – 2am; Sunday, 9am – 12am
Best Specialty Cocktail Bars
Goodfriendsclub
Good Friends never bojio (Hokkien for not invite) – that’s why we jio you to Good Friends Club Penang!
Image source: Goodfriendsclub Facebook
Tucked in one of the shops at Hin Bus Depot, this specialty cocktail bar turns out to be another local favourite to hang out with friends after work and during weekends. They serve a pretty good selection of alcoholic drinks, and similar to Backdoor Bodega (they are just back-to-back of one another) – Goodfriendsclub often collaborates with veteran bartenders to offer one-of-a-kind cocktail drinking experiences.
It can be quite cramped due to limited space, but it’s definitely perfect for alcohol aficionados and enthusiasts alike to gather around.
Address: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town
Hours: Opens daily, 8pm – 2am
Beso Rosado by Chin Chin
Step inside this Beso Rosado by Chin Chin gastropub, and you will be greeted by a super pink yet classy ambience, with the bar at the centre of the outlet ready to prepare your drink of the night.
You can choose from their extensive specialty alcohol menu, which are all expertly crafted to delight your tastebuds and totally Instagrammable. The food pairs wonderfully with your drinks too, so this is probably the next best bar to wine and dine with elegance in town!
Address: 86, Lebuh Bishop, 10200 George Town
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 6pm – 10pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm-10pm. Closed on Mondays.
That’s a wrap on our best bars in Penang list! We hope you have wonderful nightlife experiences visiting these places on the island!
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