If you're looking for a speakeasy bar in Johor Bahru, these are the 3 places for you to check out. With unique and interesting concepts, an international feel, and affordable prices, there's something for everyone at one of these bars. So grab your friends, pick a spot, and get ready to enjoy some cocktails!
1. This cafe by day turns into a bar by night! – Cabinet 8 by JWC
Coffee shops serving alcohol might be the new trend in JB as this cafe by day turns into a bar by night! And this one is hidden in a closet! During the day, the place is commonly known as The Bear And Fish, so it takes a whole new label at night to become Cabinet 8 by JWC – it’s so hidden and secret, with few people in, that you might feel as though it is an almost-illegal place to hang out at. Yet, its atmosphere will get you trapped for hours as the magicians behind the bar serves up some unique concoctions. There’s no menu here, so you’ll have to order based on your taste and which flavour you prefer – some are topped with red chilli and other spices or come with a coffee base.
Clue: Come after 7 pm and don’t forget to touch up your makeup in the mirror – but make sure to look a little closer!
Address : 102, jalan Sutera tanjung 8/3, taman Sutera Utama 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Cabinet8jwc
2. Get transported from childhood to adulthood – S.S.H.H.H at MERAH Kitchen
From the outside, MERAH Kitchen and Bar looks like an old provision shop (or commonly known as your ”kedai runcit”) selling everyone’s favourite childhood candies (like eye glass candies) along with toys – except that it’s not really a candy shop, but rather a top-secret cocktail bar serving up artisanal cocktails and real good authentic food as well!
During a chat with the owner, I was also told the story and meaning behind ‘MERAH’. The bar itself is known as “S.S.H.H.H.” which stands for “Secret Society of Hong Hua Hui (红花会)” paying homage to “The Red Flower Society” from the famous fictional wuxia novel “The Book and the Sword (书剑恩仇录)” which features underground secret societies back in the days. Intriguing, isn’t it? Per an inside look, MERAH Kitchen and Bar has vintage interiors but if you wander deeper down the second floor, you will end up in a swanky space that calls for booze! The hidden bar is all #vibes, right down to the cocktails.
Clue: Just like the truth comes out of children’s mouth; the best places are very often the ones where your inner child screams (for haw flakes)!
Address : 17, Jalan Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 J.B., Johor.
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/merahkitchennbar
Mon to Sat 11pm-6pm. (Closed on Sundays)
3.Jump into the rabbit hole! – Haiiro Usagi
It’s useless to ask the locals nearby for this bar location
as there’s barely any signage for it. From the outside, it looks like a poorly
maintained shop lot – all part of the game though!
What’s exciting here is that you will have to try your luck pressing on doorbells until you finally find it. Walk in and find yourself a seat at Haiiro Usagi (which means ‘grey rabbit’ in Japanese) – a speakeasy-style bar pouring top-notch cocktails with contemporary Japanese vibes and feels!
The bar welcomes only 40 people and you’ll find Joe – the owner serving up drinks of excellent quality with years of experience from Switzerland, China and Singapore. There’s a lot to learn from him – in fact, he finds pleasure in teaching the art of cocktails to his guests too! And more than just cocktails, you’ll also get to learn about your future with their Tarot card reading!
Clue: Tonight, your lucky number is “75A”… We hope you press the correct doorbell!
Address : No. 75A, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya. , Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/haiirousagi75A
