Go On A Hunt For These 7 Unique Speakeasy Bars When You’re In Georgetown!

Penang as we know it is a bustling hub of good food and cultural events, but they’re also known for their vibrant nightlife scene. Frequent visitors of Georgetown, Penang are surely no strangers to the various speakeasies and hidden bars scattered across the beautiful heritage city. Read on for our top hidden bar picks and go on an adventure as you hunt down each one for the complete pub crawl experience.

1. 天下第一客棧 Magazine 63

One of the first speakeasies to have sparked Penang’s hidden bar trend, Magazine 63 remains till date one of the most popular spots in town. The bar is hidden amidst a row of shophouses on Jalan Magazine, disguised as a run-down lot with no obvious signages. The entrance is entirely nondescript and you’ll only find your way in by pushing open a large wooden door at the front.

merse yourself in Chinese Old World vibes with the bar’s era-appropriate decor and servers dressed in traditional costume. A floating stage overlooks the main bar area for live performances and house music pumps steadily throughout the space. Their drink choices aren’t extensive, but their innovative mixes are fun to try out, especially when they come in ceramic bowls for you to directly drink from.

Address: 63, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

https://www.facebook.com/magazineM63

2. Manchu Bar

Fans of the culture and architecture of the old Qing dynasty era would appreciate Manchu Bar. A warmly lit entryway of a storefront decorated with Chinese writing and small stone statues is what you should look for. Once there, find your way through the heavy red curtains on the right and push open the unassuming heavy timber door right behind to enter the speakeasy. The moment you step in, you’d feel as if you were entering a completely different era from where you came from.

Inspired by the Manchu of North eastern China, the bar is decked out in timeless interior decor and touches of oriental architecture reminiscent of Manchurian culture. Pick your poison from their inventive menu and be prepared to be served by traditionally-clothed staff at the bar. Manchu Bar’s nightly entertainment is a live band that performs both classic and modern songs, but if you’re lucky, you can even catch their specialty performance - the Chinese Opera.

Address: 38 & 40, Jalan Pintal Tali, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang

https://www.facebook.com/manchupenang

3. Hidden Tiki

The latest addition to the speakeasy bar in Penang, we were blown away when we first visited Hidden Tiki. It seems almost impossible to find the key to the entrance, you have to search every corner. Let us give you a hint, it’s on the left, just open it. You’ll then be greeted by tikis and torch all over, you’ll think you’ve gone back to the past and entered an ancient cave. Their menu is very interesting, so is the place, so check them out. Owh, not to forget, have fun finding the location, you’ll never thought of it. (Hint: Opposite the building where we get our IC done.)

Address: 20, Jalan Anson, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-3 a.m. (Daily)

https://www.facebook.com/The-Hidden-Tiki-379834959251730

4, 12 Senses

12 Senses is again another Chinese-inspired bar where the entrance requires a little brain to figure out. For those of you who couldn’t, we’re here to break the code for you. Simply push the lever on the Wing Chun dummy and the door would slide open. As in which lever, it’s up to you guys to find out. We heard it’s very happening each night over here at 12 senses, the bartenders are all well-equipped with knowledge and skills. If you want to see them live in action, hop over to the bar and ask them to craft your favourite cocktail.

Address: 12, Lebuh Presgrave, Penang, Malaysia.

Operating Hour: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. (Closed on Sunday)

https://www.facebook.com/12SensesPenang

5. Platform 261

There’s something about this small, straight-up speakeasy bar in Penang. Platform 261 has no fancy interior nor it is anything inspired. It’s just a place to chill and have a glass or two after a long, tiring day. Unwind with your friends here at Platform 261, we bet you’ll fall in love in this unpretentious bar. The door is a vending machine, you’re welcome.

Address: 261, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: (Mon-Sat) 6 p.m.-3 a.m. (Sun) 6 p.m.-1 a.m.

https://www.facebook.com/Platform261

6. Song 宋 Bar

Though not exactly a hidden bar, Song is another one that we felt was worth the mention. This drinking establishment occupies a white two-storey building opposite of the famous KOMTAR. It maintains its oriental vibe with Chinese decor elements and symbolism throughout the place, but you can head over here if you prefer your bars a little more simple and toned down on the flashy interior.

Their dark wood furnishings and display of muted lighting gives the room a warmth that feels perfect for that speakeasy-style setting. The bar focuses on authentic Chinese cuisine and charming cocktails that are a nod to classic Chinese diners. With a live band playing classic tunes in the background, the bar provides just the right ambiance for lounging and catching up with friends over a mug of beer.

Address: 268, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang

https://www.facebook.com/songbuddiess

7. Room 495

“Hidden, not speakeasy” according to their description. Yes this is yet another hidden bar in Penang located behind Wassup Hotel. This might sound like any other hidden bars, but believe us every bar has their own essence, so is Room 495. The ambiance is cozy, staffs are professional, and a place could pack a bunch of family and friends. This bar leans more towards the cozy side rather than young and fun. We heard the lady boss over there is really pretty (eherm).

Address: 495, Jalan Penang  10000 Georgetown, Penang. (at the back of Wassup hotel, next to Komtar Walk open carpark)
Operating Hour: Mon-Thu 7pm-1am /Fri & Sat 8pm-3am (Closed on Sunday)

https://www.facebook.com/ROOM495