The best bars in KL for a drink

As one of KL’s most popular bars, Coley has one thing on its mind – good cocktails. It has placed in Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2018 and 2019, and serves a carefully curated menu of cocktails that’s updated every so often. There’s a core selection of classics cocktails updated with contemporary Coley twists. The Koktel menu from the bar’s early days is still a favourite, with local-inspired drinks and ingredients.

Another of KL’s entries in Asia’s 50 Best Bars in recent years is Jungle Bird, the self-proclaimed Rumah Rum that stocks over 100 labels of both light and dark rums from all over the world. The bar exudes a charming tropical resort vibe, and serves on rum flights and rum cocktails, of course. Go for the bar’s namesake, the JungleBird cocktail.

A visit to PS150 in Chinatown is a transportive experience, with settings reminiscent of old fashioned Hong Kong dens alongside open-air spaces and an intimate bar area. The cocktail menu is divided into the different eras of the drink’s history, each offering original concoctions and classics with a contemporary twist. The focus is on Southeast Asian flavours and ingredients, so expect familiar flavours.

The cosy Pahit specialises in all things gin – from various versions of classic G&Ts to innovative contemporary gin-based cocktails. We recommend going for one of the fruit-infused G&Ts which are very easy to drink, or if you’re after cocktails the house signature Gin Pahit #2 is the bar’s interpretation of the classic Pink Gin.

Perched on the 57th floor of Petronas 3 Tower, the views here are spectacular – so spectacular that drinking is almost an afterthought. If you drink, order one of the cocktails made by skilled mixologists. Otherwise, the views are really the gist here. An Italian restaurant and cigar lounge are also fitted in Marini's, making it a one-stop choice for swanky tourists and post-work urbanites.

A marriage of fiery charm and the chic ambience of a good bar, Pisco Bar is a cool space that doesn’t seem hard-pressed to compete with its flashier neighbours. Instead, the bar is confident in its offerings of a trim yet inclusive selection of cocktails, wine, beer and liquors alongside a menu of fusion food. Nights are often soundtracked by a rotation of local and international DJs.

61 Monarchy is an unassuming lounge in which you can relax with a dram or two of whisky from all over the world. The focus at this laidback bar is whisky, and there are over 400 bottles displayed on shelves around the bar. Go through the whisky collection, or start with a whisky flight or any of their strong whisky-based cocktails.

This neighbourhood bar is a popular spot for fans of craft beer – the rotation of up to eight options on tap at any one point as well as the fridge which contains even more varieties from craft breweries around the world are huge plus points. Prices are affordable, and the casual atmosphere in this minimalist space is great for an evening with friends.

Craft beer specialists Taps Beer Bar offer a range of quality craft brews from all over the world – from popular American and European brands to underrated beers from around the region. IPAs, APAs, pilsners, lagers, stout and more are available both on tap and in bottles, and the bar’s rotating tap concept ensures it’s never short on variety.

Hidden behind a row of lockers above a nondescript shophouse, The Locker + Loft opens up to a laidback space that offers affordable quirky cocktails alongside addictive finger food and spicy bar bites. The cocktails at this neighbourhood bar feature inventive use of local and Asian ingredients and quality spirits.

The capable bartenders are HYDE are great at tailoring drinks to your preference, and the frequent use of homemade ingredients and blends are what set the cocktails here apart. You can find inventive creations and classic drinks from different eras given a contemporary twist, and the handsome space brings to mind a classy early twenties speakeasy-style bar.