7 Speakeasy Bars in Kuala Lumpur to Explore in 2023

One of the best things about living in Kuala Lumpur is the abundance of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Speakeasy bars behind nondescript doorways are one of them. While hyped-up bars and nightclubs aren't for everyone, some partygoers who prefer something more intimate will be thrilled to know that KL's thriving nightlife scene has several hidden bars with unique themes and beverages.

Without wasting your time, make your way into these exquisitely decorated KL speakeasies.

The Vault KL

The Vault is an underground bar in the heart of Bukit Bintang, resembling a bank vault, thanks to its big metal door, steel walls, and safety deposit boxes. The menu offers various foreign spirits, and the drinks are themed after other currencies. Martinis and negronis lovers are in for a treat at The Vault. Table reservations are highly recommended. 

Location: The Vault KL, 5, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: 012-465 0551

PS150

This bar is located in Chinatown and has a vintage-style decor that takes you back to the 1920s. To enter the bar, which is located behind a toy store, you must press a hidden button. The menu features cocktails inspired by the Chinese zodiac. The main dining room is where guests from all three areas socialise. All the drinks are cheap, and you may eat as much kacang putih as you want—a traditional Malaysian delicacy made from chickpeas—for as long as you like.

Location: PS150, Ground Floor, 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: 03-7622 8777

Suzie Wong

Known for its weekly burlesque shows and live music, Suzie Wong is widely regarded as one of Kuala Lumpur's finest and most well-known bistros. This bar was influenced by the classic Chinese design of Hong Kong's Lan Kwai Fong in the early 1950s. It's decked in Chinese art and furnishings, giving you the impression that you're in a traditional Hong Kong home.

Suzie Wong's two best drinks are The Robert Lomax—comparable to a negroni—and The Smoked Old Fashioned, created with single malt whisky, lime juice, and liqueurs.

Location: Suzie Wong, Ground Floor, Wisma Lim Foo Yong, 86, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: 017-226 6480

The Iron Fairies

Located in TREC, this fairy tale-themed speakeasy bar features handmade fairy sculptures and quirky cocktail names (“Awake the Angels,” “Trapping Tinkerbell,” and “Nymph’s,” to name a few) inspired by the otherworldly magical creatures. The bar also has a live music stage, where you can enjoy performances from local and international artists.

The Iron Fairies is an iconic, enchanted bar styled after an ironworker's workshop, brimming with beautiful details to captivate guests as they enter the enchanted realm of its creator and designer extraordinaire, Ashley Sutton. There is no shortage of enchantment here; the ceiling is lined with about two million miniature glass bottles of fairy dust. The dazzling fairy dust on the wall and the peanut shells are strewn about the cast-iron walls and black floors make for a magical atmosphere as if you've stumbled into a fairy's workshop.

Location: The Iron Fairies, H-G-06, Hive, TREC, 438, Jln Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: 016-221 3612

Skullduggery

The bar may evoke images of skeletal faces, but it is actually decorated entirely with brass skulls. Old, padded couches give this pub an air of opulence and creepiness. At this bar, speed and talent are paramount. The bar's speciality cocktails will keep you up all night, and the low lighting will make you feel as though the night will never end. Certain beverages are even transported to you via a toy train. The bartenders upgrade traditional favourites by using artisanal drinks. Bartender originality and complexity are on full display in the house cocktails, which feature ingredients like truffle-infused vodka, seaweed agave, and cardamom milk jam.

Location: Skullduggery, KL2M Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: 017-266 7335

Upstairs at The Crane KL

Be prepared to uncover a secret bar upstairs if you're dining at The Crane KL! The downstairs of the restaurant is decked out in greenery and crane ornaments, while the upstairs is bathed in blood-red cabinets and lighting. Behind a wall of conventional Chinese cupboards sits a speakeasy bar. Unwary guests may simply take it for a pretty accent wall. You can spend the evening drinking from their extensive selection of alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks. After stuffing your face at The Crane, gather your pals and retire to Upstairs for a night of chilling and relaxing.

Location: Upstairs at The Crane KL, 78, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: 012-209 7057

The First Chapter

Here’s a speakeasy bar designed for bookworms! The owners of The First Chapter Speakeasy were clearly motivated by a genuine interest in recapturing the spirit of the original speakeasies by drawing on their shared passion for literature. The entrance is actually a hidden bookcase, which is guaranteed to please bibliophiles. So, watch out for hidden bookcases that lead to a secret bar! The interior combines industrial and modern elements and was inspired by speakeasies from New York City's prohibition era.

Its bar's decor of marble, concrete, and dark wood, along with the low lighting, makes it ideal for a romantic evening out. Its happy hour lasts until 9 PM, and speciality drinks cost RM30 and above. This speakeasy also has a book exchange and borrowing programme, so you can take one of their books home.

Location: The First Chapter, 139a, Jln Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Contact details: 011-2319 2556