A growing number of people loves visiting bars and restaurants which actively tries to hide their location, contact number, no restaurant signage and even some places need a “magic” word to come in. These hidden bars are better known as speakeasy places. There is more to this word “speakeasy” than it seems.
Once upon a time, where there was a time American banned the consumption of alcohol. Specifically referred to the illicit drinking houses during the Prohibition-era from 1920 to the year of 1933. At that time, it was illegal to sell and consume alcohol so people started serving alcohol to the public in an illicit establishment to get keep the booze going, in a sense. Hence, it also resulted in the birth of speakeasy. These bars were small and to avoid getting caught by higher authority, they have decoy entrances and hid any clue that indicates they are serving alcohol to the public.
After 1933, the need for speakeasies quickly faded. However, nostalgia for these hidden gems keeps on to continue. Over the years, speakeasy bars have gotten extra creative in searching for their entrance and in the effort to bring the people now back to the days where it was once illegal. In Malaysia, there are a lot of speakeasy bars that have an amazing concept as such and it’s slowly making know to the people. Here are some of the best and creative speakeasy bars you can visit!
Images via Eat Drink KL
1. P&C Cocktail Bar
Complete with a wanted poster of Al Capone and U.S newspaper clippings that dates back to nearly a century ago. Located in Desa Sri Hartamas area, this place could be tricky to find at first because you would not expect the entrance to be right there. It is situated just behind Naughty Nuri. Look for a wooden entrance that opens to reveal P&C’s cat and rooster emblem – a mischievous way the clue of what P&C really stands for. However, there is no menu for this cocktail bar. You will be given a form of what categories you want according to drink type and flavours. Are you in the mood for spicy and citrus? Floral and crisp? Or even sweet and simple? You can have it, just trust the experienced bartender to whip it out for you!
Address : 2 Jalan Sri Hartamas 20/70A Desa Sri Hartamas Kuala
Lumpur 50480
Contact: 016 612 0500
Images via The Vault KL
Images via The Vault KL
2. The Vault KL
Another of Sri Hartamas’s gem spots for a dose of hidden bar/club! Just a stone’s throw away from Backyard Pub and Grill. Upon entering, you will be greeted by dimly lit stairs that lead up to the first floor. There is a vault and you need to swerve it to unlock the concept of a structure that is filled with
concrete, bricks, and looks like a partially enclosed construction type. The Vault KL is an expert in arranged drinks menu that features to their signature cocktails to their classics whisky selections. The best part about this place is the music here where it varies from jazz, swing, hip-hop to house music. They are
also very clear on the “no flip-flop” rule! So best to dress smart casual. You can enjoy a full-on club experience on the second floor.
Address: 5, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
Contact: 012 465 0551
Image via Timeout
Image via Timeout
3. Hyde at 53M
A speakeasy cocktail bar that is practically located right in the heart of Damansara Uptown but many people are confused exactly where is it. Just find The Good Batch café and it’s on top. You’ll be greeted by friendly staff workers there who would be ready to assist you in your selection of amazing cocktails, liquor to exquisite tasting wines that they serve there. The 2017 Best Bar Awards recently awarded The Rising Star to Jason Julian. So be on the lookout for this amazing talent to serve you! When you enter, be enchanted with 1920’s music and decoration to give you that speakeasy vibe. This place is separated into two spacious sections air-conditioned indoors and outdoors that overlooks Damansara Utama’s houses.
Address: 53M, Jalan SS21/1A, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya
Contact: 03-7733- 2303
4. PS 150
Through the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur’s city life, stands a Southeast Asian decoration with some of the most impressive distinct ingredients that are native to this part of the world. The cocktail list is divided into five distinct eras in the history of this mixed beverage: Vintage, Prohibition, Tiki, Disco and Contemporary. Be on the lookout for Angel Ng (chief bartender in PS150) who won the Ada Coleman Award, which recognises the achievements of female professionals in the industry. Just look for Merchant’s Lane café as it is in the same building.
Address: Ground Floor, 150 Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur.
Contact number: +603-20222888
Image via Eat Drink KL
Image via Eat Drink KL
5. Crime Cocktail Bar @TREC KL
Ever want to channel your inner Godfather or the smooth criminal in you? Head on over to Crime Cocktail Bar where you’ll get dangerously good cocktails and feel wanted by the ambience this place has to offer. The interior has exposed brick and cement walls, leather couches, portraits of famous crime bosses on the walls, so you’ll feel you’re coming out straight from a mob movie set! Get caught red-handed with some of the city centre’s most creative cocktails that I suppose can defy the laws of a mixologist. In CRIME, nothing is impossible, featuring the soul maker that puts his 101% into crafting your glass of cocktail that will make your night a bomb. Located just right in CRAVE Oysters and Seafood House.
Address: E-1- 09 Electric Boulevard 436 Jalan Tun Razak Kuala Lumpur, 50400
Contact Number: 03 2110 5664
Image via Eat Drink KL
Image via Skullduggery
6. Skullduggery
Love a little unique art and creation whenever you walk into a club? Probably this art in this place itself is filled with skeleton everywhere. Now, this is not a horror house rather it’s filled with sophistication with the vintage cushioned seats and you’ll feel like a ruler of the world entering in. Not only that, this place plays one of the dopest beats in town. Groove to the music and enjoy the signature cocktails this experienced bartender has! Located just right behind of Huckleberry cafe (alleyway) and you’re good to go. Address: 2M Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact number : 017-328 5141
Get out of your comfort zone and visit any speakeasy bars around you! Tell us, what about speakeasies that you love the most?