Top 5 Hidden Speakeasy Bars in Penang: Secret Doors, Bold Cocktails & Local Charm

Penang is known for its street food, heritage architecture, and thriving art scene. But beneath the surface of George Town’s historic streets lies a different kind of adventure: a growing speakeasy culture where hidden doors, secret knocks, and inventive cocktails reign supreme. These hidden bars aren’t just about drinks—they’re about discovery, storytelling, and local flair.

Here’s your guide to Penang’s Top 5 Hidden Speakeasy Bars, where finding the entrance is half the fun.

1. Backdoor Bodega

Address: Jalan Gurdwara (behind The Swagger Salon)
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 8PM till late

Often ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Backdoor Bodega is more than just a bar—it’s a local institution wrapped in secrecy and sarcasm. Tucked behind a streetwear shop called The Swagger Salon, you’ll need to “buy a pin” to get your cocktail.

Expect creative concoctions like the Kelapa Hotak (coconut rum) or Georgetown Gimlet—drinks that playfully highlight local ingredients. It's a chill, intimate space with friendly bartenders who know their craft.

Why Visit
Witty branding, inventive cocktails, and a true speakeasy entrance.

2. Good Friends Club

Address: 52 Jalan Gurdwara (opposite Hin Bus Depot)
Hours: Evenings till late

With its neon lights and cheeky motto “Good Friends Never Bo Jio,” this bar is a celebration of Penang’s humor and hospitality. Hidden behind an unmarked door, the space glows with pink neon, vintage decor, and a relaxed vibe.

The menu leans heavily on localized cocktails—think Rojak Margarita, Laksa Negroni, and the unforgettable Durian Sticky Rice. Garnishes range from roti canai crackers to parmesan crisps, adding a playful twist to each drink.

Why Visit
Local humor, bold flavors, and a truly Penang experience.

3. Magazine 63 (天下第一客棧)

Address: Jalan Magazine
Hours: 7PM – 3AM (closed Mondays)

Disguised behind a plain façade marked “Furniture Shop,” Magazine 63 is a throwback to old-world Chinese taverns. Push through the heavy wooden doors and step into a world of red lanterns, antique decor, and live music—from Chinese opera to jazz bands.

Cocktails are served in teapots or vintage cups, leaning into the nostalgic theme. This bar perfectly blends heritage aesthetics with modern nightlife energy.

Why Visit
Unique old-Chinese speakeasy vibe, live entertainment, and theatrical drinks.

4. Out of Nowhere (OON)

Address: Jalan Kuala Kangsar (inside Hold Up! Café)
Hours: 8PM onwards

Out of Nowhere might look like a coffee shop by day, but after dark, it transforms. Find the orange fridge, open the door, and you’re in. Inside, the space is minimal yet chic—perfect for cocktail lovers seeking something beyond the ordinary.

Expect omakase-style drinks crafted from local ingredients like pandan, jackfruit, and salted plum. It’s intimate, thoughtful, and all about the experience.

Why Visit
Hidden entrance through a fridge, locally inspired cocktails, sophisticated vibes.

5. Manchu Bar

Address: Jalan Pintal Tali
Hours: Evenings till late

Inspired by the grandeur of China’s Qing Dynasty, Manchu Bar is impossible to miss once you’re inside—but deceptively hidden from the street. Think velvet curtains, opulent reds and golds, and dramatic lighting.

Cocktails here are crafted with precision, often through omakase-style recommendations. Live music or DJs occasionally heighten the already bold atmosphere.

Why Visit
Over-the-top oriental decor, dramatic vibes, and crafted cocktails.

Tips for Your Speakeasy Hunt

• Dress Smart-Casual: These places lean towards trendy but not formal.

• Reservations Recommended: Especially for Backdoor Bodega and Out of Nowhere.

• Expect Creativity: Cocktails often use Malaysian ingredients in unexpected ways.

• Part of the Fun is Finding Them: Don’t hesitate to ask locals or keep an eye out for unmarked doors, fridges, or hidden levers.

Why Penang’s Speakeasy Scene is Worth Exploring

Penang’s hidden bars aren’t just about great drinks—they’re about storytelling, culture, and surprise. Each one offers a peek into George Town’s creative soul, blending heritage with modern mixology.

Whether you’re seeking something nostalgic, playful, or avant-garde, these hidden bars promise a night out that’s anything but ordinary. And remember: Good Friends Never Bo Jio.

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