Top 5 Restobars with Live Music in Penang
Tired of the same old gossip and creating small talk? Electrify your Friday nights with excellent live music and great drinks with your BFFs. Penang has a growing pool of talented live bands popping up. They surely know how to entertain and rock the house. Here’s my lowdown on the best places to have a drink and toast to the music!
1. Talk Talk Wine Bar & Lounge
This place has been here forever, nestled in the lesser known part of Penang at Taman Pekaka’s Lip Sin building (also housing the well-known Maxim Dim Sum). Talk Talk Wine Bar has its loyal following as the place is often packed especially on Fridays & Saturdays when live music is playing. In fact, patrons are always looking forward in anticipation of their upcoming live band schedule. Their September lineup features famous live bands such as the Acidic Bunch, Sidestory, Instyle and many more talented local musicians. Talk Talk Wine Bar is popular amongst factory workers working at the nearby Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone who can’t wait to relax after a long stressful week. Music is the perfect remedy and best stress reliever.
Talk Talk Wine Bar & Lounge
Address: 2-G-3,2-G-4 & 2-G-5 Bangunan Lip Sin, Lebuh Pekaka Satu, Glugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: 012-635 8129
Facebook
2. The Loft Pizzeria & Bar, Love Lane
Established in 2019 from the same owners of Holy Guacamole, The Loft serves traditional hand-crafted, wood-fire, Neopolitan style pizza. Their open concept pizza kitchen is the centerpiece and allows you to watch their chefs prepare your pizza with fresh and gourmet imported ingredients.
During weekends the atmosphere transforms into a full scale music bar with live bands and DJs rocking old school hits. Swing by to experience a fun and lively vibe with great food and a cocktail in hand.
The Loft Pizzeria & Bar, Love Lane
Address: 57 Love Lane, George Town, Malaysia
Tel: 017-586 5755
Facebook
3. Manchu Penang
Manchu Penang transports us back to the old Qing dynasty era where opium and brothels are in the abundance. As you make your way through the heavy timber door, you will be greeted by a timeless almost overwhelming interior decor that is sure to spice up your mood.
They have live music performance on selected days and don’t miss the opportunity to watch a live Chinese Opera show. Usually Chinese Opera shows are held on makeshift stages across Georgetown during the Hungry Ghost festival to appease the spirits and entertain the living. So consider yourself fortunate to catch it live here.
Manchu is also featured in my article on Hidden Bars in Penang Worth a Visit
Manchu Penang
38 & 40 Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town
Penang, Malaysia 10100
Tel: 012-500 7588
Facebook
4. Holy Guacamole, Love Lane
Holy Guacamole is a Mexican Restaurant & Bar snuggled in Penang’s backpackers’ paradise of Love Lane. From the moment you step into the place, you can expect a vibrant, lively atmosphere and plenty of fluorescent-filled wall art. Their specialty is the tacos, burritos and fajitas to be washed down with their signature Holy Bulldog cocktail. The place and part of Love Lane will be bursting to life the moment live bands dishes out the Latin and Spanish hits. Holy Guacamole is popular among tourists and locals, so be sure to make a reservation or be prepared to be seated by the kerb.
Credit @munchycheeze 
Credit @munchycheeze
Holy Guacamole
Address: 65 Love LaneGeorge Town, Malaysia
Tel: 017-482 9065
Facebook
5. The Canteen at China House
The Canteen At ChinaHouse is a canteen, bar, and a live music venue featuring performances from talented up and coming acts to established greats. They are no stranger to the live music scene here in Penang. In fact, they may be one of the pioneers and has consistently stage live music performances in their outlet over the years. They feature local artists with music genres such as Jazz, Funk, Reggae and Soul. The Canteen have live music scheduled everyday, check out their monthly line up here. If you are there, do try the famous cakes at their adjoining China House restaurant. They are dangerously addictive, be warned!
The Canteen at China House
Address: 183b Lebuh Victoria, George Town, Malaysia
Tel: 04-263 7299
Facebook
