Long celebrated for its UNESCO heritage architecture, street food, and eclectic cultural tapestry, George Town, Penang, is undergoing a spirited evolution – quite literally. Beyond its hawker stalls and colonial charm, the island’s capital has quietly cultivated a reputation as one of Malaysia’s most exciting destinations for cocktail connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
In recent years, Penang’s drinking culture has grown more sophisticated, driven by a new generation of bartenders who marry local ingredients with global mixology trends. From speakeasies tucked behind soda shops to dessert-inspired cocktail bars, George Town’s bar scene is as inventive as it is inviting. Whether you’re sipping on nutmeg-infused gin in a moody jazz lounge or discovering a ‘90s-inspired cocktail menu behind a “no bar here” sign, every night out promises a great time fuelled by creative tipples.
We’ve rounded up the best cocktail bars to discover in George Town – each offering its spin on ambience, craftsmanship, and local flavours.
Good Friends Club
Tucked behind teal doors with an old shophouse sign reading “Good Friends Never Bojio” (meaning: true friends never leave you out), this cocktail bar puts a cheeky spin on tradition, serving cocktails inspired by kopitiam culture and local ingredients. The atmosphere is unpretentious and fun, with every guest being treated as a “good friend” in reflection of Penang’s warm hospitality. Led by Head Bartender Kelvin Wong, the current menu pays homage to the state’s food scene, featuring gastronomy-led cocktails like Penang White Curry and Laksa Negroni.
Address: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 Penang
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Thursday, Sunday: 7PM – 1AM | Friday to Saturday: 7PM – 2AM
I @goodfriendsclubpg | F Good Friends Club
Backdoor Bodega
Right next to Good Friends Club is Backdoor Bodega, literally hidden behind the backdoor of a clothing store. This award-winning speakeasy – which earned the No. 52 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list – has an ever-changing menu that pays homage to Penang’s local culture. Self-taught bartender-owner Koh Yung Shen helms the bar, alongside a dedicated young team that keeps the good vibes and great drinks flowing. Expect imaginative concoctions like Georgetown Gimlet and Pearl of the Orient, as well as “Hall of Fame” drinks that have previously won cocktail competitions.
Address: 37, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 Penang
Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 8PM – 1AM
Contact: hello@backdoorbodega.com
W backdoorbodega.com | I @backdoorbodega | F Backdoor Bodega
No Bar Here
Don’t let the name fool you – there is a bar here, and it’s a great one. Brought to you by the same team behind Backdoor Bodega and located just a few doors away from its sister establishment, No Bar Here is a nostalgia-themed cocktail bar channelling the ‘80s and ‘90s. Think cassette tapes, neon lights, and drinks named after cultural icons. Try the signature Megumi Highball or Ovaltini, both served with a heavy dose of local flavours and pop culture references.
Address: 25, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 Penang
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8PM – late
I @nobarhere | F NO BAR HERE
The Nest Cocktail Bar
The Nest offers a cosy, contemporary space to unwind over cocktails in a heritage shophouse, featuring botanical decor and a pool table at the back for a fun game or two with your drinking companions. It brands itself as a “bar for the flavour explorer” with a ever-changing menu that currently includes paired bites with every cocktail. Expect unusual blends like Masala Curry Bloody Mary, Royal Blue Fondue, and Mango Sticky Rice, to name a few.
Address: 82, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 Penang
Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday, 6PM – 12:30AM
Contact: +6012-408-6323 (WhatsApp)
I @thenestcocktailbar | F The Nest Cocktail Bar
Biso Cocktail Bar
Named after the Hokkien word for “flavours”, BISO blends minimalist interiors with scientific precision to craft elegant cocktails. Co-founded by female Head Bartender Kar Ve, the menu is divided into entrees, mains, and desserts with a strong emphasis on technique and innovation. Try the Yu N Mi (short for Yuzu and Umami) for a balanced drink or finish off your “meal” with Oh My Churros for a sweet ending!
Address: 63A, Jalan Magazine, George Town, 10300 Penang
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7PM – 1AM | Closed on Mondays
Contact: +6014-639-6321
I @biso.pg
Drunken Gelato
Dessert meets cocktails at Drunken Gelato, pairing boozy ice creams with cocktail flights and dessert-forward drinks. This is the perfect spot for those who crave a sweet twist to their night out with options like Rum & Raisin Old Fashioned or Vodka Espresso Affogato on the menu. The neon-lit, vibrant atmosphere also sets an ideal backdrop for creating photographic memories while enjoying concoctions with friends.
Address: 166, Lebuh Presgrave, George Town, 10300 Penang
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8PM – 12AM | Saturday & Sunday, 3PM – 12AM
Contact: +6013-588-3816
I @drunkengelato | F Drunken Gelato
Chez Chez
Chez Chez is a cosy, intimate cocktail bar known for its sleek minimalism and warm ambiance. It offers a curated selection of East meets West cocktails designed to tantalise the senses with a delicate balance of flavour, aroma, texture, and emotion. Expect a journey through smoke, spice, sweetness, and depth, featuring drinks like the refreshing Lao Hao Beng or the bold and spicy Karma.
Address: 95A, Lebuh Noordin, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 5PM – 1AM | Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: +6011-1243-5523 | info@chez-chez.com
W chez-chez.com | I @chezchez.pg | F Chez Chez Penang
SO-OD Bar
A bold burst of energy in George Town’s cocktail scene, SO-OD Bar fuses Thai flavours with experimental mixology to create drinks that are anything but ordinary. Located above SOOD by Chef Ton, this high-spirited spot boasts unexpected combinations, punchy personality, and an electric atmosphere that blends vibrant nightlife (read: live bands and DJs) with serious cocktail craft. Crowd-favourites include the Sood Old Fashioned and Gin Laksa.
Address: 33, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 Penang
I @so.od.bar | F SO-OD Bar
Suckling Pig
Edgy, loud, and proudly rebellious – Suckling Pig is the latest addition to this list and Penang’s cocktail scene. This micro-bar is founded by former Jigger and Pony bartender Adrian Shi Yao Foo, offering classic cocktails rooted in Chinese spirits and oriental flavours. Picture classic cocktails like Whisky Sour and Martini but reimagined with unexpected ingredients like spiced pork fat-washed bourbon or sambal tinctures. Add in a side of R&B and soul music and you’ll get the vibe.
Address: 161, Lebuh Noordin, George Town, 10300 Penang
Magazine 63
Disguised behind an unmarked wooden door on Jalan Magazine, Magazine 63 is Penang’s pioneering speakeasy (or in internet speak: the OG), serving cocktails in George Town since 2017. Inside, you’ll find dimly lit, vintage Chinese-inspired interiors and a new seasonal menu featuring inventive creations like Match’ma Freak and Sakura Reverie. The bar is also famous for its lineup of live band performances, showcasing local talents while providing entertainment for a frisky night out.
Address: 63, Jalan Magazine, George Town, 10300 Penang
Opening hours: 7PM – 2AM
Bonus: Penang Cocktail Week 2025
This September 1–7, 2025, George Town will host the third edition of Penang Cocktail Week, a festival featuring international guest bartenders, bar takeovers, exclusive menus, and cocktail workshops. It’s the perfect time for cocktail enthusiasts to plan a bar-hopping getaway on the island!
For more things to do around Penang, head here.
Featured Image: Good Friends Club (Photography by Imran Sulaiman)