1. Manchu

Walking into Manchu is like walking into the Qing Dynasty where Manchurians once ruled the kingdom. It is full of the old Chinese ambiance that will bring you down a memory lane. But this is not the only thing that makes it top our list. The mini live band of the bar is great too! The singers sing classic and modern Chinese and English songs, making it a perfect spot to chill out after a long day.

Address: 38 & 40 Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, Penang

Business Hour: 11 am - 3 am

2. 66 Noordin

Definitely one of the very small bars in Penang that have very few seating available. But you can’t judge a book by its cover, 66 Noordin is more than comfortable despite the small space as you can enjoy a bunch of relaxing music while eating. As for the menu, they serve delectable main dishes like spaghetti and rice, oh, and not forgetting their signature SiuYuk (roasted meat). 

Address: 66 Noordin Street, 10300 Georgetown Penang

Business Hour: 5 pm-1 am

3. Secret Door

The bar is quite easy to locate compared to other hidden bars in Penang, but the tricky part is getting in. You need to punch in the secret code at the door (which looks nothing like a conventional door) to enter the bar. Sounds hard? But don’t worry, there’s a clue provided right beside. 

Address: 211, Lebuh Carnavon, 10100 Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hour: 6 pm-3 am

4. The Bund

This is where you can get a feel of old Shanghai without actually being in Shanghai. The bar is decorated with Shanghainese-themed paintings and decors that can really take you back to the era of mafias and money. To live up to its name as a hidden bar, The Bund has a door where the doorknob is at a much lower position than usual doorknobs. Argh, they just have to make things a little harder for us, eh?

Address: 117, Noordin Street, 10300 Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hour: 6 pm-3 am

5. Room 495

Speaking of the mother of the hidden bar, Room 495 is definitely the one. Located behind Wassup Hotel, it is soooo well hidden inside the alley that even Penangites have trouble finding it. However, the hard work of finding it will pay off when you finally get in. The ambiance of Room 496 is really cozy, and the prices of beverages aren’t cutthroat. And to make it better, they play soft and casual music so it is easy for conversation.

Address: 495, Jalan Penang (behind Wassup hotel, next to Komtar Walk open site carpark) 10000 Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hour: 5 pm-12 am (Sunday-Thursday) / 5 pm-1 am (Friday & Saturday)

6. 12 Senses

Yet another bar with a creative way for you to get in. We heard that some kung fu is needed in order to open the door. Well, in fact, you just need to push the correct ‘hand' of the Wing Chun dummy and the door will slide open magically. Stepping inside, you will be greeted with pictures of Chinese Opera and escorted to your table if there is any available. (Oops~) 

Address: 12, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 Penang

Business Hour: 6 pm-2 am

7. Magazine 63

Feel like trying out the way ancient Chinese drink alcohol just like how you saw in Chinese dramas? Well, you can do that at Magazine 63! The bar looks pretty dead on the outside as the building is pretty old, and there is no signage anywhere. But when you finally get past the door (maybe need some detective skills), it is like entering a new dimension. To make it more real, their servers are all dressed in traditional Chinese costumes.

Address: 63, Jalan Magazine, 10300 Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hour: 8 pm-3 am

8. Golden Shower 

Pink is everywhere here in Golden Shower by Chin Chin! Perfect for every girl whom life’s theme color is pink. As the name suggests, the bar has a bathroom-themed concept. The decorated bathroom looks very high class and elegant, but do note that it is only for decorative purpose xD

Address: 86, Lebuh Bishop 10200 Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hour: 12 pm-2 am 

9. Good Friends Club

While the aim for a nightlife consists of crowds seeking pumping atmospheres, Good Friends Club has a different way to set itself apart from others. This Kopitiam-like bar is a place to be nostalgic and to emphasize the importance of friends. They serve cocktails with special localized names like Lao Hao Peng and Pat Poh Peng. There is also a pink neon sign that reads “Good Friends Never Bojio”, the quote friends would use when they tease each other. So, consider those who come here with you are the ones you will never miss out or won’t miss you out.

Address: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, (Hin Bus Art Depot) Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hour: 7 pm-1 am (Closed on Tuesday)