Frank’s Bar is inspired by Hollywood star Frank Sinatra.
Sticking to a theme
Frank’s Bar
First-time visitors may be amused to see a small barrel of spirits wearing headphones at Frank’s Bar but it actually hints at the secret of its good brew.
A sonic ageing method is used here to speed up the alcohol ageing process and enhance its flavours.
Hidden at the back of Natalina Italian restaurant, Frank’s Bar takes inspiration from American singer and actor Frank Sinatra.
Its interior exudes a prohibition-era vibe with jazzy tunes by Sinatra to set the mood.
Recently, the bar launched a new cocktail menu which features a refreshing twist on classic cocktails.
Its signature, Chocolate Factory, is a mix of Matusalem 15-year infused bourbon vanilla wood, creme de cacao, Angostura bitter and chocolate bitter.
Chocolate Factory, a signature drink at Frank’s bar.
Another tipple to try is a creamy cocktail called Whipz a String, which comes with Kentucky whiskey, peanut butter foam, Guinness stout reduction, mascarpone chestnut and creme de cacao, or indulge in the Classic O’Laddie – a concoction of Islay whiskey, Bianco vermouth, passionfruit wine, malic acid solution and soda water topped with a piece of rice paper.
Located at 06-03, Avenue K, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, the bar opens from 5pm to 2am daily.
For reservations, call 012-674 4860.
Ryu Bangsar is said to have some of the most affordable drinks in town.
Ryu Bangsar
Launched this month, the new bar in Bangsar caters to groups that are up for a good night out.
Its interior is consistent with a Japanese theme complete with wooden walls and a glass roof.
The bar’s specialities include Jim Beam whiskey highball and Jinro soju, which now comes in a rare peach flavour.
Peach Soju at Ryu@Bangsar
Ryu @ Bangsar’s drinks are said to be one of the most affordable in town, with prices starting from RM11.80.
Complementing these drinks are hot snacks such as chicken wings, Japanese-style pizzas and yakitori chicken and fish skewers.
Located at No.27-1, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, the bar opens from 4pm to 2am daily.
For reservations, call 011-1123 2319.
Free bottle of Lillet wine on Ladies Night at D by Dirty.
D by Dirty
No.110B, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, TTDI
Business hours: 4pm to 2am daily
Reservations: 014-213 0037
Opened in 2019, the name of this whisky bar was inspired by the owner’s favourite bar in Thailand called Dirty.
Brick walls give this place an industrial vibe but the bar’s design is a collection of ideas from similar spaces in Bali, Bangkok and Hong Kong.
Recently, it was named one of Malaysia’s Top 30 bars for 2022.
Enjoy a whisky of your choice or have 10 glasses of its house pour for RM138 nett.
On Thursdays, its Ladies’ Night and groups of four women get a free bottle of Lillet wine while complimentary cocktails are available from 9.30pm to 12.30am.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the bar kicks it up a notch by featuring local guest DJs.
A Lye@110 bartender pouring Jinro soju for the Somaek tower.
Lye@110
No.110A, Level 1, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, TTDI, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 4pm to 2am daily
Reservations: 014-213 0037
Fancy a range of malty goodness served in a frozen mug? Then, Lye@110 is the place to be.
This pet-friendly neighbourhood bar takes after the surname of its founder and offers a wide range of beers, soju and other drinks.
The bar is famous for its Somaek tower, which is a mixture of soju and beer.
Every Sunday is Urban Sunday here, with live performances by musicians like Bowen & friends.
Visitors can also enjoy a Special Sunday Promotion of two Peach Somaek Towers at RM178 nett.
The food is an ideal match for its Jim Beam highball at Ryu@TTDI
Ryu@TTDI
No.167B, Level 2, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, TTDI, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 4pm to 2am daily
Reservations: 012-358 3772
The word “ryu” in Japanese means dragon, which symbolises the roaring spirit of this establishment.
The Japanese-inspired hideout is great for patrons who enjoy long conversations over meat-and-vegetable skewers and alcoholic drinks.
Decked out in several beautiful hand-drawn paintings by two talented Malaysian artists, the bar has a welcoming and alluring vibe, reminiscent of a bar in Japan.
Among the hot favourites here are deep-fried Tebaski Winglets, but new additions such as Japanese-style pizza and pastas as well as tuna or beef tataki are recommended options too.
The food is an ideal match for its Jim Beam highball at RM11.80 (set price).
Patrons can also try pairing the food with sake, umeshu and Jinro soju.
Blue Girl Beer exclusively at Dark.
Dark
No.165A, Level 2, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, TTDI, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 4pm to 2am daily
Reservations: 012-932 3772
The splendid display of myriad independent bottled whiskeys flanking the bar in Dark is a heavenly sight for whiskey connoisseurs.
The bar offers rare and limited whiskeys with selected and unique casks, some with as few as 60 bottles worldwide.
The fairly new bar offers some commercial whiskeys and rarer whiskeys by the bottle or by the dram.
Patrons also get to learn from a guide about the origins as well as the casks used for whiskey.
There is a range of cigars and wines available just before the entrance to a cosy hidden lounge decorated with large paintings and velvet-clad sofas.
With its combination of soft jazz, cigars and whiskeys, it is easy for one to kick back and unwind here.
Visitors can also try Hong Kong’s most popular beer – Blue Girl Beer, which is exclusively available at Dark.
Gadis Tuak features local flavours at Attic Bar
Attic Bar
No.15, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 5pm to 1am (Sunday to Thursday) and 5pm to 2am (Friday and Saturday)
Reservations: 012-393 8627
Nestled on top of a guesthouse, the rooftop Attic Bar is accessible through a spiral staircase.
Cocktails are named after characters of the popular fantasy drama series Game of Thrones and the place has been riding on the show’s popularity since opening in 2015.
One of its top-selling cocktails, Dragon Lady – a mix of vodka, dragon fruit, passion fruit, lime and egg white – takes inspiration from the character Khaleesi or Daenerys Targaryen.
Tuak-based cocktails such as Gadis Tuak with tuak (locally brewed rice wine), lime, Calpis and pandan are also worth a try for local flavour.
And if tuak is something you enjoy, there are tuak shots too to savour.
