(From left) Pablo’s Cockcane, Typsy Mermaid and Gadis Asia cocktails can be enjoyed at the cosy Escobar lounge . — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
THE white neon-lit skull is hard to miss when entering Escobar in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur.
Hung high above the wall, the glowing decor with colourful drawings around it alludes to the Day of the Dead, a spiritual holiday widely observed in Mexico.
The sister outlet of the cheer-filled, Mexican-themed Loco TTDI, Escobar is tucked upstairs.
One of the bar’s partners, Kevin Isitor, said its name was generated randomly while brainstorming with the other partners.
“We were chatting with the owner of Loco TTDI one day and the idea of opening a small, cosy bar popped up. We started operations in October 2021.
“It was supposed to be a speakeasy bar but it became something of a comfortable neighbourhood lounge.
Isitor, who is also fondly known as Skeletor, is the resident deejay for Escobar.
He plays every Friday, thus the sessions are called Skell Fridays.
Rows of aperitifs and spirits can be seen at the bar counter while near the entrance, a huge neon stag logo indicates that the bar partners with Glenfiddich whiskey.
With delicious food from Loco TTDI, Escobar offers a lounge-like comfortable ambiance and vibe, complemented by a range of spirits, cocktails and beers.
Whiskey by the bottle is most popular here.
(From left) Pablo’s Cockcane, Typsy Mermaid and Gadis Asia cocktails can be enjoyed at the cosy Escobar lounge . — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Those looking for creative drinks can try the cocktails.
The light purple-coloured tequila-based Gadis Asia cocktail with brown sugar-dipped rim is a sweet and citrusy drink.
It is made from Jose Cuervo tequila, Triple Sec, Blue curacao, grenadine, fresh lime with an extra tuak shot for an additional kick.
The more spirit-forward option, Pablo’s Cock-cane is made of whiskey, amaretto liqueur, Angostura bitters and herb syrup, served with assorted herbs and pop candy as garnish.
It has stronger, whole-bodied flavours and visitors can also have fun trying out the popping candy on the side.
Meanwhile, the Typsy Mermaid cocktail is a mix of gin, mixed-berry syrup, Triple Sec, lemon juice and simple syrup.
Other cocktails to try include the whiskey-based TTDI Sling that comes in a mix of whiskey, Bacardi rum, bitters, brown sugar and fresh lemon slices while the Blue Ladies cocktail is made of gin, Blue Curacao, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg-white foam.
As for shots, visitors should try the signature Skell shots, which are only available on Fridays.
“It comes in a set of six or 12 and the shots are a concoction of whiskey, peach liquor and Triple Sec topped with whipped cream,” said Isitor.
To accompany the drinks, are bites from Loco TTDI such as mutton fried rice and fried chicken wings.
The mutton fried rice is a hit among regulars, for its tender, succulent mutton and wok hei (aromatic char) rice.
It can be slightly spicy for some but a brief word to the waiter will fix that.
The delectable crispy chicken wings with its house-made chilli sauce is a winner.
For something wholesome, order the Loco fajitas that come with pita bread as it goes exceptionally well with the cocktails.
Escobar is also available for private functions.
ESCOBAR by Loco TTDI, No.11A, Jalan Wan Kadir 2, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: 9pm to late (Wednesday to Saturday), private bookings (Sunday to Tuesday). Reservations: 012-227 2749
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
