Top 12 bars in Penang: beach bars, rooftop bars, and chic speakeasies

Map of the best bars in Penang

1. Magazine 63

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Hidden behind an anonymous wooden door, Magazine 63 is so cool and confident, it doesn’t need a sign outside to draw people in. This is a place that relies on word of mouth rather than passing trade.

Located a few steps away from Prangin Mall, it’s uber-trendy but still manages a friendly welcome when you arrive, keep an eye out for the live band suspended on a balcony above the bar. The atmosphere is refined, with exposed brickwork, beautiful young waiters, smoke drifting through the air and an extensive cocktail list.

2. Gravity Rooftop Bar

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Perched atop the G Hotel Kelawai, Gravity Rooftop Bar is one of the best spots in Penang for breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and coastline. As the sun sets, the bar transforms into a sleek, stylish space with ambient lighting, an inviting infinity pool, and a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere.

The drink menu offers a solid selection of classic and signature cocktails, alongside wines, beers, and premium spirits. Pair your drink with tasty bar bites, and you have the perfect setting for a relaxed evening above the city. While the prices are on the higher side, the stunning views and upscale setting make it worth the splurge.

If you’re after a rooftop experience that combines great drinks, stylish ambiance, and spectacular views, Gravity Rooftop Bar is a must-visit in Penang.

3. Frandy Beach Bar

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On the north coast of the island, Batu Ferringhi is home to Penang’s beach resorts and is the place to come for sunsets, sand between your toes and the best selection of beach bars. Frandy’s Beach Bar is one of our favourite restaurants in Penang, largely thanks to its chilled-out vibes, cheap drinks (including the ever-tempting beer buckets), nightly fire shows and sensibly priced local dishes.

Frandy’s works whatever time of day you visit, from blissful afternoons under shade with a cold beer in hand, a cocktail at sunset, dinner overlooking the ocean, or a couple of shots watching the fire show. If you’re looking for the quintessential Southeast Asian beach bar experience, Frandy’s is it.

4. Farquhar’s Bar at The E&O

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Located within the historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Farquhar’s Bar is a timeless establishment that exudes old-world charm and colonial elegance. With its dark wood furnishings, plush leather seats, and dim, ambient lighting, the bar offers a sophisticated yet cosy retreat from the bustling streets of George Town.

The menu features an impressive selection of expertly crafted cocktails, premium spirits, and fine wines, making it a great place for those who appreciate a well-made drink. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic gin and tonic or a signature house cocktail, the bartenders here deliver with precision and flair.

For those seeking a refined yet drinking experience in Penang, Farquhar’s Bar offers a touch of colonial nostalgia with every sip.

5. Kool Kongsi Listening Bar

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Kool Kongsi is often hailed as Penang’s premier listening bar, where the concept revolves around immersing yourself in hypnotic vinyl beats while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails.

That said, despite the name and the “please keep your conversation below the music” signs scattered throughout, the rule isn’t strictly enforced, which might be a let-down for true audiophiles.

Nevertheless, the ambience is both relaxed and stylish. Finding the entrance can be a bit tricky; you’ll likely need to ask, as it’s not immediately obvious and requires taking a lift.

6. Papelli at Straits Quay 

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Straits Quay has no shortage of bars, but Papelli, an Italian restaurant, is our top pick for a laid-back drink by the marina. What sets it apart? First, it arguably offers the best views for people-watching, with a prime spot overlooking the waterfront (many of the other bars have bushes obstructing views).

Then there’s the drinks deals. Papelli almost always has a promotion running, including a buy-two-get-one-free offer on beers. That makes it an easy choice if you’re looking for an affordable yet scenic spot to kick back with a drink.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or soaking in the buzz of the marina, the atmosphere here is just right.

7. Oceano Symphony

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Tucked behind a Tua Pek Kong Temple in Tanjong Tokong, Oceano Symphony is a hidden seaside gem offering a laid-back coastal drinking experience. With its open-air setup and ocean views, it’s the perfect place to sip your favourite drink while soaking in the sea breeze and the rhythmic sound of the waves.

A favourite sundowner spot among locals, it tends to fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early to secure a prime seat for sunset. If you’re feeling peckish, the menu features a selection of light bites and seafood-inspired dishes that pair beautifully with the seaside setting.

Conveniently located near the starting point of our Straits Quay walk, Oceano Symphony makes for an ideal prelude to an evening stroll along the waterfront. After drinks, take a scenic walk towards Straits Quay, where more bars and restaurants await.

8. Jupiter’s Bay

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Jupiter’s Bay is one of several bars on Love Lane and makes an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-key and welcoming place to stop for a drink. With a Happy Hour lasting for most of the day (and evening), it offers probably the cheapest mugs of Tiger beer in George Town.

Inside is intentionally dark and dingy, with graffiti on the walls, games machines and simple seating. If you prefer, you can sit outside, order another round of Tigers, and watch the people wander along Love Lane.

9. Sphere Rooftop Bar

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It might be surprising to hear that one of Penang’s best rooftop bars is only on the fifth floor, but Sphere on Chulia Street is ideally placed to offer 360 degree views across the island. Accessed via an unassuming hotel lift and staircase, this small bar has relaxed seating spread around the rooftop space, with such landmarks as Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Bridge for company. This area of George Town is still mainly low-rise, so there aren’t any other buildings blocking your view.

The drinks list well-planned, with a decent selection of beers, spirits and cocktails, including discounts during Happy Hour. These guys clearly care about creating interesting drinks menus and ensuring you have a fun time during your visit, with the staff particularly friendly and helpful. If you can get a corner table for the hour leading up to sunset, there aren’t many better places to enjoy a sundowner in Penang.

10. Manchu Bar

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There are hip, happening and trendy bars, and then there is Manchu. Tucked away on a quiet George Town street, access is via a series of heavy wooden doors and soft velvet curtains that lead to a beautiful and stylish bar. Set around several different rooms, the building itself is worth visiting on its own, so do take some time to wander around and explore.

Once you’re ready for a drink, the immaculate waiting staff will glide in and serve you from a menu including draught beers, glasses of wine, spirits or an impressive array of cocktails. Manchu tends to get busier later in the evening (11pm onwards) when the live music kicks in and the cool crew move in. Drinking here is an experience unlike any other in George Town and, while the prices are slightly higher, it’s something you need to try at least once.

11. Laguna Bay Beach Bar 

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Laguna Bay Beach Bar is all about easy-going, beach vibes; perfect for kicking back with a cold Tiger beer as the sun dips below the horizon. The music might be a little loud for our middle-aged eardrums, but with your feet in the sand and the sea breeze in the air, it’s hard to complain. The service is very friendly and the drinks are reasonable, but perhaps give the food a miss unless you need some snacks to keep you going until dinner.

Situated on Tanjung Bungah Public Beach, at the opposite end to the Floating Mosque, this Penang Beach Bar is more popular with locals and expats and offers a different vibe to the tourist beach of Batu Ferringhi.

12. DSRT SKY ROOM at The Wembley

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On the 31st floor of the Wembley Hotel, DSRT Sky Room is one of the highest points in the city to enjoy a drink and take in the views. The orientation of the bar area means you’re looking southwards, towards Bayan Lepas and Penang International Airport. So while it’s not the ‘classic’ Penang view, it’s still interesting to see the other side of the island.

The bar itself is perhaps in need of some love and attention, with slightly uncomfortable seats, expensive drinks and disinterested service, but it’s more than compensated by the views and sense of distance from the hustle and bustle of the city far below. Indeed, it is for these city views alone why DSRT SKY ROOM has made it onto our list of the best bars in Penang.