Vertigo
It’s THE bar to be at if you want to see and be seen. Located on the 59th floor of the newly opened Banyan Tree Hotel, Vertigo offers guests an unparalleled view of the Twin Towers. It’s also the tallest rooftop bar in Kuala Lumpur (at the moment) so you can expect it to be a little chilly up there.
Order this: The Gambatte cocktail
Find it here: Banyan Tree Hotel, 2 Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur.
Bar Trigona
Bar Trigona has a menu focusing on cocktails made with local Malaysian ingredients such as turmeric from Pahang, fresh fruits from Bangi, and even raw honey from a species of bees called – wait for it – Trigona. Guests are welcomed to the bar with tequila-based beverages and a free flow of Trigona honey-drizzled popcorn. You can also rejoice in the fact that the bar isn’t as costly as it sounds; cocktails don’t exceed RM50 nett for a glass.
Order this: The Trigona Old Fashioned
Find it here: Four Seasons Place, 145 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
Read also: The best restaurants and bars for date night in Bangkok
Pacific Standard Bar
It’s hard to get into a conversation about drinks in KL and not hear about Pacific Standard Bar, a new hotspot in Bangsar. Opened by Platform Hospitality Group – the same gang who launched Botanica + Co and Bocosan Izakaya – PSB is a posh space that overlooks the city skyline on one side and Alila Bangsar’s serene swimming pool on the other. Its got a classy vibe with brass bar tops, plush leather seats, crystal glassware and intimate booths. The menu, separated into Hollywood-inspired categories, uses homemade infusions and fresh ingredients. Cocktails are priced at RM45 nett each.
Order this: The Lady Georgian
Find it here: Alila Bangsar, 58 Jalan Ang Seng, Kuala Lumpur.
Cielo
If you want a romantic night out with your S/O or a chill night with your girls, Cielo is where it’s at. It’s Kuala Lumpur’s first retractable rooftop restaurant and lounge; the upper floor extends when there’s a downpour, shielding diners on the first floor. But that’s not Cielo’s only highlight. The restaurant also offers an enticing selection of cocktails, wines (both red and white), champagne as well as Armagnacs, plus fresh seafood and caviar.
Order this: The signature Birdie cocktail
Find it here: 23-01 Vida Bukit Ceylon, 1D Jalan Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur.
Read also: 10 Melbourne bars you need to drink at
Beta KL
There are plenty of places in the city that incorporate Malaysian culture into their menus and décor. But none have done it quite as well as contemporary restobar Beta KL. The name itself is taken from the royal pronoun used by sultans and kings, while its extensive menu offers a variety of dishes that come from almost every state in Malaysia. Think braised and grilled ox tongue on Hainanese toast, shrimp on sago and squid ink crackers with calamansi, cincalok from Melaka, and even salted tenggiri fish balls. For the thirsty, Beta has a selection of wines, cocktails and champagne to indulge in.
Order this: The Jungle Colada cocktail
Find it here: 163, Fraser Place, 10 Jalan Perak, Kuala Lumpur.
Words by Verinia Khoo
