3 speakeasies in Penang our editors have drunk at, sorted by score. All Penang nightlife.
Backdoor Bodega ★ 4.6
george-town · 37 Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang
Backdoor Bodega hides behind a clothing store on Jalan Gurdwara and sits at No. 64 on Asia's 50 Best Bars extended list for 2025, Penang's flagship bar.
Tip: Buy a lapel pin at the counter to redeem your cocktail; the belacan and ulam builds are the ones to trust.
Magazine 63 ★ 4.2
george-town · 63 Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Penang
Magazine 63 opened in 2017 behind an unmarked wooden door on Jalan Magazine, Penang's first true speakeasy and still its most theatrical lounge.
Tip: Live sets run on select nights in the vintage Chinese-inn interior; knock at the plain wooden door and wait to be seated.
Manchu Bar ★ 4.1
george-town · 38 & 40 Jalan Pintal Tali, 10100 George Town, Penang
Manchu Bar dresses its Rope Walk speakeasy in red lanterns and Qing-dynasty props, pouring Penang cocktails from porcelain teapots until 03:00.
Tip: The teapot service is made for sharing; go late, it keeps the longest hours of the heritage-core cocktail rooms.