food
The hunt for speakeasies and secret bars in KL
Mr Brooks by Ben’s Independent Group is plush, classy, and completely hidden from view. Don’t drink and drive. Luckily, the gas tank is empty. – Hungrygowhere pic, December 23, 2015Tinged by a forbidden air lent by Prohibition times, these hidden bars all over Kuala Lumpur are just waiting to be found by the right people, for late nights with the coolest crowds.
Here are some of the best speakeasies in KL that HungryGoWhere has uncovered.
Mr Brooks
Capturing the epitome of a speakeasy out of the rest that we visited, Mr Brooks by Ben’s Independent Group is plush, classy, and completely hidden from view. Located on the 3rd floor of Bangsar Shopping Centre, you must admit it is a little strange to see a purple Sunbeam Alpine in the middle of a mall.
The car is parked in a garage that smells like Abercrombie & Fitch’s cologne, and the secret door to Mr Brooks is on one of the tool panels. It is adorned with quilted sofas and glass tables, and further in, you’ll find a purple pool table. Go earlier in the evening, and you can even order food from Ben’s.
Watch your drive here, and be car-eful. – Hungrygowhere pic, December 23, 2015.We were pleased with our choices of Mr Brooks specialty cocktails: the Pimm’s Fizz (RM59) had Martin Miller’s, Pimm’s, Dom Benedictine, St. Germain Elderflower, a squeeze of lemon, and egg white in the mix; the Killer Bee’s (RM59) had 23-year-old Ron Zacapa, La Fee Absinthe, and Angostura Bitters, with a cinnamon stick.
WTF Duck is the best kind of duck. – Hungrygowhere pic, December 23, 2015.Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
To find Whisky Tango Foxtrot, simply head to Samba Brazilian Steakhouse on the 3rd floor of Avenue K. To the right end of the restaurant is a red telephone booth. We were tricked into thinking we had to pick up the phone, but it’s a lot simpler than that.
Where Superman really goes to change. – Hungrygowhere pic, December 23, 2015.The menu at WTF is simple, comprising of only the scotch, whiskies and cigars on the bar’s display shelves. Food may be ordered through Samba, but bear in mind that the establishments are separate, and so will the bills! Whiskies available include the Bowmore 12 years, Japanese Nikka Coffey malt whisky, and the regular Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, and Macallan.
We ordered an appetiser of sliced smoked duck (RM37) to go with our shots of Angostura rum 1919 (RM20) and Kavalan (RM28). The smoked duck was delicious, served with a sweet mustard, grilled vegetables, a scoop of mashed potatoes, and a simple salad. It was excellent.
Paradise in a glass is what they serve. – Hungrygowhere pic, December 23, 2015.Omakase + Appreciate
Located at the bottom of the Ming Annexe building, finding Omakase + Appreciate is part of the fun itself. But if you’re in complete doubt, ask a guard and they will direct you.
Two-year Dalmore whisky and Amaro Montenegro spiked with lychee liqueur and other fruits. – Hungrygowhere pic, December 23, 2015.Abandon all reason and swing the “dilarang masuk” door open, you’ll find yourself in the underground oriental tavern that is Omakase + Appreciate.
Cocktails and mixes are king here, aside from the bartenders’ (Shawn, Karl, and Janice) monthly specialties, you can also opt for an “omakase” drink, made to your preferences!
We enjoyed the Morchee Watchy (RM35) here by Janice, and Karl’s special also sounded enticing, CC: To Pina, think pina colada with Don Julio Reposado tequila, (RM45.)
Food at Omakase is limited, but amazing. The Kyuri “noodles” (RM8) consist of shredded Japanese cucumber tossed in mayo topped with chicken floss. The O+A kacang ikan bilis (RM3) is a must-order, a combination of spicy, sweet, and salty, with lots of crunch, perfect for drinks.
Drink up in Dr Inc! – Hungrygowhere pic, December 23, 2015.44
Having moved around a bit, 44 is a pop up bar currently located at the back of Dr Inc in Bangsar, but the only way you can truly keep up with them and their special events are by following their Facebook page!
Learn the difference between whiskey, bourbon and scotch! – Hungrygowhere pic, December 23, 2015.44 specialises in American spirits, particularly gin, bourbon whisky, vodka, and tequila. You can order a tasting flight (RM40) of any three of their spirits. Our very learned bartender made great suggestions – the See 7 Stars moonshine made of barley and corn, the smokey Pinckney Bend whiskey (derived from corn, barley, and rye), and the purely rye Catoctin Creek Roundstone.
Another of 44’s specialties are their bottle-aged cocktails - Mixes pre-bottled, then left to time to create a stronger integration of flavours. We had a White Manhattan (RM44) with See 7 stars, white vermouth, and orange bitters.
The drink was fruity with a bite at the end, and had an alcohol-sodden cherry. Our Martin Miller's London dry gin (RM45) required some pouring action on our part, with a result that was sweet and citrusy.
Prohibition era with blind tigers and attic bars. – Hungrygowhere pic, December 23, 2015.Ril’s Bar
Located in Bangsar Telawi, Ril’s isn’t exactly hard to spot. Their name is displayed in big gold letters on a black background along the same row as ROA. However, an inconspicuous staircase hides to the right, easily mistaken for an employee-only area.
Hot potato! – Hungrygowhere pic, December 23, 2015.Take the stairs up and lose yourself in Ril’s dark mystery. Think Cuban mobster or 20-s speakeasy, and you’ve got it. The bar has plenty on their menu to drink, but we settled on a Negroni (RM42), a daiquiri (RM42), and a glass of 12-year Hibiki (RM36). With an ironic twist, while the Negroni was smooth, and the Hibiki light, the daiquiri was quite strong.
Still, they were amazing with the perfect appetiser to go with it - The Ril’s truffled baked potato (RM22). The potatoes are mashed with seasoning and served in the skins, then layered with cheese and truffle oil and baked to a golden crusty perfection.
We’ve found 10 speakeasies in KL so far, but trust us, there are more to be found! However, if you just want to settle in with your favourite drink at a regular bar, check out our KL happy hour guide! – December 23, 2015.
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