Penang Nightlife Guide: 11 Best Spots for Dinner & Drinks

Nightlife in Penang

Penang is a destination that needs no introduction, especially for avid foodies. After all, this popular destination in Malaysia is often known as one of the region’s top destinations for street food! However, beyond the usual coffee shops, there are also plenty of ambient nightlife spots in Penang that offer incredible food and drinks.

If you plan on fully experiencing the vibrant nightlife in Penang on your next trip, consider adding these 11 local favourite nightlife spots to your itinerary, most of which are found in the ever-popular Chulia Street.

Best Penang nightlife spots for food

Lagenda Cafe

In Malay, lagenda means legend, and judging by the long line of eager diners that appear on a daily basis during dinner time, Lagenda Cafe is aptly named. This local Penang favourite serves tantalising Halal Malay-Indonesian cuisine amidst an artsy atmosphere punctuated by murals and decor that pay homage to Malaysia’s legendary actor, P. Ramlee. Like Halab, Lagenda Cafe is almost always fully booked, so you’ll need to make a reservation to avoid any last-minute disappointment.

Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery

Penang is famous for its rich Peranakan heritage; be it food, fashion, or architectural style, you can spot Baba Nyonya influences quite frequently on the island. For a taste of authentic Baba Nyonya cuisine, I recommend Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery. This popular Peranakan restaurant is known for its retro vibes, elegant decor, and mouthwatering food.

While you’re there, you’ll want to sample their signature Curry Kapitan which packs a real punch in terms of flavour, their fragrant Lor Bak (meat rolls), and Bubur Cha Cha, a traditional coconut milk-based dessert. To check out Penang’s rich heritage, we recommend joining this cycling tour.

Gravy Baby

While it’s true Gravy Baby started as a famous western-style eatery in Kuala Lumpur before expanding to other parts of Malaysia (it even has outlets in Thailand and the UK!), I simply had to include this lovely resto-bar because it’s one of my personal favourite nightlife locations in Penang to have a good meal.

Gravy Baby Chulia Street is the franchise’s first-ever outlet in Penang and it boasts Broadway-esque exterior decor punctuated by whitewashed walls and dreamy lights. On the inside, you will find a chic two-storey bar and dining area where you can dig into sumptuous food and delicious cocktails. We personally recommend their steak pies and gin-based beverages.

Halab Penang

Along the same row as Gravy Baby, you’ll find Halab Penang, a Middle-Eastern restaurant originating from Kuala Lumpur that is almost always fully booked. The restaurant serves a variety of mouthwatering Middle Eastern dishes with their shawarma platters being the most popular items on the menu.

In addition, don’t miss the chance to try their authentic Lamb Mandi and Maklouba Chicken. These go really well with the fragrant basmati rice that comes with the dishes. It’s such a popular eatery, especially in the evening, that you can often find it just by spotting the long line that forms outside the gate. My only advice is to book a slot ahead of time.

Gurney Drive

Last but not least, no list of nightlife spots in Penang is complete without mentioning the vibrant Gurney Drive. This beachside shopping district is easily the most popular hangout area for locals and expats, thanks to its variety of shopping malls and, most importantly, its rich variety of food options, including the famous Gurney Drive Night Market (which is always packed to the brim).

If you’re not a fan of eating street food amidst a bustling crowd, you can check out some of the more upmarket eateries along the coast and walk off those extra calories by checking out Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon, two of Penang’s most famous malls — the latter of which houses one of the largest bookstores in Malaysia.

Best Penang nightlife spots for drinks

Good Friends Club

One of my favourite nightlife spots in Penang is the well-hidden speakeasy, Good Friends Club. Unlike most bars in Penang, Good Friends Club does not feature a chic or trendy design. Rather, it looks like a traditional Chinese kopitiam (coffee shop) from the inside and out, emanating with nostalgia that many locals can relate to. You can still expect to find a playful menu of delicious cocktails and drinks to quench your thirst.

Backdoor Bodega

Did you know that another one of Penang’s hidden bars, Backdoor Bodega, is actually accessed via a secret door at the very end of Good Friends Club? Come here for excellent cocktails and a laidback vibe that'll see you immediately join the ranks of the cool kids. If you'd like to up your cocktail-making and shaking game, Backdoor Bodega has innovative masterclasses that'll teach you how to whip up expert drinks like a pro for your next house party.

Manchu Bar

For culture vultures, Manchu Bar will easily become one of your favourite Penang nightlife spots. This swoon-worthy speakeasy is famous for its immersive Qing Dynasty vibes, punctuated by the Instaworthy decor, such as stone statues, ornate arches, and more, that can be found throughout the bar.

Apart from the ambient atmosphere, Manchu Bar is also unique because it features live Chinese opera performances which you can enjoy while sipping on the bar’s creative cocktails. Part of the fun of Manchu Bar is finding the secret entrance itself, which is hidden behind an unassuming timber door.

Antarabangsa

If you’re looking for a Penang nightlife spot that is a little more out there, then add Antarabangsa to your list of locations to visit in Penang. This hidden gem located on Lorong Stewart is often only known by locals and seasoned pub crawlers. You won’t find fancy cocktails or ambient atmospheres here. Instead, Antarabangsa is the go-to liquor store to score cheap booze, with beers being the most popular drink of choice.

You can buy some beer to bring back to your hotel (which I usually do) or take a seat at one of the empty plastic stools and have a sip there, surrounded by rowdy locals and backpackers.

The Pokok

We can’t talk about Antarabangsa without mentioning its posher, more popular counterpart, The Pokok. Named after the huge tree (pokok means tree in Malay) that the bar is housed under, The Pokok is a popular open-air bar on Chulia Street. Featuring a lovely patio and an elevated terrace, the bar is another popular nightlife spot in Penang where you can enjoy affordable drinks along with some tasty snacks.

You can also enjoy the scenery of the busy street in front of the bar, watching as locals and tourists alike scour the famous Chulia Street in search of good food and good vibes.

Narrow Marrow

For some late-night coffee surrounded by artsy vibes, check out Narrow Marrow, one of George Town’s most popular cafes. Famous for its long narrow interior (hence the name), Narrow Marrow is the hipster hangout spot for local artists, featuring ambient decor, hip local independent music, and a chill vibe that’s easy to fall in love with. Here, you can enjoy good coffee, delicious cakes, and creative cocktails.If you’re lucky, you might even get to visit the cafe on a movie screening night. If you’re in the area during the morning, you can also join a walking tour to discover the area’s rich history.