"Good friends never bojio", flashes the sign on top of its unassuming doorstep. ("bojio" in Hokkien, the most commonly spoken dialect in Penang, means 'not invited'.) Drinks connoisseurs frequent this bar for some of the most innovative cocktails on the island inspired by its world-renowned local cuisine such as the Ban Chang Kuih, the bar's take on the popular peanut pancake street snack. 

Good Friends Club, 39, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang, +6010 550 1204, @goodfriendsclubpg on Instagram, Monday-Sunday, 8pm-2am

Appearing for the first time on Asia's 50 Best Bars 51-100 List at #97 in 2022, Backdoor Bodega is hidden at the back of an enamel pin shop. It was opened in 2016 because owner Koh Yung Shen "could not find a good place to hang out and drink cocktails." During the pandemic, it received widespread attention for its cocktails named after Covid vaccines. Although it is a tiny bar, its menu is vast, comprising over 40 signature cocktails.

Backdoor Bodega, 37 Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang, @backdoorbodega on Instagram, Thursday-Monday, 8pm-12am

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Run by the same team behind Backdoor Bodega is No Bar Here. Located along the same street as its sister bar, No Bar Here promises a lively time with its fun bunch of bartenders and drinks that are as impressive as Backdoor Bodega's. 

No Bar Here, 25, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, @nobarhere on Instagram, Tuesday-Saturday, 8pm-late

This is a bar that wears its chinoiserie inspiration on its sleeve, or in this case, every corner of its interior. Think red lanterns, lion statues, red cushions, red lighting—suffice to say, there's a lot of red. If you can get past the kitschy decor, you will be rewarded with the creativity of its bartenders who can whip up a mean cocktail based on your preferences, including one that is served in a Chinese teapot.

Manchu, 38 & 40, Jalan Pintal Tali, 10100 George Town, Penang, +6012 500 7588, @machupenang on Instagram, Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-3am 

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Calling itself the first premium speakeasy lounge bar in Penang, Magazine 63 is also tricked out in chinoiserie decor. You won't be disappointed with its cocktails, and if you had to choose, we'd recommend The Swedish Apple that takes you back to the good ol' days of apple lollies and sour candies. 

Magazine 63, 63, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, +6017 636 3551, @magazine_63 on Instagram, Tuesday-Sunday, 8pm-12am

A restaurant bar with a neon bright interior, it serves up classic cocktails with a twist—think Lucky Shot Old Fashioned and Aroma Negroni. The food here is a treat too, with a variety of tapas.

Beso Rosado, 86, Lebuh Bishop, 10200 George Town, Penang, +604 263 6868, @beso_rosado on Instagram, Tuesday-Friday, 6pm-12am; Saturday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm & 6pm-12am

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