8 bars and speakeasies in Johor Bahru for a nice drink

Hidden behind an old provision shop facade, find a bar serving up artisanal cocktails and mouthwatering dishes. Short for Secret Society of Hong Hua Hui, S.S.H.H.H. pays tribute to fictional underground society The Red Flower Society from popular wuxi novel The Book and the Sword. Head to the second floor and find its latest concept Lucky Cat, which offers unique cocktails and alcohol-infused desserts. The menu is a best-kept secret, so head down to try it for yourself.

Luckycat by S.S.H.H.H.
Address: 17, Jalan Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Located in Eco Palladium mall, Shang Bar & Restaurant hides in plain sight. If you manage to find the entrance, you’ll find the restaurant decked in lushed interiors complete with ivy-covered tables and walls. When it comes to cocktails, there’s plenty to choose from—while the menu changes regularly, you can expect creative gin-based concoctions like the fruity Froggy Day, creamy Angel’s Kiss and refreshing Mi Amor. On top of its drinks, find a selection of Western and Japanese-inspired dishes such as unagi and creamy mushroom spaghetti, satay chicken chop, and sugar-crusted chicken bratwurst sausage.

Shang Bar & Restaurant
Address: Blok B, 01-19, Jalan Ekoflora 7, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

If you're a fan of photography and craft cocktails, then Exposed JB is the speakeasy for you. This tiny four-seater, reservations-only bar is home to some of the most creative and beautiful cocktails that take inspiration from the artwork on display such as the Lourdes Grobet’s Family Portrait series. It also takes a leaf out of the techniques and processes in photography to craft drinks like the Infrared and Cyanotype cocktails.

Each cocktail arrives in front of you with an introduction to its inspiration and ingredients. 

Exposed JB, location is disclosed after reservation is made on its Instagram, @ex.posed.jb

Indicated by a sign that reads 75A above a metal door, Haiiro Usagi is a Japanese-inspired bar located along Jalan Maju also known by the locals as 报馆街, (Reporters Street). This bar is decorated with warm lighting and operates on reservations-only basis. 

Its wide selection of classic cocktails are timeless and caters to every palate. Highlights include the negronic, whisky sour, and Old Fashioned. For those who are looking for something refreshing and easy to drink, try thethe Peach Chu Hai, concocted with Mugi shochu, peach vinegar and topped up with soda.

Haiiro Usagi
Address: 75a, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru

See also: 7 bars to visit in Ipoh, Perak

Cabinet 8 by JWC is a classy speakeasy for cocktails that uses cutting-edge technology such as rotary evaporators to extract flavours to craft its tipples. It is hidden at the back of a café and is led by head mixologist Justin Tay. The drinks here feature local flavours and it also offers a personalised alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinking experience so everyone can enjoy their time here.

Cabinet 8 by JWC
Address: 102, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai

Tucked away in a gym is 90 Tailor Bar. During the day, this is a café. Decked out in retro Chinese theme, 90 Tailor Bar is a fun hangout that features rattan chairs, old sewing machines, and knick-knacks that you might find in your grandparents' homes. The bar also serves as a tailor where you can also rent suits. 

90 Tailor Bar
Address: 8b, Jalan Pendekar 10, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Johor Bahru

Don't miss: 6 trendy bars in George Town, Penang for a cocktail

Whisky House Johor Bahru, Asia Pacific’s first whisky ambassador’s bar, carries over 300 whisky labels. If you're not a fan of whisky, opt for a cocktail with another liquor as the base or a beer. 

Whisky House Johor Bahru
Address: 5, Jalan Molek 1/27, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru

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