12 Craft Beer Bars to Know in the Klang Valley

Use this list to hunt down unique brews

This article was originally published on August 6, 2021 and updated on August 4, 2022.

Every year, on the first Friday of August, beer enthusiasts around the world celebrate the beverage in all its hoppy and frothy glory. Here are 12 craft beer bars to toast to the occasion.

1. Monster and Beer

Located in trendy Taman Paramount, Monster and Beer is a funky and vibrant bar to enjoy lesser known craft beers and IPA labels with some hearty Japanese food like beef tataki, pork ramen, and chicken karaage.

As soon as you step into the bar, you'll see its colourful wall of craft beers, with varieties from Hong Kong to Canada. More unique brews include those with hints of blueberry pancakes and guava.

Monster and Beer | 11, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya | +6012 931 6193 | Tuesday-Friday, 4pm-11pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm-11pm

2. School of Animals

School of Animals is a specialty craft beer bar along Jalan Sin Chew Kee. Its fun and colourful décor adds to the impressive collection of beers. No matter what you're in the mood for, School of Animals will have something that suits your fancy.

School of Animals | 10, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 916 6719 | Tuesday-Sunday, 3pm-11pm

3. Paus

Paus, which means whale in Malay, is one of Kuala Lumpur's most popular craft beer bars. Like spotting an actual whale, its mission is to track down elusive beers, with selections from New Zealand, Japan and the US.

Paus | 42a, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 931 6196 | Tuesday-Thursday, 4pm-12am; Friday-Sunday, 2pm-12am

4. Beer Bank

With two locations in the Klang Valley (one in Sri Petaling and the other in Wisma Lim Foo Yong), Beer Bank is home to one of the largest selections of craft beer in the region with over 600 international brews. Its Sri Petaling location even has live music performances.

Those who make a reservation on Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 7pm and 9pm at its Sri Petaling branch are entitled to RM1 snacks! Reservations must be made between Sunday and Wednesday.

5. Takumi Craft Bar

With a focus on Japanese craft beers, Takumi Craft Bar at Isetan The Japan Store promises to bring a "real Japan" drinking experience. Apart from beer, there's also a selection of whiskies and wines. You can order food from eateries on the same floor to enjoy with your beer.

Takumi Craft Beer | Isetan The Japan Store, Lower Ground Floor, Lot 10, 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2141 7777 | Monday-Sunday, 11am-9pm

6. Taps Beer Bar

Calling itself a "pure craft beer bar", Taps Beer Bar's menu is regularly rotated to keep things interesting. Highlights include Vietnam's Pasteur Street Brewing Company, Denmark's To Øl, and Hong Kong's Young Master. It also hosts tasting sessions and serves a wide range of bar snacks that go well with beer like buttermilk fried chicken with sriracha mayonnaise, fish tacos, and pork nachos.

Taps Beer Bar | 1, Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2110 1560 | Monday-Saturday, 3pm-11pm; Sunday, 12pm-11pm

7. The Great Beer Bar

With labels such as Yeastie Boys (New Zealand), Heretic (the US), Master Gao Beer (China), and Brewlander (Singapore) in its chillers, this beer bar in Damansara Utama promises an outing to remember complete with a cosy space and friendly staff.

The Great Beer Bar | 86, Jalan SS 21/62, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya | +603 7731 5946 | Monday-Sunday, 2pm-12am

8. Ales and Lagers

Ales and Lagers is located in Mont Kiara. Its space is simple but its beers are complex with myriad levels of hops, malt, bitterness, and brightness. Highlights include Deschutes Brewery's Whiskey Butter Porter from Oregon, US, Beerfarm's Asam Boi Gose from Australia, and Duncan's Big George IPA from New Zealand.

Ales and Lagers | D5-G4-3 No, 1, Jln Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur | +603 6419 0328 | Monday-Sunday, 3pm-10pm

9. Well Craft

Have a beer while getting a haircut at Well Craft. In fact, this pet-friendly watering hole even has a pool table, the perfect game to play when drinking beer.

Well Craft | 20, Jalan 28/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur | +6011 1435 3601 | Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-2am

10. House of Hops

House of Hops is a beer lover's dream in Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya. Owned by a self-confessed beer geek, it has an impressive range of craft beers to complement beer bites such as bacon and scallop with garlic sauce. It also sells beer glasses and T-shirts should you want mementoes to take home.

House of Hops | 104, Jalan SS 24/2, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya | +603 7886 5565 | Monday-Sunday, 3pm-12am

11. Farmer's Bar

Another pet-friendly spot, Farmer’s Bar is a popular chain with outlets in Avenue K, Puchong, Subang Jaya, and Kota Damansara. It was also the first online craft beer delivery service in the country, which it still operates today. You can choose from dishes like chicken curry katsu don and a salmon teriyaki bowl to go with your beer.

12. The REX Bar

Though mostly known for its handcrafted cocktails and highballs, The REX Bar also carries a selection of craft beers.

The REX Bar | 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur | Tuesday-Friday, 1pm-12am; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-12am

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