Tucked away in Chinatown (Kuala Lumpur) and unbeknown to the general passer-by, sits a little retro toy shop…or so it may seem. A small range of what looks like toy action figures line up nicely in a glass cabinet, while a makeshift wooden sign with the letters PS150 hangs aimlessly. Now if you didn’t know you were looking for it, you wouldn’t know it was there.
I mean seriously, who would have thought…right?
But that’s the whole point of a speakeasy bar. You aren’t supposed to even know it’s there. You see, the concept of a speakeasy bar is traced back to the Prohibition-era where it was illegal to sell alcohol. So institutions had to get creative. And so that’s where the concept of a speakeasy bar was born… to create and run a bar selling alcohol, but it’s tucked so nicely away that the cops won’t find you. Today, that’s the whole fun experience of a speakeasy bar, such as PS150.
I first got to experience a speakeasy bar in Singapore, when Hubby and I visited 28 Hong Kong Street. We had arrived to 28 Hong Kong Street…at least that’s what Google Maps had said. And I still vividly remember thinking in my mind “Where the F* is this place?” The area looked dead. There were only dim lights hanging about. It looked like the place had closed for the evening. You see, I was a rookie the first time around. I had no idea that all I needed to do was push through what looked like a closed shop door, and voila!
So for round 2, I wasn’t going to be fooled.
The PS150 Bar
I was on the lookout. Google Maps told me that it was somewhere here on Jalan Petaling, between these few pre-war shop lots. And instantly I spot a man walk out what seemingly looked like a retro toy shop, but he was dressed very well, with an apron on. Ah-Hah! Found it! An unassuming entrance, that’s for sure.
Not long after I speak to the man sitting at the counter, we are allowed to pass through. The first wooden door leads us to a somewhat dark room with no where to go but through the next wooden door. The next door leads to a hallway brightly lit with red lighting. “This can’t be it, where’s the bar?” I think to myself.
So Hubby and I keep walking along until we find the next wooden door, and we continue to walk down the next hallway, which finally leads us to the last wooden door. This last door swings open to an impressive medium-sized room, a very well-stoked bar, funky music, and a number of available seating.
I am impressed.
I love the setup. The bar is nicely lit up, while the rest of the room sit in intimately dimed lighting. There must be at least 100 bottles lined up at the bar, with many labels I have never seen before. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, plus the music is great. It isn’t too loud and too clubby, but the setup is more of a hipster lounge bar where you can just relax and chill out all night.
The bar maintains the charm of the building’s former life – exposed brick and plaster walls, red lanterns, dime lighting, a labyrinth of secrecy and intrigue…you know, the building used to host a brothel.
So why PS150 you might ask? A strange choice of name one might be thinking. But it’s definitely not so odd, because it stands for Petaling Street #150 – the very location the bar can be found.
Cocktail Time
The menu comes to us. It is in a notebook style, and lists out different cocktails with descriptive overviews. The notebook the menu comes in is actually the type of notebook used here in Malaysia schools.
At first the menu felt huge, and I am starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the choice. But truly, the menu only lists about 2 cocktails per page, so it isn’t all that bad. Plus, our server, Suruj, kindly assists us in selecting the right cocktails, depending on our taste palette.
The flavour combination of the cocktails is interesting. What I love most about the cocktails at PS150 is the way they use traditional Malaysian ingredients including pandan, assam boi, gula melaka, and calamansi.
If I can give you one tip for your time at PS150… while you’re here for the experience of a speakeasy bar, remember, you’re also here for the drinks. So I dare you…try something you won’t normally try.
Between us, we sampled 4 different cocktails, where were all so different, but oh so delicious.
We also decide to have some nibbles, so we order the Indian Style Spring Rolls. They are delicious, and help to curb a bit of hunger, but they didn’t really have too much of an Indian flavour to them. But alas, we aren’t here for the food!
The Verdict
PS150 was a great experience. From the moment we entered, to the moment we exited, our experiences were heightened by the labyrinth-like secrecy of a speakeasy bar.
The cocktails were all delicious. The loungy music was fantastic (I mean heck, I Shazam’ed a whole bunch of them). The service was great (thanks Suruj!). The atmosphere was relaxing. So yes, I totally recommend paying a visit to PS150.
Cocktails start at approximately RM40 (U$9 / A$12). The menu also offers a range of wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages, so fear not, there is something for everyone. You can find the full menu on the PS150 website.
So if you are planning to visit, it is best to make a booking before you go, especially if you want to get a seat in the main bar area.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesdays to Saturdays from 6pm to 2am
- Sundays from 4pm to 11pm
P.S. Between Sunday to Monday, you can come dressed as you like… wearing slippers? No problem. Wearing shorts? That’s fine too. But if you do come on Fridays and Saturdays, you will need to “dress to impress.”
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No compensation was received for this review and all opinions remains my own.
I'm Soraya, travel & food blogger and sunshine chaser at Hello Raya. You know that travel bug? I have been well and truly nipped, infinite times.This is my online nook to share my lifelong experiences of travel & food in hopes to inspire you to explore our beautiful world. 20 Comments on PS150, a Labyrinth Speakeasy Bar in Kuala Lumpur
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What an interesting idea! The place looks nicely lit up … love to be here with some friends. I am not sure if I can find my way back after drinking ?
Hahaha I am sure together with your friends you’ll find your way through the maze back out of the bar!
I have never heard about the concept of speakeasy bars before. The name now makes senses after reading the whole post. I actually remember walking on Jalan Petaling when I was in KL. I must have passed the bar and never knew it.
Totally! I would have never spotted it, if I wasn’t actually looking for it. But that’s the beauty and fun of it.
Hehe this question “Where the F* is this place?” I guess nearly every traveller once was asking himself exactly this 🙂
But glad that you found and actually it looks like a really great place! And the cocktails look fantastic indeed. My personal favourite would be the The Oouhaa Gimlet I guess. I will keep the PS150 BAR in mind when I will visit Kuala Lumpur, sounds like a cool place!
You can never go wrong with a cocktail! but this little place looks so enchanting I would never leave 🙂 thanks for sharing!
I love a hidden bar. Melbourne has a few great ones for this in the know. Sadly I didn’t make it to PS150 last time I was in KL but I know it will be my very first stop on my next visit. Start lining up those cocktails!
You totally should check it out when you are back in KL!
It looks like a truly unique experience and what a find! That one is hidden and tucked away nicely.
It was such a gem to find, and we loved our experience here.
I have always wanted to go to a speakeasy!! I know that we have some in Atlanta but haven’t put in the effort to find the entrances. What an experience to get into a speakeasy abroad, and the drinks look amazing too (and not badly priced either).
“Where the F* is this place?” – I guess nearly every traveler at least once was asking himself this question 🙂
But glad you found it and actually it looks like a really cool and interesting place!
I think my favorite would be the The Oouhaa Gimlet. But anyway, when I am next time in KL I will keep the THE PS150 BAR in mind!
What a neat and novel idea for a bar and making it hard to find might seem like a bad business idea but I think the fact that it works on a theme, that of hidden bars from prohibition time is wonderful. I couldn’t figure out after reading but is there a reason for the name PS150?
The post is really great with awesome low light photos and all the details. The drinks looks awesome and as you said we should always try something different when at a new place like this.
thanks
I have never heard of this concept before. The interiors look pretty nice. However, I don’t drink so I’d never be in there. But its pretty interesting to know about these things. And the fact that they still have a trace back to their history. I love places with concepts like that!
So I was totally hooked from the beginning. I’ve always wanted to try the whole speakeasy experience during the prohibition era! I also liked how PS150 uses traditional Malaysian ingredients in their drinks to give you a unique experience. I’ll dare to try something I normally wouldn’t.
Ah! I remember seeing this on your instagram! Speakeasies are so cool, I love that they’re hidden away, makes them kind of extra exciting. Drinks sound delicious too.
The bar looks cool. The interiors are just right to have some chilling time. If the music too is in sync, it would definitely make some relaxing time, whether alone or with friends.
Its really interesting to bump into places like these hidden away from the main areas. PS150 is such an intriguing name and has a bit of mystery attached to it. The decor looks amazing and am sure, a round of cocktails at this bar would have been a wonderfull experience.
I have never been to a speakeasy before, but I’ve been trying to go to one here in Rome. This looks incredible! I will save it so I can refer back to it if I’m ever nearby.
What an enchanting little bar to visit! Love cutesy spots like this! thanks for sharing 🙂