Backdoor Bodega
Cocktail bar · George Town ·

Backdoor Bodega

Cocktail bar · George Town ·

Speakeasy with creative cocktails inspired by local flavors

local flavors
speakeasy
hidden gem
friendly bartenders
penang cuisine
well balanced drinks
unique menu
cool vibe
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null
Backdoor Bodega by null

Information

37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Get directions

RM 40–60

Restroom
Accepts reservations
Cozy
Trendy
Good for groups

Information

Static Map

37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Get directions

backdoorbodega.com
@backdoorbodega

RM 40–60

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Good for groups
•Touristy
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted

Last updated

Jan 13, 2026

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@cntraveler
42,481 Postcards · 5,686 Cities

How to Eat Your Way Through Penang, Malaysia—Asia's Most Exciting Food Destination | Condé Nast Traveler

"Hidden behind a streetwear shop called the Swagger Salon, this snug, eminently likable speakeasy began as an “overpriced pin shop” where buying a lapel pin got you a free drink; in 2022 it cracked Asia’s 50 Best and launched Cocktail Week, drawing 80-plus guest bartenders to galvanize Penang’s bar scene. The red, hardbound menu reads like a portal to local flavors—rasa sasam (whiskey, tamarind, jaggery), a rojak-inspired sipper, and the R.B.S. (tequila, tomato vinegar, chicken stock, Worcestershire, clarified milk) that arrived for me in a red sandwich wrapper, potent and pungent with a freshly scorched slice of white cheese. The vibe slides from cool and low-key—’90s hip-hop, quiet chatter, a Chinese blackjack game—to raucous when bartender Thanesh’s mid-trick theatrics cue clapping and shots; there’s truly no town like George Town here." - Arati Menon

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/guide-to-penang-malaysia-asias-most-exciting-food-destination
Backdoor Bodega
@silverkris
10,054 Postcards · 2,272 Cities

11 ways to enjoy Penang on your next visit - SilverKris

"A heavyweight of the modern Penang bar scene located a short distance down on Gurdwara Road, celebrated for championing Malaysian-made craft beers and helping shape the city’s contemporary nightlife culture." - SilverKris

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/arts-culture/11-ways-to-enjoy-penang-on-your-next-visit/
Backdoor Bodega
@silverkris
10,054 Postcards · 2,272 Cities

Penang's best speakeasy bars - SilverKris

"Born out of a clothing shop’s staff pantry and hidden behind the orange door at the back of adjacent Good Friends Club, tiny Backdoor Bodega draws in a small crowd of local insiders. They come to enjoy the laid-back ambience (cream walls, a mahogany bar and a foosball table). “Remember that, like a real speakeasy, we don’t sell drinks: only drink-inspired, limited edition lapel pins. Buy one, and get free booze,” owner Koh Yung Shen cheekily explains. For an innovative cocktail with a local twist, try the signature “Kelapa Hotak” – sweet homemade coconut rum washed in pandan leaves." - cooper

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/food-drink/penang-speakeasies/
Backdoor Bodega

RACHEL N.

Google
Hidden speakeasy bar tucked beside a tee shirt shop near Good Friends Mart. A must-try if you’re a fan of speakeasy vibes. Two of us tried five cocktails and every one was smooth and well balanced. We paired the drinks with La Zi Ji, which turned out to be a great match. Definitely worth checking out. We went at start of opening hours and there’s plenty of seats. Gets crowded after 9pm. The menu itself provides so much information, 5 stars for the menu itself.

Aqasha

Google
Stopped by one of the top 50 bars in Asia, and it turned out to be the perfect choice for our night. Backdoor Bodega has such a cool, quirky speakeasy vibe hidden, intimate, and full of character. The cocktails were incredible! I ordered the Jungle Bird and it tasted fantastic, perfectly balanced. The bartenders were friendly and really passionate about what they do. The whole ambiance feels cozy but lively, making it a great place to unwind or start your night out. Definitely a must visit spot in Penang if you love unique cocktails and a memorable experience. Highly recommended!

Paul B.

Google
Had a fun night here. They have an inventive menu. The staff will guide you through the options as it might be a bit intimidating for some. You enter via the back of the TShirt shop so some people will miss the entrance. All the drinks I tried were well made and I enjoyed them. Sat at the bar and had a wonderful night with the staff and other guests.

Ilke K.

Google
Backdoor Bodega is hands down one of the coolest hidden gems in Penang! Tucked away behind an unassuming shopfront in Georgetown, this bar boasts one of the most unique cocktail menus I’ve ever seen. The vibe is effortlessly cool with friendly bartenders who really know what they’re doing. Every drink feels like a surprise; beautifully balanced, inventive, and always with a story behind it. You can spend hours flicking through their menu which also doubles as a guide to Georgetown. If you’re in Georgetown and love that speakeasy thrill, Backdoor Bodega is a must-visit.

Chloe T.

Google
Beautiful speakeasy bar parked right near Hin Bus Depot. Heard that this place is famous and good and I had to try it for myself! The vibes were good and service was amazing. The drinks were so unique and special, you cant find them again anywhere else in Penang! 😊 Price is a bit steep for Penang bars but honestly, it is worth the experience!

Boon Hoong O.

Google
A clothing store that opens past 10pm is definitely a hint that there's something more than meets the eye in this establishment. Once you open the backdoor behind the cashier, the true nature of the store is revealed, and you will find yourself in a bodega with bartenders whipping up no holds barred cocktails that are heavily inspired and influenced by the local Penang cuisine. The menu itself is a puntastic read which describes the ingredients going into each cocktail as well as the food that inspired it. Creative names such as Kelapa Hotak managed to get a chuckle out of me. The Georgetown Gimlet which was inspired by asam laksa even has belacan as one of the ingredients in it. We had the Cassa(no)va Highball which uses Cassava root as one of the ingredients (get it?) and comes garnished with a piece Nyonya Cassava Kueh; the coconut milk in the drink definitely reminded us of Nyonya desserts with every sip. We also ordered Le Paradis which is essentially a hard mango lassi; I believe this was also an award winning drink. The staff was attentive, and took the time to explain each drink to us as they were delivered to our table. Music was a bit too loud for my taste, but it's still a great place to hangout for some fun and drinks.

ed E.

Google
Backdoor Bodega is such a cool hidden gem in Penang! Love their selection of crafted cocktails, creative, well-balanced, and full of local twists. The menu itself is super interesting, featuring localized names and ingredients, and you can actually learn a thing or two from their menu booklet. Cozy vibe, friendly bartenders, and a fun experience overall. Definitely worth checking out if you’re into unique cocktail spots!

Cullum M

Google
Inventive cocktails that masterfully blend local Penang flavours. The menu is cleverly designed as a book, detailing the inspiration behind each drink. I ordered the Pearl of the Orient, Rojak and 1821 cocktails, each reflected a certain hallmark of Penang cuisine (oyster omelette, rojak and nutmeg respectively) and were all tasty. Service was friendly and knowledgeable, the atmosphere was lively.