Backdoor Bodega

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.

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!

Drinks one dimensional, often not tasting some of the major elements of local flavours they say are in drinks, good presentation, nice ambience. Good service, has the potential to be great but left quite a bit to be desired. Missing the mark, might come back since the atmosphere is really nice but something lacking. Did not try the food here, unsure about it. Liked the place a lot but had higher hopes.

It’s located beside Good Friends Club, and hidden at the back of a clothing store. Service was excellent, and I really love the aesthetics here. Just the cocktail recc wasn’t really on point - should have just gone for what I wanted aka the mango sticky rice haha. The pandan/kaya cocktail wasn’t giving cus it tasted a bit weird to me as if the flavours from the rum and the coconut etc. did not really complement well together. Nonetheless, would be happy to return to try my desired drinks hehe

Backdoor Bodega is such a cool speakeasy tucked away behind a small unmarked door, you’d never know it was there. The vibe inside is cosy, intimate, and full of character with great music playing softly in the background. Their menu is like a story of Penang, with each cocktail inspired by local flavours, history, or culture, making it such a unique experience. Loved how creative yet well balanced the drinks were, beautifully presented too. The bartenders were friendly and passionate, explaining each cocktail’s background and recommending what suited my mood. It felt like stepping into a secret little world away from the busy streets of George Town. Definitely a must visit if you want a cocktail experience that tells the story of Penang in every sip. Can’t wait to come back for another chill night out.

Nice staff who were more than happy to have a bit of a chat between making drinks. I also loved that the menu tied in with Malaysian food and culture. Highly recommend the 'mango sticky rice'.

Backdoor Bodega – hidden gem that nails it. Tucked behind a storefront, you wouldn’t spot it unless you were looking—but once you're in, the vibe is instant. Low lights, laid-back atmosphere, cool without trying too hard. The drinks are where it really shines. That mango sticky rice cocktail? Genuinely blew my mind. Sounds odd, tastes amazing. Everything we tried was balanced, creative, and just worked. Service was spot on—friendly, relaxed, but you could tell they knew their stuff. It felt like the kind of place where the staff actually enjoy being there, and it makes a difference. Forget the bar next door—this is where you want to be. One of the best spots we hit in George Town.

A hidden gem in the heart of Penang, perfect for cocktail lovers. Their creations are truly unique, and I especially recommend trying “Eugene” – a cocktail that looks like Teh C but surprises with a refreshing blend of gin and yuzu. Also recommend you to try their Tom Yum and Mango Sticky Rice. Overall, a great experience, though I did find the sofa seating a little less comfortable.