9 Best bars with live music in Kuala Lumpur

1/9
Alexis Bistro Ampang
The Alexis brand may have made a name for itself as one of the best places to go to for a lovely dining experience, but did you know that its Ampang outlet turns into a groovy, live music venue for all things jazz in the evenings? Alexis brings in a host of local and international jazz musicians every Friday and Saturday night to ensure you a fun weekend evening every single time. Check out their website for weekly updates to see who's going to be performing next!
Lot 10 & 11, Great Eastern Mall, 303 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Alexis Bistro Facebook
2/9
Backyard Pub & Grill
Spanning a three-shop lot, Backyard Pub & Grill makes one of the largest bars in town. Every night, it showcases live bands and singers of different genres, some even regular acts, to suit everyone's music tastes. This is where you can expose yourself to the world of music in a lively, friendly setting that welcomes people from all backgrounds. A live music venue list wouldn't be complete without Backyard Pub & Grill, that's for sure.
28 Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: Backyard Pub & Grill Facebook
3/9
Gaslight Cafe
Gaslight Cafe in Damansara is a recreation of The Gaslight Cafe that was an icon of Greenwich Village in New York back in the 1960s, playing host to folk music, poetry and other soulful music genres. This is an extremely quirky and creative joint that aims to inspire the artist in you, so do drop by if you're into that sort of thing. It is a cosy, welcoming space that sees like-minded people gathered together every night for a time of fun and possibly a little bit of soul-searching.
Unit 15-2, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Plaza Damansara, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Gaslight Cafe Facebook
4/9
Laundry Bar
Laundry Bar is an incredibly popular venue for music and booze lovers to enjoy a session of indie or mainstream acts by their favourite local artistes. Laundry constantly organises drink packages for those coming in a group, which makes this place the perfect location to celebrate a birthday or two! Even on normal nights, the sleek interior and colourful stage lights will lure you into a completely different world of music and pure bliss.
Lot 72, Ground Floor, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya
Photo: Laundry Bar Facebook
5/9
Merdekarya
This is your ultimate indie grunge spot that's going to make you feel like a musician who's just starting out an unstable career, playing gigs wherever you can. The open mic concept of this place is extremely interesting, allowing artists to perform whatever they like, no rules enforced. Food and drinks are unbelievably cheap, since this place was created by musicans, for musicians. If you're someone who loves a chill environment, you'll definitely love it here.
352, 1st Floor, Jalan 5/57, Petaling Garden, Section 5, Petaling Jaya
Click here for directions.

Photo: Merdekarya
6/9
No Black Tie
NBT may appear to be an exclusive venue among loyal patrons at first, but once you get into the mood and atmosphere of this place, you'll feel like a regular in no time. Featuring nightly acts of all genres, NBT has showcased professional musicians in their prime and supported up-and-coming ones which have since successfully launched into Malaysia's music scene. If you're looking for some good music, this place will not disappoint.
Jalan Nagasari & Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: No Black Tie
7/9
Pisco Bar
Pisco is a fusion of Peru, Spain, Malaysian, Japanese... the list goes on. Add to that an amazing live band that goes on stage every Wednesday night, and you're pretty much set for the best night of your life. The casual, open terrace on the second floor of this bar gives off the perfect atmosphere to unwind. If you need some alcohol, try out Pisco's list of cocktail concoctions that are both unique and very, very tasty.
29, Jalan Mesui, Off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Pisco Bar
8/9
The Bee
The Bee should be a familiar name to all, since it is one of the most popular and centrally-located bars that offer a wide range of live music every weekend. It boasts of a vintage, grunge interior that customers can gather in for an exciting time of real music and fun activities. This is a great spot if you're new to the live music scene but also wish to experience an authentic feel of it.
F-85.G.1, Palm Square, Jaya One, 72A Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya
36 Block C, Level G2, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: The Bee
9/9
Tom, Dick & Harry’s Live
This is your typical cosy pub where a live band plays and you catch yourself singing along to familiar tunes. Apart from the amazing music you'll probably be listening to, TDH is also famous for its list of beers and sinful pub grub, so make sure you come with a stomach ready to indulge both in some hearty dishes and perhaps some rock and roll.
Level 3, Pavilion, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Tom, Dick & Harry's Facebook

There’s something about live music that has the ability to soothe one’s soul. Perhaps it’s the refreshing change of a different voice singing a familiar tune, or maybe its power lies in the amazing sound quality that you get at an established live music venue. No matter the reason, live music always seems to understand our stresses after a long day of work, and always seems to know how to make the evening better by allowing us simply to relax and indulge in its melodic tunes.

Kuala Lumpur is no stranger to the live music scene, and more bars nowadays are supporting this concept. If you’re intending to head to a live music venue sometime soon, you’ve chanced upon the right article. We’ve included in our gallery some of our top picks on where you should be going for the best tunes and ambience in town. When you feel like the world is on your shoulders, these places will know just how to help lighten your load, even if only for a few hours.

Dione Chen

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