Was searching for cocktails bars around the area. Saw high rating for this joint and decided to give it a try. Like to sit at the counter and I admired the bartenders’ skills of mixing the drinks. Quite disappointed as the bartenders were more enthusiastic to entertain the two Korean ladies that were sitting two chairs away. As if they were the only customers in the bar? There were also a couples beside me and they kept on looking at the bartenders, wondering why they are not properly served. Quite astonishing when I asked the house speciality, bartender stumbled and cannot really recommend. I have to look at the menu and make my own choice. Note : piece of advice, please rinse your hands and clean the table when you’re preparing the drinks! Had two drinks and decided to move on. Cocktail - nothing much to shout.

Was there at 745pm, a lady staff told me they only open at 8pm, so we returned at 8pm, the same lady was outside the store having a puff, we were invited to wait inside and they only let us in at 815pm. Upon ordering, the indian male bartender wasn’t really friendly when attending to my questions on the drinks and what would suit me based on my preferences, he eventually narrowed it down to Georgetown Gimlet, which the taste was not bad at all. I just wished I had met with the friendlier bartender which many have commented on in this reviews, that would have made my experience more positive.

Pretty interesting bar that serves up unique cocktails. Staff were friendly. Limited seats so do come early. You get a small pin as a gift upon payment too.

Passing through a secret entry to the hidden bar, you get their very very good cocktails, probably the best in Penang. It's dark (love it) and cozy. The place is not too small, but definitely very busy with a lot of visitors. Yes, reservation is needed. Otherwise it's very likely you wouldn't get a seat. They have friendly and, handsome staff.

A hidden bar with an entrance I wouldn’t have guessed! I came here with a group of friends and we were well received by the staffs. Drinks (locally-themed) were surprisingly really good. The flavours were on point! The whole setting feels homely and chill. Had a really good night and will definitely be back again!

*Parking here might be a bit of a challenge if you’re trying to find for a free street parking. I suggest parking opposite at Hotel Neo+ as their parking is plenty and is reasonably priced (About RM3-4 for a couple hours). From there their lift comes down directly to a door facing Backdoor Botega so it should be easy to get there. **Consider making a reservation ahead of time as the place was pretty packed and we had to wait for about 30-40 minutes for a seat. Ambience: It’s a very cozy bar that is generally not too loud, you can still chill and talk with other people. Generally really enjoyed just soaking up the atmosphere here and you can definitely spend hours here without getting bored. Service: The bartenders are really friendly and if you get to sit at the counter it’ll generally a good time. The service staff also ensured that the customers didn’t have to wait too long and made sure to seat everyone promptly. Also really liked that they accommodated some of our requests that was probably difficult to meet and really appreciated them. Food: They had really good options! Honestly a lot of what they had was really reminiscent of Penang flavors and I really enjoyed them. Although I only really managed to try 3 drinks you won’t really go wrong with any of them. Price: Pretty standard speakeasy prices (In the region of RM30-40) for most drinks. The price you are paying is definitely worth it however. Conclusion: Would I come back? Definitely! The experience here was really great and I’m excited to try any other drink offerings they have in the menu next time.

My favourite cocktail bar in Penang! Interesting concept where it's a retail space and a hidden bar. Never knew I needed so many pins in my life but would be glad to be back to add to my collection. If you're feeling adventurous, ask the bartender to surprise you with off the menu cocktails.

Definitely the best speakeasy bar that I ever went to. Its interestingly hidden in another bar itself. I was pretty confused on where is the entrance but I stopped by Swagger Salon and asked the staff there. She is really helpful and friendly too. She showed me the way to Backdoor. Their cocktail menu is superb! They cover all range of flavours and taste. Love love their peranakan designed drinks. The bartenders are super friendly too and very attentive as well. If you don't know which cocktail pick from the menu, just tell them you preferred taste and they will guide you through.

Taste: 4/5 ⭐ | Service: 5/5 ⭐ | Ambience: 4/5 ⭐ Price: RM236 | Number of pax: 2 You definitely need to make reservations as they can get quite crowded. We had Dondang Sayang and Mango Martini from the menu. Both were nice but with very straightforward flavours. Then, we decided to get custom cocktails. The custom drinks were definitely more impressive and the bartender did recommend us good drinks based on our desired taste, especially the “Fake Coca-Cola” and “Fake Milk Tea”. One of the drinks was called Army & Navy which was made using their homemade orgeat syrup. This stood out for us as orgeat syrup elsewhere tend to taste artificial. Best item of the visit: Custom cocktails Will we return: Yes Follow us on Instagram @mealtimeagain

Fabulous speakeasy located inside a clothing store. Great service and inventive cocktails that celebrate the diversity and ingredients of Penang. Not sure the early 2000s music fit the theme entirely but I loved it! Will be back for more.

We only went for the drinks. It's a speakeasy bar that hidden behind a clothing store. They spent time to explain the cencept of the drinks to you and recommend drinks based on your preferences. Drinks created were so creative and impressive. Specially the soya sauce one. It looks like soya sauce, smell like Soya sauce but it's not soya sauce. It's a great place to try out. Please made reservation earlier for a table.

Brilliant! Throughly enjoyed the cocktails from this place. My partner and I ordered: 1. Kepala Hotak 2. Georgetown Gimlet 3. Eugene 4. Matcha Magic 5. Ulah Mojito (or something like that, can't recall the name correctly) Service was also great and attentive. Out of the five cocktails, we enjoyed Kepala Hotak and Georgetown Gimlet the most! Just a note: Georgetown Gimlet and Ulah Mojito have very similar taste profiles so be sure to order something different!

I've been to many speakeasy bars, and this is by far the best in Penang. BB can put to shame most of the speakeasy bars in KL! I love the awesome flovoursome Georgetown Gimlet & the experience- Delightful! Keep it up, BB!❤❤❤❤❤ PSA: To find the entrance to this place, ask a swagger!😉

Probably one of the better speakeasy hidden bars in Penang. Hidden inside Good Friends Club, this bar may require some "exploring" to locate the entrance. To make it easy for first timers, head into Good Friends Club, go all the way to the back till you see red curtains on the right, open it and head in. You'll come to a wooden door, knock on it. If no one opens, knock harder! Drinks start off at RM 35 nett. House cocktails were greatly crafted. Not too sweet, not too heavy on the alcohol. Smooth on the palate. Contrary to another review, credit/debit cards are accepted payment methods here.

This is my absolute favorite bar in Penang. They serve a list of authentic cocktails. Strongly recommend the “Kelapa Hotak” as it taste and smell great (pandan flavour). Can’t wait to return and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone who looking for an authentic bar

You have to go into the clothing shop, as the entrance to the bar is inside the shop. Limited seating, we got a seat by the bar. Bartenders are friendly (maybe a tad too friendly, the bartender kept trying to give recommendations even though we wanted some time to read their menu), and the drinks selection is quite limited. Maybe we could’ve asked for custom cocktails, but what’s the point of having a menu if you’re not meant to order off it? Anyway, drinks were just ok (we had the Georgetown Gimlet & Jungle Bird), I prefer Good Friends Club next door.

Highly recommended, especially for tourists! The menu is well curated with flavours from Penang and some Thai influenced. You can take your time to read through the menu as there are explanations and some food recommendations. Ordered 5 cocktails, they were all great! Complex yet smooth to drink. The front of the bar is a boutique shop, don’t be afraid to walk in!

Run by the boss of The Swagger Salon, the hidden bar is a hidden gem. Cocktails were delicious and is in a artsy location. Highly recommended for small group hangouts. Good luck finding it.

Nice speakeasy. Very hidden at the back of the shop. You need knock on the door for them to allow you in. One of the best value local infused cocktails in Penang. Small place though. Good for group of 4-6.

If I had to give 0 stars I would. The service is so slow that we started to think of leaving to another place. We had to pay before the drinks come, staff looks very young and not much experienced. Here it is comes the cocktails.. It's 99% sugars and syrups and a hint of alcohol. None of us could finish the drinks and we just left. Totally not recommended if you're looking for a decent cocktail made by experts not kids.

Own and run by The Sawagger Salon boss himself. Passion about cocktail making, he decided to open his own hidden bar right behind his streetwear clothing retail. Localised cocktail with localised names, i would personally recommend Chrysanthemum as that cocktail are just perfect. Owner is super friendly and would come up with drinks out of the menu from time to time, all you do is just asked. Oh, and they have a special way of paying the bills too!

Small but cosy bar with amazing atmosphere. Seating is very limited so come early. Great selection of cocktails with something for everyone. Good luck finding the entrance.

A speakeasy worth discovering. Creative cocktail menu, excellent bartenders and a cool fitout. Drinks priced at 35RM - cash only. Good luck finding the door.

One of my favourite bars in Penang because the cocktails are original and crafted with local flavours and high quality and the crowd is fun and music great. Keep up the great work!

INCREDIBLE cocktails - good luck finding it 😏

Well impressed with this speakeasy bar! The cocktail bar was hidden behind a clothing store. Drinks menu was extensive and amazing. One of our favourites are georgetown gimlet (tastes like laksa) and tomyum Collins (love the spice!). Make a reservation if you can :) *love it that they also recommend other local bars to go to too!*

Interesting cocktail bar with quite a range of specialty cocktails. I had the genmai Negroni, the nawan lama and they made me a special spicy marg with mezcal and a spicy spirit/liqueur they have. You may need to make a booking to come here as if gets busy. Shout out to Stella who was great to chat to and gave me tips of other cocktail bars they recommend.

Great fun and awesome drinks, which are both complimented by the excellent staff who are happy to have a conversation or tell you more about the drink. Menu was interesting and pretty unique - all in all a totally worth it speakeasy bar for an evening of drinks!

Nice experience. Finally got a chance to try their cocktails. Had 2 glasses and happy with them. I chose the first one and asked the bartender to make me one of his recommendations. And also they give a cute pin when you finish. Definitely will come back.

Amazing vibes, drinks and staff. This is the place to be if you are looking for a speakeasy bar in Penang. We tried a variety of drinks as we came with a group of friends. Drinks menu was definitely interesting! The bartender could also customize a drink for you. Staff were super friendly and helpful! FYI: the entrance to the bar is through the clothing shop

The environment is hot! And we are serve slow for our cocktails! The bartender in the bar just talk to the guess on the bar.. but we get serve slow for our cocktails... This is not the service we expect!

Highly recommended. Good and friendly staff and pretty nice drinks. You should definitely go there.

Better than any other speakeasy or cocktail bar anywhere in Malaysia. These guys are total artists. The menu's great and the vibe is great. They've done something really special here.

It's a nice bar with great staff but not the "wow" hidden bar vibe I was hoping for. The drinks are fairly pricey but the staff were super attentive and refilled our water and gave us free nut snacks which we loved.

As they say, those who know, know. It is truly an amazing experience. Backdoor Bodega is literally one of the best hidden gem in the heart of Penang. The drinks they offer is simply amazing. It's also fascinating that the currency you use to get a drink is hilariously good. Good luck finding it out and when you do, make sure to have a great time, which I'm sure you will.

Friendly staffs and nice drinks. Interesting infused with vodka , whisky and rum cocktails drinks. Must try yah....

Creatively designed cocktail but it felt like as tho i am drinking juice/mocktail. Kinda dissappointed in that part. Other than that, customer service is great.Will i go again the 2nd time, most likely no..

Pins were really expensive The less you know

Cozy place to chill and catch up with friends

Hands down the Best speakeasy in Georgetown! Xx

I really like their guided menu, amazing idea, and very thorough, very helpful for me to decide what to order. Like how they decorate the place, very chic. Drinks are amazing, love every menu i ordered. Price starting from 40ringgits, which are acceptable.

Great cocktails and friendly mixiologist!!

This is a wonderful speakeasy! It took us a while to find it, as it should, so I am sharing a picture of the entrance. The cocktails are truly original and the barmen are knowledgable and super friendly.

Favorite overpriced pin shop. Buy a pin and they might treat a drink or two.

Drinks that I actually did enjoy! Nicely mixed, not too strong not too blend either, just nice. Highly recommended! Oh, the menu is well written too 👍

Stylish cocktail bar! As I visited during the weekdays early (8pm, th he open hour) I could communicate with the bartenders easily, and their service was great too. Their own signature cocktails were very exotic and valuable to try!