The only classic retro bar in the city


Word to the wise: There are often unadvertised live performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays - call ahead to check what's happening.

Noteworthy for: The bar's 3am closing time and cheap drinks make it the perfect place to wind down after a big night in KL.

There's nothing glamorous about this long-standing KL drinking den: the chairs are worn, the decor is ramshackle and the music policy is strictly retro. But Mood Swings is still one of the best places in town to grab a beverage, largely because it doesn't try to compete with the glitzy bar/club hybrids that dominate the KL scene. The crowd here is a pleasingly random mix of locals, expats and curious visitors, and the regular patrons are some of the friendliest you'll find.

A live band plays on Thursdays and Fridays, covering reggae, disco, rock, and pop from the 50s to the 80s. On other nights, the bar's owners - a Malaysian and an Australian - program the jukebox, favouring classic rock and 70s prog.