Best Places for After-Work Dinner and Drinks

Locate this northeastern Thai restaurant in Republik for a culinary adventure with the gang. Headed by Chef Gug, you can expect tantalising dishes made with fresh ingredients. Begin your meal with the Kreng Gai Nai Tot Song Kreng (RM18) — deep-fried gizzards that are best paired with their house-made Sriracha sauce. Have the creamy and spicy Geng Pua Bai Chapulu (RM62), a yellow curry with fresh crab meat. Also share the juicy grilled kampung chicken, Gai Yang Kao Suan Kwang (RM42), that features irresistible crispy skin.
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo

Great for dinner with your bestie is this hip restaurant in Jalan Batai. Have a glass of Natural Wine (from RM30 a glass) to pair with the Unagi Cracker (RM24). Look forward to tender pieces of grilled unagi and crunchy granny smith apples sandwiched between dehydrated seaweed — interesting and delicious! The community also recommends the Ramen Noodle XO Sauce (RM16) and the Meat Bun (RM21) stuffed with soy-braised lamb.
Photo by Burppler Jesuis Enamourez

Popular with the PJ office crowd is this buzzy resto-bar tucked in the Lot 8 building at Section 13. Must-tries include the spicy-sour Chilli Lime Steam Fish (RM45) and the Tom Yum Seafood Soup (from RM28), which Burppler Rachel Ang says is super yummy and loaded with fresh seafood. If you can, come for their crazy beer promo — just RM8 from 12 to 6pm! Otherwise, enjoy fresh beer from the tap from RM12 — there’s Carlsberg, Asahi and more to choose from. Ps. There’s live music daily, from 9pm till midnight. Parking is limited, but valet service is available!
Photo by Burppler Rachel Ang

Spiceheads — look out for this classy Sri Lankan restaurant in Bukit Damansara, where service is outstanding and the food is exquisite. Order the signature Chicken Kulaiyal (RM35), where fluffy rice, chicken and veggies are wrapped in banana leaf and steamed. Burppler Sunita S recommends pairing this with their Crab (from RM18) for a truly decadent experience. Burppler Sok Chien’s pick is the Chicken String Hoppe Kothu (from RM18) that’s spicy and super addictive! There’s a solid wine selection as well, all chosen to complement the food. The Sri Lankan-inspired Gin and Tonic (from RM30) made with Colombo gin is also good.
Photo by Burppler Sunita S

Home to scrumptious marinated pork is this spacious Korean BBQ restaurant. Bring your colleagues and dig into the Palsaik Signature Set (RM138) recommended for two to four hungry people. Alternatively, go big with the Substantial Party Set (RM238) that can feed up to six people. The friendly staff does the grilling for you, so sit back and get ready to feast! Look forward to Palsaik’s signature marinated pork in eight flavours including ginseng, pine leaves, miso and garlic. All sets also come with free-flow kimchi and a big bowl of soup. Cheers to your evening with a bottle of Soju (RM28) or Maekgolli (RM28).
Photo by Burppler Ali K

Look to Uncle Don’s for a budget-friendly night out with your pals. Chug down a mug of refreshing Frozen Beer (from RM10.95), where draught beer is poured into ice-chilled glasses, and pair that with their signature Nachos Chili Con Carne (from RM18.80) loaded with jalapenos and creamy melted cheese. For something different, go for the Sizzling Sisig (RM12.80), a Filipino dish that features flavourful ground pork and glorious egg on a sizzling hot plate. Another fun dish to share is the affordable, thin-crusted Spicy Bacon Pizza (RM16.80).
Photo by Burppler Shun Teoh

Birch emerges as Huckleberry, Mezze and Skullduggery’s fancy sibling with elegant plates and botanical cocktails. Kick off the evening with Birch’s Jalapeño Poppers (RM30) that are jam-packed with rich cream cheese. On mains, order the Spatchcock Chicken (RM55) for well-marinated meat served with baby potatoes and grilled vegetables. Vegetarians, dive straight for the Cauliflower Steak (RM27) and Miso Eggplant (RM18), which Burppler Audrey Chew declares is a must-have. Cap the night off with a refreshing glass of Beyond Sunrise (RM38) or the floral and fruity Bunga Raya Club (RM38).
Photo by Burppler Serena Ho

Whisky highballs, tasty Japanese-Malaysian bar snacks and live music — the makings for a fun night out with your buds. Swing by in time for their happy hour promo (from 4 to 9pm) – buy any two Highballs (from RM17) and get the third one free. Or bring the gang with you and split 10 Miyagi Highballs for only RM140. Pair those refreshing drinks with good food like the crunchy Chicken Karaage (RM9), addictive Fries With Egg (RM13) and the Malaysian Curry Katsu Don (RM10). Ps. Ladies, swing by on Wednesdays to receive a platter of drinks for free!
Photo by Burppler Ali K

Wind down with your colleagues over tasty small plates in this casual eatery. Burppler Nate M recommends the addictive Nachos (RM26) served with guacamole and cheese sauce. For a substantial meal, order the Buttermilk Chicken Burger (RM28). Look forward to juicy meat coated in crispy parmesan breadcrumbs and fluffy brioche buns. There are also delicious Asian delights on the menu, including the aromatic Pad Thai (RM22) and comforting Maggi Mee Goreng (RM22). Don’t miss out on the Happy Hour offerings that last until 9pm, where you’ll find draught beers (from RM15) and a range of premium liquor (from RM18).
Photo by Burppler Shun Teoh

Wait out the crazy KL traffic at this fun Latin American bar-restaurant in Pavilion KL. Burppler Serena Ho suggests starting your meal with the Salsa & Chips (RM15) that comes with fiery chopped jalapenos. To tame the heat, order a glass of Sangria (RM25) or grab a jug (RM75) for the table! Once it’s time to feast, share tasty plates like Pollo Brassa Fajitas (chicken breast strips, RM32), the mouth-watering Pizza Margherita (RM29) and the baked-to-perfection Empanadas (RM28). Ps. Happy hour here sees a buy-2-free-1 margarita promo at only RM70. Go get ’em!
Photo by Burppler Serena Ho