I was recently invited to the 5-year anniversary celebration of Vice Circa Bar, an intriguing venue I’ve always heard about but never visited, despite it being in my neighbourhood. Nestled in a hidden alleyway in the lively Plaza Batai, Circa Bar is an enigmatic spot accessible only through a ‘hole in the wall’ entrance. Apparently, regular customers must retrieve a weekly passcode from their Instagram page to unlock the bar’s door, adding an air of exclusivity and mystery to the experience. Hence, I was very curious about the whole setup.
I took a Grab but for those planning to drive, there is ample parking. The spiral staircase was easy to spot and upon climbing it I was greeted by an interior with dim lighting, brick walls, and eclectic vintage furniture. The atmosphere was inviting, perfect for catching up with friends over drinks. The space however, while cosy and intimate, did seem a bit small and I can imagine it can easily become very crowded, especially on busy nights. There’s a small dance floor for those who feel like grooving to Circa’s signature and very loud tunes with an enthusiastic female DJ.
We were also offered glow in the dark stick-on tattoos and glow bracelets which were fun.
The bar at Vice Circa
The most impressive feature of Circa Bar is undeniably the bar itself. It’s large and exceptionally well-stocked, a testament to its fame for crafting superb cocktails. The bartender was constantly in motion, concocting cool looking cocktails for the eager crowd. The highlight of the evening was the special anniversary cocktail – a pandan-infused creation with gin, lime, pandan, and egg white. It was a nice blend of flavours, balancing sweetness and tartness .
In addition to the cocktails, the anniversary event featured special stands by Licky Chan and The Bao Guys, both offering treats at special prices.
Younger crowd
While the ambiance was vibrant and the crowd lively, it’s worth noting that the majority of the patrons seemed quite young. This might make Circa Bar less appealing to a more mature audience like myself. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the small space got quite packed as the night went on, which might not be ideal for those who don’t like the feeling of being squished, or are looking to have a quiet drink and a chat.
Despite these considerations, Circa Bar seems to be a versatile venue, not just for partying but perfect for various private events such as a bachelorette party, a birthday bash, a farewell gathering, or a product launch. With a capacity of 130 people, food and drinks, and the option of an in-house or personal DJ, any celebration here is bound to be an unforgettable experience.
This hidden bar in Plaza Batai offers a unique blend of exclusivity, and a lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those looking to enjoy a fun night out. While it may not be the first choice for a quieter, mature crowd, it stands out as a potential venue for the younger at heart looking to party and celebrate in style.
If you’re in need of caffeine before your night out, check out coffee in Damansara Heights!
We were invited by Vice Circa. As always, our opinions are honest and our own.
