TIRED of sitting at the desk staring at the computer screen? Would you like to shake up your daily routine? Well then, why not put on your dancing shoes and start twirling to some Latin numbers. Here are some restaurants/bars/clubs that serve up some hot Latino numbers that will surely get your hips swaying.
Why Not Kitchen and Bar
For those who like contemporary tunes on the dance floor, head upstairs. The ground floor of the café features the tunes of the 1980s. The kitchen serves European bar-style dishes.
Location: Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Dance type: Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba.
Time: 10pm onwards on Mondays.
Little Havana
One of the most popular and busiest Latin clubs in Kuala Lumpur. The DJ spins good music and the crowd is friendly which means you will never run out of people to dance with.
Location: 4 Lorong Sahabat, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Dance type: Kizomba, Salsa and Bachata.
Time: 10pm onwards on Tuesdays.
Paradox Art Cafe
The café has a dance floor that is big enough for you to twirl. The ambience feels like the neighbourhood hangout spot where everyone just wants to chill while listening to the DJ spin all the tracks you love.
Location: 2-1, The Oasis, Tingkat Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya.
Dance type: West Coast Swing Social.
Time: 8.30pm onwards on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Tapas Bistro and Bar @ Micasa All Suite Hotel Kuala Lumpur
If you live in the city and have the urge to tango, this is the place to be. The ambience is classy which suits the dance style of tango. They serve homemade tapas and burger patties too!
Location: 368, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur.
Dance type: Tango Milonga.
Time: 8pm — 11.00pm on Wednesdays.
QBA Latin Bar and Grill @Westin Kuala Lumpur
Enjoy signature Mojitos and Caipirinhas, as well as some of the yummiest cocktail concoctions using rare and exquisite selection of great rums — reputed to be one of the biggest collections of rums in Kuala Lumpur — while you salsa!
Location: Westin Hotel, 199 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Dance type: Salsa.
Time: 10pm onwards on Thursdays.
Zero 11
Dress to impress and dance the night away at this Asian fusion restaurant, dance club and bar.
Location: Plaza Mont Kiara. Kuala Lumpur.
Dance type: Salsa and Bachata.
Time: 10pm onwards on Fridays.
Friendscino Restaurant and Bar
There is a Brazilian Social Dance Night every Friday for beginners and professionals alike.
Location: LG01 & 01A, Plaza Emerald North, Jalan PJU8/3A, Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya.
Dance type: Salsa and Bachata.
Time: 9pm onwards on Saturdays.
The Grand Modesto’s Restaurant and Bar
A trendy fine-dining restaurant with a modern chic décor setting but a cosy ambience, coupled with an illuminated bar that first opened its doors to salsa lovers in 1995 and hasn’t looked back since.
Location: Lot 924 & 926, Jalan P Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Dance type: Salsa.
Time: 10pm — 2 am on Saturdays.
La Boca
The dance floor may not be very conducive for other Latin dances due to its small space, but it is still good for an intimate session of tango, since it does not require vigorous movements. La Boca serves some authentic Latin American dishes found nowhere else in town.
Location: Lot C3. 10. 03, Level 3, 168, Pavilion, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Dance type: Argentine Tango/Milonga
Time: 5pm — 8pm on Sundays.
51 Restaurant and Bar
Its setting is elegant with a relaxing ambience, but don’t discount the chances of a full blown dance party on its spacious dance floor. There is a good mix of music often, but just in case you want more dance action after, Havana KL is within walking distance.
Location: Ground Floor, Radius International Hotel, 51A Changkat Bukit Bintang
Dance type: Argentine Tango/Milonga
Time: 8pm — 10pm on Sundays.
This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on January 19, 2015.