Jao Tim
A hidden retro gem in KL, Jao Tim offers a captivating art deco ambiance with soulful live jazz and R&B music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for live music vibes
Jao Tim
Best Time
Best for live music vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden retro gem in KL, Jao Tim offers a captivating art deco ambiance with soulful live jazz and R&B music.
"The place has a beautiful vintage charm — exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and warm lighting that makes you feel cozy."
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Shows often sell out; reserve your spot or buy tickets in advance to guarantee entry.
🎶 Check Event Schedule
Follow their social media for artist lineups and special music events.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Jazz & R&B Nights
Main performance area
Experience soulful live music, from smooth jazz to R&B jams, in an intimate setting.
Art Deco Ambiance
Throughout the venue
Immerse yourself in the vintage charm with exposed brick, high ceilings, and warm, moody lighting.
Creative Cocktails
Bar area
Sip on unique and well-balanced cocktails, like the 'Red Carpet Treatment'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Spot for Live Music
Embrace the Retro Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Shows often sell out; reserve your spot or buy tickets in advance to guarantee entry.
🎶 Check Event Schedule
Follow their social media for artist lineups and special music events.
🍸 Try the Cocktails
Creative and well-made drinks are a highlight, don't miss out!
📍 Arrive Early
Soak in the retro ambiance and secure a good seat before the performance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Shows often sell out; reserve your spot or buy tickets in advance to guarantee entry.
🎶 Check Event Schedule
Follow their social media for artist lineups and special music events.
🍸 Try the Cocktails
Creative and well-made drinks are a highlight, don't miss out!
📍 Arrive Early
Soak in the retro ambiance and secure a good seat before the performance.
🎤 Open Mic Nights
Participate or enjoy the talent at their open mic sessions. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jao Tim is praised for its unique art deco ambiance and excellent live jazz and R&B music, making it a cozy and atmospheric spot. While some found the food menu limited and occasional performances preachy, the creative cocktails and good sound system are consistent highlights. It's a recommended destination for a classy yet laid-back experience in KL. +1
"Heard rave reviews about this place hence I headed there; saw that it was Christmas night so I thought it would be fun! Price was about RM80-100? I paid RM86 that night, just for entry. Quite pricey but I wanted to do something different.
It was quite a cozy space, probably fit only around 30pax?
The singers were alright, but not what I expected.
Also, I felt uncomfortable as it was getting a bit preachy halfway through, like I was at a sermon for a little bit as they were singing some church songs.
On the flip side, the sound system is great and location is pretty central.
Wish they would have expanded the food menu a bit more as they only offered sandwiches and rice bowl.
Would come again for their renowned jazz nights instead!"
Ashley Lo
"It was my first visit to Jao Tim KL, and I was pleasantly surprised by the overall atmosphere. The place has a beautiful vintage charm — exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and warm lighting that makes you feel cozy the moment you step in.
What makes Jao Tim stand out is that they even have live band performances during the day, which is quite rare for bars in KL. It’s not your typical nightclub vibe — more like a relaxing lounge where you can sip a drink, chat with friends, and enjoy quality live music.
I also tried my very first cocktail here, the Red Carpet Treatment, and it was excellent. The cocktails are creative, well-balanced, and reasonably priced.
Events here are diverse, some ticketed and some free, so there’s always something new to look forward to. Overall, Jao Tim is a great spot if you’re looking for a classy yet laid-back place in the heart of Petaling Street. Definitely worth following their social media for event updates!"
Kay Ment Teoh
"Had a great time listening to live music with Melissa Anne. Sound system was good enough and not to deafening even when seated right in front.
The drinks were hit and miss but with the snacks it makes up for it.
Do make reservations and get your tickets as walking in might not get you a spot in to enjoy the live music session."
Neil Nicholas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jao Tim is centrally located at 61, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, near Pasar Seni. It's easily accessible by public transport, with the Pasar Seni LRT station being a short walk away. Many visitors find it convenient to use ride-sharing apps.
Jao Tim is often described as a 'hidden gem' due to its discreet entrance. Look for the distinctive art deco signage. Following directions on Google Maps or ride-sharing apps is recommended.
For evening events, taking the LRT to Pasar Seni station and then a short walk is a good option to avoid traffic and parking hassles. Ride-sharing services are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For most live music performances, there is a cover charge or ticket fee. It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular jazz or R&B nights, as spots are limited.
Jao Tim's hours vary slightly by day. Generally, they are open from 3 PM to 1 AM on Tuesdays to Thursdays, and from 1 PM to 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays are typically 1 PM to 12 AM. Always check their social media for the most current hours.
While walk-ins might be possible for non-ticketed events or during off-peak hours, it's risky for live music shows. Reservations or pre-purchased tickets are strongly advised to secure a seat.
Entry fees or cover charges vary depending on the event and artist. Prices can range from RM80-100 for special ticketed events, while some performances might have a smaller cover charge.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
Jao Tim is renowned for its live jazz and R&B performances. They also host open mic nights and feature various local artists, creating a diverse musical atmosphere. +3
The atmosphere is described as cozy, intimate, and having a beautiful vintage charm with art deco elements. It's a relaxing lounge perfect for enjoying music and conversations.
Absolutely! The romantic ambiance, live music, and creative cocktails make Jao Tim an excellent choice for a date night.
While there isn't a strict dress code, visitors often dress smart-casual to match the venue's classy yet laid-back vibe.
Yes, Jao Tim is also an events space and can be booked for private functions, weddings, and other gatherings. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Jao Tim offers a simple menu, typically including rice bowls and sandwiches. Some visitors have noted the food menu could be expanded, but it complements the drinks and music well.
The drinks, particularly the cocktails, receive high praise for being creative, well-balanced, and reasonably priced. The sweet potato highball is a recommended favorite. +1
Yes, Jao Tim offers mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages to cater to all preferences.
📸 📸 Photography
With its unique art deco interior, exposed brick, and moody lighting, Jao Tim is a very photogenic spot. It's perfect for capturing atmospheric shots. +1
The vintage decor, the stage area during a performance, and the bar are all great for photography. The overall ambiance lends itself to moody and artistic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For evening events, it's best to check the specific artist and performance type. Some shows might be more family-friendly than others. Always inquire about age restrictions or suitability for children when booking tickets for evening performances.
🎶 Music Lovers
Follow Jao Tim's social media religiously to catch their event schedule. They frequently host talented local musicians, and booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. The open mic nights also offer a chance to discover emerging talent.
✨ Couples & Date Nights
Opt for a table with a good view of the stage and enjoy a night of music and drinks. Consider booking a ticketed event for a special occasion, ensuring a memorable evening for both of you.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Jao Tim Experience: More Than Just Music
Beyond its visual appeal, Jao Tim is celebrated for its commitment to live music. Visitors consistently praise the quality of the performances, particularly jazz and R&B sessions. The intimate setting ensures a great listening experience, whether you're seated near the stage or further back. The venue also hosts open mic nights, fostering a vibrant local music scene.
Complementing the music and ambiance are the creative cocktails and a simple, reasonably priced food menu. The 'Red Carpet Treatment' cocktail has been specifically mentioned as a must-try. This combination of atmosphere, music, and refreshments makes Jao Tim a complete package for a memorable night out.
Navigating Jao Tim: From Entry to Enjoyment
Securing your spot at Jao Tim, especially for live music events, is crucial. Many patrons advise booking tickets or making reservations in advance as shows can quickly sell out due to the venue's intimate size. Following their social media pages is the best way to stay updated on artist lineups and event schedules.
Once inside, the cozy, retro ambiance invites you to relax. Arriving early allows you to fully appreciate the decor and settle in before the music begins. While the food menu is simple, focusing on rice bowls and sandwiches, the drinks, particularly the cocktails, are a highlight and a great accompaniment to the performances.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit