Feel free to take a seat and enjoy the musical offerings at this pub run by the Balachandran family.
In the heart of Damansara Kim, on the border of Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, landmark institution On Line Pub stands tall.
Established 34 years ago by the Balachandran family, this pub has weathered the storms of time, including financial challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic, emerging as a refuge for those seeking great live music, delicious food and a perfect pint pour.
It makes you wonder how many pubs of yore are still running in the Klang Valley.
There can’t be more than even a handful, not even the couple of others on this quiet small stretch, that comes close.
As the story goes, veteran pub singer Bala persuaded the Balachandran brothers Xavier, Lawrence, Raymond and Colin to open a pub for him.
The result was this pub, close to the legendary El Rodrigo’s which is now a memory.
Over the decades, On Line Pub has become a magnet for pub singers and groups in the Klang Valley, solidifying its status as a musical landmark.
The family-run pub has seamlessly transitioned to a new generation with Colin’s son Matthew stepping up to run it.
Today, the pub offers standard weekend fare that includes the now legendary “Temple of Rock”. which continues to captivate nightlife enthusiasts with its blend of locally unique pub grub, chilled beers and raucous music.
Fridays see Kdee and Razman taking the stage, covering everything from Bonnie Tyler and Kim Carnes to the Pet Shop Boys, setting the stage for the weekend.
Saturday nights turn into vespers of rock with the irrepressible Sharin and his backing trio unleashing musical mayhem that reverberates through the ages.
And, the Guinness flows patiently, taking a meticulous 90 seconds to reach perfection.
Classic cocktails like Margarita (left) and Long Island Tea are on the menu.
On the culinary front, the pub still boasts the impressive array it’s been most famed for all these decades.
Wild Boar Curry, Mutton Curry and Pork Ribs showcase the culinary legacy of the late Lawrence Balachandran.
The menu, introduced in the early days, also features contemporary delights like the highly regarded Hokkien mee complete with its ubiquitous pork lard, spicy mee hoon and the somewhat newer additions of Egg Foo Young and Chicken69.
Also coming up for Christmas, are lamb, chicken and salmon as main dishes along with sides like mashed potatoes, Shepherd’s Pie and desserts like Christmas pudding.
The snacks include sweet and spicy anchovies, Devil on a Demon’s back, corned beef cabbage, spicy sausages and lor bak (five-spice pork roll).
The drink selection is a blend of basics and classics, with perfect pours of Tiger and Guinness on tap.
Liquors, spirits and wine cover the essentials, while classic cocktails like Margarita, Long Island Tea, Graveyard, Whiskey Sour and Black Russian are on the menu.
Cheers to On Line Pub, where the echoes of the past harmonise seamlessly with the beats of the present.
On Line Pub No.32, Jalan SS20/10 Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya. Business hours: 3pm to 11pm Monday and Tuesday, 4pm to 1am Wednesday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. WhatsApp/Tel: 019-3070650/03-7728 0532
