If you’re looking for a drinking spot with an awesome live band, look no further. Apart from the better-known local acts like The Sam Willows and 53A, our little red dot actually has a ton of undiscovered talent playing live at some of the best bars and cafes in town. Read on for our list of must-try bars with excellent food, drinks and eargasmic music!
Maduro
If you love jazz, you have to check out this classy lounge and bar in Dempsey. Founded by one of Singapore’s most sought-after pianists in the 80s, mysteriously known as Mr P, the cosy space stands out for its warm and welcoming vibe – an experience akin to visiting a friend’s place!
Maduro is open five days a week (closed on Sunday and Monday) with programmes lined up almost daily. 1819 Tuesdays focus on up-and-coming, next generation musicians; Tiara Friday Club features a star-studded lineup, which has included vocal powerhouses Alemay Fernandez and Richard Jackson; Saturday’s Best sees a chosen artiste-in-residence performing every Saturday of the month. Check out their Facebook page for updates. Admission costs $20 per person and drinks are sold separately.
Whisky fans will be pleased with what they stock here. From Scottish to Japanese malts, all the way up to the bar’s highly prized possession – an $18,000 Macallan M Black bottle – the selection is undeniably impressive. There’s also a neat list of cocktails and wines, including rare Old World treasures for those who are out to splurge.
MADURO
40C Harding Road, Level 3
9756 4775 | maduro.sg
1-Altitude Gallery & Bar
For stunning, sky-high views, check out 1-Altitude Gallery Bar & Club, the world’s highest alfresco bar, standing at 282 metres above ground level. Drop by in the evening to unwind with a couple of sundowners, or visit post-dinner for performances by local bands and internationally renowned DJs. Enjoy a much-needed mid-week respite here with high-end cocktails and a fab music line-up; on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8pm to 10pm, there are acoustic performances by 1-Altitude’s resident band One Avenue and who belt out familiar pop tunes from the top 40s. If you’re up for a sky-high revelry, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the music is amped up from 9 to 11pm with top party hits from the band followed by an over-driven night with resident DJs Leonard T & Jack T. Bid goodbye to Sunday blues with 1-Altitude’s latest LIVE band addition on Sundays 9-11pm with band Nation One revving up the night, ending your weekend on a high.
Feeling peckish? Tuck into a selection of light nosh with healthy and vegan options new to the menu, including a Poached Norwegian Salmon with cous cous ($30), Impossible Chilli Beef with hot chips ($20), loaded Mac & Cheeses ($14-18) and a variety of pizzas. Wash it all down with a signature cocktail ($20 each); our tip is to try the Altitude Affair – a refreshing mix of vodka, passionfruit, lime juice and basil leaves – or the Roses are Meant to be Red – a sweeter rose nectar and strawberry concoction.
Rooftop, One Raffles Place
6438 0410 | 1-altitude.com
Yin Bar Singapore
Located along the Singapore River, Yin Bar fronts The Riverhouse – a heritage building rich in history, acting formerly as a den for illicit triad activity of the infamous Ghee Hok Society. As one of the only two traditional Chinese-style dwellings remaining in Singapore, the unique architecture makes the bar an iconic photo-worthy spot for tourists.
Cocktails here are crafted with modern Asian flavours like yuzu and chrysanthemum tea. Live band performances start at 8pm daily and end at 11pm. Get in for a night of flamboyant rock and roll and chart-toppers with 3 A.M every Monday and Saturday, sing-along to the best mix of Mandarin and Cantonese songs with Bang Bang Band every Tuesday and Wednesday performed by Bang Bang Band, and salsa your way through the night with Latino vibes and beats by Kandela every Thursday and Friday.
#01-02 The Riverhouse
3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay
6261 1189 | theriverhouse.sg
McGettigan’s Clarke Quay
Located in the always-buzzing hotspot of Clarke Quay, this Irish pub offers a great live music line-up from Wednesday to Sunday, on top of attractive drink promotions. Ladies, listen up: on Wednesdays you get free cocktails and housepours till 1am, plus 20 percent off food items! Thursday nights are acoustic live performances. Don’t miss the live performances on Fridays, too, where the Rock Rosettes take the stage. On Saturdays, the bar alternates between two rock bands who occasionally throw in some Irish influence, and on Sundays Ger Mythen performs an acoustic set of the best music of the decades.
3A River Valley Road
#01-01 Merchant’s Court
6837 0577 | mcgettigans.com
Hard Rock Café
For a night of good music without breaking the bank, check out the music-centric programmes at the popular Hard Rock Café (Cuscaden Road). After undergoing a facelift, this classic watering hole is now sporting a sleek and contemporary look that still retains its iconic rock vibes. Highlights include veteran band Jive Talking and Tabula Unplugged. Live music performances take place on Thursdays and Fridays!
50 Cuscaden Rd,
#02/03-01, HPL House
6235 5232 | hardrockcafe.com/location/singapore/
Wala Wala
Casual yet sophisticated is how we’d describe this popular bar at Holland Village. The kind of watering hole we’d all love to have in the neighbourhood, Wala Wala is the place for a drink or two on a weeknight. An upbeat venue with an intimate setting, the second level is where all the action happens. Your ears will be treated to a melting pot of performance genres including pop, rock, soul, acoustic, folk and even grunge if you’re lucky. Don’t forget to order a few bar bites – we recommend the tapas and pizza!
31 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village
6462 4288 | walawala.sg
Check out more bars in Singapore.
Anthia Chng
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