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, 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 lineup; on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8pm to 10pm, there are acoustic performances by 1-Altitude’s resident band One Avenue, who belt out familiar pop tunes from the top 40s. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm, the music is amped up with the full band taking centre stage.
Feeling peckish? Tuck into recent additions to the menu, including freshly shucked oysters ($36), Tajima wagyu cheese sliders ($32) 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
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 to enjoy four free drinks plus 25 percent off food items from 7pm! Until the end of December, Mike Spinks and Khalis Jalil will be taking the stage from 9pm, and from next year on you can look forward to Latin music by Cuban band Havana Social Club. On Thursday nights from 9pm, local cover band Slingshot will impress with their high-energy rock n’ roll tunes. Feeling thirsty? Sip on two-for- one cocktails, only on Thursdays! Don’t miss the live performances on Saturdays, too; solo act Gerry Cox plays an acoustic set at 7.30pm, while party band Jukuleles will keep you entertained with dance-worthy melodies from 11pm onwards.
3A River Valley Road
#01-01 Merchant’s Court
6837 0577 | mcgettigans.com
Photo credit: Ambry NurHayati
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.
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
Timbre+
Newly opened earlier this year at One North, Timbre+ is a hotspot for providing delicious grub and nightly live music to tourists, office-goers and café hoppers alike. This hidden gem hosts a total of 35 food and beverage stalls, serving up a variety of cuisines from traditional hawker fare to modern fusion food.
A unique, container-like, gastropark concept, the urban food hall offers a diversity of cuisines from restaurant-grade food to traditional hawker fare at pocket-friendly prices. Paired with good company and live music performances everyday, you’ll have yourself a well-satisfied and happy-bellied experience.
73A Ayer Rajah Crescent,
JTC LaunchPad @ one-north
6252 2545 | timbreplus.sg
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