There’s a huge selection of cool bars in Singapore from rooftop bars with amazing views, glam wine bars to chic shophouse bars in Chinatown. We’ve listed the best bars by neighbourhood – from beach clubs on the East Coast and Sentosa to wine bars in the CBD and the quays! Whether you’re a fan of ice-cold beer at a pub, a nice glass of wine or a bespoke cocktail, here are some buzzy (sometimes hidden) drinking holes to find them in.
Best Bars in Singapore’s CBD
The Whiskey Library
If you’re into whiskies, this is one cool bar you need to check out. Housed in luxury boutique hotel The Vagabond Club, The Whiskey Library has a grand and opulent setting, with plush red banquettes and gold accents. Touted as one of the best whiskey bars in the world, the bar offers a curated selection of a thousand rare and unique whiskies sourced from fine distilleries across the world, including Scotland, Ireland and Japan.
Whisky lovers should check out the membership programs. Prices start at $250 per month (with an initial purchase of whiskey worth $888), which gets you perks like discounts on all bottles, a personal whiskey locker, special room rates at the hotel, and access to the gym.
The Vagabond Club, Singapore
39 Syed Alwi Road
6291 6677 | reservations@hotelvagabondsingapore.com
Anouska’s Bar
A nod to Anouska Hempel, the famed designer of the chic and exclusive Duxton Reserve Hotel, Anouska’s diverse bar menu showcases top-shelf spirits, fine wines, local craft beers, artisanal Chinese teas and crafty cocktails with Eastern influences. Set in a restored shophouse along bustling Chinatown, the bar has a mix of yellow, black and gold furnishings, coupled with oriental detailing.
Feeling peckish? Indulge in delicious bites from modern Chinese restaurant The Yellow Pot, helmed by Chef Sebastian Goh. The kitchen follows a clean-eating philosophy, so you won’t find any additives, artificial flavourings or MSG in your food.
88 Duxton Road
6914 1428 | duxtonreserve.com
MO BAR
Boasting picturesque views of the Marina Bay skyline, this is one hot destination for tourists especially. The award-winning bar at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore offers an innovative and nomadic-inspired experience that takes you on a journey through the Pacific Ocean. Paired with its beautiful décor of hand-carved wooden sculptures, woven tapestries and travel artefacts, MO BAR is the perfect spot to unwind at any time of the day – or night.
Recognised as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2020, MO BAR has 16 unique cocktails on offer. Start with something light; the Silk Market ($12) is an alcohol-free cocktail with Mandarin cordial, fermented honey and corn. From there, the highlights include Harvest Queen ($24) – a fruity drink made of apple, guava and Agricole Rhum from South of Hanoi; and the Chiang Mai-inspired Expedition ($24), a concoction of green coffee, grapefruit and vermouth. Pad your stomach with hearty Asian-themed bites like the Gyu-Katsu Sando, featuring breaded wagyu beef and bulldog sauce ($32) or butter chicken ($28). Don’t miss the weekend brunch, too!
Level 4, Mandarin Oriental
Singapore 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square
6885 3500 | mandarinoriental.com/singapore
The Secret Mermaid
Hidden behind casual Japanese takeaway Shinkansen, which shuts at 5pm, this discreet bar is only detectable if you recognise its heavy metal sliding door. Squeeze into the tight space to find an exciting collection of small-batch American spirits, each infused with curious flavours (smoked salmon vodka, anyone?). The knowledgeable bartenders will be more than happy to recommend you a pour and tell you all about its creation. Aside from tasting flights, where you can sample three types of spirits at a go, Secret Mermaid also has a neat list of classic cocktails with a surprising twist from the unique booze used. To line your stomach, reach for bites like truffle oil-splashed tater tots.
10 Collyer Quay, #B1-08 Ocean Financial Centre | drink@thesecretmermaid.com
Loof
Whimsical rooftop bar Loof is a hit for its Asian-inspired drinks and snacks (can’t go wrong with chilli crab cheese fries!), lush grooves and sweet views of the CBD. And let’s not forget the beer pong table! Head up early to enjoy the amazing happy hour – drinks are $5 from 5 to 5.59pm, $6 from 6 to 6.59pm, and $7 from 7 to 7.59pm.
331 North Bridge Road, #03-07 Odeon Towers | 6338 8035
Overeasy
Perched right next to the waterfront, this chilled-out bar has a lovely al fresco area overlooking the river. Aside from the breezy locale, it boasts a decent drinks list, including specialty cocktails, and deviously delish American diner-style fare.
1 Fullerton Road, #01-06 One Fullerton | 6684 1453
Kinki
A popular haunt in the CBD, this grungy urban rooftop bar offers panoramic views of Marina Bay Sands, specialty cocktails and addictive Japanese bites to tide you over before dinner. We’re fans of the Kinki nachos – nori rice crackers laden with peppery beef, guacamole and sour cream. Music runs the gamut from funk to Top 40s hits.
70 Collyer Quay, #02-02 Customs House | 6533 3471
LeVeL33
Here’s one for beer lovers. Rooftop gastrobar LeVeL33 has an in-house craft brewery bubbling up different types of beer, including a smooth and fruity wheat beer, a punchy IPA, and a seasonal brew that changes every few months. Their modern European cuisine employs the sudsy stuff too, with beer-infused dishes like the lemongrass and stout-marinated Ibérico pork jowl and the spent grain chocolate tart with stout ganache.
8 Marina Boulevard, #33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1 | 6834 3133
Best wine bars in Singapore near Orchard Road
Manhattan
This swanky vintage New York-style bar is perfect for those who appreciate the dapper Mad Men era. It’s also the first bar in the world to have an in-hotel rickhouse, where American oak barrels are used to store fine spirits, as well as age bitters and single-cask cocktails. If that’s not cool enough, a special ingredient room has shelf upon shelf of jars full of cool finds like smoked sea salt and wild cherry bark. New York City’s different ‘hoods, from the Upper East Side to the Spanish Harlem, have inspired the cocktails here. If you’re feeling peckish, graze on American bar bites like street style hot dogs and Maine lobster roll.
1 Cuscaden Road, Level 2 The Regent Singapore | 6725 3377
Horse’s Mouth
This Japanese-influenced bar is as discreet as they come – hidden in the basement of Forum with no signage and doors blending into the wall. If you want to skip the 007 experience, enter via Uma Uma Ramen restaurant just above on the ground floor. The sleek and sophisticated spot has a solid range of sakes, whiskeys and excellent cocktails like the Eastern Remedy: Porter’s gin, yuzu Sake, passionfruit, lemon. Their small but tasty list of nibbles includes ramen, donburi and gyoza.
583 Orchard Road, #B1-39 Forum The Shopping Mall | 8188 0900
Rooftop bar near Boat Quay & Clarke Quay
Southbridge
This chic rooftop bar offers a killer view of Singapore’s riverside landmarks. To complement their craft cocktails, beers, champagnes and artisanal Japanese sakes, its innovative small plates menu focuses on fresh seafood and oysters. Served in sets of six, the oysters come in tastebud-tickling varieties like the Umami – served cold and dressed in refreshing yuzu and ponzu.
80 Boat Quay, Level 5 | 6877 6965
Other cool bars in Singapore
FOC
Pronounced as it’s spelt, FOC is a buzzing cocktail bar serving Spanish and Asian-inspired tapas as well as affordable and expertly-shaken cocktails. Award-winning mixologist Dario Knox takes the craft of cocktails to the next level with a solera system to age a range of spirits and make FOC’s own syrups, infusions and bitters. The cool shophouse space has pretty zany décor too, like giant heads hanging from the ceiling.
40 Hong Kong Street | 6100 4040
Bitters & Love
Bespoke cocktails are the main game at this hip watering hole behind Shoebox Canteen. They have some serious liquor on hand to play with, too, including an impressive collection of gin. Test their knowledgeable bartenders with any ingredient and liquor you fancy, or have a go at their tried-and-tested list of favourites, such as a kaya toast-inspired cocktail. To line your stomach, their artful bar snack menu includes Rangers Valley wagyu beef cubes and satisfying deboned chicken wings.
118 Telok Ayer Street, 068587 | 6438 1836
The Refinery
This industrial-chic space has three floors each housing different concepts, including a bespoke bar headed by mixologist Eugene Chua (previously from Ah Sam Cold Drinks Stall) on the second floor. Find juicy yakitori skewers grilling on the first floor and a creative workspace on the third.
115 King George’s Avenue | 6293 1204
Coq & Balls
Not one to take things too seriously (as its spunky name suggests!), this friendly neighbourhood bar is a perfect chill-out spot for its tidy list of ciders and craft beers. Want to pre-game before partying up a storm? Their infamously potent cocktails will sort you out in a jiffy. Try the intimidating Chuck Norris, a triple shot of green, blue and red absinthe set ablaze.
6 Kim Tian Road | 6276 6609
Potato Head
Run by the same folks behind Potato Head Beach Club in Bali, this ultra-trendy, whimsically-decorated spot offers four floors of fun. On the ground floor, Three Buns Kitchen offers laid-back roadside seats, gourmet burgers and bottled cocktails. If you’re after colourful wallpaper and eclectic vintage, head to level two, if decadent glamour and classy bar snacks is your thing, hit Studio 1939 on level three, and if you love a fairy light-strewn rooftop, make that climb to level four.
36 Keong Saik Road | 6327 1939
Hopscotch
Sporting all the hallmarks of DIY industrial chic, this cosy hangout specialises in creative cocktails with playful nods to Singapore’s culture. Hopscotch changes its beverage menu regularly; the most recent edition focuses on delivering a multi-sensory experience. Need a pick-me-up? Sip on the refreshing Light of the South: Gordon’s gin, wasabi mint syrup, cucumber puree, lemon juice, yuzu juice, pink salt.
45 Malan Road | 6339 0633
Jekyll & Hyde
Gin aficionados will feel right at home at this bespoke cocktail bar, which takes pride in its collection of rare and delicately flavoured gins. The Asian-inspired menu changes quarterly to keep things fresh. And of course, they whip up excellent personalised drinks. Good news – its new location is pet-friendly, too!
74 Neil Road | 6222 3349
Wine Bars in Chinatown
Operation Dagger
Searching for this basement bar, which is hidden in a rather nondescript building, requires a sharp eye. A glass door marked by an enigmatic symbol is your only clue to its location. Descend the dark staircase, and you’ll find a bitty, minimal space illuminated by thousands of clustered lightbulbs, and a spry trio whipping up intriguing cocktails and Asian-inspired bar bites. (Note: Operation Dagger will be shifting to a new location soon.)
Gem Bar
On weekends, the fuss-free bar has tables spilling out onto the roadside, crammed with folks nursing beers, wines and strong cocktails. To pad stomachs, the bar also has a decent list of bar grub and heartier plates like the wagyu shabu burger and creamy avocado pasta.
10 Ann Siang Hill | 6423 9562
Nutmeg & Clove
Housed on the ground floor of a Cantonese clan association, this bespoke bar pays tribute to its surroundings with décor reminiscent of an olden Chinese medicine hall and cocktails inspired by Singapore’s colonial era. Traditional herbs and ingredients like Chinese hawthorne and red dates are commonplace here, and bring an unexpected depth to each drink. To complement the cocktails, order locally inspired nibbles like prawn paste buffalo wings and nutmeg and clove-flavoured pancakes with bak kwa, maple syrup and spiced cream cheese.
10a Ann Siang Road | 9389 9301
Jigger & Pony
Drawing both well-dressed corporates and creative sorts, Jigger & Pony’s all about classic cocktails shaken up with the meticulous Japanese method of bartending. The menu is divided into Old Fashioned, Forgotten Classics and Modern twists, urging guests to try familiar tipples in lesser-seen forms. The nosh here is simple yet elegant, with rice boxes inspired by local flavours such as beef rendang and the vegetarian and keto-friendly biryani with cauliflower rice and kachumber raita.
165 Tanjong Pagar Road | 9621 1074
Wine Bars in Bugis & Arab Street
The Beast
If Bourbon is your poison of choice, this restaurant and bar is sure to spoil you. The owners stock over 30 types of bourbon, including rare bottles, and even barrel-age them for their unique cocktails and shots. For a refreshing option, try Sweet Carolina: Jim Beam, grapefruit bitters, gomme, fresh watermelon, fresh strawberries, fresh lemon juice. Tuck into hearty nibbles like juicy Southern fried chicken and pulled pork tacos.
17 Jalan Klapa | 6295 0017
Blu Jaz
An oldie but a goodie, Blu Jaz keeps a steady crowd that returns for its eclectic décor, affordable prices and funky music. Live bands keep things upbeat on the first floor, while the second and third floors frequently host dub, bass, reggae and hip hop parties on weekends. To stoke your spirits, they have a reliable list of beers, wines and liquor, as well as Western and Asian comfort food.
11 Bali Lane | 9821 6961
Maison Ikkoku
This tiny shophouse hideout is fuelled by mixologist Ethan Leslie Leong’s superb skill. Both the personalised drinks and fancy signature cocktails are ace here, and there’s a snazzy view of Kampong Glam if you grab a rooftop seat early.
20 Kandahar Street | 6294 0078
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall
Headed by Sam Wong, formerly of Jigger & Pony fame, this no-frills speakeasy has a welcoming, homey feel. Together with his young protégés, Sam is known for his classic cocktails with an Asian-influenced twist. They’re also open to shaking up bespoke cocktails that appeal to your tastebuds.
12 Haji Lane | 6391 9942
Best Bars in Holland Village
The Pit
This casual, airy bar serves up excellent beers from Archipelago Brewery and addictive American nosh like buffalo wings (choose from four different flavours) and jalapeno poppers. Look out for their lively quiz nights, too.
21 Lorong Liput | 6468 3468
2am: Dessert Bar
There’s plenty of fantastical surprises the moment you step into this slick looking bar, such as chocolate-painted booth tables and coral-shaped gummy candies glowing along the walls. Best known for its artistic desserts, the late-night spot has also branched out into cool Japanese-inspired cocktails and elegant savoury bites. It also boasts a well-curated list of beers, champagnes, wines and spirits that are meant to complement the desserts.
21A Lorong Liput | 6291 9727
East Coast Bars in Singapore
Alibabar
Housed in an old coffee shop, this semi-alfresco joint retains much of its retro feel, even selling traditional kopi and local snacks by day. At night, it offers over 65 different types of ice-cold craft beers and a sinful spread of grub from food stalls like The Burger Bar (gourmet burgers) and Tish Tash Tosh (pizzas, subs and pastas).
125 East Coast Road | 6440 6147
Beach Bars & Beach Clubs in Singapore
Make the most of Singapore’s beaches and head to one of these cool beach clubs and beach bars. There’s nothing quite like having an ice cold beer or a cocktail with a view of the sea. Read on to discover the closest thing to Bali’s famous Potato Head Beach Club right here in Singapore!
Rumours Beach Club
When you can’t make it to Bali, Bali comes to you! With three swimming pools, beachfront access and Jimbaran-style seafood on the grill, it’s a no-brainer for a weekend “getaway”.
Pack light, because you’re not going to need much more than sunscreen. Towels are provided and you can take your pick from the multiple day beds, sun loungers, beachside beanbags or shaded cabanas. Our favourite spot? The padded loungers in the pool; perch here for the afternoon with a towering margarita or one of their signature cocktails,
Siloso Beach, Sentosa
6970 0625 | rumours.com.sg
Coastes
Part of C Side’s collective of beach destinations along Siloso Beach, the idyllic Coastes has plenty of front-row sunbeds and beachside seating for your day in the sun. Enjoy a premium range of beverages (we recommend the frozen cocktails), non-alcoholic drinks from the laid-back, breezy bar, plus comforting popular beach classics like hearty pastas, pizzas, spicy wings, and fish & chips.
50 Siloso Beach Walk, #01-06, Sentosa | reservations@coastes.com
Bikini Bar
Another C Side outlet, Bikini Bar is modelled after the lively beach bars in Bali, with sports screenings, a pool table and upbeat tunes curated by C Side’s resident DJ. Serving up a range of ice-cold beers the bar also makes mean margaritas and shooters. If you feel peckish, their tasty bites feature all the usual beach bar favourites like nachos, tacos and satay.
50 Siloso Beach Walk, #01-01, Sentosa
Georges Beach Club
Georges was founded in Pasir Ris in 1999 as a small sea sports centre with a beverage kiosk, and slowly evolved to a beach bar serving Western grill classics. In 2004, it made the move to the East Coast Parkway. You’ll find it there still, serving up pastas, platters, burgers, Indian fare and more, with beers from a low $7.20 during happy hour (4-8pm). There are other Georges outlets in Singapore, too, including Georges @ The Cove, back in the original Pasir Ris spot at 133 Pasir Ris Road (Carpark E at Pasir Ris Park).
1010 East Coast Parkway | 6449 0019
Ohana Beach Club
Ohana Beach Club is a low-key coastal beach house at Pasir Ris Park with a “getaway” vibe, and a menu offering salads, sandwiches, wings and beers. It’s run by water sports operator Adventure Paddlers. So, you can hire a kayak, outrigger or SUP to begin with, then laze at the club for some post-activity snacks and drinks.
131 Pasir Ris Road | 6384 9280
Rooftop Bars in Singapore
We enjoy alfresco weather year-round here, so make the most of it by hanging out at the best rooftop bars in Singapore – some are restaurants too. You’ve just got to decide how high you want to be during Happy Hour, and what kinds of views you’d like to accompany your cocktail and canapés. To help you in your quest, we’ve rounded up these great bars with a view in Singapore. And, if you’re looking for a spot for date night, check out our favourite romantic bars!
Bars with a view – CÉ LA VI
Located at the top of the iconic Marina Bay Sands, as bars with a view go, it doesn’t get much better than this. The well-known rooftop drinking and dining spot has rolled out a refreshed menu with small, large and premium sharing dishes that incorporate flavours and ingredients from across Asia. Highlights include the fresh and creamy Momotaro tomato and burrata salad ($26) drizzled with XO sauce; grilled Freemantle octopus ($32) with Taiwanese glaze and green chilli-coriander coulis; and well-portioned sharing plates like the 300g cast iron-roasted Tuwinga Black Angus beef ribeye ($78), served with salted Kampot peppercorns, grilled pineapple and a refreshing mint-basil salad to cut through the richness. Yum!
SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands, Tower 3 1 Bayfront Avenue
6508 2188 | celavi.com
LeVeL 33 bar with a view
Impress guests or a date with sky-high Marina Bay views. Top that with a refreshing pint (or three!) and delicious grub at LeVeL33, the world’s highest urban microbrewery. Sample all five craft brews – Blond Lager, India Pale Ale, Wheat Beer, Stout, and a seasonal brew – with the tasting paddle ($23.50); all beers are freshly made on-site. There are plenty of vintage and boutique wines, too, plus a menu of contemporary European cuisine, complete with suggested beer pairings.
Dining on a weekday? Go for the value-for-money executive set lunch, which is available from Monday to Friday, from 11.30am to 2.30pm. It’s affordably priced from $45 for a two course meal, making LeVeL33 a great option for an elegant business lunch or mid-week date.
8 Marina Boulevard,
#33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1
6834 3133 | level33.com.sg
Mr Stork Rooftop bar
Named for the notion that storks bring good luck when they build nests on top of buildings, this circular rooftop bar with a view actually has 360-degree views. This has been touted as one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore! Sit in one of the Insta-worthy teepees with a cocktail in one hand and an Impossible slider ($24 for three) in the other. There’s also a fab range of booze-free concoctions ($20) made with Seedlip, a non-alcoholic distilled spirit. For a spicy pick-me-up, try Aromatic, a complex mix of Seedlip Spiced 94, cinnamon, lime, ginger ale and EB Nordic cloudberry tonic. And don’t leave without trying the signature Andaz Pilsner ($16), brewed in collaboration with local microbrewery Trouble Brewing.
Admission to this alfresco watering hole is by reservations only, and there is a minimum spend of $10 on food items per booking.
Level 39, Andaz Singapore, 5 Fraser Street
6408 1255 | singapore.andaz.hyatt.com
Smoke and Mirrors bar with a view
Sitting atop the National Gallery Singapore, this bar has both indoor seating and an alfresco terrace that looks across the Padang to the bay. It’s not just a bar with a view though, Head Bartender Jorge Conde’s concoctions combine artistry, magic and chemistry and include the gin-based Peel and See, with a combo of banana, miso and olive oil.
#06-01 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrews Road
9234 8122 | smokeandmirrors.com.sg
The Other Roof – Rooftop bar in Singapore
This is just one of the quaint rooftop bars in Singapore that’s set in a shophouse in Chinatown. The indoor and outdoor bar has views of old and new – terracotta shophouse roofs and towering glass skyscrapers. There are over 400 different tea-infused spirits created in-house by Dario Knox and his team; try the light, fruity and lavender-laced Whole Lotta Love served in a dainty teacup.
28 Ann Siang Road
6100 2882 | theotherroof.com
Spago Bar & Lounge at MBS
If you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in Singapore, you have to check out Spago. Located on level 57 of Marina Bay Sands, Spago is a reigning favourite, offering fabulous views and a stunning setting for lunch, dinner or alfresco drinks. Though you can eat in the restaurant’s indoor dining room, the beautiful and airy outdoor terrace is where you’ll want to be for spectacular skyline scenery, views of the hotel’s famous infinity pool and a “modern meets colonial-style bungalow” feel – even better with a glass of rosé or one of the bar’s handcrafted cocktails in hand. Order up everything from sushi and sliders to salads and sweets from the California-inspired menu by chef Wolfgang Puck.
Level 57, Sands SkyPark Tower 2, 10 Bayfront Avenue
6688 9955 | marinabaysands.com
Romantic Bars in Singapore
Origin Bar
This dark, sexy, and romantic bar is buzzing with guests and music, but still quiet enough that you can have a conversation. The namesake cocktail is Origin ($22), a gin-based drink made with a concoction of spiced pineapple, sugar cane and lime husk wine. The food menu is vast, but the thing to order here without question is the wagyu beef and gruyere cheeseburger ($18).
22 Orange Grove Road | shangri-la.com
28 HKS
Another hidden haunt (it’s literally hidden, without any signage, in an unassuming 1960s shophouse), this romantic bar has been a date-night favourite for years, thanks to its low lighting, atmospheric vibes and a strong list of potent craft cocktails ($23 each): fan favourites include the Dillmatic, made with Fords gin, snap peas, Mancino Secco vermouth, lemon and dill, and the 6 Foot 7 Foot with rum, cognac, rye, absinthe and torched bananas. You’ll also find delectably sinful American comfort food like panko-crusted, three cheese truffle mac-and-cheese balls ($15) and a shrimp po’ boy ($15).
28 Hong Kong Street | 28hks.com
Manhattan
This romantic bar harkens back to Golden Age glam, with mirrored walls, marble tops, old-fashioned sofas and Gatsby-esque glassware – if that doesn’t scream romance, we don’t know what does! The craft cocktails here are divine, and complemented with American-inspired bar bites like lobster tacos ($28), hot dogs ($18) and cheesecake ($12); add in some fun, vintage tunes for the perfect date-night destination. Or, visit the adults-only cocktail brunch on Sunday for a special treat ($150 for brunch, free-flow cocktails, beer and wines; $195 with the addition of champagne).
1 Cuscaden Road, Regent Hotel, Level 2 | facebook.com/manhattansg
Atlas
Also reminiscent of Gatsby-style, old-fashioned glam, this massive Art Deco-inspired bar in Bugis oozes opulence and is truly something to see – gold gilded balconies, lush velvet furnishings, intricately painted high ceilings and a gin tower featuring over 1,000 varieties of the spirit (some dating back to the early 1900s!). The jaw-dropping interiors coupled with the enormous drinks menu make for some great conversation with your date.
Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road | atlasbar.sg
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