There’s a huge selection of cool bars in Singapore. Want to jump on the bar-hopping bandwagon? We’ve found you some of the best bars by neighbourhood – all the way from the East Coast to Sentosa and the Quays in between. Whether you’re a fan of ice-cold pints, a nice glass of wine or a bespoke cocktail, here are some buzzy (sometimes hidden) drinking holes to find them in.
Cool Bars in Singapore’s CBD
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 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
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
Cool bars in Orchard
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
Martini Bar (temporarily closed)
This award-winning – and recently refurbished – watering hole at Grand Hyatt Singapore offers one of the largest selection of martinis on the island! Choose from over 30 different martinis ($20 each), from classics like the lycheetini and espresso martini to gin-based tipples like the Cucumber Cool Down: gin, freshly squeezed cucumber juice, brown sugar, lemon juice. Must-tries on the food menu include the indulgent lobster roll ($14), and the signature sustainable Thai fishballs with tamarind chilli sauce ($18). Don’t miss out on the happy hour deals, too! From 3pm to 9pm daily, all signature and classic martinis, handcrafted gin and tonics, sustainable wines by the glass along with other selected house pours go at $14 a pop. Beers are $9 each and house pour wines by the bottle go at $56 each.
mezza9, Mezzanine Level, Grand Hyatt Singapore | 6738 1234
Cool bars in Boat Quay & Clarke Quay
Southbridge
This chic new 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
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
The Spiffy Dapper
This speakeasy has a quirkier, old-timey vibe with vintage wooden furnishings and walls lined with oil lanterns. Aside from classic sips, they offer creative concoctions like Sheik on the Level, a fragrant blend of gin, Turkish tea, lemon juice and cardamom, served with a cube of Turkish delight. (Psst… word has it that they’ll be shifting shop soon. Stay tuned!)
73 Amoy Street | 8742 8908
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
Cool bars in Jalan Besar
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
Cool Bars in Tiong Bahru
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
Cool bars in Tanjong Pagar
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
Cool 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.)
7 Ann Siang Hill | 6438 4057
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
Cool 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
Cool 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
Cool Bars on the East Coast
Rabbit Carrot Gun
This eclectically-decorated Brit-style pub specialises in small-batch craft ales as well as lesser-known bottled beers and ciders. Pair the brews with proper British bites like homemade scotch eggs with HP sauce, Stilton and cheddar ploughman’s and fish and chips.
49 East Coast Road | 6348 8568
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
Cool Bars on Sentosa
Rumours Beach Club
Rumours Beach Club is the latest popular addition to the Sentosa scene. With three swimming pools, beachfront access and Jimbaran-style seafood on the grill, it’s a no-brainer for a weekend “getaway”. Our favourite spot? The padded loungers in the pool; perch here for the afternoon with a towering margarita or one of their signature cocktails, such as the Seaside Serenity with Stolichnaya vodka, St Germain elderflower liqueur, homemade tamarind paste and strawberry liqueur.
Siloso Beach, Sentosa | 6970 0625
Tanjong Beach Club
With cushy daybeds, an al fresco bar, a big pool and indoor/outdoor dining areas, Tanjong Beach Club is one of our favourite spots for a weekend laze – particularly because kids and dogs are welcome along. Aside from always-reliable beer buckets, the bar keeps a decent list of champagnes, wines, spirits and cocktails. For a full speed trip to tipsy town, down the Tanjong Spritz: Aperol, vanilla, orange fresh lemon, bubbles. Food keeps a seafood-heavy slant, with dishes like steamed mussels and whole ruby snapper in scallion vinaigrette.
120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa | 6270 1355
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