Wondering where to go for a drink in Singapore? From clever cocktail bars to fancy speakeasies in town, here are the hottest, newest or most notable watering holes to get your alcohol (and social) fix – whether you’re craving a martini, a gin and tonic, or just a glass of wine. We’ll update this regularly, so remember to bookmark it!
Other bar articles you should check out:
CLUB 5
What’s New:
Club 5 on the first floor of Parkroyal on Beach Road is an oldie but a goodie. Established in 1986 as a dance club for ballroom dancing enthusiasts, it completed a tasteful revamp in November 2020, transforming it into a cocktail bar exuding glamour and opulence from the 1920s. Under the plush lounges and intimate setting, you can still see remnants of the parquetry floorboards from the original ballroom. It’s a bit of a hidden gem this one, as Club 5 had a soft reopening and its following has grown purely by word of mouth.
The Chosen One:
Head Bartender Jun Han Ong lives and breathes the essence of Club 5, enthusiastically explaining the components to the wickedly delicious concoctions and the inspiration behind each drink. The entire cocktail menu is themed around the culturally rich areas of Beach Road, Arab Street and Bugis Junction. The Nasi Lema’rgarita ($20) from the Arab Street theme – coconut tequila, citrus, aromatic pandan, dry Curaçao, cucumber, ikan bilis and peanut – is not too sweet, and has some subtle notes of pandan. Boogie Street ($22) is a crowd-pleasing gin sour featuring London Dry Gin, mezcal, citrus, apricot brandy, agave and violette. To make sure everyone has fun, the Calm Waters Mocktail ($15) is refreshing, with a touch of tropical spiciness delivered via its pineapple, citrus, galangal and Thai ginger beer.
Bite on this:
The bar nibbles continue the Singapore multicultural theme, with the likes of an eat-in-one-bite Peranakan chicken kueh pie tee with buah keluak dressing, and a nice mouth-sized deep-fried soft shell crab with Singapore chilli crab sauce. For something a bit more familiar, the crispy lamb ribs go down a treat with the chef’s homemade Thai green mint sauce. Nibbles cost around $15 and are quite generously sized. The homemade wagyu satay with hazelnut dip is a signature dish and sells out fast!
Happy Hour at Club 5 is from 4 to 7pm, Mondays to Thursdays. Alison Long
CLUB 5
Parkroyal on Beach Road 7500 Beach Road
6505 5699 | @parkroyalbeachroad
Neon Pigeon
What’s New:
The entire bar! Last November, Neon Pigeon opened up in its new location on Carpenter Street. I’d been lucky enough to check out the previous location, but this new spot is also super cool. There’s an awesome atmosphere – from the music to the funky art displays – and the staff are friendly and want to ensure you have the best time; plus, the drinks are delicious and the food is divine. I can personally vouch for all of this, as I’ve been there three times in the last month – yes, really! At this point, I’m practically a Neon Pigeon addict.
The Chosen One:
Oddly enough, I hadn’t tried the cocktail menu before my most recent visit. I’d always stuck to the house sake, which is great – and who doesn’t love yelling (or whispering in the current climate) “kampai!”?
This time, my group tried the Boshi-Maker ($20), Ichi-Go Lightly ($22) and Kosupure ($23), all of which were crowd pleasers and showed us a bit of everything. We really enjoyed Ichi-Go Lightly, a creamy, strawberry gin-based drink sprinkled with seaweed – delicious! Our favourite, however, was Kosupure; it comes in an iconic bird glass – a must-have for the ’gram – and is made with Midori (melon liqueur) and Applejack, with carbon dioxide added for bubbles.
Bite On This:
The dishes are available in small or large portions, so you can happily make your way through the entire menu in a group. You have to order the Tokyo Hummus (from $10), made with edamame and served with curry chips. I’ve had it three times now, and I still internally squeal when they put it in front of me. Other appetiser hits (or “Birdfeed”, as it’s described on the menu) are the housemade Chukka Wakame (from $11), which is a watermelon seaweed salad, and the Japanese Cucumber (from $8) tossed in garlic, sesame and yuzu vinegar – yum!
Next up on our list of favourites were the grilled duck breast (from $19) and the New Zealand cod katsu (from $19), which my friends raved about. I’m vegetarian and there were plenty of great options for me on the menu, so your veggie friends will definitely feel welcome here! The charcoal-grilled asparagus (from $15), brussels sprouts (from $14 – you can get them with or without mirin-glazed bacon) and sweet corn rice (from $16) with tempura seaweed and egg yolk were my highlights.
Last but not least, for dessert there are two options to choose from: yuzu brûlée ($12) – Yakult sorbet, miso granola, sesame meringue – and the Bonsai 3.0 ($13), made with honeycomb, matcha and dark chocolate mousse. – Michaela Bisset
Neon Pigeon
36 Carpenter Street, #01-01
6222 3623 | neonpigeonsg.com
Anouska’s Bar
First impressions:
Anouska’s is a cosy bar well hidden in Duxton Reserve, a chic boutique hotel set in a row of restored heritage shophouses in the buzzy Tanjong Pagar locale. The work of famed designer and former Bond Girl Anouska Hempel, the snazzy space features bold themes of yellow, black and gold, offset with oriental detailing. The ambience is open and inviting, yet exclusive at the same time; you can choose to sit by the bar for some up-close cocktail action, or unwind in one of the comfy loungers instead.
The Chosen One:
The bar has a diverse menu that highlights top-shelf spirits, premium wines, a small selection of beers, and signature Chinese-inspired cocktails.
After starting with a refreshing glass of bubbly ($17) – Castellblanch Cava Brut from Spain – my next drink of choice was the Chen Pi Collins ($24). A medley of mandarin-infused gin, citrus and sparkling water, this light-and-easy number was perfect for washing down bowl after bowl of the bar’s complimentary peanuts. Another must-try is the Canton Sour ($24), a well-balanced mix of whisky and amaretto with a dash of bitters, egg white and black sesame seeds. It’s fragrant with a wonderfully creamy body – and one of the most popular items on the menu!
On our next visit, we’re definitely trying the bar’s trademark cocktail Escape to Kaifeng ($24), a floral aperitif featuring house-made chrysanthemum cordial with Tanqueray London dry gin.
Bite on this:
Arrive hungry as the kitchen is headed by modern Chinese restaurant Yellow Pot, so you’re getting much more than just run-of-the-mill bar snacks. We utterly enjoyed the fried lion’s mane mushrooms with avocado puree ($20), which came piping hot. The meaty texture of the mushrooms went well with the delightfully thin and crisp batter, and was the perfect match for the creamy avocado. Then, fill up with the stir-fried mee sua ($20), a substantial portion of fried noodles with tiger prawns and veggies, and plenty of that charry “wok hei” aroma. Our hands-down favourite was the steamed barramundi ($30), which cleverly uses a scallionginger pesto to cut through any fishiness
ANOUSKA’S BAR
83 Duxton Road
6914 1428 | anouskas@duxtonreserve.com
anouskas.sg
Junior The Pocket Bar
First impressions:
Previously located along a discreet alley on Tanjong Pagar Road, this concept bar has outgrown its 10-seat capacity and recently found a new home on Ann Siang Hill. Though not as pocketsized as before (the new bar offers 25 seats), the elegant nook retains some of its signature cosy and intimate vibe. It’s darker, sexier and slightly more roomy than before. Plus, there’s a fully-fledged kitchen that comes with the bigger space!
The Chosen One:
The theme for the concept bar changes twice yearly, but the menu also includes mainstays that are available all year round. Inspired by the bars in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, Washi is the bar’s fifth theme since its launch. A delicious pick from this particular concept is the Rabbit ($25): Aquavit, honey, lemon and Junmai sake, served with a tasty side of miso-roasted carrot.
A new addition to the menu are the Homebrew & Highballs, house-fermented drinks that can be made boozy ($21) or alcohol-free ($13). The Lacto Lime Soda – salt-cured citrus, lime leaf, soda, tequila – was a much-welcome respite from the humid weather. It’s light, tangy and dangerously crushable – perfect for a citrus lover like myself. I like my cocktails with bubbles, so my next drink of choice was Tiny Bubbles ($28) from Eat The Rich, another category in the core menu. A sweet infusion of jasmine, peach and yellow chartreuse, finished with Pol Roger champagne, this bevvy tasted as pretty as it looked. When paired with a piece of chocolate strawberry, the taste profile was elevated and balanced. It’s all in the details!
Bite on this:
One thing that stood out during our visit was the comprehensive food menu. Mainstays include small plates like the charred broccolini ($12) with roasted curry vinaigrette and pork crackling, which we wiped out, and the grilled merguez ($18), a flavour bomb of smoked lamb sausage, spicy tomato sauce and roasted aubergine. I’m not a big fan of lamb, but I found myself enjoying the sausage, fork after fork!
If there’s only one dish you can order, make it the French dip banh mi ($22). A favourite amongst the staff, this massive sandwich features a glorious combination of slow-cooked beef shank with sweet onion jam, fresh herbs to cut through the richness, and spiced beef jus for dipping. Each bite is a messy explosion of flavours, but oh-so worth it. Just give me an order of this sandwich and I’m a happy camper
JUNIOR THE POCKET BAR
6 Ann Siang Hill
8121 1462 | juniorthepocketbar.com
28 HongKong Street
What’s New:
As night owls will know, 28 HongKong Street has nabbed the top spot as Singapore’s sexiest speakeasy bar for years. But what was once an unassuming exterior with a 2am waiting list has since reinvented itself to align in a new world. So, what’s changed? There’s outdoor seating for one, and earlier opening hours. (A 5pm Negroni? Don’t mind if we do!) But what we’ve been eyeing up lately is the “Proper Dinner” menu – a collaboration with tops chefs in the US that has us salivating.
The Chosen One:
With master mixologists like Ronan Keilthy and Lukas Kaufmann behind the bar, we always think you’re better off just letting them know your preferred poison and taste profile (gin or whiskey? sweet or savoury?) and letting them work their magic. Having said that, for some guaranteed crowd pleasers, the Escape to Oaxaca ($24) is a tropical concoction of mezcal, plantation pineapple rum and coconut oil, while the Tokyo Giant ($24) – Luxardo Sour Cherry Gin, Sakura Vermouth and absinthe – seriously packs a punch!
If you’re visiting for dinner, keep an eye out for the signature cocktails from the bar’s partner venues, concocted to accompany each dish on the menu!
Bite on this:
Collaborating across the seas with the top bars and restaurants in America, 28 HongKong Street’s Proper Dinner menu kicked off in October with Southern comfort-food from Sweet Liberty, a restaurant in Miami, Florida famed for its fried chicken and finger-licking Southern-style barbecue ribs. Then, December saw them working with Leyenda in Brooklyn, a Latin-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant that shared its secret to a perfect enchilada de mole and churrasco skirt steak!
If all that sounds too tasty to ignore, keep an eye out on socials (@28hongkongstreet) for the different menus throughout 2021. But for the regulars out there, don’t worry; the fried mac n’ cheese balls and other nibbles are still on the menu, too
28 Hong Kong Street
8318 0328 | 28hks.com
Heart of Darkness
First impressions:
If you’re into craft beers, you may have heard of this award-winning brewery from Saigon, Vietnam. First opening in Tanjong Pagar last year, the Singapore outpost has now found a bigger and better home in the trendy Keong Saik neighbourhood. The same casual and fun vibes are apparent in this new setup, with dark wood, warm leather and bold murals giving the spacious gastrobar a strong personality. It’s the perfect spot for an informal date night, or a fun catch-up with colleagues.
The Chosen One:
Heart of Darkness has over 25 taps, so you’re spoilt for choice. As a big fan of sour beers, I was stoked to see a number of them on the menu; after browsing through the long list of drink options, I decided on a light brew to whet the appetite. Something Stealthy Citrus Sour ($16) is a citrusy blend of tangerine, satsuma (mandarin), orange and lemon, layered with notes of sour berry and pineapple. This limited release definitely suits its nickname, “The Tangerine Dream”! Another refreshing pick is the Futile Purpose Cucumber Pilsner ($15) – I remember trying and really liking it on my previous visit.
For those into IPA and stouts, there’s a neat selection to peruse. Not sure what to get? Just ask one of the friendly staff, or hit up the bartender for a recommendation. If you’re more of a cocktail creature, you’ll be happy with the beer-infused concoctions here, too.
The Cheapskate:
One big factor that draws crowds here is the wallet-friendly offerings. If you’re not a big drinker, you can go for the small-sized brews, priced at just $10 a pop.
Bite on this:
Although the drinks were stellar, what truly impressed us was the extensive beer-influenced food menu. Make plans to have dinner (or lunch) here, and make sure you arrive hungry. One standout was the baby corn ($10), grilled to smoky perfection and served with a special Heart of Darkness mayo and grated aged Manchego cheese. The Fish & Chips Tacos ($18 for two) – beer-battered fish with minty guac, matchstick potatoes, tartar sauce – were delicious, too. And, even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, we recommend capping things off with a slice of Marlow’s Mellow ($14), an indulgent Basque burnt cheesecake spiked with pomelo IPA. Creamy and indulgent with bits of pomelo to cut through the richness, this was the highlight of our night.
– Anthia Chng
1 Keong Saik Road
6208 7940 | heartofdarknessbrewery.com
Barbary Coast
First impressions:
A clever multi-level bar concept in Boat Quay that’s been executed with class.
The Chosen One:
In the venue’s upstairs section, Barbary Coast Ballroom, order a Tea with Raspberries and Cream ($21) and you get a twist on a traditional gin-milk punch. The milk really takes the edge off the gin kick, and it’s creamy and velvety without being too heavy. The tea is served with a branded, stamped ice cube and an embossed gold and black stamped bottle – a plus for attention to detail!
The Cheapskate:
Deadfall is the name of the downstairs bar, where you’ll find five cocktails named after colours as well as beers on tap and wine. Our pick is the Slushie 1 ($14), a sublime artisanal banana daiquiri slushie. This tart, almost caramel, frozen wonder is the perfect antidote to a balmy Singapore afternoon. One is nowhere near enough!
Bite on this:
Also downstairs, nosh on stylish finger food and bar bites like pulled pork croquettes ($12) and peanut hummus ($12). The Ballroom, meanwhile, offers sharing platters and cheese boards. We ordered the deceptively named Petite ($50), which was generously heaving with cheeses, antipasti, pickles, charcuterie and a steady offering of bread. Special mention goes to the smoked butter – holy moly! Needless to say, we did not leave hungry.
Last but not least:
Two booths upstairs have an exclusive button that you push for a bottle of champagne. Push the button and a bottle of Billecart Salmon Brut Reserve (from $100) will be brought out to the table!
– Kate Marsden
16 North Canal Road, Level 01 and 02
8869 4798 | barbarycoastsg.com
The Elephant Room
First impressions:
As soon as you enter The Elephant Room (tucked above Burnt Ends on Keong Saik), it’s clear that the bar is an ode to Indian culture. Vermillion-hued walls and gold accents are used throughout the space, and vent blocks hold up the bar. Coasters and menus are made from traditional fabrics from Tekka Market in Singapore’s Little India, the neighbourhood that serves as the main inspiration behind the establishment. The music is on-point (in fact, the bar has its own Spotify playlist you can steal!), the service is friendly and the vibe is unpretentious.
The Chosen One:
Founder Yugnes Susela (previously head barman at Smoke & Mirrors) pays homage to Little India through a concise menu of seven cocktails ($22), inspired by specific landmarks within the heritage-rich district, and his own memories there as a child. Each drink is made only with spirits that originate from India, as well as liquors and infusions home-made by Yugnes himself with ingredients sourced from Tekka Market. These are unique, bold and layered cocktails, which somehow manage to surprise you with every mouthful.
The Jothi’s Flower Shop is a perfect example. Named after the famous establishment on Campbell Lane, the drink’s refreshing floral and honey aromas will take you right to the store itself, with sips of jasmine-infused gin, honey and lime worth lingering over. This isn’t something I’d normally order at a bar, but I was glad I went outside of the box for such a sensory experience. Same goes for the Kamasutra, a concoction of garlic wine and caramelised pomegranate inspired by the old red light district on Desker Road, where the Kamasutra potion was consumed.
Our hands-down favourite of the night, though, was the rum-based Tekka. Its lacto-fermented bananas and spiced palm flavours somehow make it sweet and savoury at the same time. An edible garnish of dehydrated banana is sprinkled with lime cream and Chicken 65 powder to finish off the experience.
If you’re not feeling adventurous, I’d suggest ordering the Buffalo Road, which is basically a refreshing guava gin and tonic that won’t steer you too far from your comfort zone.
Bite on this:
The tamarind curry prawns ($22) are a must, and big enough to share. The tamarind glaze is so good, you’ll definitely want to return for more. Also on the must-order list is the chicken masala liver pâté ($14) that you can lap up with papadums; you’ll want to lick the plate, it’s so addictingly delish.
If you want something sweet, don’t miss the chai sliders ($12) – velvety chai ice cream packed between choux “buns” with fennel sugar – for the most unexpected ice cream sandwich of your dreams!
– Amy Greenburg
20A Teck Lim Road
9111 5131 | theelephantroom.sg
Pinball Wizard
First impressions:
Retro-focused bars are having a moment (for a while now!). Following the success of sister arcade bar Nineteen80, Pinball Wizard has opened its doors in a nondescript location, hidden in the basement of Sim Lim Square (enter by the entrance facing Prinsep Street). The concept bar and club aims to be fun and approachable for everyone, and it shows in the décor and setup. There are well-functioning pinball machines bookending the bar, plus a ping-pong table propped in the middle of the dance floor.
The best part? The games are free! We were hogging the pinball machines and had a ball trying out the different themes (Family Guy was our favourite). At the 10pm mark, the ping-pong table is cleared, disco lights turned on and the DJ takes over with throwback tunes from the 90s and 00s.
The Chosen One:
Signature cocktails are available till 9pm; get started with Flower Power ($18), a picture-perfect tipple of butterfly pea-infused gin, elderflower syrup, apple juice, young ginger, lemongrass, lime and sour plum powder. This refreshing number makes for a fab first drink if you lean towards refreshing flavours. My favourites, however, were the Cocktail Remixes (available all night). I particularly enjoyed the Negroni Spritzer ($18), a simple yet satisfying medley of Campari, shiraz gin and soda, topped with a lemon peel. For those with a sweet tooth, get the Salty White Russian ($18): spiced rum, Kahlua liqueur, salted caramel and whipped milk. This dessert-like concoction is creamy and rich, yet well balanced.
If you’re in a group, go all out with the sparkling shooters ($80 for 10). The Crouching Tiger – tequila, lychee liqueur, chrysanthemum tea – was a unanimous favourite at our table. There’s something about seeing specks of glitter in our drinks that made for an unforgettable night out!
The Cheapskate:
Prices are nett, and cocktails go at $18 a pop. Plus, the games are complimentary. Until a cover charge is implemented, this is one spot we’ll keep returning to. You’ll be guaranteed a fun time without burning a hole in your wallet!
– Anthia Chng
1 Rochor Canal Road, #B1-29
8189 1971 | pinballwizard.sg
JAM at Siri House
First impressions:
If you’re looking for an intimate and very luxurious spot for a first date, a weekly dinner or somewhere special with friends, this place will become your new favourite.
Tucked away at the back of Dempsey Hill – if you didn’t know it was there, you’d miss it – the restaurant and cocktail bar is a project of Sansiri, a luxury property developer from Thailand. The space also features a sales gallery (set up like a Sansiri apartment – complete with a bathroom!), a shop (focusing on up-and-coming Thai brands) and an ever-changing art gallery.
The rich Art Deco-inspired interior with gold, bright velvet, marble, huge sparkling chandeliers and leather bar stools is reminiscent of a very opulent era!
The Chosen One:
With seven craft cocktails devised by head bartender Kavinn Raaj (formerly of Smoke & Mirrors), I knew we were in for an experiential, as well as flavourful, evening. I’m not sure which drink was my favourite – each was so unique, with its own splash of Kavinn pizzazz. For the flavour, I loved the gin and sour cream Spundi ($24), served with crispy rice paper and onion chutney; but, for the experience, my vote goes to the Burning Midnight Soil ($27) – get your camera ready if you order this one!
Bite on this:
The menu comprises perfect bar bites as well as bigger plates; try the cured meat, cheese and truffle toasted bikini ($16).
Last but not least:
Sit at the bar and ask Kavinn to explain his amazing creative process for each cocktail.
– Kel Flanders
#01-02 Dempsey Hill, 8D Dempsey Road
9667 0533 | sirihouse.com
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This article first appeared in a 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue.
