The area behind the main Chinatown thoroughfare is packed with bars of all shapes, sizes and fanciness levels. Here’s how to hit all the essentials in one night.
First, a festive drink to get started
Buzzing taqueria and bar Lucha Loco serves Mexican-inspired cocktails that use agave tequilas, fresh fruits and homemade syrups, all served in authentic Mexican hand-blown glassware. 15 Duxton Hill, 6226-3938.
Then, something a bit more serious
Photo credit: Arun Koh
On your way down the hill, stop by for a serious, conceptual drink at Tippling Club, which continues to be one of Singapore’s ultimate dining and drinking experiences. With Chef Ryan Clift at the helm, every visit is a memorable surprise. 38 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6475-2217.
Followed by a classic cocktail done right
Make your way through solid renditions of classic cocktails nearby on Bukit Pasoh. Start with a three-gin Gibson at Gibson, which has a 60-cocktail menu divided into Finding Comfort (easy classics), Forging Friendship (complex flavor combos), Sharing Happiness (stuff to drink abundantly all night) and Reserve (made with top-shelf stuff). 20 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 9114-8385.
Once you’re nice and sauced, things begin to unwind
Then move downstairs to the brick-and-concrete Flagship is a cozy and grungy space with a huge range of over 100 whiskies, dozens of Old Fashioned variations, as well as comforting snacks like chicken wings a la Pok Pok. 3/F 20 Bukit Pasoh Rd.
Visit a neighborhood legend before you head onward
Before you leave Bukit Pasoh, head over to D. Bespoke. Led by Ginza celeb bartender Daiki Kanetaka, who struts about Savile Row suits, this place is an ultra-luxe cocktail bar which also focuses on sherry, Armagnac and calvados. 2 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 8141-5741.
Time to start dancing
Headed by owner-mixologist Joel Fraser, who’s an alum of both award-winning Melbourne bar Der Raum and Tippling Club, The Cufflink Club specializes in fun and inventive tipples and is usually packed to the gills with a party-leaning crowd. 6 Jiak Chuan Rd., 9694-9623.
A breezy nightcap before bed
End the night on the rooftop of Potato Head Folk, housed in an old Art Deco building, where they do tiki cocktails and now Old Fashioneds and Negronis, too. If you’re hungry, there are burgers from Jakarta’s Three Burgers on the first floor. 36 Keong Saik Rd., 6327-1939.
For more ideas on awesome boozy-filled nights around Singapore, download the SG Nightlife Guide 2017.
