Basement bars, unmarked doors, secret staircases and other exciting concealments—there’s something about Singapore’s secret bars that make you feel oh so cool and in-the-know and your fellow bar-goers like members of a secret society. Here are our top bars in Singapore that inspire that secret feeling.
28 HongKong Street
One of Singapore’s most famous bars (and a proud member of the World’s 50 Best Bars list) has a completely unadorned entrance and blackout velvet drapes protecting the sexy, low-light vibe inside. Once you get in, though, the staff is friendly, the signature cocktails are lengthy and delicious and the truffle mac n’ cheese balls are the stuff of legend. Don’t be that fool who takes flash photos or you will get schooled.
B28
Founded by Mike and Grace Soldner in 2012, this bar recently got a makeover when the hotel that houses it, The Club, changed ownership. Down a narrow, non-descript set of stairs off the lobby, this low-ceilinged bar is all about whiskies (from $20 a dram), rum (from $18 a shot), and cocktails ($from $20). Come and chill to the jazz music on Wednesdays and Thursday at 9 and 9:30pm respectively.
Bitters and Love
Hidden among a row of shophouses, with an entrance behind Shoebox Canteen, this place sports a marble-topped bar and cocktails based on flavor profiles: fruity, sour, sweet or bitter ($17-23). Spoil yourself with the Rangers Valley 300-day grain-fed Wagyu beef cubes ($22).
Gibson
The folks at Jigger and Pony are behind Gibson, a cocktail and raw seafood bar that opened in October 2015. The entrance involves a low-lit walk down a snaking, dingy corridor and a short flight of stairs, and the decor looks like an upscale speakeasy, with marble top tables, a geometric stained glass bar facade and retro-chic glassware. The 60-cocktail menu is divided into Finding Comfort (easy classics), Forging Friendship (complex flavor combos) and Sharing Happiness (stuff to drink abundantly all night) and Reserve (made with top-shelf stuff). The house cocktail, The Gibson ($24), is a smooth mix of Hendrick’s, Monkey 47 and Dolin vermouth.
The Great Escape
Next time you finish a movie at The Projector, don’t just run off to supper at Golden Mile. Do this instead: head toward the bathroom, take the side door, cut across the parking lot and walk until you see the glowing warm lights and the pleasant murmurs of chillness. Comprising the space of about 12 parking spaces is The Great Escape. On occasion, there’s food like fried chicken and craft beers ranging from $13-19.
The Horse’s Mouth
It even comes with a secret entrance through a ramen bar.) Whether it’s using sake or other Japanese ingredients, the muted space is a backdrop for inventive concoctions. Even the interiors are subtle and discreet with splashes of color coming from the origami-like cascades by the wall. And if you’re feeling hungry, order a bowl from Uma Uma Ramen upstairs.
Lepark
Located on the rooftop carpark of the cool People’s Park Complex (there’s this one set of staircases near the UOB ATMs, and a couple set of stairs up to the roof) which has seen pop-ups by the Edible Gardens folks, this fusion Asian tapas bar, beer garden, arts space and music venue is basically the epitome of cool. It’s got bites like salted egg yolk soft shell crab sliders, salads with gula melaka and fried potato skins, as well as beers like Tin Rebel Full Nelson and Westmalle Dubbel. Plus, the space is the home of the “getai” series of local live music showcases.
Operation Dagger
Unlike other speakeasies in town, Oxwell and Co.’s hush-hush basement cocktail bar is serious about its secrecy. Their website is decidedly minimalist, and their Facebook page has no pictures or updates. All the more reason to feel extra cool when you’re down at the bare-walled, concrete-floored space, knocking back kooky cocktails from their omakase flight. Don’t miss the Egg, made with salted egg, vanilla and caramel.
The Secret Mermaid
You’ll have to be observant to head to this bar as only a non-descript, industrial sliding door and a little signage greets you at the front. It’s a little squeeze on the inside, with one main bar counter (for a large group of six to eight). This bar serves classic cocktails like the Spiced Blueberry Mojito ($20), Salted Caramel Old Fashioned ($20). Bites include the dainty little tater tots drizzled with parmesan cheese ($5) and devilled eggs with wasabi topped with nori strips ($9).
The Spiffy Dapper
Walk up the stairs of the second floor at 73 Amoy Street and chill for some ’20s jazz music. The bartenders Jez and Joyce will make some bespoke drinks (stiff but harmonious, often with a cocktail geek’s touch, from $22) in town without any fanfare.
