The steep alcohol taxes just don’t seem to be able to keep us away from one of the most needed pastimes here—drinking. Getting a good drink in Singapore is by no means hard (our 2018 Nightlife Guide is proof of that), but a new watering hole is always appreciated. It’s good news then that the year has been kind and we now have more bars that serve up well-crafted cocktails, impeccable vintages and fresh craft taps than before. Here are some we really liked.
Atlas
One of the grandest openings of 2017, Atlas captures the glamor of the Jazz Age in all its Art Deco glory. More than 1,000 gins are available here, along with a fine Champagne list and cocktails crafted by Roman Foltan—a combination which saw them debut at #15 on the World’s 50 Best Bars before they were even a year old.
Birders
While essentially a sake and yakitori place, Birders sets itself apart with a choice selection of sake (they offer cute cup sakes too) and a food menu that punches above its weight. The tail and oyster sticks are delicious, while the liver mousse starter is a winning combination of goose liver pate, yuzu marmalade and fried flat mantou.
Five Marbles Craft Beer Restaurant
One of the more accessible, cozy craft beer joints in town, Five Marbles Craft Beer Restaurant—nestled within the Rendezvous Hotel Singapore—hosts a rotating selection of 12 taps. You’ll find local brews like Brewlander and Innocence Brewing here, as well as pours from Australia, UK, Japan, New Zealand and the US.
Flying Monkey
Flying Monkey is both a full-fledged restaurant serving up Indian tapas and a full-on cocktail bar with a colorful and fun, South Asia-inspired drinks list. Try the Goa Mamma Lassi, a concoction of vodka, dark rum, mango, passion fruit, milk and yogurt.
Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
With a winning combo of $6 glasses of wine and a charming European bistro vibe, Ginett—found at the ground level of Hotel G—is the place to be for casual, classy nights of French vines, pastas and steaks. Be sure to get their signature charcuterie board that’s supremely satisfying.
Junior
Proof & Company’s pocket bar concept allows for plenty of experimentation, and that means an ever-changing menu every six months depending on what the creative geniuses at Proof feel like concocting. The venue only sits 10 people at a time, so come alone or in small groups for an intimate evening appreciating wacky (but well-crafted) cocktails.
Level Up
It’s all about the casual hangs and having a good time at this Clarke Quay spot. There’s lots to love at Level Up, with colorful mood lighting, raw industrial decor, and a wide array of retro arcade games dotted around the space to check out. If you’re like us, you’ll probably come for the arcade games but stay on for the live entertainment, bar bites with an Asian twist, and drinks by the jugs.
Lucky Bar
The secret rooftop bar of Holland Village’s bao place Full of Luck Club has the same Chinois-chic vibes as its downstairs sibling. Try the Dragon’s Breath, a potent blend of whisky, goji berries and wintermelon. Best-selling signatures from Full of Luck Club are also available for when you’re feeling nibbly.
Marcello
Located at the new InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay is Marcello, Singapore’s first modern Italian cocktail bar. Come for the handcrafted negronis and other classics with a twist. If you’re in need of nibbles, truffle arancini balls and spicy Italian sausages will keep your tummy filled.
Mr Stork
Thirty-nine floors above ground sits Mr Stork, Andaz Singapore hotel’s rooftop bar. The circular space offers stunning views of the city; perfect to sit with a signature cocktail in hand, and watch the skies turn pastel-hued. What you’ll love most about the bar is the tepee-hut seating, designed by famed architect Andre Fu.
Propeller
The rooftop of Bay Hotel Singapore is now put to good use with Propeller, a cocktail and wine bar featuring yummy bar bites, homemade pizzas and an interesting drinks list to accompany your evenings lounging in its plush seats. The bar offers unobstructed views of nearby Keppel Harbour and Sentosa, a vantage made even better with occasional bursts of fireworks from across the boardwalk.
Summerlong
Boasting beachside vibes, eastern Mediterranean establishment Summerlong is a clean, white-washed cafe and bar decked with plants, wooden tabletops and warm ambient lighting. The menu, by Chef Justin Hammond of Keong Saik’s Neon Pigeon, is made up of sharing plates, seafood dishes and grilled eats.
Sluviche
Specializing in Peruvian ceviche and adult (read: spiked) slushies, Sluviche brings to Singapore the vibrant drive-thru daiquiri culture of New Orleans. The adult slushies are essentially boozy frozen treats—options include pisco punch and pisco sour—perfect for any time of the day.
Wine & Chef
Part wine shop, part restaurant and bar in Bukit Pasoh, this multi-concept establishment wins our hearts over with the largest wine list in town (over 250 wines from 42 wineries in Italy), a mod-sin menu (think Hokkien mee with crab meat) and a price point that we can’t argue with.
