Far from being dens of ill repute, modern dive bars are welcoming, straightforward and fuss-free establishments filled with good people having a great time. Because we all could use an excuse to hang loose from time to time, here are the best dive bars in Singapore to find fellow folks who couldn’t care less.
Acid Bar
Most of the bars along Emerald Hill have a timeless charm about them, but Acid Bar is the place to be if you’re just looking to have a good time with live music, hearty food, cheap happy hour deals and shot trays all in one place. You’ll feel like you can let your hair down, unlike many of the other posh places on Orchard Road.
Going Om
Where better to relax on Singapore’s most eclectic street than a greenery-surrounded bar with Himalayan inclinations. We enjoy hanging out with their avian employees as much as we dig the affordable beer buckets. The street side live music is just icing on the cake.
Hero’s
Sports and live music are in the limelight here, but Hero’s also hosts comedy nights and themed parties (that tend to go on until 4am on some days) to keep things interesting. The best part? The VIP beer tap tables that allow you to pour your own pints without having to leave your seat.
Lazy Lizard
On Sixth Avenue, one of the most atas streets in Singapore, you’ll find the most laid back of pubs—it’s right there in its name. And for Bukit Timah residents, it’s one of the few places there to kick back, relax and enjoy the company of friends over drinks while munching on easy grub. Live sports screenings and trivia nights only add to the fun.
Moonstone
Iconic dive bar 21 Moonstone has resettled in the heart of town along Amoy Street. Rest assured you’ll still find it retains its raunchy, homely vibes. Now just called Moonstone, expect all you loved about the bar to remain intact, now with a proper food menu of Asian comfort street eats to boot.
Sara’s
The Upper Thomson location alone is a plus for all you North-siders looking for a casual hang. Add to that a dim, cosy vibe, and you got yourself a neighborhood spot that’s home away from home. It’s also the place to head to if you plan on not remembering what happened last night when you wake up the next day.
Skinny’s
At this point, Skinny’s is more than a bar—it’s a way of life to end up there with a bucket of Pabst Blue Ribbons towards the end of a big night, ready to yell out songs we probably wouldn’t dare to sing sober. It’s a bar for other bar folk, those who find themselves not fitting in anywhere else, and the proper last stop in any bar hop.
Tipsy Penguin
It’s known to Tampines residents as one of only few good spots in the neighborhood to get a drink. While almost looking too good to be a dive bar, hang around awhile, bop to the beats of the live band, and you’ll soon find the laidback vibes settling you nicely into your happy place after a few rounds.
