While some of the best bars can be found in the nooks and crannies of Singapore, the more mainstream, super busy Orchard Road belt also has its fair share of interesting watering holes to patronise. Besides, it’s where you’ll find Asia’s best bar; and it’s not hidden behind some unmarked door in the basement of an unassuming building. If you happen to be doing a bit of retail therapy, stop by one of these joints for a quick boozy perk-me-up.
Bar Canary
A hidden gem along Orchard Road, Bar Canary is a laid-back poolside bar that provides the perfect setting for a few tropical cocktails. Be sure to check out neighboring Cantonese restaurant and bar Mitzo as well. 4/F Grand Park Orchard, 270 Orchard Rd., 6603-8855.
Bar on 5
This modish bar’s alfresco terrace affords a good view of the busy Orchard shopping belt below as regular DJs keep things upbeat with Top 40s and R&B. There’s a focus on single malt whiskeys here and an ongoing promotion happening five days a week. It’s almost always busy, so be sure to reserve a spot before heading down to avoid disappointment. 5/F Mandarin Orchard Singapore, 333 Orchard Rd., 6831-6286.
Club Eureka Mason
As much as the mere mention of Orchard Towers raises eyebrows, there are plenty of reasons to go there beyond the obvious. Case in point: Eureka Mason, a bar that should be on the radar of anyone who enjoys live music. The house band rocks hard most nights until the early hours of the morning. #04-19 Orchard Towers, 400 Orchard Rd., 6733-7235.
The Drunken Poet
If you enjoy a dip in the debauchery of Orchard Towers but generally prefer the relative wholesomeness of an Irish pub, the Drunken Poet is the place for you. Stop by for pub grub, pints of Guinness and live sports, and watch the “magic” unfold outside. #01 -29C Orchard Towers, 400 Orchard Rd., 6734-2924.
Hard Rock Cafe 
An establishment that really needs no introduction, the iconic Hard Rock Cafe on Cuscaden Road has memorabilia and a live music line-up that will excite any rock fan. Their hearty American bar fare is pretty legendary too. #02-01/03-01 HPL House, 50 Cuscaden Rd., 6235-5232.
Horse’s Mouth
Whether it’s using sake or other Japanese ingredients, this muted space is a backdrop for inventive concoctions. And if you’re feeling hungry, order a bowl from Uma Uma Ramen upstairs. #B1-39 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 8188-0900.
Jibiru Craft Beer
A pioneer in bringing Japanese craft beers into Singapore, JiBiru is still your best bet if you’re in the mood for a brew from Far Yeast, Hitachino Nest, Kinshachi, Shiga Kogen or Yoho. Pair them with JiBiru’s yakitori selection. #01-26 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd., 6732-6884.
Manhattan
Regent Singapore’s Manhattan had an incredible 2017. A cocktail bar that draws inspiration from old New York, Manhattan climbed to the top of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and finished at #7 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. 2/F The Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd., 6725-3377.
Martini Bar
Grand Hyatt Singapore’s flagship restaurant and bar is already well-known for their amazing martinis, but they’re not resting on their laurels with a lineup of seven new drinks—like the gummy bear and apple truffle martinis, as well as new martinis of the month—to take things up a notch. That’s not all. Be sure to check out the new party room, a gin bar with more than 40 different premium labels and counting. 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 6738-1234.
Muddy Murphy’s
Twenty years and a couple of moves later, Muddy Murphy’s endures as one of Singapore’s favorite places for watching live sports, taking in live music and tucking into a Sunday roast. Its Irish cottage charms make every day feel like St Patrick’s Day. #01-02-05 Claymore Connect, 442 Orchard Rd., 6735-0400.
The Other Room
Another of Singapore’s representatives on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list (they’re #35), this intimate bar at the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel specializes in spirits “finished” in a variety of casks—they have more than 300 in total. Have them on their own, or in contemporary takes on classic cocktails. #01-05 Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Rd., 6100-7778.
The Writing Club
Tucked away at Palais Renaissance, The Writing Club stocks over 500 whisky labels, with the number expected to grow over time. Among them are bottles from obscure distilleries like Caperdonich and Littlemill, and offerings from the usual suspects like Glenfarclas, Ardbeg, Macallan, Laphroaig and Glenmorangie. #02-10 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 9362-8626.
