Sometimes, all we want to do is unwind after work sipping on a nice cold beer or a fancy tipple with people in our inner circles, but away from the bustle of city life; a sort of escape in an otherwise sleepless city like ours. Perhaps being small has its advantages afterall, because over in the eastern and northeastern parts of Singapore, you’ll be able find these joints in abundance. We’ve rounded up 13 spots worth of unravelling at the end of a hectic day.
CHANGI
The Bark Cafe 
Found beside the historic Changi Menu, this alfresco gastropub is where you’ll wanna be for a casual dinner and drinks sesh with the crew. You’ll find a reliable stock of western classics and selection of wok-fried Asian staples to go with your beer towers, shooters or (surprisingly) bottles of sake. 1000 Upper Changi Rd. North, 6545-4118.
The Coastal Settlement
This restaurant/bar/cafe may not be located in the most accessible of places, but its rustic ambiance makes the trek to the Changi Village area worth it. There’s plenty of quirky vintage furniture and knick-knacks inside, and lots of lush greenery outside—a proper escape, best embraced with a Kronenbourg or signature cocktail. 200 Netheravon Rd., 6475-0200.
Hanamco
From the folks behind the legendary Changi Village beer bar Charlie’s Corner (Charlie’s daughter Joyce Han is one of the partners), Hanamco brings modern cocktail culture to the unapologetically old school neighborhood. They’ve also got a menu of pizzas and skewers, and they screen live sports. #01-2045 Blk 5 Changi Village Rd.
Little Island Brewing Co
This large warehouse-style microbrewery has large tanks of beer equipment in a cool, industrial-chic space with concrete counters and communal wooden tables. They’ve gained fame for beers inspired by classic rock—A Whiter Shade of Pale pale ale, That Old Black Magic dry Irish stout and 19th Nervous Breakdown oaked stock ale, to name a few. #01-01/02 Blk 6 Changi Village Rd., 6543-9100.
The Seagrill
Waterfront restaurant-bars don’t get much better than this. As its name suggests, The Seagrill is big on fresh seafood—from scallops to oysters, black mussels, king prawns and wild barramundi. A straightforward drinks list is all you need to complete the experience. 260 Nicoll Dr., 9062-7718.
EAST COAST
Full Pint Brewery
Love craft beer and seafood? Then Full Pint was made for you. This contemporary spot at Parkland Green serves all the pub standards and recently introduced a selection of Maryland-inspired seafood boils. On tap, you’ll find a full range of beers from Archipelago. #01-20-24 Parkland Green, 920 East Coast Parkway, 6342-0203.
Malthouse
Located along the same stretch of Siglap as Georges and Next Door Cafe, craft beer bar Malthouse has fridges well-stocked with bottled beers and an arsenal of 12 taps pouring brews from the likes of Coronado, Fourpure, Hitachino, Holgate, St Austell and Singaporean outfit Crossroads Brewing Company. 685 East Coast Rd., 6636-4436.
Patro’s Sports Bar & Restaurant
Talk about a place with a little something for everyone—this establishment by the Kinara Group is a Mexican and North Indian restaurant and bar that screens all your favorite sports live. Their frozen margaritas are tailor-made for their East Coast Park location. #01-18/19 Parkland Green, 920 East Coast Parkway, 6440-9372.
Sandbank
A family-friendly hangout, SandBank serves homemade pasta, pizzas and bread baked in-house complemented by a selection of cold beers on tap. They also offer BBQ baby back ribs and a seafood boil that are great for sharing. If you want a bit of fun after your dinner there’s even a plunge pool for you to take a dip. #01-28/32 Parkland Green, 920 East Coast Parkway, 6247-7988.
NORTHEAST
Frienzie Bar & Bistro
Located along the Punggol Promenade Riverside Walk, Frienzie serves western cuisine in a relaxing waterfront setting. They also mix up signature cocktails like Brown Sugar (vanilla vodka, Gallianoa, Coke and vanilla ice cream), all priced below $15. #01-02 10 Tebing Ln., 6441-0966.
Georges By The Bay
The people behind Georges have a knack for finding chilled out locations that are perfectly suited for drinks, live music and live sports screenings, including this spot at The Punggol Settlement. #02-12 The Punggol Settlement, 3 Punggol Point Rd., 6702-6186.
OBAR Punggol
The flagship outlet of OBAR, this establishment has nightly live music, a whole host of drink deals and a range of dishes that includes chicken skins, charcoal beer-battered Atlantic cod and flambe wagyu beef hor fun. 11 Northshore Dr., 9797-1799.
Plonk on Maju
Where better to plonk yourself when you’re in Serangoon Garden than Plonk on Maju? This Mediterranean tapas joint is an inviting place to grab a cocktail and have a bite to eat. If you’re feeling adventurous, order their Maju Island Iced Tea (vodka, rum, triple sec, tequila, lemon juice and English breakfast tea). 7 Maju Ave., 6286-4688.
