With Singapore moving into Phase 2 of reopening its activities after a gruelling lockdown period, many are clamoring to head out and get a feel of normal social life again.
But it’s a new normal folks, and it will be foolish to crowd around and make it difficult for businesses to maintain their social distancing measures. Afterall, the last thing we’d want is for clusters to form at our favourite haunts.
So even as we list down the following bars (with restaurant licences) that are reopening for dine-in starting June 19, make sure to do your part when visiting them by adhering to all safety regulations. Head over in groups of 5 or less, wear masks, sanitise your hands, keep your distance from other groups and finish up before 10.30pm.
It’s up to us to make the new normal work people.
1-Altitude
You can count on Singapore’s highest alfresco rooftop bar to be open for dine-in this weekend. Shoot the breeze while enjoying panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline with a cocktail in hand—including an alcoholic bubble tea concoction. Being fully open-air and roomy, it’ll definitely help with ventilation and crowding too. Just don’t expect there to be any DJs helming the decks yet.
Atlas
If you’re looking to luxe it up after going dry for months at home, be glad to know that upscale joint Atlas is reopening its doors come Friday. Being indoors yet spacious, with seats sprawled out and having a ceiling higher than any other bar in Singapore, it does look like the ideal place to gather with your closest few friends while keeping to social distancing rules. Their Atlas Martini though, is probably why many will be making this their first stop in Phase 2.
Barbary Coast
Our favourite Boat Quay bar welcomes you back with open arms, though only at their more casual (and spacious) first floor concept Deadfall. There’s plenty of room, so it’ll be easy to keep your distance from other groups as you catch up with your long lost friends. Feel free to sort out your dinner here too, with comforting dishes that’ll definitely hit the spot. The fancier upstairs concept Ballroom is still delivering delicious bottled cocktails, if you wanna support them without crowding up the place.
Heart of Darkness
The reigning Tras Street craft beer bar and restaurant is taking dine-in customers, but be sure to make reservations ahead of time so that crowd control can be properly done. With many craft brews available on tap (over 20), it’ll undoubtedly be a popular place to flock back to. But try not to linger, stay safe, and buy home bomber bottles of their freshly tapped beers to slowly enjoy at home instead.
Level33
One of the favourite places for after-work CBD folk to have a beer while sorting out dinner at the same time, this sky-high locale is ready to tap you a fresh pint starting this weekend. Reserve a table before you visit to avoid disappointment, and make sure not to crowd around the alfresco terrace too much. If you wanna support these guys more, they are also selling their craft brews for takeaway in bottles and cans.
Live Twice
Yes, the cosy Ginza-style bar by the same guys behind Jigger & Pony will be reopening its doors this weekend. While we truly miss their top-notch drinks and food (the Vesper and sandos are insanely good), it’s a relatively small space, so know that you can always support them via deliveries too. Their parent bar Jigger & Pony, which recently won top spot at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020, is not reopening this weekend yet, but other concepts under them such as Gibson and Humpback are, so go ahead and spread out.
Manhattan
Always fully booked out before the pandemic, this top bar at Regent Singapore will undoubtedly be attracting all the discerning tipplers in town come Friday too. With plush sofas, a classy atmosphere and a bar team always happy to chat, Manhattan is easily top on our list of bars to visit. Even their Sunday Adults Only Cocktail Brunch is making a return (with the usual buffet swapped for roving trolleys and hot plates delivered to you), so make your reservations while there’re still spots available. Whatever you do, don’t flout the social distancing rules and you’re golden.
Moonstone
Having open their doors right before the circuit breaker hit means many of you haven’t had a chance to check out this place yet. So head on over and finally get to indulge in their sinfully good noods and western comfort nosh, all while downing bottles of PBRs and enjoying locally-inspired cocktails like the Liang Teh. They are only allowing one-third of their usual capacity, so rest assured you’ll be well distanced from other groups here.
Txa Pintxo Bar
It’s a good idea to avoid the usual drinking spots the first weekend of Phase 2, so head on over to tucked away bars like Txa, found within the sprawling Alkaff Mansion compound, for a tipple or two while feasting on exquisite bites. Feel free to first dine at Spanish restaurant Una (usually upstairs but now available from the first floor alfresco area), or grab cakes and coffee at outdoor cafe Wildseed while you’re there.
Or support your favourite bars by having cocktails and beers delivered to you instead.
