Sick of visiting the same old joints for lunch, dinner and happy hour? How about exploring some of Singapore’s best kept secrets to unwind, drink in hand? These speakeasy restaurants and bars boast delicious tipples, unique dishes and more – all in beautiful, interesting settings that intrigue.
Bar Kakure
Although Bar Kakure is neither new (it was launched in 2021) nor located on the main Orchard Road belt (it’s on 29 Scotts Road), this 10-seater bar is well worth a visit for post-work drinks. Nestled on the second floor of a black-and-white bungalow, this intimate bar is hidden behind a discreet door that can only be unlocked with a secret keycode. You can request for it at the ground floor reception area.
This is the place for the quintessential Japanese bar experience. The brainchild behind the menu is Kazuhiro Chii, better known as “Chii-san”. The Yokohama native prepares classic and original cocktails with meticulous technical precision (check out his famous three-point shake as he prepares your drink).
Website: thebarkakure.com
Address: 29 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228224
Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 6pm to 1am. Closed on Sun
East47 (Manhattan)
Conrad Singapore Orchard’s soon-to-open East47 is “hidden” within Manhattan bar. Dedicated to cocktail innovation, this exclusive 12-seater concept aims to offer an experience that’s immersive, intimate, luxurious yet sociable. The concept of East47 pays tribute to Andy Warhol’s studio The Factory which was located at 231 East 47th Street in Midtown Manhattan.
This artist studio was a cultural hub that became known as the hangout for artists, musicians and celebrities. Rusty Cerven, beverage director shares that while Manhattan pays homage to the Golden Age of cocktails, East47 is an experimental, avant-garde bar that constantly evolves to reflect the current world, art, and lifestyle trends.
Website: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sinodci-conrad-singapore-orchard/dining/manhattan
Address: Conrad Singapore Orchard, Level two, 1 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore 259715
Opening hours (Manhattan): Tue to Thu, 5pm to 12am; Fri to Sat, 5pm to 1am; Sun brunch, 12pm to 3pm
Here Kitty Kitty
You may not be able to party at Zouk, but you sure can live it up at its new Japanese speakeasy bar Here Kitty Kitty. Just a stone’s throw away from the Clarke Quay nightclub, this exciting new bar is a cocktail-driven concept boasting three private rooms and lounges. Think of this joint as a cool, vibey vice den and sip on drinks like the Here Kitty Kitty Martini, Ume Whiskey Sour and Haku-Hai. Need some snacks? Try the mouth-watering Wagyu Sando and appetising Negitoro Tataki.
Website: herekittykitty.com.sg
Address: 3E River Valley Road #02-01, Clarke Quay, The Cannery, Singapore 179024
Opening hours: Tues to Fri, 6pm till late
Roxy
Hark back to the days of glam rock, and satisfy your cravings for delicious tipples alongside music legends Bowie, T. Rex and Kiss at swanky, New York City-inspired lounge Roxy.
Discreetly located in The Sail at Marina Bay, the watering hole is a glamorous speakeasy only accessible through an unmarked door at The Sail or a passageway at the back of Miss Fitz. So toast to special occasions with highlights such as the mai tai-inspired CBGB Swizzle and The New York Dolls Sour (a whiskey sour concocted with American apple brandy and named after the legendary 1970s glam metal band).
In addition to the signature cocktails, Roxy also offers cocktail flights, each featuring three variations of a classic. Explore different base spirits by speaking to the wait team led by head bartender Tash Nayar, who brings 10 years of industry experience to his second concept launch as head bartender (previously at Miss Fitz).
Website: www.roxysg.com
Address: 6 Marina Boulevard, 01-17 The Sail @ Marina Bay, City, Singapore 018985
Opening hours: Wed to Sat, 5pm to 12am
The Backdrop
The Backdrop is a newly launched cocktail bar at the ground floor of Voco Singapore Hotel. This whimsical and theatrical bar is tucked away behind an inconspicuous wooden door.
Founder and master-bartender Dario Knox pays tribute to the art of making liqueurs or alcoholic products that have been crafted since the 1800s. The menu is divided into six acts – each section is a compilation of three cocktails using the same techniques such as “fat coating”, “milk punching” and “smoking”.
Besides cocktails, there’s also a tapas menu offering jamon iberico, prosciutto with melon, lobster roll, mozzarella with caviar, tiramisu and more. It’s best to book a table in advance and you’ll be sent a digital key to enter the main door; walk-ins are possible too (look for #01-15/16 or ask the hotel staff for directions).
Website: www.thebackdrop.sg
Address: Voco Orchard Singapore, #01-15/16, 581 Orchard Road, Singapore 238883
Opening hours: Wed, Thu and Sun, 6.30pm to 1.30am; Fri and Sat, 6.30pm to 2.30am. Closed on Mon and Tue
The Dragon Chamber
Tucked away behind a beer fridge in an unassuming kopitiam on Circular Road, The Dragon Chamber is where you’ll find an unconventional menu of American-Chinese delicacies. So settle into a place packed with bold, in-your-face decorations, to indulge in signature dishes like The Dragon’s Claw (crocodile foot), Firecracker Chicken and Maple Fritters as well as D*** Soup, which is a herbal broth double boiled with a crocodile penis.
Website: www.thedragonchamber.com
Address: 2 Circular Road, Singapore 049358
Opening hours: Tue to Thu, and Sun, 11am to 3pm (lunch), 5pm to 10.3opm (dinner); Fri and Sat, 11am to 3pm (lunch), 5pm to 11.3opm (dinner)
The Secret Mermaid
Trust us when we say this hidden hangout is the spot to see and be seen. Specialising in rare, small-batch, handcrafted spirits, it is clear that The Secret Mermaid is the epitome of a speakeasy bar—as cool and as unique as they come. Pro tip: When it comes to ordering drinks, don’t be afraid to avoid your favourites in order to be thoroughly surprised.
Website: www.thesecretmermaid.com
Address: 10 Collyer Quay, #B1-08 Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315
Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 5pm to 11pm
Additional text by Amy Van and Sharmaine Loh.
