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 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
Live it up at Here Kitty Kitty, just a stone’s throw away from Zouk at Clarke Quay. This exciting speakeasy bar (part of Zouk Group Singapore) is a cocktail-driven concept boasting three private rooms and lounges. Think of this joint as a cool, vibey vice den where you can 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
Moga
Moga takes its name from a Japanese slang for “modern girls”. Inspired by 1920s Japan and the Prohibition Era, this is a place where one can expect craft cocktails and inventive shared plates in a speakeasy setting. Hidden behind a nondescript door, patrons can choose to sit near the robata for a view of skewers, at the bar counter or in the dining area flanked by contemporary Japanese murals with a digital screen. The menu heavily revolves around its izakaya theme with cocktails incorporating familiar Japanese ingredients in surprising ways – think wasabi and gin, or tequila and mezcal with a large dash of togarashi and citrus.
Website: www.pullmansingaporehillstreet.com/restaurants-bars/moga
Address: Pullman Singapore Hill Street, Level 1, 1 Hill Street, Singapore 179949
Opening hours: 12pm to 2.15pm (lunch), 6pm to 11.30pm (dinner)
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
Taylor Adam
This is a clandestine space tucked away behind a tailor in the heart of the CBD near Raffles Place. The speakeasy’s latest menu features a fusion of both traditional and contemporary flavours straight from Latin America. From creations like Feeling Corny? that pays homage to Mexican flavours to Cafe Del Plata, inspired by two of the most popular ingredients in Argentina, fernet and coffee, there are inventive libations to suit every palate.
Website: tayloradamsg.com
Address: 1 Raffles Pl, #01-03, Singapore 048616
Opening hours: Mon to Wed, 5pm to 12am; Thu to Fri, 5pm to 1am; Sat, 5pm to 12am. Closed on Sun.
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
Ume Maru
Bookworms can immerse themselves in manga and anime at this hidden bar in an unlikely location, Far East Plaza. Just look for floor-to-ceiling shelves of books; push past the literature and you’ll find a secret bespoke whisky and umeshu cocktail bars. Indulge in one of the the widest range of craft whiskies, umeshu and custom cocktails inspired by renowned anime and manga titles.
Website: umemaru.sg
Address: Far East Plaza, #05-26/26A, Singapore 228213
Opening hours: 12pm to 2pm (lunch), 5pm to 11pm (dinner)
Additional text by Amy Van and Sharmaine Loh.
