Circular Road’s been getting tons of news in the past couple of years, and for good reason. The raucous stretch parallel to nightlife central Boat Quay has shed its sleazy KTV image in exchange for a hipper, more energetic vibe. While restaurants like ramen joint Takumen and French creperie O Comptoir have solidified its staying power, there are tons of new places popping up. And while popular resto-bar The Vault has shuttered, there are three new bars taking its place.
Refuge, by the same company as The Vault, is a bar and club that oozes lots of old school American soul. While the soundtrack centers around funk, hip hop and soul, the three-story shophouse space is divided into a full-fledged club on the second floor and a downtempo bar on the third.
Down the road is Gong, another lounge-y bar that revolves around said percussion instrument. The furniture has lots of circular lines, while the decor is eclectic and vintage-looking. The open plan space makes it great for after-work cocktails and tapas, with a DJ booth spinning chill disco and funk beats.
Taking over the space formerly occupied by the short-lived Beer, Brisket and Wings is Draft & Craft, a So-Cal inspired restaurant and bar with super chill vibes. Everyone here’s passionate about the craft beer they serve on tap, with breweries like Anderson Valley, Stone and Rogue. The menu is dotted with comfort foods like reinterpretations of grilled cheese sandwiches and tacos.
