Singapore has no shortage of cool bars and hangouts to grab a drink after work. Whether you’re looking to unwind at a luxurious hotel bar or explore a cool cocktail corner, here are some of the most interesting bars in Singapore to grab a drink.
1. Manhattan Bar
Regent Singapore, Level 2, 1 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore 249715 | Tel: 67253377 | Operating Hours: 5pm – 1am daily | Price Range:$22-$24 per drink
Manhattan Bar aptly captures the essence of 1920s New York opulence, with its 90-seat The Great Gatsby-style space at Regent Hotel. While you’re unlikely to bump into Jay Gatsby there, jovial Head Bartender Ricky Raiva will make up for it with his carefully crafted cocktails. Inspired by classic – and sometimes forgotten – drinks, the creative concoctions at Manhattan Bar will no doubt tease your palate (and test your drinking limits – some of the drinks are strong).
For a classy evening at a chic venue, you’d be hard-pressed to find another place that can top the stylish Manhattan Bar. It also helps that the music there is just the right volume – so you can have a decent conversation with your date, without any potential awkward silences.
Best for: Girls’ night out, birthday drinks and impressing your date.
(Source: Manhattan Bar Singapore Facebook)
2. The Rabbit Hole
39C Harding Road, Singapore 249541 | Tel: 97210536 | Operating Hours: 6pm – 11pm (Tue to Fri), 6pm – 12am (Sat & Sun) | Price Range: $15 – 22 per drink
The Rabbit Hole is the latest offering from the Lo & Behold Group (the guys behind The White Rabbit, Tanjong Beach Club and OverEasy) and its unique outdoor atmosphere makes for an interesting after-dinner destination. Located next to The White Rabbit restaurant, The Rabbit Hole is a classy garden bar – yes, you heard that right, garden – set among the lush greenery of Dempsey. Because rooftop bars are so yesterday.
Headed up by Head Bartender Ethan Chee, who was previously from Catalunya, The Rabbit Hole has a curated collection of wines and botanical spirits. Their main draw though, is the carefully thought-out menu of gin and tonics designed to lead both new and experienced gin drinkers through the varying flavour profiles of gin.
Best for: Bachelorette parties, post-dinner drinks and gin lovers.
(Source: The Rabbit Hole)
3. The Cufflink Club
6 Jiak Chuan Rd, Singapore 089262 | Tel: 65 96949623 | Operating Hours: 5pm – 1am (Mon to Fri), 6pm – 1am (Sat) | Price Range: $18-$25 per drink
Although the Chinatown area has no shortage of cool new bars, The Cufflink Club is one of the few that stands out for its polished cocktails and convivial atmosphere. While the name of the bar may suggest some form of exclusivity, the place itself is anything but pretentious – you won’t get any judgy hostesses or “No photos allowed” policies here.
The Cufflink Club’s bar consultant and mixologist Joel Fraser has done stints at Melbourne bar Der Raum and local haunt Tippling Club – so it’s no surprise that the drinks here have a certain finesses. The menu is concise but creative, especially when it comes to naming the drinks (think cheeky names like 50 Shades of Grey and The Walking Dead).
Best for: After-work drinks, discerning drinkers and a fun but casual night out.
(Source: The Cufflink Club)
4. Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall
60A Boat Quay, Singapore 049848 | Tel: 6535 0838 | Operating Hours: 6pm – 12am (Mon to Thu), 6pm to 3am (Fri & Sat) | Price Range: $18-$35 per drink
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall may sound somewhat misleading if you haven’t been there, but this gem of a bar is a great place for after-work drinks if you’re in the Boat Quay area. In an area with many expat-oriented bars, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall stands out for its distinctly local vibe. The old school décor lends a unique charm to the place, and the menu is simple and straightforward (just the way we like it).
To mix things up every once in a while, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall also invites local bar professionals to showcase their talents in the cocktail arena – some of whom include former Bitters & Love bartender Eugene Chua and drinks consultant Ashvin Shawn Kishore.
The space is relatively small though, so head down earlier to grab a table if you can.
Best for: Casual dates, after-work drinks and unwinding with a view of Boat Quay.
(Source: Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall Facebook)
5. Operation Dagger
7 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069791 | Tel: 92964704 | Operating Hours: 6pm till late (Tue to Sat) | Price range: $20-$25 per drink
Operation Dagger is an underground bar that is literally well, underground. Located in the basement of what supposedly is an abandoned building along Ann Siang Hill, you just might miss the nondescript entrance (save for a few mysterious symbols on the walls).
Once you find the entrance though, the dark stairwell will lead you to a labyrinth of cool drinks – some say the drinks here speak for themselves, especially since the place doesn’t exactly lend itself to attention. Even if the drinks don’t entice you, the décor of the place, with its underground vibes and impressive 6000 lightbulb cloud installation on the ceiling, will transport you into another world altogether.
Best for: Impressing your friends by taking them to a bar that almost feels like you’re not in Singapore.
(Source: sg.asia-city.com)
6. Jekyll & Hyde
49 Tras St, Singapore 078988 | Tel: 62223349 | Operating Hours: 6pm – 12am (Mon to Thu), 6pm – 1am (Fri & Sat) | Price Range: $20 – $32 per drink
Part nail-salon and part specialty gin bar, Jekyll & Hyde is not your typical Friday night haunt. In fact, the clean Scandinavian-inspired venue looks more like a hipster café than a bar, but rest assured that the menu serves up more than enough alcoholic drinks. In fact, Jekyll & Hyde stocks 33 different types of artisanal gin that will please even the fussiest of connoisseurs.
While you may not be able to get your nails done while sipping on cocktails (the nail salon Manicurious closes at 8pm), Jekyll & Hyde is still a good option if you’re looking for a quiet night with quality drinks. If you’re feeling peckish, you can also order some fried chicken and noodles from the store next door to go with your drinks.
Best for: Unique drinks, bespoke cocktails (you can request for one if nothing on the menu tickles your fancy) and a quiet night out.
(Source: Jekyll & Hyde Facebook)
