With Phase Two, many bars in Singapore started to open for business as per usual. While liquor sales and consumption are still limited to 10:30 pm, there’s no reason not to support local. And since travel limits are around for the foreseeable future, we’ve rounded up a list of bars in Singapore that’ll make you feel like you’re travelling overseas.
From an autumn-themed Korean bar that comes with free-flow snacks, to a bar in Singapore that calls to the Art Deco skyscrapers and glamour of New York, you’ll get to experience a new place without ever leaving the country.
FYI, even if you don’t drink, some of these spots are open all day and even have brunch menus available. Get all the details here.
Newly opened in Phase Two, bar Milano is an Italian casual dining concept in the heart of Keong Saik Road. If you loved the likes of LuLu’s Lounge, Papi’s Tacos, Pasta Bar, and Bang Bang Nightclub, then you’re in luck because the same people behind those establishments front this Italian getaway. Their cocktail menu favours Spritz and even the legendary cocktail Cipriani Bellini. It also doubles up as an Italian Bistro that’s opened in the day time, so you can easily drop by for brunch if you want a classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich or Italian Breakfast to start the day. Their evening menu is peppered with Italian classics like Napolitano Pizza Fritta, Italian Paella, Antipasti like Eggplant Parmigiana, and of course dessert classics like Tiramisu and Ciccolata Al Cremino.
bar Milano is located at 55 Keong Saik Rd., 01-02, Singapore 089158, and you can make your reservations directly on their site here
Inspired by Singapore’s Little India, The Elephant Room’s cocktails and nibbles tell a story of Indian heritage. From cocktails of distinct flavours like The Tekka that highlights the coconut drinking culture in the hawker centre by infusing coconut oil with rum, alongside fermented bananas and spiced palm jaggery for a signature cocktail, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a drink that won’t whisk you away to a different city.
Light bites like Gobi Manchurian, cauliflower fritters in a Chindian-inspired sweet and sour gravy, and Ter Curry Chicken that pair perfectly with their drinks.
The Elephant Room is located at 20A Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088391, tel: 9111 5131
You may have heard of its original venue in Hong Kong, and Singapore’s The Old Man is a significantly larger alternative to the same inspiration. Hemingway’s short novel The Old Man and the Sea was written in Cuba and tells a famed story of an ageing Cuban fisherman. The decor inside the bar largely takes inspiration from this folklore with vibrant and bronze accents, as well as a sleek I-shaped bar. Their signature drinks like The Sun Also Rises is a neon drink with curry leaf infused gin, sweet vermouth sous-vide pandan leaves and lime kaffir, and copra fat-washed applejack all done in house. Death In The Afternoon is another favourite for its tropical and creamy notes of coconut and pandan.
The location is rather nondescript so keep a lookout for a pineapple lamp above the door to walk in through the wooden doors.
The Old Man is located at 55 Keong Saik Rd., #01-04, Singapore 089158, tel: 6909 5505
If you haven’t been to the acclaimed best bar in Singapore (and eighth best in the world), then you should definitely add this to your list. If you want to transport to another place (and time), then you might as well revel in the Deco glamour and Jazz Age elegance of ATLAS. Its elegant decor is worth visiting on its own, and the grand lobby and bar were inspired by the glamorous Art Deco bars of 1920s Paris. Open throughout the day, this bar highlights elegant European cocktails and gin, spirits, and champagnes sourced from around the world. For gin lovers, this Great Gatsby-esque spot is a must.
ATLAS Bar is located at 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778, tel: 6396 4466
For a place that takes you to the streets of Paris, Cafe & Bar Gavroche is easily the most suitable pick. With weekend breakfast menus like rustic and hearty portions of fresh-baked croissants, signature classics like croque-monsieur and French pastries, their bar also prides in French spirits and liquors like Pastis and Aperitifs Selections. From marble tables, classic French chairs, Parisian paraphernalia all decked out across the venue, to detailed cobblestones, this ambiance of this casual joint will easily take you to the streets of Paris.
Cafe and Bar Gavroche is located at 69 Tras St, Singapore 079008, tel: 6225 4869
For a Mexican inspired Cocina Y Bar, this fun and festive environment is a favourite for cafe lovers. Come in the day and its family-friendly menu easily accommodates groups looking for family-style dishes with fresh ingredients. From a DIY taco platter to a whole section of the menu dedicated to Huevos (eggs), you’re sure to eat your fill here. For those who want to come for the bar experience, drop by for their Margaritas, Cervezas, and signature drinks like the Coconut Mojito and Passionfruit Smashito
Super Loco Robertson Quay is located at 60 Robertson Quay, #01-13 The Quayside, Singapore 238252, tel: 6235 8900
If you’re missing England, the Penny Black is the place to go for drinks. This mock-Victorian tavern is as straightforward as it gets and if you’re looking for beers and British classics like fish and chips then it’s worth a visit. The Penny Black is also the only English pub in Singapore that serves an English Ale on tap — just ask for the Old Speckled Hen.
The Penny Black is located at 26-27 Boat Quay, Singapore 049817, tel: 6538 2300
Decked out in an autumn theme, Kream Beer is an adorable casual joint that’s a must-visit for beer lovers who don’t mind something fruity. Their menu comes with a selection of Kream Beer, Kloud Beer, and Dark Beer alongside light bites and fruits. But the best part has to be the free flow of crackers. Currently, there are only three food items on the menu: popcorn chicken, pizza, and fried octopus. This joint has the perfect ambience to relax and pair with your soju mixed beer.
Kream Beer is located at 60 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089524, tel: 6226 2369
This celebrated cocktail bar is hidden behind an old shophouse so you’ll have to look out for it. Located below a Chinese medicine shop, enter and you’ll see a dimly lit bar behind a curtain. If you’re looking for a relaxed but refined ambience, then here’s your pick. The menu consists of cocktails named after rappers and hip-hop classics, and their playlist is just the same. Taking you back to hip hop classics, try their creative concoctions with light bites made in house like Apple Fritters, Mac’N Cheese Balls, and The Reuben.
28 Hong Kong Street is located at 28 Hongkong St, Singapore 059667, tel: 8318 0328
Kingdom of Belgians opened right before the Circuit Breaker, and this casual dining place is helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Emmanuel Stroobant. Its high ceiling and lamps of black, yellow and red all pay tribute to its inspiration. Kingdom of Belgian has an extensive beer list, and for those who love craft beer, you’ll want to pay this establishment a visit. From a Flanders red ale-style beer to starters like Toast Cannibal and mussels that pair exceptionally with their beer, there’s a touch of Belgium in almost everything. Since we can’t visit Europe for now, you might as well drop by for the next best alternative.
Kingdom of Belgians is located at 8 Rodyk St, #01-05/06, Singapore 238216, tel: 6634 0500
The inspiration is in its name, and Manhattan Bar takes its inspiration from New York with its elegant interiors that mimic 1920s New York. Take a walk through New York classics and tributes with their cocktail menu, like the Manhattan and Uptown Girl. There are also impressive gourmet bites from their extensive menu, and if you wanted to sample it all you could even attend their cocktail brunch on Sundays.
Manhattan Bar is located at 1 Cuscaden Rd, Level 2 Regent Singapore, Singapore 249715, tel: 6725 3377
For jazz lovers who’ve always wanted to experience a live jazz bar, Cool Cats has all the hallmarks of a jazz club. From its plush seating and mood lighting, Cool Cats spotlights jazz musicians with their drinks menu inspired by music legends of the like. Ways of a Diva is their cocktail inspired by Bessie Smith, and its bold flavours of Mozart Dry Chocolate, cinnamon, and pear is a must try.
Cool Cats is located at 30 Beach Rd, Singapore 189763, tel: 6818 1920
This family-run izakaya is a hidden gem that has hearty bento sets and bar snacks that stay true to its roots. Its rustic wooden furnishings and panels feel like a traditional and cosy home. Open for lunch and dinner, we recommend making reservations ahead of time as this place gets crowded in certain hours. Its traditional decor speaks to just what an Izakaya is, no frills or pretence — just good food and drinks.
Izakaya Nijumaru is located at 5 Koek Rd, #02-10/12 Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796, tel: 6235 6693
This Australian-inspired restaurant and bar is outback meets chic. With a wide range of craft beers brewed by Archipelago Brewery as well as wines and champagnes, this laid-back restaurant is ideal for a relaxing night out. Their menu is also filled with Australian dishes created with seafood sourced from Australia and premium grades of Australian beef. Their signature dishes include Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Beef Ragout Pizza, and Wild Mushroom Pizza. For comfort food and drinks, this is the place to kick back.
Barossa is located at 8 Raffles Ave, Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802, tel: 6534 5188
Junior The Pocket Bar is a new and innovative concept. It’s best explained as a bar that changes once every six months. Seating only 10 patrons at a time, its last concept was Washi, a watering hole that channels the spirit of 1980’s Tokyo with a neon-wash ambience, bold flavours, and over-the-top styles. Their menu changes depending on the themes chosen, giving patrons a new adventure each time they return. They’re currently moving out, but we recommend following their Instagram and Facebook closely for updates.
Junior The Pocket Bar is located at 43 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088464, tel: 8121 1462
- TAGS:
- bars
- bars in singapore
- overseas
- travel
