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Chill out to live music
BluJaz Cafe. With Greg Lyons dropping the groove with his talented jazz ensemble, vocalists like Fendi and Alemay Fernandez belting it out, and Aya Sekine mashing it up with turntabalist KoFlow and Budi from percussion group Wicked Aura, music is kept raw and real at the otherwise quirky BluJaz. The bar snacks and drinks menu don’t take long to figure out, but choose your seating area wisely as the dining and alfresco area on the ground floor, bar and dance floor on the second and lounge on the third all offer a different vibe. 11 Bali Ln (6292 3800,www.blujazcafe.net). Nearest MRT: Bugis. Mon-Thu 11.30am-12.30am, Fri 11.30am-1.30am, Sat 4pm-1.30am.
Hard Rock Cafe. This international tourist mecca is decked out with old records, vintage guitars and memorabilia from the golden age of rock. Known for having one of the best burgers in town, they are also popular for live performances. Blondie has even made a guest appearance on their stage. 50 Cuscaden Rd (6235 5232,www.hardrock.com.sg/cafes/singapore). Nearest MRT: Orchard. Tue-Thu 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-1am; Fri, Sat & Mon 11am-3am.
Prince of Wales. This modest, yellow-painted pub and backpacker hostel is a slice of Down Under. Aussie draught beers include Gippsland Gold and Brewers Pilsener. Outside, you’ll find wooden benches, barbecues and revelry aplenty. Most musical acts performing here are students from international schools, and those that carry a decent tune are invited back to become resident performers. The music covers a wide spectrum, from rock to jazz and indie pop, which goes down as well as the competitively priced beer. 101 Dunlop St (6299 0130, www.pow.com.sg). Nearest MRT: Little India. Mon-Thu Sun 9am-midnight, Fri-Sat 9am-2am.
Get up and sing
Limelight lovers can get their five minutes of fame, give or take, for little more than the price of a pint. Make for a three-song quickie – from classic rock to the latest hits – at Actors, where every spot in their friendly house band is free for rock-star wannabes to occupy. 13A-15A South Bridge Rd (6535 3270, www.actorsthejambar.com). Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay. Mon-Sat 6-11pm.
Party on the beach
A bustling downtown and spectacular skyline can often make us forget we are sitting on a tiny little island surrounded by beaches. Head to Sentosa after hours to a bumpin’ beach bar. Tanjong Beach Club is a hip yet all-welcoming hangout that’s the perfect spot to frolic in the sun among scantily clad babes and Speedo dudes. Sip up TBC’s signature Tanjong Martini while grooving to discerning house tunes from DJs Mr Has and KFC. Sentosa Island, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk (6270 1355). Nearest MRT: HarbourFront, then take a taxi or Sentosa Express. Tue-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10am-11pm.
Climb the famous Four Floors
During the day, Orchard Towers looks like another mall that has seen better days. After about 10pm, the ‘Four Floors of Whores’ really gets busy. Although we have never been there ourselves (or so we claim) we are told by others that FFoW is an almost delightful parody of itself and well worth a visit if you have brought your sense of humour. In the quieter tower at the back there’s a Harry’s bar, but even this has a higher ratio of ladies to men than you might usually expect in a pub. Ipanema is the most mainstream bar and is pretty bumpin’ – it is always busy and the live bands rock all night long. #02-43 Orchard Towers, 400 Orchard Rd (6738 3483,www.facebook.com/ipanemaworldmusicbar). Nearest MRT: Orchard. Daily 7pm-4am.