The 40 best bars in Singapore you should visit at least once

Best for: Quiet catch-ups with friends and clean, minimalist pours
Must try: Non-fruit beer – a clever reinvention of the Korean soju bomb

Side Door does away with glitzy decor in favour of a stripped-back, urban industrial vibe, making it ideal for casual catch-ups and first dates. Friendly power couple Bannie Kang and Tryson Quek – both formerly from Anti:Dote – run the space. With each visit, you can expect nothing less than refined, complex pours by Bannie that are as drinkable as they are stylish, plus top-tier food pairings like beef tartare, fried spring chicken and a jazzed up Nissin seafood cup ramen – gimmicky but good – by Tryson that go down effortlessly with the drinks.

Address: 3 Neil Rd, Singapore 088805
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 3pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $25 per cocktail

Best for: Bold and spice-forward concoctions inspired by Singapore’s Little India
Must-try: Briyani – featuring plum, a blended basmati brew with milk and pani puri piped with butter chicken foam

This spicy drinking hole is a microcosm of Singapore’s Indian community, with each cocktail capturing elements of Little India’s sights, scents, and stories. Former Smoke & Mirrors bartender Yugnes Susela opened the bar in 2019 with headliners like Buffalo Road, which still hits hard after six years and a venue change. The cocktails here are certainly for the adventurous and those who love Indian cuisine, so don’t be surprised to see some inspired by crab rasam, biryani, or even chicken curry.

Address: 33 Tanjong Pagar Rd, 01-02, Singapore 088456
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 6pm-1am; Fri-Sat 6pm-2am
Expect to pay: From $25 per cocktail

Best for: Inventive, fail-proof spins on timeless classics 
Must-try: The Gibson – a refined blend of Roku gin and house-made Ginjo sake-vermouth, garnished with house-cured accompaniments​

To locate this cocktail bar at Bukit Pasoh by the Jigger & Pony group, climb up to the second floor of this 80-year-old heritage shophouse. Welcome to the Emerald City, with a gorgeous green marble long bar lit by the glow radiating through the stained glass. The bar's namesake cocktail, The Gibson, is always a safe bet. Made with Roku gin and Ginjo sake-vermouth, the boozy drink pays homage to Japan in its elegant simplicity. But another must-try is the MF Martini – perfect for pairing with fries.

Address: 20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Level 2, Singapore 089834
Opening hours: Sun-Tue 6pm-midnight; Wed-Thu 6pm-1pm; Fri-Sat 6pm-2am
Expect to pay: From $28 per cocktail

Best for: Non-intimidating first dates, casual hangouts and solid food
Must-try: Twisties Sour – an ingenious take on a childhood fave with Twisties-infused Tito’s

For such a simple name, The Store delivers big on flavours and experience. A casual living room-esque environment is the ideal homey setup for comfortable catch-ups and a good heart-to-heart. Plus points go to its exceptional pours – the list sees 12 interesting options from the highly raved coffee kombucha espresso martini to the Blueberry Cheesecake with aged Parmigiano-infused bourbon. Don’t sleep on the food menu too, which has spot-on seafood dishes like white wine mussels and gambas.

Address: 11 Neil Rd, Singapore 088809
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 4pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $26 per cocktail

Best for: Classic cocktails made perfectly every single time
Must try: Last Word – bittersweet, clean, flawless

Who doesn’t like having the last word? Especially when it comes in the form of a no-nonsense classic that’s served in gorgeous glassware. This minimalist spot on Purvis Street doesn’t need any gimmicks; it consistently turns out perfectly made classics that are sure to impress serious drinkers. Hungry? There are pretty substantial Japanese izakaya-inspired mains and bites too. And before you scurry off, slot in a final drink at Last Stop, a hidden 12-seater within Last Word that slings out unique tea-based cocktails. 

Address: 8 Purvis St, #01-04, Singapore 188587
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $25 per cocktail

Best for: The eco-conscious diner who’s all for planet-friendly drinks and dishes without compromise
Must try: Caviar Papi – an ingenious vegan reinterpretation of caviar bumps and champagne

Innovation and sustainability go hand in hand at Fura. Its menu is fresh and fearless, if a little rebellious. The brainchild of Sasha Wijidessa and Christina Rasmussen, this Amoy Street bar spotlights low-carbon-footprint ingredients in surprisingly delicious ways – think insect proteins, cell-cultured milk, and invasive species like jellyfish that are found in abundance. But fret not, the weird stays wonderfully subtle: cocktails and snacks are crafted so cleverly, you’ll barely notice the mealworms or crickets in them. We love the New New Yuck and NPC Cola, paired with bites like pumpkin layers and banana black garlic bread.

Address: 74A Amoy St, Level 2, Singapore 069893
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $24 per cocktail

Best for: Savoury cocktails with a touch of childhood nostalgia
Must-try: The Cold Soup – oi-naengguk, or Korean chilled cucumber soup reimagined as a cocktail

Helmed by industry veteran June Baek, this tiny four-seater bar is one of 2025’s most exciting openings. After winning competitions and honing her craft across South Korea and Vietnam, Baek brings her playful yet refined cocktails back to Singapore, where she previously bartended at Madame Fan and MO Bar. Now, in her very own space, she experiments with flavours from her Korean heritage and other delightfully nostalgic concoctions. The Cold Soup blends Tokki Soju with kelp dashi, sesame, cucumber, and apple vinegar, while The French Fries has Monkey Shoulder whisky infused with fries, Heinz ketchup, tomato, chilli, and salt. Come for the drinks, stay for the warm hospitality and lime tequila shots.

Address: 98 Club St, Singapore 069467
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-1am
Expect to pay: From $20 per cocktail

Best for: Cult classic cocktails and live DJ sets
Must try: Tea Milk Punch – a lush blend of gin, cognac, cacao, matcha, milk whey and vanilla foam

This isn’t just a bar – it’s a sonic sanctuary. Brought to life by two nightlife legends – Darker Than Wax’s Dean Chew and Ice Cream Sundays’ Daniel O'Connor – Offtrack takes over a former disco den and turns it into a sunset-hued living room where craft cocktails move to the groove of the seasons, from lychee-infused classics to highball refreshers with an Asian flair. If you're into drinks with a backbeat and nights that blend music, culture and community, you'll want to get Offtrack.

Address: 34 North Canal Rd, #01-01, Singapore 059290
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 6pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 5pm-1am
Expect to pay: From $25 per cocktail

Best for: Curious drinkers who like pushing boundaries
Must-try: Peranakan – a boozy Southeast Asian story of jackfruit rum, laksa leaves, goat’s milk and candlenut

Native isn’t just a bar, it’s Vijay Mudaliar’s mission to put Southeast Asia on the map, and we’re so glad to say he’s succeeded. Not only has Native been constantly recognised as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, but it’s also done so without compromising on its DNA since it first opened in 2016. Here, you’ll still find regional spirits, house-made ferments and local ingredients that shine a spotlight on what Asia has to offer the world. It’s funky, bold and creative – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Address: 52A Amoy St, Singapore 069878
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 6pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 6pm-1am
Expect to pay: From $26 per cocktail

Best for: Date nights, girls’ nights, great nights
Must-try: Mirko’s Martini – dirty and divine

Three words, say it, and we’re yours: ice-cold martinis. Mirko’s Martini has to be the best dirty martini in town, served with a nibble of cheese and a juicy olive. But if that isn’t enough to convince you, then how about unlimited complimentary beef tripe panini served daily from 6pm to 7.30pm with every martini you order? Bar Somma nails that sweet spot between effortlessly elegant, casually chic and with just the right amount of edge.

Address: 46 Kim Yam Rd, New Bahru, #04-02A, Singapore 239351
Opening hours: Tue 6pm-11pm, Wed-Sat 6pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $28 per cocktail

Best for: Those curious to see if the world’s fifth-best bar lives up to its title
Must-try: Espresso Martini – with an espresso blend crafted in
collaboration with PPP Coffee

Veteran Jigger & Pony requires no introduction at this point, but for the uninitiated, this bar in Amara Hotel consistently sits within the top 10 of the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Named after the double-coned cocktail-making apparatus that bartenders use, Jigger & Pony is all about elevating the classic tipple without blaspheming it. You won’t go wrong with the much-loved espresso martini and yuzu whisky sour, but our favourite on the new Bloom menu is the mango margarita, which is tart, bright and rich with notes of green mango and a subtle hit of Sichuan pepper.

Address: 165 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Amara Hotel, Singapore 069921
Opening hours: Sun-Tue 6pm-midnight; Wed-Thu 6pm-1am; Fri-Sat 6pm-2am
Expect to pay: From $28 per cocktail

Best for: Bold cocktails with fun ingredients and a buzzing rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere
Must-try: Trinity – a bold, uncompromising cocktail that’s basically three drinks in one, served with condiments like olives, capers and a lemon coin

This dual-concept space has become quite the mainstay on Amoy Street, with the sun-drenched Flamingo out front serving coffee and brunch in the day, and Stay Gold at the back shaking cocktails in the evening. The neon-lit drinking lounge is purple-clad and rock ‘n’ roll-themed, but its menu sports plenty of Asian ingredients. Its latest cocktail menu, A Bartender’s Diary VOl. II: The Mixtape, dials down on fun, flavourful pours across three sections, coupled with pan-Asian bar grub meant for sharing.

Address: 69 Amoy St, Singapore 069888
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $26 per cocktail

Best for: Photo-worthy backdrops and a gin-lover’s dream
Must-try: Atlas espresso martini – an underrated star that rivals the world’s best

Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, this bar never fails to impress. Set within a grand art-deco-inspired hall, Atlas is most recognisable for its colossal gin tower housing over a thousand bottles of the spirit – the world’s most diverse collection to date. Needless to say, gin and tonic customisations are most welcome, but you’ll also be spoilt for choice with six G&T options on the list and some 18 other cocktails off the new Gazette Du Bon Ton menu.

Address: 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
Opening hours: Mon 3pm-midnight; Tue-Thu noon-midnight, Fri-Sat noon-2am
Expect to pay: From $25 per cocktail

Best for: Late-night conversations and making friends with strangers
Must-try: Nighthawk – a riff on an espresso martini topped with hot coconut foam

Tucked behind Five Oars Coffee Roasters, Night Hawk is a tiny and consistently crowded bar known for its timeless design that pays homage to Edward Hopper’s 1942 painting Nighthawks. Despite exploring themes of “urban alienation”, the 25-seater space fosters intimacy and conversation as you rub elbows with the other barflies around you. Run by veteran bartender Peter Chua, it currently ranks 16th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, and the drinks here are consistently excellent.

Address: 43 Tanjong Pagar Rd, #01-02, Singapore 088464
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 5.30pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $25 per cocktail

Best for: Post-work catch-ups with the gang in a gorgeous bar inspired by Japanese aesthetics
Must-try: Pop City Sour – A highly crushable whisky sour with savoury hints of sour plum and purple shiso

The Jigger & Pony Group's latest launch has got the whole town talking. Design buffs will marvel at the details that embellish the space, from couches fitted with textured kimono fabric to walls and ceilings lined with Japan’s iconic ichimatsu (checkerboard) pattern. And the drinks are not to be underestimated as well – deceptively simple and flawlessly balanced. The 18 cocktails on the menu span three sections, with ‘POP’ taking cues from Japanese pop culture and music, ‘CITY’ referencing Japanese aesthetics and fashion, and ‘Seasons In Motion’ offering two new creations each month inspired by Japan’s microseasons. 

Address: 19 Cecil St, Level 2, Singapore 049704
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5.30pm-midnight 
Expect to pay: From $24 per cocktail

Best for: Gossiping with friends without the fear of being overheard
Must try: A Glass of Milk – breakfast in a cocktail, complete with Froot Loops

If Le Bon Funk is the cool older sibling that sips on natural wine and hosts bougie dinner parties with sharing plates, then Bar Bon Funk is that rebellious younger kid that’s louder, weirder and admittedly more fun. The cocktail menu here has some of the funkiest creations we’ve come across – we’re talking drinks like Lean Green Salad, made with Mezcal, clarified shiro miso and avocado, as well as Bad Habits, a modern take on a Bloody Mary with distilled kombu and pizza bubbles. Whatever you order, make sure it comes with a side of its All Dressed Potato Chips.

Address: 46 Kim Yam Rd, New Bahru, #02-01, Singapore 239351
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-11.30pm
Expect to pay: From $26 per cocktail

Best for: Smashable cocktails, crisp pizzas and great service
Must-try: What What – your choice of spirit with a lip-smacking juice made from four types of citrus

The boys have ported over their humble pizza joint from Bali Lane to Duxton Road, but the good things remain – a lean but mean menu of cocktails and pies, and the same hospitable service by Sam and Zul. The highly customisable What What goes well with gin, mezcal, or dark rum, but you can also crack open a can of beer or opt for natural wines. Chow down on five rotating pizza options that go by the slice or whole, with a mandatory jar of chilli oil on the side for dunking.

Address: 15 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089481
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $22 per cocktail

Best for: Intimate gatherings, mid-century modern vibes and Japanese cocktails
Must-try: Vesper – aggressively shaken with fortified Cortese wine, gin, and vodka

This tasteful mid-century modern bar named after Nancy Sinatra’s 1967 hit ‘You Only Live Twice’ throws it back to a bygone era in Japan with tipples that go against the grain. The alluring amber lighting and luxe furniture set the stage for late-night conversations. Helming the bar is South Korean bartender David Kim, who shakes up fresh, polished, and playfully experimental cocktails, minus the fancy garnishes. The 14-drink menu is divided into two sections, with an additional page highlighting seasonal specials.

Address: 20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089834
Opening hours: Sun-Tue 6pm-midnight; Wed-Thu 6pm-1am;
Fri-Sat 6pm-2am
Expect to pay: From $28 per cocktail

Best for: Those looking for a crash course on wine
Must try: Wine flights of three or five, curated just for your table

This homey bar along Duxton is your best bet if you’re looking to get schooled on the world of wine – while having a good time. Praelum refreshes its wine list on the weekly, stocking around 1000 bottles and 350 labels in its walk-in cellar, which you can pick a bottle from if you already know your stuff. But those spoilt for choice can leave the work to the friendly, experienced somms who’ll recommend a flight tailored to your preferences, and give you a history lesson while at it. Or you can go for thematic flights – depending on what’s available, options can range from Cabernets to rare South African reds.

Address: 4 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089590
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $58 for a flight of three glasses

Best for: Craft cocktails on tap and $12 happy hour deals
Must try: Oolong Tea Collins – fragrant, subtle, and great for bubble tea lovers

This award-winning Taiwanese bar is best known for pioneering the cocktails-on-tap concept in Asia, and you can visit its one-
and-only Singapore outpost in the heart of Bugis. Behind the counter, friendly draft-tenders take you through the staggering 20-drink menu where sampling is very much encouraged. Drop by before 7pm to score selected happy hour pours at $12 (the selection refreshes weekly). And if you’re peckish, there’s a nifty menu of Taiwanese snacks like fried mushrooms and mala clams to line your stomach.

Address: 24 Purvis St, Singapore 188601
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 4pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 2pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $18 per cocktail

Best for: Fun Korean-inspired cocktails that actually taste good
Must-try: Iced somaek – crisp Korean beer and grape soju topped with shaved soju shards

BOP (Bartenders of Pony) might just be the Jigger & Pony Group's most accessible concept to date. Led by Uno Jang, the group's creative director and the world's favourite bartender, this modern drinking den is entirely dedicated to Korean drinking culture. Think soju bombs spiked with refreshing grape soju, messy Bokbunja pops that get the whole table involved, and wacky creations like a Buldak sauce Penicillin. As for the food, they're simpler by design and built around the drinks, curated by the group's Executive Chef, David Tang, in collaboration with Netflix's Culinary Class Wars alum Jason Oh.

Address: 76 Tras St, Singapore 079015
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 6pm-1am; Fri-Sat 6pm-2am; Sun 6pm-1am
Expect to pay: From $16 per cocktail

Best for: Clever concoctions inspired by local flavours and
Singaporean heritage
Must-try: Its namesake rum-based cocktail with gula melaka, lemon, egg white, cream, ginger beer, and of course, nutmeg and clove

Nutmeg & Clove brings the spirit of Singapore to life in its quaint shophouse space on Purvis Street. One of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, this award-winning spot charts the country’s history and progression through cocktails that are undeniably local. Its latest menu consists of 12 cocktails inspired by everyday Singlish phrases. Head Bartender Yung slings out playful pours like a clarified Singapore Sling, a peachy, bittersweet Manhattan, and a silky espresso martini – all christened with names like Alamak, Can Lah and Atas. 

Address: 8 Purvis St, Singapore 188587
Opening hours: Daily 5pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $26 per cocktail

Best for: Penning down your sauciest secrets over savoury cocktails
Must-try: Summer Fling in Bangkok, Head Bartender Han's favourite – and also ours – is a savoury, sour and slightly fizzy tipple that's halfway between a clear seafood tom yum goong and a paloma

In a neighbourhood like Duxton which is jam-packed with award-winning cocktail bars, Goodbye, Alibi manages to hold its own. The main draw? An unapologetically savoury-forward cocktail menu, and jars of the craziest confession notes, penned by guests who've probably had one too many to drink. Quills and paper slips line the counter, for you and your date to contribute to the pool as you scribble down your deepest, darkest secrets. 

Address: 53A Duxton Rd, Singapore 089517
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $24 per cocktail

Best for: Retro-American vibes, wallet-friendly drinks
Must-try: Anything from the Bulletproof Classics section, and a chicken burger

Located a half-flight of stairs before a pole-dancing studio, Parliament is a self-proclaimed all-American dive bar in a shophouse, sporting retro and music-inspired motifs plus electric red neon lights. Pick from four weekly rotating specials or stick to the basics, which are 18 reliable options in the Bulletproof Classics section. Staples like whisky highballs and margaritas start at $18, but if you’re wise enough to get a few in the system before 8pm, they’ll only set you back $15 each – don’t expect much heavy-handedness on the booze though. If you’re even wiser, you’d also order one of the fried chicken stacks, and dare we say they’re even better than Chick-fil-A’s. 

Address: 18 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088390
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 5pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $18 per cocktail

Best for: Gathering the whole gang over a casual round of dinner and drinks 
Must-try: Yuzu thyme martini – citrusy, herbaceous, with a vegan foam topper

The kitchen at Tess is fully equipped to whip up favourites like pork jowl linguine and mushroom risotto, so this isn’t where to go if you’re planning to dip after one drink. Instead, gather the crew for the whole shebang, and wash down hearty plates with some 26 cocktails on the menu splashed across three sections – All Stars, Friends of Tess, and Reimagined Classics. The resto-bar is a concept by Nutmeg Collective, so you know you’ve got your drinks sorted. 

Address: 36 Seah St, Singapore 188392
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4pm-1am; Fri 4pm-3am; Sat noon-3am; Sun noon-1am
Expect to pay: From $24 per cocktail

Best for: Agave and rice-based spirits plus a Mexican-Asian food menu
Must try: Cat Bite Margarita – citrusy and fresh, spiked with mezcal and sherry

To locate this agave haven, spot a neon-red Cheshire Cat at Monument Coffee, then wriggle your way through thick, grey curtains. Cat Bite Club houses the island’s largest collection of agave – over 200 bottles, to be exact. And in charge of sourcing these spirits are partners Jesse Vida and Gabriel Lowe, formerly from Atlas and Bangkok’s Paradise Lost. Drinks are classic cocktails reimagined with an agave twist, and if it’s your first time, the margarita is an easy and unforgettable introduction to the world of CBC.

Address: 75 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089534
Opening hours: Daily 5pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $24 per cocktail

Best for: Sophisticated sipping and old-world luxury
Must-try: The Manhattan – aged for eight weeks in an American oak barrel before it’s finished off tableside

This swanky hotel bar at Conrad Singapore is known for its brand of 19th-century New York glam – and its popcorn. You’re in the good hands of head bartender Zana Möhlmann – winner of the 2023 World Young Mixologist Award – who stirs up everything from barrel-aged classics to seasonal signatures. The bar is currently running the Seasons of Manhattan menu, which captures the shifting climate and culture of New York. And if you have time to spare, visit East47, Manhattan’s Warhol-inspired bar-in-a-bar and peep into its in-house rickhouse stocked with over 100 American oak barrels from Minnesota.

Address: 1 Cuscaden Rd, Conrad Singapore Orchard, Level 2, Singapore 249715
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 5pm-1am; Sun noon-3pm, 6pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $28 per cocktail

Best for: Popping bottles without popping collars
Must-try: Hard-to-find grower champagnes without the usual BS

Just down from the raucous boat-quay masses, Convivial does champagne without the pretence. Founded and run by Yeo Xi Yang, who’s been named Singapore’s Best Sommelier by the Sommelier Association of Singapore, it’s everything the usual snooty wine bars aren’t: welcoming, modest and unassuming. The bar snack menu with local faves like ngoh hiang doesn’t hurt either.

Address: 11 North Canal Rd, The Offshore, #01-01, Singapore 048824
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 4pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $27 per glass

Best for: Savoury cocktails and a sustainable ethos, using produce that changes by the day
Must-try: Apple highball with scotch, fresh-pressed apple juice and a dash of citrus

Dirty Supper has gained quite a rep in the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood for its unique design and cooking philosophy – it shares a space with a bak chor mee stall in the day and focuses exclusively on seasonal produce. But what many don’t know is that the bar shakes up some stellar cocktails as well. Dirty Sips takes over the restaurant's back alley after 6.30pm. Just like the food menu, the cocktail list is ever-changing, depending on the produce available that day. Some highlights include the Dirty Boulevardier with duck fat-washed bourbon and vermouth, and the pickled lemon brine martini.

Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19, Singapore 162078
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6.30pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $18 per cocktail 

Best for: Lovers of modern art, mixology and gastronomy
Must-try: Tomato Sauce, a cocktail named after Warhol’s famous Campbell soup print

East47 demonstrates what the ‘bar-in-a-bar’ concept is all about. The cocktail studio is hidden behind heavy velvet drapes within the acclaimed Manhattan in Conrad Singapore Orchard. Think of this 12-seater as the postmodern, new-money counterpart to Manhattan’s old-money charm. The space takes inspiration from Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory on East 47th Street in New York, where Warhol’s iconic silkscreens and lithographs were made. Echoing Warhol’s spirit of boundless creativity, the bar puts out a mishmash of art, mixology, and gastronomy in its debut menu Volume 1: High Low.

Address: 1 Cuscaden Rd, Conrad Singapore Orchard, Level 2, Singapore 249715
Opening hours: Wed-Thu 6pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 6pm-1am
Expect to pay: From $28 per cocktail

Best for: Cocktails that make liberal use of our favourite Japanese ingredients
Must try: Heads Down, Horns Forward – tangy, umami and refreshing at the same time 

Hidden behind a nondescript wooden sliding door at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, MOGĀ channels the rebellious energy of 1920s Japan and the Prohibition era. The izakaya just launched a new cocktail menu titled Kiyoko's Journey, following the adventures of the fictional Kiyoko as she travels the world. Expect 12 cocktails spanning the taste spectrum of refreshing, savoury, creamy, boozy and strong. Start in Mexico with the vibrant Graaape~ ($26), which marries kyoho grape with tequila and lime, before jetting off to Spain for Heads Down, Horns Forward ($26), where gin and mezcal meet gazpacho and wasabi.

Address: 1 Hill St, Pullman Singapore Hill St, Singapore 179949
Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-3pm, 6pm-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-3pm, 6pm-1am
Expect to pay: From $25 per cocktail

Best for: 90s hip-hop and a classic night out at one of Singapore’s OG bars
Must-try: Burung Bathikan – batik-inspired pisco sour with St Germain, rambutan shrub and Mancino sakura vermouth

Spot the nondescript shutters along the corridor with a sign that reads ‘28’, and you’ll find yourself drawn into a dim watering hole that is cocktail institution 28 HongKong Street. The industry veteran has been around for over a decade, slinging American-style cocktails and unmissable comfort food – think juicy burgers, mac ‘n’ cheese balls, and hot dogs. 90s hip hop, rap, and R&B blast through the speakers while you sip on anything from the classic negroni to one of the refreshing numbers off the latest Dr-Ink! menu.

Address: 28 HongKong St, Singapore 059667
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6pm-late
Expect to pay: From $26 per cocktail

Best for: Those who love a classic divey cocktail speakeasy and fail-proof drinks by industry veterans
Must try: Whatever's recommended on the bar's weekly rotating menu

The interiors here are almost entirely built by hand with upcycled materials, lending a genuine, organic feel to the shophouse space. The bar keeps guests on their feet, putting out weekly rotating menus using ingredients found in the vicinity. Expect six core drinks each week based on classic styles like the daiquiri, highball, martini or old fashioned. The bar's Instagram page highlights the week’s curation, where each drink is accompanied by curious descriptions, with past creations including “immortality”, “Frank Ocean x Anime” and the like.

Address: 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 6pm-1am; Sat 6pm-2am
Expect to pay: From $24 per cocktail

Best for: Fun cocktails till Saturday, pasta on Sundays, and solid music programming everyday
Must-try: Bloody Good Bloody Mary – with the unlikely additions of wasabi and red miso

Keong Saik’s resident neighbourhood drinking den is a consistent favourite for its fun, straightforward cocktail list, tasty grub and all-around good vibes. The casual, grungy spot is run by industry veteran Juan Yi Jun, who has worked at institutions like Operation Dagger. Here’s a hack to stay well-fed: order three cocktails each and all your food – from chips with creme fraiche to grilled foccacia with hot honey – is on the house.

Address: 20 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089127
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-midnight; Sun noon-7pm
Expect to pay: From $24 per cocktail

Best for: An extensive collection of shochu
Must try: Any of the classics, whether it's a martini, negroni or whisky sour 

This 30-seat hideaway is the cool younger brother of Daiki Kanetaka’s Japanese speakeasy Dbespoke. RPM refers to “revolutions per minute” and carries a massive collection of shochu and vinyl. The romance is in the bottle and record-clad shelves, dark wood and leather furniture, and of course, the soul, funk, jazz, rock and Japanese city pop tunes in the background – all working together to whisk you away into the world of Japan’s listening bars. You won’t just be listening to classics, but sipping on them too. All-time staples like martinis, negronis, whisky sours, espresso martinis, and manhattans come in three distinct styles to choose from, whether it’s a martini with rice and sweet potato shochu ($27) or a white negroni ($28) made with awamori (Okinawan rice liquor).

Address: Tue-Fri 6am-midnight; Sat-Sun 4pm-midnight
Opening hours: 16 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089482
Expect to pay: From $27 per cocktail

Best for: Classic cocktails, showy free-pours and high-energy late nights that end with a piping hot bowl of soup
Must try: Fraise Sauvage, an EO classic featuring gin, wild strawberries, vanilla and prosecco so good we had to highlight them

First, locate a neon red sign along Amoy Street that reads ‘Psychic’, then enter through thick velvet drapes. This legendary import from New York City takes you back to the Prohibition days of the US, but with unmatched energy and vibes – it’s the last stop for many after a night of bar-hopping, and for good reason. Pick your poison, from time-tested classics from EO New York to signatures on the Singapore menu. To go with your drinks, an order of the tableside steak tartare is a must. And if you stay on till late enough, the kitchen slings out an all-time fav to bid you adieu: a comforting bowl of chicken soup.

Address: 112 Amoy St, Singapore 069932
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri-Sat 5pm-2am
Expect to pay: From $26 per cocktail

Best for: Feeling like you’re at a Japanese-style Midnight Diner but with Southeast Asian flair 
Must try: Soursop – a fizzy and refreshing concoction of juniper, soursop oolong kombucha and apple mint bubble tea lovers

If Netflix’s Midnight Diner were set in Singapore, Laut would be it. Tucked away on the third floor of Fortune Centre, Laut is local but without the clichés – we’re looking at you, Chicken Rice cocktail. The bar is a low and slow tribute to the flavours of Southeast Asia, highlighting various local ingredients. And the tasting menu has some of the best dishes Singapore has to offer, so we’d highly recommend splashing out.

Address: 190 Middle Rd, Fortune Centre, #03-05, Singapore 188979
Opening hours: Wed-Sat 7pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $23 per cocktail

Best for: Hyperlocal cocktails against the backdrop of city lights
Must-try: Reclaimed Sling 2.0 – a classy, clarified Singapore Sling and the bar’s signature drink

A visit to MO Bar is a lesson in Singapore’s history itself. The swanky hotel bar reads as stylish and polished at first glance, with charming views of the city skyline. But its cocktail programme is much more approachable. Now in Volume Six, Echoes of Singapore sees 15 cocktails split across five chapters, from tipples inspired by the past and present, to future-forward inventions and some with geeky industry references. The Banana Dollar is an easy favourite, with fruity, tropical notes from banana liqueur and guava foam.

Address: 5 Raffles Ave, Mandarin Oriental, Level 3, Singapore 039797
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 5pm-1am
Expect to pay: From $26 per cocktail

Best for: Cultured sips with 1960s soul
Must-try: Founding Father – a bright, timeless blend of rum and sparkling wine

Stories from yesteryear are brought to life in the form of cocktails at Republic, drawing inspiration from the iconic personalities and art of the 1960s. The Ritz’s star bar is in its 11th-year run, with a Volume Three menu titled Breakthroughs. That’s 16 imaginative tipples, four sections covering aesthetics, media, icons, and innovation, and enough cultural references to leave you dizzy by the end of the night. For a break from the booze, retreat to the Library Reception – a gorgeous space flanked by grand bookshelves and oak floors.

Address: 7 Raffles Ave, Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Level 3, Singapore 039799
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 8am-midnight, Fri-Sat 8am-1am
Expect to pay: From $25 per cocktail

Best for: Straight talk, hip-hop, and getting your hands dirty
Must try: Beefy birria tacos – we know this is a bar guide but these were so good we had to highlight them

Feel the beat of NYC at this grungy hip-hop bar in Ann Siang
Hill. An unassuming doorway along the stretch opens up to Brooklyn, alive with funky beats, a buzzing atmosphere, and a bangin’ food and cocktail menu. Pick from 12 tipples that pay homage to the city with titles like The Big Apple. Spirit-forward and sweet, this vermouth blend swaps out the usual maraschino cherry for an adorable candied apple. And don’t gloss over the food menu either – it’s packed with heavy-hitters like our favourite beef birria tacos and some seriously good loaded fries.

Address: Tue-Sat 5pm-midnight
Opening hours: 14 Ann Siang Rd, #01-01, Singapore 069694
Expect to pay: From $24 per cocktail