The 50 best bars in Singapore

What is it A spicy new drinking hole that uncovers the hidden stories of Singapore and Little India.  

Why we love it Yugnes Susela, the former head bartender behind Smoke & Mirrors, is the brains behind The Elephant Room. Drinks from the sophomore menu are all inspired by the sights, sounds, and history of Little India.

Time Out tip Listen up; the bar’s playlist has been specially curated to feature musicians of Indian descent. There’s also a feature wall, plastered with news clippings and memorabilia, that charts The Elephant Room’s history and inspiration. 

What is it On the second level of Regent Singapore sits a portal to 19th-century New York City, and drinks come inspired by the era. 

Why we love it Its latest drink program, New York Personified, celebrates six iconic Manhattanites, from the likes of Anthony Bourdain to Vera Wang, and features some 18 cocktails and six zero proof beverages that tap on the colourful lives and rich history of these larger-than-life personalities.

Time Out tip A Marvel fan? Don’t miss the 3000, a Neapolitan ice cream concoction that draws reference to the poignant scene between Robert Downey Jr’s character as Iron Man and his daughter. 

What is it A bar dedicated to the water of life, with an extensive collection of over 1,000 bottles ranging from the ultra-rare to award-winning. 

Why we love it The place itself oozes old-world glamour, with golden elephant statues and a canopy of golden leaves that help create a classy, sophistication space to sip and savour the finest drams. Choose to enjoy a pour of bourbon or have it shaken in an old fashioned. 

Time Out tip Those serious about their whiskeys can nerd out over the Library’s exclusive membership program, which gives you access to one of the 80 whiskey lockers, special bottle prices, and reserved seating at its regular events. 

Time Out Singapore in partnership with The Vagabond Club

What is it Entering this grand art deco-inspired bar that feels like stepping back in time, and into a European hotel lobby of the era.

Why we love it Magnificent champagne-hued tapestries line the ceiling, intricate gold and bronze balconies surround the space, and, of course, a massive gin tower stands imposingly at one end. Said to house over 1,000 bottles of gin, Atlas has the most diverse collection of the spirit in the world. 

Time Out tip Bring along your earpieces. Its latest La Grande Nation menu is a multi-sensory experience best experienced through an audio, fictional story – between sips of cocktails presented across four chapters. 

What is it One of Singapore’s OG cocktail bars, and the current best in Asia. 

Why we love it if there ever was a prize for the coolest cocktail menu, Jigger & Pony would easily clinch it. Modelled after Monocle, it reads like a lifestyle magazine complete with styled shoots, illustrations, guest articles, and recipe pages. Its most captivating spread highlights classics with Asian twists. 

Time Out tip Come hungry, and check out its On The High Rice pop-up which features locally inspired rice boxes.  

What is it Split into two concepts – Deadfalls and the Barbary Coast Ballroom – this bar has something for everyone. 

Why we love it Barbary Coast is inspired by the San Francisco district of the same name back in the mid-1800s. On the first floor, there’s Deadfall, an accessible, no-nonsense spot with exposed brick walls and raw concrete floors. The second storey features Barbary Coast Ballroom where there is a charming cocktail for every taste. 

Time Out tip There are two private booths where you can push a button for a bottle of Billecart-Salmon champagne. 

What is it Every few months, this cosy bar switches things up with a different cocktail concept.

Why we love it The inspiration for the cocktails are varied and colourful. First, there was Noma, a showcase of mezcal and tequila, and the second, Magnolia, highlighted New Orleans as the birthplace of cocktails. Now, at its bigger, swankier location, Junior is serving up Washi, inspired by the Japanese cocktail culture. 

Time Out tip There’s a small section dedicated to mainstays. Order the kombucha, with seasonal flavours that can be enjoyed as is, or spiked with a dash of Campari. 

What is it A local take on a Japanese mid-century modern bar. 

Why we love it Bartenders stir up drinks that are fresh, polished, and playfully experimental without all the bells and whistles. Garnishes are kept simple – if they appear at all – and the cocktails’ crystalline clarity is emphasised by elegant glassware.

Time Out tip You should also order the food here. Try the highly raved about beef katsu sando slathered in tonkatsu sauce and Japanese mayonnaise, which lives up to the hype.

What is it No Sleep Club is a day-to-night concept that sells coffee, tasty grub, and excellent cocktails. 

Why we love it It's run by Juan Yi Jun and Jessica Hutch, both industry veterans who have worked at the likes of Operation Dagger and Proof and Company respectively. Expect the unexpected with tipples like Hay and Apples, a combination of toasted hay scotch and fermented apples.

Time Out tip Drop by when the sun is up, and snack on a food menu that is split into small, medium as well as meat and fish main dishes.

What is it You’ll find low-alcohol cocktails at this clean, minimalist drinking studio.

Why we love it Day drinking is embraced at this bar in Amoy Street, which explains why its doors open at noon. Highlights on the menu focus on dilution; how ice can alter the taste of a drink over time. 

Time Out tip Filtered coffee and tea are also available for those looking for a caffeine fix, with a small selection of finger food that will help line your stomach. 

What is it Laut is a restaurant and bar on Stanley Street that celebrates Southeast Asian cultures and ingredients.

Why we love it Orang laut – Malay for 'sea peoples' – were nomads who once lived by the coasts of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia in the 1800s. They depended on the sea; it connected them to ingredients, people, and cultures beyond borders. And it's that richness of produce and heritage that Laut wants to celebrate. 

Time Out tip The food is worth a shout too. Laut's take on thunder tea rice is a comforting, risotto-like dish of thunder tea butter stirred in with century eggs and petai topped with plump king prawns.  

What is it Wood-fired sharing plates and cocktails inspired by the most important meal of the day

Why we love it Lumo has a novel cocktail programme that runs the gamut of low ABV concoctions to those that will have you stumbling out the door, sharing plates of glistening meats straight from the wood-fire grill and a fun, convivial atmosphere peppered with American rock classics from the noughties.

Time Out tip Head bartender Josiah Chee whip up concoctions inspired by breakfast staples, like the milk-based Salt Hony Fizz and Patty Royale which utilise Impossible distillate for an added umami. 

What is it Sake bar with a cheeky personality.

Why we love it Slide open the small arched panel and squeeze through, inside you’ll find a U-shaped bar that fits about 20 people filling up the entire space. The bar manager moves around the middle; tell him what you’re in the mood for – be it sweet, smooth, rich or light sake and whether you prefer it served warm or cold – and he always returns with the perfect recommendation. 

Time Out tip You don’t have to splash out on a full bottle of sake. A 180ml carafe option is also available. 

What is it Housed on the second floor of a Restaurant JAG, IB HQ (or the Indigenous Bartender Headquarters) is run by husband and wife team Kamil Foltan and Zurina Bryant.

Why we love it Kamil has stirred and shaken at the likes of Tippling Club, The Black Swan and Potato Head but at IB HQ, his focus is on cocktails made using locally sourced ingredients prepared in a novel way.

Time Out tip And thanks to its newfound neighbour, you get to enjoy a savoury menu prepped by chef Jeremy Gillion and his team from Restaurant JAG. 

What is it A natural wine bar doing things differently from the rest. 

Why we love it The cheery space is filled with portraits of winemakers smiling at you drape yourself over a leather couch or sink deeper into an oversized armchair. Feel free to ask the sommelier for recommendations from its 200-strong list. It offers a variety of bottles below $100, more mid-range options in the $200 bracket as well as 'unicorn' wines prized for their rarity. 

Time Out tip The food isn't what you'd come to expect either. Chef Deborah Yeo, who previously cooked at Burnt Ends, swaps out the typical cheeseboard for dishes that excite.

What is it An intimate, 40-seater cocktail haven that is also an offshoot of the Cantonese restaurant located next to it.

Why we love it It takes a culinary approach to create its selection of drinks, making use of high-quality ingredients such as the best strawberries and cherry tomatoes to make a sherbert from scratch. This sherbet goes into making a gin-based drink called Portofino.

Time Out tip Try the bar's signature cocktail, the (Not) Classic PBJ that highlights Chinese kumquats that are caramelised into a liqueur and combined with a peanut butter fat-washed Glenfiddich 15 whisky – a sweeter, richer take on an Old Fashioned that goes down easy.

What is it The cool younger brother of Japanese bar D.Bespoke with a massive collection of shochu and vinyl. 

Why we love it Most of the cocktails on RPM’s menu, from the lighter lemon sour to the more spirit-forward negroni, use shochu as its base and go down like a dream.

Time Out tip Music lovers will appreciate the extensive vintage vinyl collection housing everything from Japanese jazz singers to American funk and soul artists. 

What is it The bar is named after the literary classic, The Old Man and the Sea, and first launched in Hong Kong in 2017. 

Why we love it Running the local outlet is Andrew Yap, who returns to Singapore after spending years in the harbour city. The Old Man takes a culinary approach to its tipples, making use of a centrifuge, rotary evaporation, sous-vide cooking and fat washing. 

Time Out tip The drinks here are just as good as the Hong Kong original. Sample popular creations that include Island In The Stream – a take on a G&T that transports you to a beach with the crisp sea breeze on your face.

What is it A second-floor sanctum on bustling Amoy Street that's dedicated to all things regional.

Why we love it Let the knowledgeable bar team led by Vijay Mudaliar educate you on spirits from Thailand, the Phillippines, India, and beyond, paired with foraged ingredients to give you a taste of Southeast Asia in a cocktail.

Time Out tip Snack on the shoyu-roasted nuts. Waste from its pineapple arrack cocktail is fermented into a paste, then used to coat roasted cashews to create a novel, eco0friendly bar snack. 

What is it This homey bar is your best bet if you’re looking for a crash course on wine. 

Why we love it Praelum stocks about 350 labels in its walk-in cellar that you can order in tasting pours and half-portions. Or leave it to the knowledgeable somm, Gerald Lu, to recommend reds, whites, rosés, dessert, and sparkling wines to suit your fancy. 

Time Out tip Bottle list changes weekly, so you’ll never know what to expect when visiting this bar. 

What is it Gibson feels like the old friend you visit when a night out calls for good conversation, with a disarming charm that worms its way into the snacks and cocktails. 

Why we love it Climb up to the second floor of this 80-year-old heritage shophouse and enter Emerald City. The gorgeous green marble long bar is lit by the glow radiating through the stained glass. Behind it, bartenders dressed in bow ties and bermudas are shaking up classic cocktails crafted with Asian ingredients.

Time Out tip The bar's namesake, 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.

What is it Craft beer taproom located within a casual kopitiam space at Chinatown Complex. 

Why we love it The no-frills, humble stall serves up fresh, cold pints – some 20 different pours sourced from a variety of local and international brands – that can be paired with hawker food from neighbouring shops. 

Time Out tip Dress light for the weather, and cool off with some cold pints instead. 

What is it This is hands down, every oenophiles' most beloved shrine to natural wines. 

Why we love it You know it’s legit because it’s always buzzing with industry folks. There’s no catalogue at this gastrobar – its 150-or-so labels (from $58) are all on display and constantly changing.

Time Out tip Kickstart the party by picking a bottle from the wall right by the entrance or let the friendly sommeliers be your guide. Just tell the wine uncles/proprietors Alvin Gho and Ian Lim your budget and how adventurous you're feeling. 

What is it This legendary import from New York City is always crazy packed – even if the empty psychic booth lit by a neon sign doesn't give any indication of the madness that lies within.

Why we love it Beyond a pink neon sign that flickers ‘Psychic’, you’ll find a bar that will take you back to the Prohibition days of the US. like the original New York cocktail institution of the same name, this local off-shoot is a favourite among barflies to gather and unwind.

Time Out tip There's more peace at the back of the room where you can enjoy plates from its modern American menu and a boozy beverage of choice.

What is it Calling the ground floor of an old shophouse home, it's one of the first speakeasies in Singapore. 

Why we love it The bar keeps a shroud of secrecy; its front entrance is almost hidden with no loud signboards. It relies on a seamless blend of urban swag and American-styled libations to bring in the crowd. 

Time Out tip To find the hidden bar, look for a nondescript door with a ’28’ sign on it. 

What is it A modern Italian restaurant and bar with a breathtaking view of the bay. 

Why we love it Say cheers, or cin cin as the Italians do, and partake in drinks and small bites during early evening hours – a ‘pre-meal’ tradition meant to whet appetites before dinner. The new drink program also features four different negronis – each made with varying gins and bitters to shake up the classic cocktail.

Time Out tip Happy hour even starts from when doors open, right till 7pm every day.

What is it The world’s highest urban microbrewery that overlooks the Marina Bay.

Why we love it Grab a pint or two. Fruity blond lagers and banana-hinted wheat beers help keep the impressive copper brewing kettles, which are located on-site, busy. Opt for a beer cocktail for something fancy, while those avoiding malts can browse through their long list of wines.

Time Out tip Don’t miss the beer-forward food menu, where their brews find its way into the kitchen, and onto the dinner plate.

What is it A fun, locally inspired rooftop watering hole for a fun night out. 

Why we love it The beer is cold, the vibe casual, and the food now deserves special mention, thanks to Bjorn Shen. The chef-owner of Artichoke brings his 'dude food' leanings to Loof. We're talking over-the-top and greasy-in-a-good-way dishes that you wish you could save in the fridge for when the munchies hit all paired with cheeky locally inspired cocktails.

Time Out tip If you’re a fan of bubble tea, Loofah’s serves up a spiked version of the drink mixed with vodka, gin, rum, orange liqueur, and sour plum. 

What is it This cosy café that serves brunch by day and hearty plates by night is also an unpretentious cocktail den.

Why we love it The décor features a couple of offbeat details like dog-shaped cushions, and they play a fun track of ’90s dance music. And even if you aren’t after serious cocktails, there’s still plenty on offer. Offering excellent drinks, top-notch nosh, and attentive service, Tess Bar is the kind of spot where you can easily get very comfy and abandon any other bar-hopping plans for the night. 

Time Out tip The food is also no slouch, either, with well-executed bar bites calamari dusted with seaweed powder, triple-cooked crackling pork belly, and more. 

What is it Modern Singapore concoctions, paired with locally inspired bites in a cosy shophouse. 

Why we love it What used to be a cocktail lounge has since moved to become a two-storey dining destination. Head up for drinks on the second floor, or stay on the first storey to dig into hearty plates of elevated Singaporean cuisine. 

Time Out tip To pair with the spicy ikura-topped chilli crab nachos, order the PB & J, a recreation of the classic sandwich that’s made with peanut butter-washed bourbon and strawberry-infused Campari. 

What is it First international outpost for Wolfgang Puck's modern Cali-fusion restaurant. 

Why we love it Perched at the top of Marina Bay Sands, the breezy bar has panoramic views, dim lighting, and a friendly bar team that makes you feel right at home. 

Time Out tip Dining at Spago is an all-rounded experience. Beyond drinks, you’ll want to save room for mains, and the impressive soufflé. 

What is it Before dismissing Uma Uma Ramen as yet another Japanese noodle house, take a closer look at the other door by the entrance. It snakes down into The Horse’s Mouth, a sleek basement bar. 

Why we love it The concoctions here are classy and relatively spirit-forward, a style that stems from the bar staff’s training in Japanese techniques. Most drinks are crafted to showcase various Nihon ingredients and, of course, sake exclusive to The Horse’s Mouth. 

Time Out tip Slurp ramen and cocktail in the same sitting, thanks to the hearty broth from Uma Uma Ramen.

What is it A sake bar perched on the second storey of a shophouse along Telok Ayer. 

Why we love it Like the Japanese art of Kabuki, which combines dance and drama, Kabuke blends sake with zany bar bites. You don’t have to be an expert to appreciate the pairings either – everything is easily broken down and you’re encouraged to order sake by the glass or carafe to savour a range of types throughout your meal. 

Time Out tip Each dish on Kabuke’s menu comes pre-paired with a sake so ordering is a breeze.

What is it Yet another second-floor shophouse bar in Amoy Street. 

Why we love it This watering hole stocks more craft beers, spirits beyond Spiffy’s already extensive selection of gin and tonic waters, and a barrel-aged cocktail programme you can buy and enjoy at the tavern-like establishment.

Time Out tip In the daytime, the bar is take over by Dapper Coffee operations if you'd rather trade alcohol for caffeine.

What is it This unassuming bar tucked away on the 10th floor of Yotel serves surprisingly good cocktails.

Why we love it The bar menu is split into five different sections: citrus, tropical, fizzy, funky, and timeless so that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with cocktails priced from $18, there’s even more reason to make your way up to Komyuniti.

Time Out tip Yotel’s signature drink, the Kompliment, is made with chickpea brine instead of the usual egg white, making this a vegetarian-friendly tipple. 

What is it Hidden in plain sight, The Secret Mermaid is the alter ego of Shinkansen, a design-your-own salad bar in the CBD. 

Why we love it The shared space, outfitted with black grilles and brass piping, morphs into a hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar after five in the evening. Bottles of gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whisky occupy every nook and cranny in this minuscule hideout.

Time Out tip Oyster Hour runs from 7pm to 10pm, with fresh bivalves going for just $2 a piece with every drink purchased.  

What is it A restaurant-bar modelled after Gordon Ramsay's casual restaurant of the same name in London.

Why we love it This two-storey restaurant has some excellent cocktail options for those in the Marina Bay area. Sit at the al fresco area that's best for people watching – there are joggers, curious tourists and shopaholics lugging plenty of bags – and sip on classic and innovative tipples as well as an array of wines.

Time Out tip Bring along your furry friend for happy hour – Bread Street Kitchen is a pet-friendly restaurant. 

What is it A Japanese-inspired cocktail bar located above Park Bench Deli. 

Why we love it While it isn’t a bespoke cocktail joint, share your preferred spirits and flavour profiles, and the bartenders will whip up something to suit. 

Time Out tip The Japanese influence extends to the bar bites. Top-notch izakaya-style recipes like pasta with uni and wagyu beef don are available to munch on. 

What is it A picturesque rooftop bar that’s perched atop the National Gallery.

Why we love it Gorgeous views aside, the stunning bar also serves up a range of creative cocktails, from those inspired by art to eco-conscious tipples.

Time Out tip Swing by before sunset (3pm to 5pm) to enjoy one-for-one cocktails.

What is it A handsome new Ginza-style bar that delivers a rarified cocktail experience to swoon over. 

Why we love it Run by Daiki Kanetaka, who's trained under Bar High Five's legendary Hidetsugu Ueno, D.Bespoke puts everything we love about Japanese precision and eye for detail into a bar. The 28-seater shophouse speakeasy hides behind a lifestyle retail front selling the bar’s glassware and leather products. 

Time Out tip Inside, Kanetaka puts his 16 years of experience to work and you're expected to trust him entirely – guests aren't told how much the food or drinks cost but there's a minimum spend of $60 per person so you're in for a surprise and a treat.

What is it A handsome drinking nook with cocktails inspired by Singapore’s storied past. 

Why we love it Embark on a journey through Singapore’s history with drinks inspired by five key districts on the island: Orchard, Chinatown, Little India, Boat Quay and Marina Bay, with each section using different ingredients to tell the story of the place.

Time Out tip Orchard – a spot once covered with farms and spice gardens before its current life as Singapore’s glitzy shopping belt – features fresh and fruity drinks such as Botanic Royal, a champagne cocktail with a Southeast Asian twist of jackfruit and kaffir.

What is it This beerhouse on gentrified Tyrwhitt Road gets its name from the Singapore Chinese Druggists Association, which it shares the building with.

Why we love it These warriors are laying waste to tired ideas of what a great taproom should be, with a minimalist space that looks and smells like a modernist log cabin, and rare brews from throughout Europe and North America.

Time Out tip For something to munch on, a small kitchen at the back dishes out snacks that celebrate local culture, from the likes of kung pao chicken poppers to chilli crab cheese sticks.

What is it The Other Roof is out to raise the bar of rooftop bars.

Why we love it Blending tea time with cocktail o'clock, the bar offers drinks like Stairway to Heaven, a love-it-or-hate-it concoction of pineapple, coriander, celery, and vanity tea rum, or La Boheme, a refreshing blend of créme de cassis, bubbly and black currant soul tea gin.

Time Out tip Lounge al fresco while sipping on tea-infused spirits and snacking on light but tasty bites. 

What is it Snuggled between the indie clothing and trinket stores along Haji Lane is this cocktail retreat.

Why we love it At this second-storey den along hip and happening Haji Lane, you're expected to pull up a seat at the bar and share your life story. From there, the expert bar team led by David Koh creates a bespoke cocktail that captures the mood of your tale with its range of elixirs, mixers, and house-made syrups.

Time Out tip Make reservations for prime seats in front of the bartender. 

What is it This gorgeously hip bar is worth a visit just for its jungle of overhanging bottles. 

Why we love it Expect a progressive menu – found both in the food and cocktails. The ever-changing menu keeps things fresh, fun, and innovative. 

Time Out tip Bring back a limited-edition merchandise: the Sons Of Tippling Gin, which is the restaurant’s very own expression. 

What is it Refined wine and whisky bar. 

Why we love it Japanese sommelier Daisuke Kawai – formerly from two-Michelin-starred Les Amis – recommends only the best bottles to pair with your meal. And that's no easy task given that the wine list has thousands of bottles of champagnes, reds and whites, and whiskies. 

Time Out tip Be prepared to splurge at this little temple that provides a refined drinking experience. 

What is it A cosy spot along Keong Siak Road for Italian spritz.

Why we love it There's never been a more appropriate time in history to start sipping on spritzes at 11am. The Spritz Bar menu is loaded with refreshing low ABV options – making them perfectly acceptable midday drinks, giving you the kick you need to get through the rest of the work-from-wherever day.

Time Out tip As you nurse your choice of spritz – they come in pretty large pours – grab a couple of bites from its selection of antipasti.

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What is it The birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling. 

Why we love it Here's a toast to history in one of the oldest bars in Singapore. Once a favourite spot of celebrities the likes of Somerset Maugham in its heyday, the bar has now been given a new life, inspired by Malayan plantation life in the 1920s with deep, rich colours and lush greenery. 

Time Out tip Snack on the accompanying side of peanut, and toss the shells straight on the floor. And no, you won’t be fined!

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What is it Effortlessly cool bar which is as divey as it gets. 

Why we love it Its pool table out front, graffiti-laced walls, private karaoke room, and stiff AF drinks are all a part of its charm. Behind a pool table patio lies booth and bar seats where you can sip on the reasonably priced and well-made riffs on classic drinks. 

Time Out tip Themed happy hour promotion changes up daily. 

Temporarily closed and pending relocation

What is it Nutmeg and Clove charts Singapore's history through cocktails that are undeniably local.

Why we love it Drinks come inspired by the five ethnic groups in Singapore – Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and Peranakan – which means that there will certainly be a drink for every taste.

Time Out tip Nutmeg and Clove is currently in the midst of relocating to a new home.