The best alfresco bars in Singapore

There’s a new rooftop bistro in town. The spacious hideaway features a sprawling 6,000 sq ft area, complete with views of River Valley and Robertson Quay. Settle down at the breezy alfresco deck and savour a menu prepped by executive chef Gabriel Cher (formerly from Potato Head Singapore) – mini pizza, burgers, and more. Then, grab a drink from the counter, including colourful tipples that capture the sunset hues and azure blue skies. 

Over at Caffe Fernet, the charming alfresco bar hopes to encourage you to start drinking early – with its refreshed menu that embraces Italian aperitivo culture. Say cheers, or cin cin as the Italians do with happy hour starting from when doors open, right till 7pm every day. Have the Sicilian spritz ($17), a refreshing number made with Italicus, Aperol, prosecco, soda, and a splash of olive brine to lend a savoury note; or get the Bicicletta ($17). It’s typically made with dry white wine and Campari, but at Caffe Fernet, the dark red liqueur is swapped out for Aperitivo Select, which comes with hints of vanilla, instead.

The idyllic open-air hideout, located within the storied grounds of Raffles Hotel Singapore, makes for a great alfresco café in the day. But come sunset, the place turns into an outdoor bar, with an attractive all-day Happy Hour promotion where selected hour pours go for just $10. Other highlights include the Beach Road Pale Ale ($22), brewed exclusively for the hotel.  

For some sweet nostalgia, Hopscotch provides a selection of locally inspired tipples. Black Gold ($22) is an outlet-exclusive libation made with savoury additions of chicken broth and shallot-washed vodka, while Milo Medley ($22) turns the well-loved malty drink into a spiked version with cognac and butterscotch schnapps. There are some indoor seats available, but the outdoor area offers the most fun – where you can enjoy drinks and food under the cover of the night sky. 

Loof is the place to be for locally-inspired cocktails like Changi Apricot and Little Pink Dot, and dishes like the chilli crab waffle fries ($15) and Loof Original Ramly burger ($23). Its happy hour promo is probably one of the best in town, with prices of spirits and wines going for $6 from 5pm, and increasing by a dollar every hour till 8pm.

This buzzy outdoor bar is located at the front porch of the oldest building in Clarke Quay. Rumour has it that the space used to serve as the headquarters of the notorious Ghee Hok Society triad. Now, the place has been spruced up to host a slew of food and beverage concepts, including Yin. Sip on beers and spirits, and tuck into small plates of mod-Chinese cuisine, inspired by its shadowy past. 

This is the place to be if drinks on the beach at any time of day sounds perfect to you. Tanjong Beach Club has a huge list of drinks, ranging from beers like Little Creature Bright Ale ($16) and cocktails like a Piña Colada ($23) to wines and bubbly. All you have to do is pick your booze, lay on one of its day beds (minimum spend from $50), and savour the ocean view while you get a tan or star-gaze. 

Head down to Chimi’s for a different type of alfresco experience. Located in the CBD, this ground-level Mexican cantina is set in a 20-foot container with bar tables and stools surrounding it. The spot serves tipples like frozen margaritas ($18), good ol’ draft beers (from $12.80), spirits, and bubbly. Pair your drinks with bar bites like tacos ($12), quesadillas ($14), and guac and chips ($7).

Go loco and indulge in delicious Mexican grub at this cocina and garden bar. Priding itself in providing an authentic and casual Mexican experience, Lucha Loco’s menu is inspired by Mexico’s street fare. It dishes out contemporary Mexican food, paired with happy hour deals of $11 frozen margaritas, draught beer, and house spirits.

Occupying what used to be The Mad Men Attic Bar, Lady Wu is a rooftop bar in Boat Quay. The concept of this drinking venue is based on the Tang Dynasty, so expect a kitschy oriental feel from the decor and staff uniforms right down to the food and drinks. Tuck into Asian tapas like wagyu beef cubes ($18), kung po chicken ($12), and lobster garlic fried rice ($24). Then wash them down with soju ($18), wine ($12), and classic cocktails (from $16). 

Sitting at 282 metres above the ground, 1-Altitude proclaims itself to be the highest alfresco bar in the world. This popular CBD rooftop haunt offers not just oh-so-amazing panoramic views of the city but also an extensive list of high-end cocktails (from $18) and drinks. It sees live music performances from top local bands and internationally renowned DJs, and even has a lowered dance floor for party animals to show off moves after having a couple of tipples.

As its name suggests, Beer Factory specialises in beer from both international and local brands. There's the typical Hoegaarden ($9) and Corona ($9) but if you're down for something different, it carries brews from RedDot BrewHouse (from $13) too. You can also find a selection of wines, cocktails and shots at this alfresco bar. Feeling peckish? Its food menu features dishes from a variety of cuisines, like pastas (from $14) and kebabs (from $13).

If it isn’t the live music that draws your attention, it’s probably the walk to neighbouring clubs Zouk and Get Juiced that got you to turn your head. Le Noir’s renowned live music scene, alfresco location by the Singapore River, as well as occasional football screenings have made this Clarke Quay drinking hole a crowd-favourite. On its menu are the usual spirits, wines, and cocktails, plus bar bites like nachos ($18) to complement your drink. It offers happy hour deals too, with house pour spirits and wines going for just $10.

Situated along Boat Quay, BQ Bar is an unpretentious and modern riverfront bar in the CBD. It features both interior and alfresco seating, with the latter being the majority’s preferred choice as you’ll get stunning views of the Singapore River, Asian Civilisations Museum and The Fullerton Hotel. This drinking hole is known for its mojitos ($14), martinis ($14) and specialty kebabs (from $17).

This live music restaurant and bar by the Singapore River features both alfresco and indoor seating, with the former making up the bulk of this venue. Its menu sees a wide selection of pasta, pizza, and tapas that leaves you spoilt for choice. It offers daily promotions on tipples as well, giving you a free plate of tapas with every two glasses purchased. While you sip on your poison and fill your bellies, enjoy nightly music performances by a rotating schedule of musicians.