The alcohol industry had to change with the times and even the bars in Singapore had to adapt to a pandemic. This meant delivery, ready-made cocktails and mostly a big slowdown in the nightlife scene.
However, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. We are seeing more people out every day and that makes us all smile. To help you navigate your newfound excitement around a night out, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of some of the best bars in Singapore for whatever type of drink you like, as well as for every occasion.
READ MORE: We explore where to eat in Singapore
So, let’s jump straight into it now.
Best gin bars in Singapore
Maybe it’s the weather in Singapore, but there’s almost nothing better than a refreshing gin and tonic. To help you get your fix, we list some of the best gin bars on the island.
From cocktails to amazing gins, here’s our suggestion for the best gin bars in town.
Cin Cin
With well over 100 different gins, Cin Cin makes sure you’re not without choice. Choose from straight gin and tonics to their house cocktails. They have special gin events on weekends that are worth the visit and is easily accessible in town, located at Oasia Hotel in Tanjong Pagar, just a short walk from the train.
Make a booking here.
Atlas
Probably the best-known bar in Singapore, they need no introduction. They boast over 1,000 different varieties of gin and you choose a new gin each time for either a G&T or a custom cocktail. You cannot go wrong visiting them at Parkview Square, though be warned, it is notoriously hard to get a reservation at the bar.
Make a booking here.
The Spiffy Dapper
For those in the bustling Singapore central business district, stop by the popular Amoy Street to visit The Spiffy Dapper. This is a disarming bar that does gin proud and has a comprehensive range of gins and tonics. It might be easy to get overwhelmed by its never-ending long list of spirits, so browse its full catalogue here before heading down to make things easier.
Make a booking here.
READ MORE: Learn more about our island nation with our Singapore travel guide
Best whiskey bars in Singapore
I don’t think you can call yourself a whiskey lover and not visit a few bars to get the full experience. The explosion of Asian whiskeys like Ka Va Lan from Taiwan and all the premium Japanese whiskeys have renewed our love for the spirit.
Here are our favourite whiskey bars in town.
Quaich Bar
Quaich (pronounced ‘quake’) is the drinking bowl that is a Scottish Gaelic symbol of welcome and friendship. With more than 300 types of whiskies at the Quaich Bar, you may be spoilt for choice, which is not a bad thing.
There are three locations to choose from in Havelock Road, Southbeach Avenue and Penang Road.
Make a reservation here.
The Auld Alliance
They probably have the largest collection of whiskeys in Singapore, with over 1,500 different types. Some of the whiskeys are over 150 years old, so be prepared for a mind-blowing and difficult choice when you get there. Located inside the old Rendezvous Hotel, it is easy to find and an experience to treasure.
While you can get other drinks there, why would you even bother when they are best known for some amazing whiskey.
To contact them, visit their social media page.
The Whiskey Library
Another hotel bar, this time in the Vagabond Hotel, the Whiskey Library is one of the best bars in Singapore. They even offer a whiskey membership for those who take their whiskey very seriously.
With over 1,000 different types, it might make sense to get that membership. You can also enjoy cigars with your whiskey with a decent selection for you to choose from.
Make a reservation here.
Best bars for beer in Singapore
Singapore has always had an avid beer scene, but it is going crazy right now. From craft beers to local breweries, the local beer scene is on the rise. We want to share some of our favourites – including new taprooms and some of the old favourites, here are our choice of Singapore bars that offer great beer.
Druggists
Since 2015, Druggist has been the go-to for many of us when it comes to awesome craft beers and even better ambience. Not only do they stock awesome craft beers, but are known for their food and wines, as well as for mead (which we love too).
The bar is pretty centrally located around Jalan Besar and Little India, which is fast becoming one of the most hipster areas in Singapore.
Make a reservation here.
Sixteen Ounces
If you’re not in town, but looking for somewhere to go, then look no further than 16 Ounces if you’re around the Rail Mall. They have a rotating line of drafts on tap, which keeps it fresh for regulars and offers something exciting for those who want to take the trip down.
They also serve great bar food from tacos to burgers and much more.
Make a reservation here.
The Good Beer Company
This bar has the best origin story, with a humble beginning in a hawker stall in Chinatown, they’ve expanded to three bars around central Singapore. Best known for affordable craft beers in a casual setting, patrons would visit for great food and amazing beer.
They are now a staple for beer loves in the country with locations at Science Park Drive, Kim Yam Road and Nankin Row.
Contact them to make a reservation.
Heart of Darkness
We’ve got a Vietnamese brewery making the list, with Heart of Darkness’ taproom along Keong Saik Road being one of the best beer bars in Singapore in our humble opinion. Get ready for unique and interesting brews that you cannot find anywhere else, also they have a special offering that’s rarely seen in Singapore – beer cocktails.
It is a popular hangout for many, so get ready for crowds on weekends and in the evening.
Make a reservation here.
Best cocktail bars in Singapore
Dropping by a bar after work to have a quick drink in Singapore is a bit different from most other countries. Cocktails are often sought after and it is one of the most popular drink categories in the country. That is why a slew of cocktail bars in Singapore has opened up in the last few years.
So if you are on the lookout for some awesome bars, don’t look any further than these cocktail bars.
Gibson Bar
Probably the least assuming bar on our list of cocktail bars in Singapore, it is named after the popular, if not an old cocktail of the same name. Hidden away on the second floor of a small building in Bukit Pasoh, you actually might not be aware of it.
However, it is a great place to visit and a super fun night out with our recommendation to order to Gibson, which comes with a small show and a memory (or at least a great Instagram video).
Make a reservation here.
The old man
This Hong Kong bar was inspired by Ernest Hemmingway novel of a similar name, The Old Man and the Sea. Commonly placed on all the lists of best bars and with accolades from all over the world, it offers relatively affordable cocktails and focuses on quality.
Placed strategically on the busy Keong Saik Road, they offer great cocktails that are tasty, different and inspired by Hemingway.
Make a reservation here.
The Other Room
The Other Room offers great cocktails with a good crowd and ambience. While they are best known for cocktails, they also have a really good food menu, which is a bit underrated.
Hidden away like all speakeasies, you can find them in the Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. They also offer a new concept of cask-finished spirits & cocktails, all deriving from hand-picked barrels that have been treated and brought over to Singapore from all over the world.
Make a reservation here.
Did we forget any of your favourite bars? If so, drop us a message and we’ll add them onto our list of best bars in Singapore.
