New bars don’t open quite as often as new restaurants in Singapore, so when they do, it’s worth celebrating — over, say, a drink! Here are 10 new watering holes will shake up your after-hours boozing routine with sophisticated cocktails, wicked beats and great craft beer. Even the fussiest drinker will find somewhere to call (a new) home.
We love Copper’s intimate lounge space
Vasco
HongKong Street’s latest tenant, Vasco, is Singapore’s first ever Latin-America cocktail bar. Owned by the brains behind The Cufflink Club, the drinking saloon celebrates the Latinos’ vibrant and cheeky outlook on life. Sway to lively mix of Latin beats as you hit back a glass (or two) of killer cocktails like The Old Man & The Sea, and Girl From Ipanema. Don’t expect a shot of Russian vodka or Japanese whiskey though; Vasco is true to its theme and only serves South America spirits.
Vasco, 42 HongKong Street, Singapore 059681, p. 8799 7085.
Draft and Craft
It goes without saying that beer and greasy comfort food are a match made in heaven. Head to Draft and Craft for a serving of mouthwatering South Cali grub (think grilled cheese sandwich), and wash it all down with a pint of artisanal beer from the States. This cosy joint offers awesome deals throughout the week; our favourite is $5 Tacos on Taco Tuesdays (duh)!
Draft and Craft, 31 Circular Road, Singapore 049387, p. 6532 0604.
McGettigan’s
First opened in Dublin, this Irish chain is actually famous in (surprise, surprise) Dubai. Decked out in mahogany wood and leather armchairs, this swanky sports bar is a great place to hang with crew. Pop in for a scrumptious Irish spread including the usual fish and chips and frothy Guinness stout.
McGettigan’s, #01-01C Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Road, Singapore, Singapore, p. 6694 6911.
TAP Craft Beer Bar
Craft beer enthusiasts, rejoice! TAP Craft Beer Bar boasts 20 craft beers on ta, in addition to over 80 different craft beer and soda labels. The open concept bar is located within the beautifully revamped Capital Piazza, which is great for people-watching while you knock back a few beers. Non-beer drinkers, try the Lost Coast Watermelon Wheat; the fruity ale tastes so much like watermelon lolly, we couldn’t help but polish three pints!
TAP Craft Beer Bar, #01-88/89/90 Capitol Piazza (Galleria), 15 Stamford Road, Singapore 178884, p. 6224 1607.
Owner and head bartender of Shin Gi Tai, Anthony Zhong, whips up one of the best cocktails in town
Shin Gi Tai
When we heard Jiggy and Pony’s ex-bartender was opening Shin Gi Tai, we knew we had to support. Known for his creative concoctions, Anthony Zhong will take tastebuds for a ride. The Japanese bar also has a list of unique drinks including a Hot Peanut Butter Rum with brown butter puree.
Shin Gi Tai, #01-04 51 Waterloo Street, Singapore, 187969, p. 9768 4132.
Gong
Outfitted with brick walls, an elevated carousel and mottled furniture, this trendy hideout feels clubby, in a good way. Taking a leaf out of UK’s underground bar scene, Gong hosts an open DJ set on Saturday for up and coming DJs. Swing by after work: The drinks are pretty affordable so you won’t feel guilty about having a weekday swig.
Gong, 25 Circular Road, Singapore 049381, p. 8393 2216.
Refuge
With its kitschy decor of graffiti covered Victorian portraits, Refuge screams urban culture. Dedicated to only hip-hop and R&B music, kick back to downtempo grooves of old school funk, soulful R&B and old classics at their lounge, while you enjoy their awesome happy hour deals: $5 drinks from 5pm to 9pm on weekdays and 7pm to 9pm on Satudays.
Refuge, 79A/B Circular Road, Singapore 049433, p. 9772 3953.
Copper
What we love about this gin-focused bar is the space; so intimate (most tables are perfect for just two people) that it’s date night-worthy. We’re also digging the steampunk-inspired décor and the quirky little bits of knick-knacks found on the shelves. There are a ton of gin choices to choose from (Fords, Death’s Door, Sipsmith); just take your pick and let the bartenders craft something for you. Or, you could always opt for Negroni on tap – which comes in four variations. Come here on an empty stomach as their bar grub (think sisig crostini with foie gras and veal sweetbread nuggets) are worth many bites.
Copper, 10 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089264, p. 6222 5565.
Nekkid
The sister joint of The Naked Fin, Nekkid is a neighbourhood bar that does impeccable sorbet-based cocktails (yay, boozy slushies!). Beat Singapore’s never-ending summer heat with Nekkid’s signature -12°C slushy cocktail that’s made with honey pineapple, lime juice, rum and sour plum powder.
Nekkid, Block 41 Malan Road, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109454.
Kacang Putih
Swing by this dive bar for a night of boisterous mayhem. The founders (one of them is the man behind Spiffy Dapper) are a riot, and the only thing pretentious here are the magazines they use to hold their uniquely flavoured kacang putih – yes, that old-school Singaporean street snack. On the menu? “Bloody strong tiki cocktails with a Singapore feel,” it says.
Kacang Putih, 61 Boat Quay, Singapore 049849, p. 8722 4953.