Of the 50 bars around the region that made Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2017 list, we pulled out the best local haunts from Singapore that have been making waves in the island-state. These bars have not only won recognition on this coveted list, they’re also well-known watering-holes popular with locals and travellers alike. Here are the top 10 best bars in Singapore.
#10 D.Bespoke
Things to appreciate here: Co-owner and head bartender Daiki Kanetaka’s smart pinstriped suits, patterned bow-tie and slicked-back hair, deep, leather Chesterfield sofas, the Ginza-style bar, and of course the bespoke drinks, crafted by Kanetaka himself, customised to your own tastes and preferences.
Address: 2 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089816
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#9 Jigger & Pony
An easy choice for many, Jigger & Pony presents a mix of old and new – refreshingly contemporary in ambience, yet decidedly vintage in cocktail presentation. If you’re looking for familiar classics like a Manhattan, Negroni or Ramos Gin Fizz, look no further. Features neat mocktails for teetotallers, too.
Address: 101 Amoy Street, Singapore 069921
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#8 Native Cocktail Bar
For something a little removed from the trend of American-inspired bars, head over to Native, a bar that prides itself as uniquely Singaporean, boasting local and regional produce and craftsmanship. Helmed by award-winning founding bartender Vijay Mudaliar, even their logo recalls the Singapore Stone, a large sandstone slab that originally stood at the mouth of the Singapore River. Courageous visitors must check out their famous cocktail Antz, a mix of Thai rum with crunchy ants (yes, you read correctly) and Jewel of the East, an award-winning cocktail comprising of a sweet potato compote with pandan, cinnamon, cardamom and rum liqueur.
Native primarily uses ingredients that can be found nearby – plants such as cinnamon, betel leaves, turmeric leaves, curry leaves, fresh starfruit and their flowers are just a pluck away. Extraordinary ingredients including tongkat ali (a root native to Southeast Asia said to be a natural stimulant for men) and ikura can also be found on the menu.
Address: 52A Amoy Street, Singapore 069878
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#7 Employees Only Singapore
Just like the New York original, patrons to the Singaporean branch of this speakeasy will be greeted by a fortune-teller right in front. You’ll find all the NYC faves here, including their signature Manhattan, the Ginger Smash and Fraise Sauvage. The cocktails aren’t the only thing that makes fans of this bar come back – service is top notch and so is the music playlist! A tip is to go early, this popular hotspot gets more packed as the night wears on.
Address: 112 Amoy Street, Singapore 069932
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#6 Gibson
Look out for the five signature cocktails here—a result of collaboration with 15 international bartenders and craftsmen (including a tattoo artist), or go for their other inspired drinks, such as the Botanic Gardens, inspired by the Singapore park (with Monkey 47 gin, bee pollen, fermented honey and clarified granny smith apple juice), or the Crimson Bullet, (with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Alipus Mezcal, Kummel, beetroot and lime), inspired by Breaking Bad’s Walter White.
Address: 2/F, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834
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#5 Atlas
The atmosphere at Atlas is as grand as its name implies, with Art Deco interiors in teak and leather aplenty and, more importantly, a grand list of more than 1,000 gins and 250 champagnes. And if you’re looking to impress, ask for their selection of wines and whiskies from the Parkview Family Cellar, containing many rare and exceptional stocks. Make a reservation before you head over though, as the bar staff is known to turn away late-comers walk-ins!
Address: Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
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#4 Tippling Club
A firm favourite in anyone’s list of best bars in Singapore is Tippling Club, thanks to founding chef Ryan Clift’s vision and attention. Every item on his menus is curated down to the tiniest detail, and you’re sure to be pleasantly satisfied with the bar’s innovative scent-inspired cocktails, with names like Grass, Leather and Campfire. The use of scent sticks as you order promises a really unique experience.
Address: 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461
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#3 Operation Dagger
If the phrases ‘sous-vide natural wine’ and ‘omakase-style cocktails’ don’t already get you scurrying to the hidden bar Operation Dagger, then the super-chill ambience, with a ceiling-full of hanging lightbulbs set on low, is usually a draw. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed meet-up after a long day of sightseeing – plus they make their own mulled wine and pineapple beer – how’s that for enticement?
Address: 7 Ann Siang Hill, #B1-01, Singapore 069791
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#2 28 HongKong Street
A well-loved local favourite and definitely one of the best bars in Singapore, 28HKS is an exciting ‘secret bar’ – there isn’t even a sign above the entrance (or any real info on their website). However their placement on this list means there’s much more to this establishement than enigma. Once you’re in the club, you’ll be very happy to have discovered the exciting cocktails on offer, with names such as the Paper Tiger, World’s Fair, and Lazy Bear. If that’s not enough, their to-die-for food menu, as well as impeccable service, makes this stop well worth your time.
Address: 28 Hongkong Street, Singapore 059667
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#1 Manhattan Bar
Heading the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars and 7th in the World’s 50 Best Bars of 2017, this old New York-inspired bar, located at the Regent Singapore Hotel represents all the glamour of cocktails and artisanal spirits in a setting that would have made the Great Gatsby very proud. As you settle in one of their opulent leather couches and take in the grand setting of the bar, don’t get overwhelmed by the extensive cocktail menu – you can always ask for recommendations! Also, don’t miss their adults-only Sunday Cocktail Brunch if you’re in Singapore on a weekend.
Address: 2/F, Regent Hotel, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
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Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.com.au on 14 November 2017. The prices are quoted in AUD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
