A Good Drink, Done Properly – Best Bars in Singapore

A row of five liquor bottles, including vodka, gin, triple sec, whisky, and tequila, stand on a wooden table beside a small potted plant, with a blurred indoor background.

The sound of a good bar is not the loud music or the chatter. It is the gentle clink of ice against glass at the bar counter. It is the rhythmic thump of a shaker. It is the low hum of a city unwinding after a long day. In Singapore, often called the Lion City for its rich cultural and historical significance, a place that moves at a relentless pace, the bar is a sanctuary. It is a pause button, a quiet space where stories are shared over a well-made drink.

The city’s bar scene is a world unto itself, a landscape that ranges from grand, cathedral-like halls to tiny, hidden corners where the bartender knows your name. There are rooftop spots that let you drink in the Marina Bay skyline and basement speakeasies that feel like a secret. To look for a single “best” is to miss the point. The best of the best in Singapore are the ones that feel right for the moment the right drink, in the right room, with the right company.

Atlas Bar: Art Deco Elegance and Gin Galore at Parkview Square’s Ground Floor

Art deco-style bar with two leather stools, illuminated by soft lighting. Shelves filled with colorful bottles create a luxurious, elegant atmosphere.

To walk into Atlas Bar is to feel small, in the best possible way. Located on the ground floor of Parkview Square—a building locals affectionately call the “Gotham building”—it is a space that makes you look up. The room is a cathedral of Art Deco design, with soaring ceilings, intricate brasswork, and a three-story tower of gin that serves as its altar. It is, without exaggeration, one of the most beautiful cocktail bars in Singapore.

 

The Extensive Collection

The gin collection is legendary, featuring over a thousand bottles from around the world. But it is the way they are used that truly impresses.

  • The Atlas Martini: Made with London dry gin, Ambrato vermouth, orange bitters, and a touch of champagne vinegar. It is sharp, cold, and impeccably balanced.
  • The Rose Gold Negroni: A lighter, more floral take on the classic cocktails, it is both beautiful to look at and delightful to drink.
  • The Experience: It feels like stepping back in time to the glamour of the 1920s. It is one of the best bars in Singapore for sheer, breathtaking spectacle.

Practical Details

  • Best For: A special occasion, impressing a visitor, or for any gin lover who wants to feel like they’ve gone to heaven.
  • Price Range: Premium ($25+ per cocktail).
  • Atmosphere: Grand, opulent, and awe-inspiring.
  • Opening Hours: Mon 3pm-midnight; Tue-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-2am.

Bar Bon Funk: A Unique Concept with Creative Cocktails and Bar Bites

Warmly lit, modern bar interior with a checkered wall, round stools, and a backlit shelf displaying various bottles. Soft, glowing orbs hang overhead.

Bar Bon Funk is a laid back bar nestled among the hip lifestyle stores and trendy cafes in New Bahru. This cocktail bar offers impeccable bar bites and bespoke cocktails, all in a stylish yet cosy setting. Bar Bon Funk is connected to Le Bon Funk, a stylish and trendy establishment known for its innovative cocktails and lively, fashionable atmosphere. Known for inventive drinks like the Lean Green Salad—a mezcal-based concoction laced with avocado, miso, and lime—and other creative cocktails, it is a must-visit for those seeking excellent cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.

Their food menu complements the drinks perfectly, with bar bites such as the Baloney Sandwich, which has received rave reviews for being absolutely delicious.

Practical Details

  • Best For: Casual nights out, food and drinks lovers, and those looking for a unique concept.
  • Price Range: Mid-range ($24 – $30 per cocktail).
  • Atmosphere: Cozy, creative, and welcoming.
  • Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-11:30pm.

Bars in Singapore: Diverse Experiences from Pocket Bars to Grand Venues Over a Decade of Excellence

A close-up of multiple empty wine glasses arranged in rows, reflecting a warm light. The background is softly blurred, creating an elegant atmosphere.

Singapore’s cocktail bars cover a wide spectrum. Many of these bars have been thriving over a decade, contributing to the city’s reputation as a cocktail capital. Whether you’re after a night of natural wines, craft cocktails, or a new cocktail menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and zero waste principles, there’s a bar for every mood.

Many venues have your drinks sorted with extensive menus and options, making it easy to find something for everyone.

Many bars offer tasting menus and cocktail programmes that showcase inventive drinks, with some focusing on classic cocktails like the Singapore Sling or the Original Singapore Sling at Long Bar in Raffles Arcade. Many also feature happy hour specials, making them even more inviting for groups and after-work gatherings. Industry veterans curate drink menus that blend tradition and innovation, ensuring that each visit offers a history lesson as well as a good drink.

Cat Bite Club: Agave and Rice Spirits with a Signature Cat Bite Margarita

Dimly lit bar with a warm ambiance. Shelves stocked with diverse bottles glow behind a sleek counter. Five bar stools are evenly spaced in the foreground.

Cat Bite Club is a standout in the Lion City’s cocktail scene, known for its unique rice and agave-centric spirits. Located in Maxwell, this bar combines creative cocktails with a laid back bar vibe. The Cat Bite Margarita is a crowd favorite, citrusy and fresh, spiked with mezcal and sherry—a perfect example of their bespoke cocktails.

Alongside the cocktail menu, the bar offers bar bites that pair well with their drinks, making it a great spot for intimate gatherings or a casual night out.

Last Word: Classic Cocktails Perfected in City Hall

A cozy, dimly lit restaurant interior features a long wooden table with cushioned chairs, table settings, and ambient lighting. Arched windows add elegance.

Last Word is a classic cocktail bar located in City Hall, known for its impeccable cocktail programme. This bar specializes in classic cocktails executed to perfection. The lychee martini, espresso martini, and Bloody Mary are among the favorites, alongside a well-curated drink menu that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous drinkers.

The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, making it ideal for quiet conversations and a refined drinking experience.

Elephant Room: Spice-Forward Cocktails Inspired by Indian Flavors

Stylish bar interior with high stools, a tiled bar counter, and warm lighting. Shelves with bottles and glassware. A chalkboard displays a message. Cozy ambiance.

Elephant Room, located in Tanjong Pagar, draws inspiration from Indian culture, offering spice-forward cocktails that are unique in the bars list of Singapore. Industry veterans have crafted a cocktail menu that includes drinks like the Chicken Curry—a bourbon whiskey cocktail infused with masala and chicken stock—and the Pink Guava Buffalo Road, a G&T variation laced with vetiver.

This bar stands out for its bold flavors and innovative use of local ingredients, providing an absolutely delicious experience that’s both memorable and authentic.

Long Bar: Home of the Original Singapore Sling in Raffles Arcade

Stylish pub interior with a dark wood bar, orange bar stools, and a checkered floor. Ceiling fans and spiral staircase add vintage charm. Cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Long Bar is iconic as the birthplace of the Original Singapore Sling, making it a must-visit on any tour of the best bars in Singapore. Located in the historic Raffles Arcade, the bar offers a classic cocktail menu centered around the Singapore Sling, alongside other vintage spirits and classic cocktails.

The atmosphere is lively and tourist-friendly, with the tradition of tossing peanut shells on the floor adding to the unique charm.

Night Hawk: A Laid Back Bar with Excellent Cocktails and Vintage Spirits

Stylish retro bar with illuminated shelves filled with bottles, sleek black counter, and red cushioned stools. Warm lighting creates a cozy ambience.

Night Hawk is a laid back bar tucked behind Five Oars Coffee Roasters, known for its excellent cocktails and vintage spirits collection. It is a favorite among locals for intimate gatherings and late-night conversations. Their cocktail menu includes creative drinks like the Nighthawk—a riff on an espresso martini topped with hot coconut foam—and the Oolong Tea Collins, a fragrant and subtle cocktail perfect for any occasion.

Practical Details

  • Best For: Late-night drinks, casual meetups, and fans of craft cocktails.
  • Price Range: Mid-range ($25+ per cocktail).
  • Atmosphere: Relaxed, cozy, and unpretentious.
  • Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 5:30pm-midnight.

The Other Room: A Hidden Gem with a Focus on Cask-Finished Spirits

Stylish bar interior with warm lighting, glass wall behind a stocked bar, leather seating, modern tables, small plants, and artistic wall designs. Cozy ambiance.

The Other Room, located on the second floor of the Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, is one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars and is renowned for its selection of over 100 cask-finished spirits and expertly crafted cocktails. The bar offers a unique tasting menu and is perfect for those who appreciate creativity and quality.

Sago House: A Vibrant Spot with Rotating Menus and Upcycled Interiors

A cozy, dimly lit bar with vintage decor. Warm lights hang over a wooden counter with stools. Shelves hold various bottles, and a neon sign reads "Don't Try."

Sago House has quickly become a favourite since opening recently, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and rotating cocktail menus that keep the experience fresh. The bar’s interiors are built largely from upcycled materials, creating a warm and organic atmosphere.

Stay Gold Flamingo: A Rock ‘n’ Roll-Themed Bar with Bold Cocktails

Dimly lit modern bar with purple accents, lined with high-backed stools. Shelves behind the counter display a variety of bottles, creating a cozy, intimate ambiance.

Stay Gold Flamingo combines American and Japanese cocktail influences in a buzzing, purple-lit lounge. Their cocktail menu features bold, flavourful pours with Asian ingredients, like the Thai Basil Smash with a wasabi rim.

Republic Bar: Glamorous 1960s-Inspired Cocktails at Shangri La Singapore Tower Wing

Luxurious bar interior with a modern design. Red leather chairs and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere. Elegant ceiling fixtures and a central bar with bottles on display add sophistication.

Republic Bar, located in the Tower Wing of Shangri La Singapore, offers a glamorous lounge experience inspired by the 1960s. The cocktail menu is extensive, featuring vintage spirits and house-made creations that evoke the era’s cultural flair.

Other renowned hotel bars in Singapore include East47 and Manhattan at Conrad Singapore Orchard, both known for their sophisticated ambiance and innovative cocktail concepts. Jigger & Pony at Amara Hotel stands out for its prestigious reputation within Singapore’s vibrant cocktail scene. For those seeking a thematic journey, Origin Bar offers an experiential drinking experience with inventive cocktails inspired by the origins and cultural roots of their ingredients.

Shin Gi Tai: Japanese-Inspired Cocktails with a Classic Touch

Dimly lit bar with a long counter, high shelves filled with various bottles, and a bartender preparing drinks. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate.

Shin Gi Tai is a Japanese-inspired cocktail bar located in Telok Ayer, known for its minimalist approach and expertly crafted classic cocktails. The bar is a haven for fans of Japanese whisky and precision mixology. With no fixed menu, bartenders tailor bespoke cocktails to your preferences, ensuring a unique and personalized experience every visit.

Operation Dagger: Innovative and Experimental Cocktail Lab

Stylish, dimly lit bar interior with wooden counters and stools. Unique ceiling covered with hanging lights creates a cozy, modern ambiance.

Operation Dagger is a pioneering bar in Singapore’s cocktail scene, famous for its inventive and experimental cocktails. Known for pushing boundaries with unique ingredients and presentation, their drink menu offers a blend of bold flavors and creative techniques. The Hot & Cold cocktail, combining pineapple-infused tequila with a frothy layer of hot white chocolate, exemplifies their approach to craft cocktails.

Conclusion

Luxurious bar with golden shelves filled with bottles, central spiral staircase, high-backed chairs, plush green armchairs, warm and elegant ambiance.

A bar is a place of alchemy. It is where spirits are transformed, where strangers become friends, and where the day’s worries can be set down for a while. The excitement of discovering your first bar in Singapore is unforgettable sometimes, even one drink at the right spot can create a lasting memory.

From the grand halls of Atlas Bar to the experimental lab of Native, each of these places offers a different kind of magic. Don’t hesitate to head upstairs many of Singapore’s hidden gems and exclusive lounges await above the main floor, offering a more refined or private experience. For a trendy, social bar experience, sleep club stands out as a popular neighborhood spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and innovative cocktails. We hope you find the one that feels like your own.

For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth after a night out, check out our Dessert in Orchard: Ultimate Guide to Sweet Escapes in Singapore’s Shopping Paradise for the best dessert spots nearby.

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