From speakeasies hidden behind coffee counters to vintage-inspired lounges filled with curiosities, the country’s bartenders are embracing both artistry and playfulness in equal measure. On that note, here are 5 standout destinations redefining what it means to go out for a drink in the Lion City.
Tucked inside Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard, is the whimsical Dragonfly Bar. It’s a jewel-box lounge inspired by its Hong Kong counterpart. Walking in feels like stepping into a fairytale, complete with an iconic glass dragonfly centerpiece that glows under moody lights. The menu draws from the principle of cause and effect, beginning with timeless classics before progressing to the team’s own original creations that showcase the skill and imagination of its bartenders. With a focus on low ABV cocktails and an atmosphere that blends elegance with intimacy, Dragonfly Bar is quickly becoming a favorite for those seeking artistry in a glass. Visit its location at 24 Mount Elizabeth, #01-05, Singapore 228518.
Image Credits: facebook.com/dragonflysingapore
Down by Clarke Quay, Level Up takes nightlife in a more playful direction. Since opening in 2017, this bistro bar has doubled as an arcade, outfitted with billiard tables, glow-in-the-dark air hockey, foosball, claw machines and retro arcade games that bring out friendly competition among guests. Game tokens come with every drink ordered, which makes ordering another round feel like a ticket to nostalgia. Beyond the games, graffiti-covered walls and neon photo spots make it as much an Instagram playground as it is a social hub. With promotions nearly every day and a Sunday special offering free-flow alcohol and unlimited games for three hours, it has cemented itself as a lifestyle destination rather than just another bar. Drink and play at 3A River Valley Road, #02-04, Singapore 179020.
Image Credits: facebook.com/1levelupsg
For those who prefer their evenings with a dose of mystery, Cat Bite Club offers a hidden experience in the heart of Duxton. By day, the small shopfront functions as a coffee bar, but come nightfall, it transforms into a moody speakeasy with a rebellious streak. Award-winning bartenders curate a selection that places heavy emphasis on agave and Asian rice spirits, boasting the largest collection of its kind in Singapore with more than 200 bottles. The space has already developed a cult following, complete with its own merchandise. Signature cocktails such as the Cat Bite Margarita, made with Código 1530 Blanco Tequila, Siete Misterios Espadín Mezcal and agave nectar, capture the depth of the bar’s expertise. Head to 75 Duxton Road, Singapore 089534 to experience Cat Bite Club yourself.
Image Credits: catbiteclub.com
At Oriental Elixir, hidden inside Spiffy Dapper on River Valley Road, the line between curiosity shop and cocktail lounge blurs. This unconventional speakeasy is filled with vintage oddities, antiques and jars of house-infused gin flavored with everything from shrimp and laksa leaf to goreng pisang. Guests can opt for bespoke cocktails tailored to their preferences or join workshops that teach the art of mixology. Together with Culturally x Oriental Elixir, visitors can even taste the first gin produced in Singapore and learn to craft their own spirit-forward experiments. Their address is 294 River Valley Road, Singapore 238335.
Image Credits: instagram.com/oriental.elixir
No list of Singapore’s leading bars would be complete without Jigger & Pony. It’s consistently recognized as one of the best in Asia and recently crowned the very best. With an atmosphere that evokes the glamour of the Prohibition era, this nine-year-old institution delivers cocktails that are both inventive and deeply rooted in tradition. Signatures include the Yuzu Whiskey Sour and Journey of the West, an Old Fashioned-style drink aged with oak spirals previously used for Japanese whisky. What sets Jigger & Pony apart, however, is its menu-zine, a 54-page publication designed like a vintage propaganda booklet, filled with thoughtful essays on the cocktail world across Asia. Take your friends to Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539.
Image Credits: jiggerandpony.com
From whimsical lounges to arcade-powered nights out, each bar offers its own distinctive take on what nightlife can be. Which one do you want to visit first?