Here you go, our definitive SG60 list of the best Singapore has to offer. It’s compiled from years of hitting bars, hanging out and hating on the generic. When we compiled it, no votes, committees or advertisers were involved: every bar, cocktail or dish is a favourite of ours, and we don’t see a need to gatekeep them. Some are well-known and could use a nudge; some are known but you won’t know where to start; and some are obscure and deserve a shout-out. All is love.

Curated by David Fuhrmann-Lim and Ben Chin.

Best Thing to Buy to Celebrate SG60

The SG60 collection showcases an exceptional range of exclusive single cask bottlings, each with its distinctive character. This remarkable release unites eight of Singapore’s most acclaimed whisky bars – Quaich Bar, Signature Reserve, The Auld Alliance, Luss Restaurant & Bar, The Writing Club, D.Bespoke, The ExciseMan Wine & Whisky Bar, and The Single Cask Singapore. It represents a momentous tribute to the spirit of togetherness that lies at the heart of Singapore’s whisky community. And now, you can buy the set of six whiskies, the fruit of their collab, for $1,965 from this link (1965, geddit?).

Crafted in collaboration with legendary distilleries like Springbank, Tomintoul and Bunnahabhain, these six expressions represent the community’s longstanding friendship with the distilleries; the distilleries specially selected each single cask and are official casks bottled directly from each distillery, inspired by their visits to Singapore and the diverse sights, sounds, and experiences they witnessed for themselves.

Most importantly, the distilleries chose these single casks exclusively to celebrate the special occasion of SG60 and to pay homage to the deep camaraderie between the Scottish and Singaporean whisky worlds:

• An Islay single malt, the Bunnahabhain 15YO. Ruby Port Cask Finish, Distilled 2009, 63.6% ABV, reveals a rich, sweet, and chocolatey profile.
• Distilled in 2012, the Tomatin 13YO was matured in a Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique and bottled at 58.2% abv.

• The Tomintoul 14YO Cask #3482, Distilled 2011, 63.7% ABV, is aged in a bourbon barrel and offers sweet, dried fruit and nutty notes.
• The Springbank 20YO, Distilled 2004, 53.5% ABV, is a unique Campbeltown expression and matured in a refill port hogshead.
• The Bladnoch 7YO First Fill Oloroso Hogshead, Distilled in 2018, is bottled at 58.8% ABV and matured in oloroso hogshead casks.

Completing the lineup is the Tipperary 8YO Mezcal Cask, Distilled 2017, 56.4% ABV, a beautiful union of Irish Single Malt Rioja Cask from Tipperary’s farm-grown barley with a mezcal finish created especially for the occasion.

This unprecedented release is more than just a showcase of fine whisky — it is a heartfelt tribute to SG60 (and only $1,965! The Springbank alone is $800). It recognises whisky not merely as a drink, but as a powerful symbol of unity, diversity, and a reflection of Singapore’s multicultural identity. This collaboration captures the nation’s resilient, pioneering, and ever-evolving spirit, reflecting the innovation that is shaping Singapore’s whisky scene today.

Here we go!

It takes more than courage and creativity to thrive in this fraught F&B landscape. The following bars have remained relevant for more than 10 years through constant reinvention and refreshment. We salute them for their longevity, and we say: more power to them for being trailblazers.

28 Hong Kong 

Certainly, 28HK can be credited with ushering in our first golden age of craft cocktail bars. Over the years (and some refurbishing later), they’re still pushing the drinks out with style and speed. The latest menu is imaginative and modern, but you can always count on them to make a killer classic. I’d call it: Their Old Fashioned is worth the trip.

ANTI:DOTE, Level 1, Fairmont Singapore.

The bar’s recent transformation (menu, interior, program) is a testament to its desire to be at the forefront of modern drinking culture. The cocktail menu is a key part of this concept, with drinks presented as “prescriptions” for various modern-day woes. The 10 new playful cocktails are grouped by mood: Confident: Discover, Indulge: Empowered, and Reset: Recharged. Each cocktail is crafted to match emotional needs, combining unique ingredients such as bergamot cordials, edible air, and chocolate sugar.

Order: Pure Indulgence, a vivid blend of mezcal, PX sherry and gentian liqueur – a power-house cocktail to be savoured. Pair with the bar bites, featuring creative small plates in a pincho style with local and global flavours.

The revamped interiors, designed by PARKS highlight The Bar, a sculptural bartop and dance floor for lively nights, and The Lounge, a quieter space for intimate gatherings, jazz performances, or afternoon tea. It’s time to revisit.

LeVel33, 8 Marina Blvd, #33–01, Tower 1

Known for their audacious beers, inventive food and killer view, you can now take home a piece of the high life. LeVeL33, the world’s highest urban microbrewery (officially recognised by Guinness World Records), has uncorked its new online Cellar & Pantry initiative. You can order their freshly brewed craft beers (hello, 2L party kegs!), exclusive wines, and unique beer-infused gourmet goodies (Stout Caramel Cookies or IPA & Apple Jam) for your next party online.

A different view of LeVel33, now purveyors of premium wines. The founder’s selection changes every month, and always with a focus on classic varietals and sustainable practices. 

Rooted in the brand’s ContemBrewery philosophy, Cellar & Pantry encapsulates the creativity and sustainability guests have come to expect from the restaurant, now thoughtfully packaged into a retail experience. It seems like just yesterday, but the brewery will be celebrating its 15th anniversary later this year. We’ll raise a glass from their exclusive wine collection, maybe a Château Tour Baladoz “Le Centenaire” Merlot Blend, Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2015, or Hannes Reeh “Heideboden Rot” Cabernet Blend.

A Manhattan for all seasons.

Manhattan, Conrad Hotel

A decade into their reign, and this most regal bar continues to thrill us with their reinventions and redoubtable service – and you’ll never get a lousy drink here. The menu has undergone many iterations, and its latest is Seasons of Manhattan, honouring the city behind its name.

With time as its muse, the bar’s 31 cocktails capture the essence of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter in the city that never sleeps – taking guests on a sensory tour through the city’s culture, climate, and hallmark moments.Vivid pop-up illustrations bring each season to life – from the bloom of spring in Central Park to the festive glow of Rockefeller Center – while a built-in light allows visual clarity as you peruse in the bar’s softly lit enclaves.

Neon Pigeon, 36 Carpenter Street

Thumping Music. Japanese Interior. Edgy Vibe. Sharing Plates. Convinced Yet? The modern izakaya’s ongoing ‘Magnificent 7 x 7 Samurai‘ menu is their best iteration and has three alcohol levels to pair with the bites. Recommended combo: The Roasted Amela Tomata – an elevated take on the grilled cheese sandwich – goes with the Japanese Drifter, a Midori masterpiece with gin, tarty lemon juice and savoury yuzushu (kind of like a yuzu liqueur).

Single Cask, 73A Amoy Street

Single Cask has moved, and I’m loving the new locale. At 1,500 sq ft, it’s almost 3X the previous space, and they’ve added a kitchen helmed by Chef Lincoln Peck, ex-owner-chef of Niu Bi at Amoy Street Food Centre. (His inaugural menu features a selection of Mod-Asian fare, including must-trys like Corn Ribs, Halibut Sliders and Abacus Seeds.) The whisky selection remains the highlight, with more than 450 different bottles now available. (I particularly like is the 34 Years North British Single Grain, but feel free to find your own adventure here). The bar also introduces an Elemental Series menu featuring five cocktails that represent the elements of Earth, Fire, Air, Wood, and Water – created to complement the various dishes.

Smith Street Taps, #02-62 Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Has it already been 10 years? Our OG when it comes to selling craft beer in a hawker centre, these pioneers have tapped (see what we did there) into a very local need: what to pair with your har cheong chicken or satay beehoon? Turns out, craft beer is the answer. There’s enough on tap to satiate any beer geek and casual drinker, plus you can’t beat the authentic hawker atmosphere. 

Atlas Bar, Parkview Square

The smart way to appreciate the Gothic interior of this famous bar is to go in the afternoon for high tea — at night, it’s well nigh impossible to get a seat here because of the tourist hordes. Pair your scones with some rare Monopole Heidsieck Champagne, and that’s your day drinking sorted.

Watch the magic happen (above, Backdrop).

The Backdrop, 581 Orchard Road  

Maestro Dario Knox is upending 300 years of cocktail-making by distilling spirits to their purest essence before serving them in front of you with a touch of botanicals and a sleight of hand. It’s magic, it’s manic, and it’ll make you appreciate cocktails just that little bit more. The newest trick though, is fire: heating your pre-frozen cocktails and yet still serving it cold. You have to see it to believe it. Then drink it.

Brewerkz Singapore 

The beer behemoth has been around for decades simply because it’s been crafting great beers all along. Their biggest sustainable effort is the collaboration with renowned artisan bakery Baker & Cook. This partnership blends expertise in baking and brewing, resulting in the creation of two remarkable and environment-friendly products: NEWGrain+ Sourdough, a delectable sourdough bread, and EarthBrew Sourdough Pale Ale, a refreshing craft beer. Drink more, save the world.

Cat Bite Club, 75 Duxton Road

A bar that just keeps getting better each time you visit. The menu changes regularly, which is their only constant, otherwise, it’s a fun ride browsing through their reimagined classics made with agave and rice spirits.

Must try: Cat Bite’s version of the classic Rattlesnake features Monkey Shoulder Scotch, maple, cinnamon, Peychaud’s bitters, citrus blend, Aer and Worcestershire (S$27++).

The Rattlesnake is “so called because it will either cure Rattlesnake bite, or kill Rattlesnakes, or make you see them,” according to legend Harry Craddock’s 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book. And they have merch now – tees and lapel pins – so make a feline for it.

D.Bespoke, 2 Bukit Pasoh Road

This is a bar of decorum. The faint jazz music in the background and the occasional shaken cocktail is the only sound you’ll encounter here. Otherwise, every punter converses sotto voce for fear of incurring a stern look from the bartender. You’re paying for a bit of solitude in this plush sanctum and a powerhouse classic Vieux Carre that is subarashii.  

East 47, Conrad Hotel

This bijou 12-seater bar-in-a-bar (nestled within Manhattan) is a bastion of free-spirited creativity and forward-thinking innovation. The imaginative cocktails by head bartender Antonino Donato and team draw inspiration from Andy Warhol’s iconic Silver Factory on East 47th Street in Manhattan.

The debut menu, Volume 1: High Low, features seven libations and plates, and spotlights the vibrant interplay between high art and popular culture central to Warhol’s legacy. The gleeful use of boutique spirits and bang-on techniques adds up to a quality experience. All cocktails and dishes are available à la carte, with recommended pairings, but I’d recommend the degustation experience of three food and cocktail pairings at $140 per person. Where is this bar exactly? It’s cloistered inside Manhattan. So ask the folks there about getting a seat.

Foxtail, 1 Keong Saik Road, #02-01

This no-fuss, no-frills outdoor bar serves agave cocktails at a muy friendly $18. There’s also a rooftop option for a better view of the Keong Saik enclave. They don’t have a kitchen, but you can order food from the neighbourhood restos. Like I said: laidback and lush. 

Fura, 74A Amoy Street

If the impending invading aliens consider us humans as “bugs”, then it must follow that insects will save the world. At Fura, the team is closing the loop on waste with low-carbon footprint cocktails and dishes. They use local ingredients except for insects! Kidding, it was an experiment. [Fun fact: insects are sustainable. Not so fun fact: They have yet to get full approval to launch an insectocalypse at the time of writing.] Either way, the drinks are good, and so is the food.

Gibson, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road

Their delectable version has cemented the bar’s reputation as a parlour where cocktails are flavourful yet forward-thinking, classic yet creative. The mix of Roku gin and homemade sake vermouth adds depth and unami-ness. Pair it with the oysters from their sister bar, Humpback, and that’s your evening sorted.

Worth the schlep to Sentosa for Horatio.

NEW BAR ALERT! Horatio, 26 Sentosa Gateway, #02-135 & 135A, Resorts World SG

Step into Horatio, Resorts World Sentosa’s first full-fledged (speakeasy) bar, for an immersive drinking experience steeped in adventure. Located at Crockford’s Tower, this whimsical concept is inspired by the travels of a fictional explorer, Horatio Fairchild. The whisky-focused haven transports guests into a world of storytelling and rare spirits. Behind Horatio’s bar lies a trove of over 300 rare bottles, including the Karuizawa Omoiyari 36YO, Port Ellen 1978, and a unique 1988 Macallan cask bottled exclusively for RWS. From rare malts to craft cocktails (classics are well-executed), every pour is carefully curated for unforgettable moments. Pair your drink with Wagyu skewers, salmon tacos, or pralines. Pssst: ask them about the other secret bar.

Hup San Social Club, 98 Club Street

Is this the tiniest – also cosiest – bar in Singapore? The intimate 12-seater bar is tucked away in a basement hideout – inside Club Street Laundry – and it thankfully has no pretensions about becoming a speakeasy. All it takes is 3-4 punters, and the place is already pumping. Hup San’s debut menu, Do What Brings You Joy, by award-winning Beverage Director June Baek, crafts signature cocktails designed for more than just great taste — it’s meant to be experienced. She invites guests to choose more than just a drink. Each cocktail comes with a playful description of the feeling it’s meant to inspire — so whether you’re here to unwind, celebrate, or spark a little mischief, there’s a perfect pour waiting for you. Feel free to challenge her extensive knowledge of classics as well. 

Last Word at Last Word. 

Last Word, 8 Purvis Street, #02-01

Must do: Last Word. The bar has the final word and a great take on the lesser-known classic, with more gin and less Green Chartreuse, making this a drier version. [What’s also superlative is their interpretation of the Bloody Mary, with Haku Vodka, tomato, lime juice and slices of togarashi. Wake up, wake up!]

Omu Nomu, 302 Beach Road #01-08 Concourse Skyline

Think the laidback, jovial vibe of a bar in the ‘hood, but with a sophisticated curation of craft sakes and refined Japanese bites. The izakaya-compact bar is a veritable playground for sake nerds and newcomers alike. The rotating weekly sake menu ensures surprises: You’ll find cool, esoteric bottlings like Singapore’s own doburoku (cloudy, grainy sake) by Orchid Craftworks and more. (Psst, we hear a never-before pandan doburoku collab brew is in the tank.) Come hungry because these folks take their food as seriously as their sakes. Leave the burden of choice to them with the “I don’t give a f**k” option ($180/pax). 

Watch them reinvent the wheel at Origin.

Origin Bar & Grill, Shangri-La Hotel

Their Martinez cocktail is concocted with three types of vermouth, which gives a complex depth to this otherwise sweet cocktail — I’ll never drink a Martinez elsewhere (thanks, Adam!). They also challenge themselves to update an innovative cocktail menu that’s always cheeky, inspired and well-researched — each reinvention warrants a new visit.

Parliament, 18 Teck Lim Road #02-01

Times are tough, hence we appreciate a bar with a ‘No Rip-Off’ Policy (read: no overpriced cocktails and wanker crowd). Parliament feels like your neighbourhood local, where the chairs don’t match, the pop posters don’t line up, and the indie tunes are pumping.

The drinks are strong and straight to the point, with classics going at only $16, highballs at $10, and rotating signatures to keep you from straying. Spring for Strawberry Fields or Even Steven.)

Their hardy cocktails are concocted to complement their Super Fried Chicken Collection – juicy, messy, golden, and unapologetically fried to perfection. From flavour-packed sandwiches to irresistibly juicy wings, this collection pays tribute to all the bold, mouth-watering goodness you’ll find at any respectable dive bar. (We realise ‘respectable dive bar’ is an oxymoron.) All accompanied by a custom selection of hot sauces straight from New York. Drinks are in session.

Plume, Pan Pacific Hotel, 7 Raffles Boulevard

The bird-themed bar does a solid line in clever and classic cocktails. What’s new are the wine flights (nine in total, starting at $49) with unique themes for discerning palates. The ‘Pinot Noir’ package features global versions of the light, elegant wine, and if you like port, order the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’s Hometown’ flight. Superfly.

[Pssst. There is now a daily happy hour from 5 – 8 pm with beverages at just $12++ and it includes complimentary welcome canapés.]

Sago House, 37 Duxton Hill 

They may have moved from their temple of tipple in Chinatown to the outskirts at Duxton, but the bar is still beloved, with genuine hospitality  and ever-revolving sets of fun cocktails every week to charm you. Oddly, they are SG’s first bar to embrace and sell NFTs of cocktails you own and can drink at a discount. So while you can order from hundreds of cocktails they’ve created over the years, you cannot order ‘Doin’ Hot Girl Shit’ because I own that for eternity.

Shin Gi Tai, 79a Telok Ayer St #2nd Floor 

We’ve all had negronis, and there are some excellent ones in your favourite bars around the city, but maybe you haven’t had one made quite like this. This is a Negroni done with craft and precision. Anthony carves the ice — Japanese-style — ever sooooo slowly. Then you wait, listen to the jazz music, he stirs and stirs, and you wait, he stirs…and stirs…and stirs. And then, he stirs a bit more for a final flourish. Then he garnishes. And then you’re served. Worth it.

Swan Song, 41A Boat Quay

We love the sharing ethos at this whisky bar: every glass here is meant to be shared, so you can’t buy anything by the bottle. The range is eye-wateringly eclectic and expansive (they really know their spirits here), and you may not see a favourite the next time you return. Drams the breaks.

Drink with writers from the past.

Writers Bar, Raffles Hotel

For decades, the Writers Bar (above) has served many great guns of literature; it carries its history with charm and yet thrives through its contemporaneity. Its cocktails are modern: order The Vortex from the ‘Boozy & Stirred’ section, and you’ll see stars. Or if sticking with classics, get the Bijou.

Charlie’s Corner, 2 Changi Village Road, #01-70

They’re still the OG when it comes to selling craft beers in Singapore (since the 1980s), plus homemade burgers in a laid-back setting that still can’t be replicated. Remember when they used to shine a torchlight in your face to get you to collect your order? They’re still at the corner of Changi Food Centre – make it a date.

estiatoria Milos, 10 Bayfront Ave, B1-48 The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands

Offering a more elevated dining experience than your regular taverna, the world-famous restaurant just landed at MBS with some of the best seafood in town. Its signature ‘fish market’, which showcases over 15 varieties of fish from Greece and the Mediterranean daily, is a natural centrepiece. We loved the Athenian-style lobster pasta, but the seemingly humble tomato salad was a stealth fave, too. Milos also has the widest range of Greek wines (around 400!) and a kickass cocktail program designed by bar stalwart Ricky Paiva. Start with the Santorini Sunrise, and see where the day takes you.

Gaston Burgundy Bistro, 25 Keong Saik Road 

Comfort food, just like grandma used to make. If you had a grandma, and she was French and lived in Burgundy. The bistro does authentic and delicious French fare in a convivial setting. The Escargot de Bourgogne best epitomises their signature style, with butter parsley and garlic in a pastry shell that is less oily than most, and there are no shells or tongs to deal with. There’s also a friendly set lunch menu here.

Fatt Choy Eating House, 10 Haji Lane

Imagine devouring a plate of delectable Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, perfectly cooked prawns intertwined with flavourful noodles, or savouring the smoky goodness of their Iberico Hainan Pork Satay, grilled to juicy perfection here. And don’t forget crowd-pleaser Shrimp Paste Kaarage with Nam Jin Jaew. FCEH does elevated local cuisine with premium ingredients, like their Dry Laksa or Pork Lard Fried Rice. Then round that off with an XO Carrot Cake. Decadent? The dishes, yeah, definitely. The prices no – it’s wallet-friendly.

George Laksa, 307 Changi Road

What it says. Tucked inside an unassuming shophouse, with nary a sign or neon light: George’s laksa is clean, creamy, and not too spicy. In short, it is perfect when you can’t deal with the bombastic offerings from hotel restos. Yes, Roxy Laksa is more lemak, and Sungei Road Laksa feels more old school (Katong Laksa? Let’s not even dignify them), but for simplicity and sloppy charm, George is it. 

Pure heaven: Gunthers’ Angel Hair Pasta.

Gunthers, 36 Purvis Street 

On their menu, this Cold Angel Hair Pasta (with six grams of Oscietra caviar) is listed in their ‘Our Timeless Collection’ section for a reason. It’s an evergreen. Yes, it’s an eye-watering $70++ for a small plate, but people keep ordering this divine, chewy and umami treat, which sets a level of expectation the rest of the meal almost struggles to live up to (it does, of course, the cuisine is exceptional). But whoa…this starter… 

Maggie’s, 1 Keong Saik Road

The concept is stimulating – both in visual terms (above) and culinary execution. Maggie’s is what you might call an ‘Almost Chinese’ bistro. Their menu reimagines beloved classics and flips culinary conventions on their heads.

Drawing flavour inspiration from far beyond the ever-familiar Cantonese and Teochew roots, Maggie’s looks further afield towards the vibrant flavours from regional Chinese cuisines, including dishes influenced by Xi’an, Dongbei, and Hunan.

The interior in Maggie’s is as outre as the food is out there.

It’s like a palatial Chinese boudoir: sexy, intimate and striking. Chandeliers abound, artefacts are strewn about, and in the middle, a floating red dragon keeps an eye out for naughty behaviour. The new cocktail menu, The Aunties Have Lived, pays tribute to the women who’ve danced in heels too high, loved too hard, and never once apologised for it.

Mami’s Tamales, 55 Keong Saik Road

¡Ay! Singapore finally has tamales. The iconic Mexican favourite, a rarity in these parts, has vibes ala sticky rice dumplings but is made with masa (corn dough). Want something authentic? Go for the zesty Pork Salsa Verde Tamales. Otherwise, try an Asian-style variant with Ayam Sambal Hijau. Subdue the heat with a refreshing coconut margarita served with avocado, coconut and lime paleta (popsicle) from their exclusive paleta bar – ¡Delicioso!

Oumi, CapitaSpring, 88 Market Street, #051-01

You get views of Marina Bay and Singapore’s skyline from the eyrie nest up here. There’s also the garden of green serenity, but the brunch menu delights with a fantasy fusion of Australian and Japanese flavours. The unique menu has savoury offerings like spicy tuna rolls and the Kaarla Wagyu Burger. Add the additional free-flow booze package to your brunch, and it’s the best three hours of any Saturday. 

Papi’s Tacos, 149 Tyrwhitt Road

Uno, dos, tres, cuatro! Papi’s Tacos, the beloved Singapore-born Mexican street food joint by Chef Papi, just launched its fourth outlet. This spacious new hangout seats 60 and brings Papi’s signature street-style charm, bold flavours and soulful vibes to the heart of Jalan Besar in a casual shophouse opposite Chye Seng Huat Hardware.

The new menu features authentic dishes, such as Duck Confit Tostaditas, Braised Beef Tongue Tacos, and Chef Papi’s favourites, including Tacos de Suadero and Grilled Cactus Salad. There’s even a set lunch menu starting at $24. Nachos are now available, and it’s a massive bowl perfect for sharing with your amigos.

Papai’s Passionfruit Mezcalita.

Don’t miss the extended Happy Hour (12–7 pm daily) with $10++ Frozen Margaritas, house pours, and a deeper mezcal list. And you can never go wrong with the margaritas. From humble beginnings to cult favourite, Papi’s keeps the heart of Mexico alive in every bite — now with a fresh twist in Jalan Besar.

Puffy Bois Pizza, 15 Duxton Road

Their cocktails are no-fuss and all-good value, and their sourdough pizzas are the perfect complement. The savoury Black Clams Pizza was the highlight before (sad to see it go), but the new menu has the Nduja-roni, Calamari Zaff, and Primavera, and it’s still comforting and chewy. The vibe is casual, indie and hip-hop all night long — it can’t be topped.

Violet Oon Singapore, 7 Dempsey Road, #01-05

This Dempsey outpost is the new standalone restaurant from our culinary doyenne. The colonial space has all her favourite dishes and some new, soon-to-be classics. It’s well worth focusing on their new beverage program – one that celebrates Peranakan heritage through a curated selection of cocktails. The drinks menu blends tradition with contemporary refinement.

Violet Oon’s elegant black, gold, and emerald green setting is a sight to behold and well worth a trip to Dempsey. 

Cocktails balance aromatics, spice, and depth; each drink reflects Singapore’s cultural richness, with specially sourced Sarawak roselle and asam boi prominently featured: Rindu Roselle is a riff on the New York Sour, combining bourbon with tart Sarawak roselle, topped with Mancino Rosso and red wine. Ong Lai, a playful cocktail, combines clarified milk punch with rum, cognac, and Ondeh Ondeh soju with warming spices.

[Food recommendations: Order the Nasi Ulam, a herbaceous rice salad comprising eight different herbs and topped with a fragrant spice mix, and Hati Babi Bungkus, a delicately wrapped and fried pork liver delicacy.]

Wa-En Bar, 78 Airport Boulevard, #01-224, Jewel Changi Airport

This bar is part of our pre-flight ritual for many reasons, but you should get on board just for their omakase box. 6 + 1 courses are presented in a wooden bento-style tray, satisfying both aesthetic and appetite. Go for the Premium, which includes a decadent foie gras-topped chawanmushi and Miyazaki Wagyu steak. The drinks pairing includes a dram of Amahagan Japanese whisky. 

Wildseed Cafe @ The Summerhouse, 3 Park Lane

The PCN will lead you safely to this Seletar retreat. Once you arrive at this colonial enclave, order your smoothies and iced lattes, and add their Kelong Prawn and Scallops Pizza to the mix. It’s topped with mascarpone, mozzarella, pesto and cherry tomatoes. During the 20-minute wait, wander around the scent-filled garden and take in the quirky greenery (pet-friendly, btw). Tuck into the pizza and call for a bicycle pickup. 

Wine Mouth, 432 Joo Chiat Road

Whether sparkling, red, white, rose or orange, go au naturel here at this actual neighbourhood joint with its curated list of natural wines. The scene is laidback — it’s Katong, after all — so expect to see the Lululemon ladies and Under Armour uncles here. You can order food from the nearby eateries. 

Pop Up Wine: PopUpWine.com.sg

Check this: the site provides same-day delivery at eye-popping prices (in a good way). The wine choices are superb: most are award-winning and have ratings above 90 at least — and it’s all good value. Bonus: they have a sommelier on standby to answer purchasing questions or help with wine queries. Their site also has a whisky selection and the occasional wine-pairing dinner at various SG restaurants. 

Summer Palace, Conrad Singapore Orchard

The fine-dining Cantonese gem now has an exquisite wine range to match Chef Liu Ching Hai’s Michelin-worthy fare. The exceptional wine list, curated by Park90, has possibly the best and most extensive selection of Chinese vino, including Silver Heights and Domaine Muxin. Don’t miss the Summer Palace Martini, a signature ‘tea-tail’ made tableside with their exclusive Dancong Oolong gin from Brass Lion.

And while you’re at it, order these SKLO wine glasses designed in Singapore:

SKLO

You only drink wine out of a paper cup when you’re at a picnic. In any other circumstance, you ought to drink wine from proper glassware: Bordeaux glasses for high-alcohol, high-tannin wines; the shorter Burgundy glasses for better aeration. But you can’t have a quality glass for every varietal (where would you keep ’em?!). What you need is premium glassware that’s versatile enough for wines, sakes and spirits. Step forward, SKLO EVOLUTION.

SKLO is the first stemware collection designed in Singapore and handmade by the historic Kvetna Glassworks in Czechia. This collection embodies the perfect fusion of aesthetics and technical performance, balancing beauty, functionality, and precision. We tested it, and it passed both the taste and aesthetic tests.

Every detail — from the tulip-shaped bowl to the ultra-thin rim — has been crafted to enhance wine structure, aromatics, and clarity of flavours. 

The glass proportions were refined to accommodate more delicate fingers and enhance the nosing experience, ensuring optimal comfort and performance for every user. The result is a stemware collection that truly honours the integrity of every pour and places Singapore on the map for innovative wine glass design. Now, you only need these two elegant glasses:

EVOLUTION 125: The one glass designed for the enjoyment of all wines —red, white and sparkling.

EVOLUTION 50: A proportionately designed glass that highlights the intensity of spirits like cognac, whiskey, sherry, sake, and other fine liquors.

It’s $130 for a set of two glasses. Order yours at SKLO.SG

Best music on: 

Thursday night

Lobby Bar, Singapore Edition Hotel, 38 Cuscaden Road

Their Thursday Icons session (every last Thursday of the month) draws a big-name local DJ to the decks, and an arty element accompanies the sets, whether it’s an installation or photography projection. The crowd is unapologetically beau monde and bright young things who are either playing pool, bobbing along to the beats, or drinking signature cocktails. We hear this might become a regular Thursday session — can’t wait.

Say it out loud: Whisper Room has spectacular views. 

Whisper Room, CapitaGreen, 138 Market Street, Level 38/39

The elegant space transforms as the day advances from high tea to dinner to late night. The bar features elegant jazz sets throughout the week, along with DJ sets and a live funk band to keep the party going into the wee hours. Burlesque Thursdays here are for decadent ladies, who get to enjoy complimentary canapés and free-flow Hendrick’s Gin cocktails from 9 pm to 12 am — with live burlesque performances to set the mood.

[Cocktails here are pretty darn good too, especially the La Vie En Ruby, a unique take on the Cosmopolitan with Ciroc, premium cranberry mix, house citrus cordial, and wakame.]

Friday night

Behind The Green Door, 97 Duxton Road

Unlike typical late-night spots, BTGD isn’t just a club or bar. Led by nightlife pioneer Joshua Pillai, it delivers a curated blend of music, drinks and vibes, positioning itself as an alternative nightlife experience in Singapore that promises something distinct for discerning thrill-seekers.

Fridays at BTGD are specifically dedicated to the evolving rhythms of Afro House. Expect sets that feature deep, soulful rhythms, bouncy, high-energy grooves, and melodic, spiritual soundscapes. Whether it’s the heavy, tribal percussion of Boddhi Satva or the vibrant, uplifting sounds of rising talents like AWEN, each performance guarantees a dynamic, multi-faceted Afro House experience.

Saturday night

RASA, Republic Plaza Tower 1, #02-01

There’s a restaurant-lounge here (Hall) with great music, and cocktails inspired by ice cream. It’s the gateway to the night, or you might head over to the Floor, where the pounding tunes are trippy and thumping. The roster is a who’s who of local legends and upcoming Asian DJs – and a sound system to die for. On Saturdays, the Floor explores various shades of electronic music – from acid house to electro, broken beat, techno and more.

Brewnanza

There may be other bigger beer festivals, but this one, by local beer brand Brewlander, is all about the craft. The event features over 100 unique craft beer brands from top brewers, both local and international, including local heroes like Alive Brewing, Brewerkz, and Sunbird with their latest brews, plus bonus festival exclusives. Pack in DJs, live bands, cocktail bars, gourmet offerings and masterclasses, and it’s looking like a festival that’s gonna continue to vibe. (Happening: usually August.)

Great Palate

The annual event, organised by homegrown wine and spirits distributor Malt & Wine Asia, is fast becoming one of the most anticipated on our calendar. This year’s Whisky & Spirits Edition raised a toast to SG60 with the limited edition releases of single cask exclusives, with partners like Japan’s cult Mars Distillery. The unique bottles also feature label designs by renowned Singaporean illustrator Lee Xin Li. Not only were there a host of masterclasses, but we also loved the Independent Bottler’s alley showcasing other exceptional and rare expressions. Other highly collectable bottles included the stunning ocean-infused Godzilla Umiki Blended Whisky commemorating the monster’s 70th anniversary. We can’t wait for the surprises in 2026.

Sake Festivals

Who said you have to choose? Sake lovers are spoilt for choice each year, with a slew of sake-themed events on the calendar. If you care about craft sakes, head for Sake Matsuri, which happens twice a year. Whether you’re there to discover the over 200 sakes or dive deep during their masterclasses, you’ll have a good time. For something more traditional, check out the Singapore Sake Festival, powered by Japanese sake purveyor Orihara Shoten. The always-raucous event, held indoors at Suntec Convention Centre, brings in brewers and representatives from Japan to introduce their sakes. The last edition even saw an izakaya-themed’ food alley’ run by Japanese chefs cooking sake-friendly bites.

Whisky Live

La Maison du Whisky just celebrated its 18th anniversary in SG, and it is they who organise Singapore’s biggest spirits festival — Whisky Live. The event has grown in size and stature and has moved locales several times. It is now established at the Singapore Flyer for a while, with an addition of a Cocktail Street (last year) with music and gastronomy to liven up the two-day festivities. Expect tons of whiskies, gins, rums, cognacs and agave spirits when you visit. If you’re an aficionado, spring for the VIP package and sample the secret stashes. (Happening: usually November). 

Coach Bar, 5 Keong Saik Road

You just cannot beat $12 Martinis. All. Night. Or rather, from 4 pm onwards till closing. The cocktails (whether you opt for Properly Dry, Vesper, Dirty, Gibson, Tabby, or Peated) are mostly prepped at your table, with your choice of garnish on display. There is a limited choice of other cocktails, and I’d recommend the Waldorf Highball. Kick back in this cosy space to familiar tunes played mostly from the hundreds of cassette tapes that adorn the walls. (What’s that, you ask?) Well, pop in and find out – it’s well worth the trip. As for the bar snacks, the A-list cheese sandwich is a savoury favourite.

Open Thursdays – Mondays.

Cygnet Bar, 35 Robinson Road, QT Singapore

Name a better Happy Hour, we’ll wait. For those who don’t know, QT Hotel’s chic Nu Yawk-style watering hole is dishing out $10 cocktails, wines and beers during The Cygnet Hour (4 to 7 pm). You’d think the deal’s sweet enough, but generous folks that they are, they are tossing in free fries with every order. And it’s well worth lingering for the full cocktail menu. Recommended: The Hemingway Daiquiri is tropical to the T, featuring Planter’s Sealander rum and coconut liqueur.

Millim, Como Orchard, Level 3, 30 Bideford Road

Not quite a happy hour, but more like a killer ladies’ night. Set in Cote’s (Como Hotel) sophisticated, jungle-inspired cocktail bar, Millim Bar, this new nightlife series elevates the experience by transforming the space into a premier late-night destination with a curated lineup of DJs, elevated cocktails, and high-energy experiences that carry on long after dinner.

Anchored by a roster of resident and guest DJs, Millim After Dark happens every Friday and Saturday from 8 pm till late. Fridays kick off the weekend with back-to-back DJ sessions that run through the night, while Saturdays combine music with Ladies’ Night, offering complimentary cocktails for all ladies from 10 pm to midnight. Voila, your new Orchard Road hotspot.

Pulsii, 55 Tras Street

Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, with his expertise in Michelin-Starred restaurants, brings French finesse and Japanese precision to the refreshed menu, featuring an exquisite selection of small plates and mains, starting from $6. We welcome the timely and price-friendly offerings, which include a cocktail series featuring 11 inventive creations.

Pulsii is a portmanteau of ‘pulse’ and ‘ii’ (which means “good” in Japanese).

The positive energy in here is palpable, with upbeat music, attentive service and a welcoming modernist design. Kick off with irresistibly plump Japanese Oysters with Yuzu Condiment ($6 per piece), briny with a hint of citrusy yuzu, garnished with shallots and chives – a perfect pairing with white wine.

Gotta do: Smoked Trout with Ikura ($24) brings buttery and delicately smoked fish, paired with bursts of briny ikura, a touch of lemon jam for sweetness and acidity, and it’s a match with Bella Dame ($22), a floral and citrus-forward cocktail which has soft notes of elderflower and cranberry over a silky egg white foam.

On Wednesdays, enjoy two hours of free-flow anytime between 6 to 9 pm, partake of wines, house-pour spirits, spritzes, highballs, beer and sake for only $38 (women), and $48 for men.

Mondays to Thursdays from 12 – 3 pm, and 5 to 7 pm, enjoy a curated selection that includes house wines, prosecco, house spirits, beer, highballs, and selected cocktails – all for just $9.90 per glass.

Winery Gourmet, 30 Victoria St, #B1-05 Chijmes

There are some crazy drinking deals here. It’s so good that we want to gatekeep the info, but our better angels decided to share this news about their offerings, which will radically transform your after-work ritual.

• To start, the all-new daily wine buffet is priced at only $38 per person for two hours. It features a line-up of selected wines from The Winery’s retail cellar. (Read: free-flow wines for 2 hours for $39.) From 4.30 – 7 pm.
• On Wednesday, it’s Ladies Night. And ladies, DRINK. FOR. FREE. That’s it. There is no catch; no minimum spend. Simply make a booking, arrive, and enjoy complimentary wines, Prosecco, and cocktails from 7 – 10 pm. Again, there’s no catch. After 10 pm, extend the free flow drinks at just $38++ for 2 hours! You ladies will end up ordering a bunch of delicioso tapas for sure.
• Gentlemen also get to enjoy their first pint on the house when they bring a lady along with them. Your first paid pint ($12) include a free pack of nuts. 

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See you next year!

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