Artichoke is one of those cafes you go to for a full-on meal, and is known for packing in surprising Middle Eastern flavors in the best ways possible. Hidden in a gorgeous courtyard, this gem is perfect for brunch or dinner. Go for the Mezze Platter or Lamb Shakshuka for brunch, and the Sultan's Delight for dinner. Finish off with the baklava samplers from Overdoughs next door. Don't forget to make reservations! Photo by Jayne Tan
Situated right next to Jigger & Pony and conveniently founded by the same people, this place probably holds the largest stash of sugarcane spirits on the island, and promotes the heavenly pairing of grilled food and rum. Try their tasty grilled meats, be it the pork chop, free-range chicken, or rib eye steak, and rack your brain over the 60+ choices of rum offered, on top of their cocktail selection. What a happy problem.
Photo by Sugarhall
You need a password to get into The Library, no kidding. But fret not, you can easily get it from The Study's Facebook page; they post it every Monday. The front of this speakeasy inspired bar is modeled after - you guessed it - a library. But step through a compartment of the bookshelf and you'll be greeted by a classy, dimly lit interior. Don't expect classic cocktails here. Instead, they do quirky, interesting cocktails like the Shrub-a-dub-dub, and Top Secret served in one-of-a-kind vessels, as the bartender prefers adding his own twist to create unique cocktails.
Housed in a two-storey shophouse at Jalan Besar, 1925 Microbrewery was born of passion for quality, freshly brewed beer. The dark interior provides for a super chill setting to kick back with friends and a few beers, of course. They serve some pretty solid grub like pasta, burgers, and pizzas as well. They have two beers from their own tap, the BLK622 and the Light Ale. If beer isn't your preferred choice of alcohol, just head up to the wine and whiskey lounge on the second floor.
28 Hongkong Street is your super hipster exclusive bar hidden behind a very unsuspecting entrance. Classic cocktails and spirits are served here, along with some light bites. No photography is allowed inside the bar, and this place almost never gets publicised. It's great if you want privacy with your close friends, and prefer smaller crowds. Maybe that's why reservations get snapped up super quickly, so make sure you give them a call before heading down.
The Secret Mermaid is kind of, well, secret. It's probably nowhere to be found when the sun's still up, as salad bar Shinkansen operates this spot in the day. This elusive tasting room serves some of the most bizarre spirits you've ever heard of. Anyone up for Bakon Vodka or Smoked Salmon Vodka? If not, they bring in several other American spirits that are completely new and unique to Singapore, such as Berkshire Mountain’s Greylock Gin, which is rated the #1 gin by the New York Times.
It's name and signboard may be more than a little misleading; bringing to mind a humble hawker centre drink stall rather than a cool, laid-back place situated amidst the busy stretch of bars along Boat Quay. Surrounded by old school décor, bartenders of Ah Sam whip up quality classic cocktails as well as those inspired by local flavours - like the laksa boy and milo whiskey. Cosy and minimalistic, with downright yummy drinks in a friendly environment. Shiok ah!
A seemingly Japanese-themed, dimly-lit, pleasantly quiet bar in the basement of Forum, this place marks itself as a go-to bar for uniquely concocted cocktails with an Asian flair. Examples being their chicken rice-inspired, makizushi (sushi), and sze chaun cocktails (each for $25). If you're feeling hungry, go for the ramen and wagyu beef. Dinner and drinks all in one place!
Located behind Shoebox Canteen, Bitters & Love is a great find perfect for exquisite, personalised, after-work cocktals, with prices ranging from $19-25. They also serve up tasty bar snacks like the tender rangers valley waygu and triple cooked handcut truffle potatoes (prices from $13). Unpretentious and staffed with friendly bartenders, the search for this place is definitely worth it.
Located behind Shoebox Canteen, Bitters & Love is a great find perfect for exquisite, personalised, after-work cocktals, with prices ranging from $19-25. They also serve up tasty bar snacks like the tender rangers valley waygu and triple cooked handcut truffle potatoes (prices from $13). Unpretentious and staffed with friendly bartenders, the search for this place is definitely worth it.
It's like being transported back to old New York - grand and luxuriant, this place just oozes golden age elegance. Think, The Great Gatsby. Here, there is celebration of New York's diversity through their meticulously-presented and delectable bites, and drinks are made in honour of classic cocktails. Even the ice cubes are stamped with the classy Manhattan logo! With its grand hotel bar splendour and fancy dark furnishing, you would want to dress for the occasion.
There's probably no better place to get your drinks on with friends after work. Have your dinner first, and head over (before 9 please) to get pampered with a mani-pedi, then move over to the bar and stay till late to enjoy some wonderful gin cocktails. Doesn't the Lady Marmalade - oolong infused gin, lavender and marmalade sound awesome?
