Alicia Chong
Cassandra NervaThe speakeasy bar scene in Singapore has become more famous in recent years, thanks to the emergence of new hidden bars. However, its thriving cocktail culture has yet to be fully explored; the main reason is that these secret bars are typically tucked away in nondescript corners of MRT stations or old and unassuming malls.
Thankfully, we’re here to enlighten you with a list of the top hidden bars in Singapore to check out! After all, with hidden entrances plus unique, brilliantly hand-crafted cocktails, these are watering holes that shouldn’t be left unnoticed.
1. Shin Gi Tai
Missing Japan and its incredible drinking culture? While waiting until we can travel to the Land of Rising Sun again, Shin Gi Tai makes for the perfect temporary reprieve.
Image credit: Shin Gi Tai Official Facebook Page
This craft cocktail bar is run by veteran bartender Anthony Zhong (of Jigger & Pony). Thus, it’s fitting that aside from their range of over 180 cocktails, patrons can also sample their delicious Izakaya-style snacks, from Duck Curry Udon to Shishamo Tempura with Chips. Moreover, here’s a friendly tip: To indulge in their ultimate best-sellers, make a special request for the trademark Negroni, as well as Granny’s Old Drink! Not to mention, the cosy and intimate space of this speakeasy bar in Singapore makes for a dining experience akin to someone’s home kitchen.
Image credit: Shin Gi Tai Official Facebook Page
Address: 179a Telok Ayer St, 2nd Floor, Singapore 068627
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 6pm–10.30pm; Sunday, 12pm–4pm
2. Cool Cats
Image credit: Cool Cats Official Facebook Page
Cool Cats is situated within the architectural beauty of South Beach Tower. To locate this speakeasy bar in Singapore, first, locate The NCO Club. Thereafter, simply enter through an unmarked wooden door located to its left. Once you enter, the lavish atmosphere of Cool Cats will immediately remind you of the Great Gatsby!
Also read: 25 Super Cool Buildings in Singapore You Might Not Know About
Image credit: Cool Cats Official Website
Specially curated cocktails will perfectly complement your Roaring Twenties-inspired night out. For instance, choose from a range of twists to conventional drinks like The White Lady (which uses almond syrup instead of the usual sugar). Also, the Mezcal Negroni has a refreshing yet smoky tint, and Ways of a Diva features Mozart Dry Chocolate, pear, and cinnamon! Fun fact: Ways of a Diva was inspired by Bessie Smith, an American blues singer famous during the Jazz Age.
Address: 30 Beach Rd, South Beach Tower, Singapore 189763
Opening Hours: Daily, 4pm–10.30pm
3. The Horse’s Mouth Bar
Image credit: The Horse’s Mouth Bar Official Website
Despite its convenient location within Forum The Shopping Mall, you won’t be able to find The Horse’s Mouth Bar on the mall’s directory! Therefore, in order to locate this speakeasy bar in Singapore, simply locate Uma Uma Ramen. After which, descend the adjacent flight of stairs, and you’ll come across paper lanterns strung across a Japanese menu board; this underground hideout is the entrance of the bar.
Image credit: The Horse’s Mouth Bar Official Website
Head on in and choose from their extensive collection of sake and Japanese snacks: think Mentaiko Cheese Balls and Wagyu Beef Cubes (a personal favourite!). However, the stars of the show are their special cocktails, such as Live.Love.Passion, a Cointreau-based cocktail, and The Smith’s, which is infused with a delicious kick of lychee.
Address: 583 Orchard Road, Forum the Shopping Mall, #B1-39, Singapore 238884
Opening Hours: Daily, 5pm–10pm
4. The Secret Mermaid
Image credit: The Secret Mermaid Official Facebook Page
Any first-timer to the CBD — particularly to Ocean Financial Centre — will certainly overlook this speakeasy bar in Singapore. Identified by an unassuming black metal door, it’s no surprise that most wouldn’t guess that one of the coolest hidden bars in Singapore resides within!
Image credit: The Secret Mermaid Official Facebook Page
Nevertheless, as soon as you step into The Secret Mermaid, expect to be amazed by the ceiling-high shelves of American spirits like whiskeys, ryes, and bourbons!
Happy hour promotions allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds, from their delectable custom cocktails to mouth-watering bites. For instance, their best-selling beverage is the Spiced Blueberry Mojito: it contains alcohol distilled from the renowned KOVAL Distillery and Catoctin Creek Distilling Company! If you’re feeling hungry, tuck into their Truffle Mushroom Poutine Fries and Pulled Duck Buckwheat Corn Dogs.
Image credit: The Secret Mermaid Official Facebook Page
Address: 10 Collyer Quay, Ocean Financial Centre, #B1-09, Singapore 049315
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 5pm–11pm
5. The Spiffy Dapper
Inspired by a tavern with its brilliant selection of beers and gin, The Spiffy Dapper prides itself as a no-frills watering hole. In the day, this speakeasy operates as a regular coffee house; come nightfall, however, watch as it transforms into a hidden bar!
Therefore, in order to locate this speakeasy bar in Singapore, you’ll have to first locate the ‘Dapper Coffee’ sign along Amoy Street. After that, find the nearby staircase leading up to the bar on the second floor.
Image credit: The Spiffy Dapper Official Facebook Page
Besides its impressive selection of cocktails, The Spiffy Dapper also carries an appetising menu of mouth-watering bites! For example, their delectable beef patty and baked avocado burger is certain to make for the perfect pre-drink meal. Afterwards, spend the rest of your night sipping on crowd favourites like the Drugstore Cowboy Singapore Sling or Sheik on the Level!
Address: 73 Amoy St, Second Floor, Singapore 069892
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 5pm–12am; Saturday, 6pm–12am; Sunday, 7pm–12am
6. Bitters & Love
Image credit: Bitters & Love Official Facebook Page
For refreshing, fruity, and eye-catching concoctions, head to Bitters & Love! Their signature drink is the Kaya Toast Cocktail which is a mix of rum, tea and yes — good ol’ Kaya. If you’re ordering a Passionfruit Whiskey, expect an unusual presentation; it’s served in a plastic bag, much like the coffee takeaways you’ll get from hawker centres. (What about starting the day with the conventional one, and ending your day with this snazzy beverage?).
Image credit: Bitters & Love Official Facebook Page
Other crowd favourites include The Queen, a mangosteen-flavoured refresher, the pineapple-infused Festive Season, and Banana Pancakes. The latter is the perfect cocktail if you’re a fan of the classic breakfast dish, as it includes ingredients like banana liqueur and maple syrup! Regardless, their well-balanced cocktails are all thanks to the dashes of bitters present across all drinks.
Address: 118 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068587
Opening Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 9.30am–8.30pm
7. Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall
Image credit: Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall Official Facebook Page
If you’re looking for nostalgic, old school vibes and uniquely Singaporean cocktails, look no further than Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall. After your stroll through the picturesque murals of Haji Lane, wind down at this speakeasy bar in Singapore!
Image credit: Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall Official Facebook Page
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall is probably one of the few bars in Singapore that exudes old-school, kampong (village) vibes, featuring wooden benches and wooden bulletin boards. To quench your thirst, try their Chrysanthemum Gin, or a twist on a classic with their Hot Chocolate Whiskey!
Address: 12 Haji Ln, Singapore 189205
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm–10.30pm
8. The Other Room
Last on the list of speakeasy bars in Singapore is The Other Room, which sits quietly behind a curtain at Marriott Hotel. Camouflaged into a wall is a doorbell, which you ring to enter! Once you step in, the dazzling lights reflected off the disco ball and melodic tunes lend the space a snazzy air.
Image credit: The Other Room Official Facebook Page
The Other Room prides itself on its in-house casking technique by Dario Knox. In other words, rum and whiskey are stored in different wood barrels, thereby bringing out their unique and authentic flavours. If you’re unsure of what to order, Symphony is a sweet refresher featuring honey and lemon flavours. Prefer something full-bodied with a smoky flavour? Then try the Old Fashioned Way or Of Malt and Man!
Address: 320 Orchard Rd, Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, #01-05, Singapore 238865
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 4.30pm–10.30pm
Editor’s note: At the time of writing, The Other Room is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 measures. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled over on their social media pages for any further updates!
To conclude, the next time it’s “5 o’clock somewhere”, why not seek out the speakeasy bars in Singapore? After all, nothing beats finding glamorous vibes and delectable cocktails that are different from the impressive rooftop bars atop iconic buildings.
