The Singapore bar scene is defined by contrast. You’ll find bars tucked away in heritage-listed shophouses and grand hotel lobbies housing some of the world’s most extensive spirit collections. Whether you are seeking the electric, spontaneous energy of a late-night haunt or the hushed, technical precision of a hidden gem, Singapore’s offerings are as diverse as they are meticulously crafted. This curated guide navigates through the essential destinations that define the city’s award-winning bar scene, highlighting the signature pours that make each venue a destination in its own right
ATLAS
Stepping into ATLAS feels less like entering a bar and more like a transportive descent into a Gatsby-esque dreamscape. The sheer scale of the gold, eight-metre gin tower is enough to leave one breathless, housing a staggering library of over 1,300 bottles that glint under soaring, mural-adorned ceilings. While the space is defined by its Jazz Age elegance, the atmosphere remains surprisingly intimate and warm. For the discerning palette, the ‘ATLAS Martini’ is an absolute must-try; it is a sophisticated and irresistibly smooth, icy blend of house ‘London Dry Gin’ and champagne vinegar that elevates the classic. This is the ultimate venue for those evenings when you want to dress up and immerse yourself in a ritzy setting that captures the cinematic grandeur of the Roaring Twenties.
Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188788; @atlasbarsg
Employees Only
Concealed behind the crimson glow of a ‘psychic’ sign, Employees Only is a celebrated New York import that brings the spirit of the Prohibition era to the local scene. The interior is defined by velvet drapes and moody lighting, maintaining its reputation as a semi-hidden gem while fostering a high-energy space. In contrast to more traditional venues, the atmosphere is driven by a spirited bar team whose spontaneous bursts of song and dance keep the room feeling lively and unpretentious. The cocktail programme includes the ‘Fraise Sauvage’, an Employees Only Classic that balances gin and wild strawberries topped with prosecco, alongside the ‘Simply Oasis’, which offers a refreshing botanical profile of yuzu and chamomile. To anchor the night, the kitchen serves sophisticated bites like steak tartare prepared tableside and truffle grilled cheese. It is a rare destination that manages to be both a serious cocktail den and a rowdy party.
112 Amoy Street, Singapore 069932; @employeesonlysg
Jigger & Pony
Jigger & Pony masterfully bridges the gap between a refined lounge and the electric pulse of a late-night haunt. The aesthetic is quintessential “moody chic”, featuring plush velvet upholstery in deep orange and teal tones that invite you to linger over their acclaimed “menuzines”. These editorial-style menus are as much a piece of art as the drinks themselves, guiding guests through a conceptual journey of flavour. While the Yuzu Whisky Sour offers a bright, floral awakening, it is their “perfected” Old Fashioned that steals the show. By evolving the recipe with dark sugar and seasonal citrus wheels like kumquat or blood orange, they have managed to modernise a timeless classic.
165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539; @jiggerandponysg
Gibson
Tucked away on the second floor of a restored 1930s shophouse, Gibson offers a quiet retreat that feels off the radar. The arrival is part of the experience, requiring guests to locate a side entrance and weave through an adjacent bar before climbing toward a space anchored by a luminous green marble table and the gentle glow of stained glass. Here, the namesake ‘Gibson’ cocktail is prepared with scientific accuracy, served at a bone-chilling 15℃ with a complex accompaniment of pickled pomelo and smoked quail egg. For a different direction, the savoury ‘MF Martini’ provides a saltier profile that pairs exceptionally well with a serving of fries. It is a space that prioritises craftsmanship over clamour, making it the perfect hideaway for intimate conversations.
Level 2, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834; @gibsonbarsg
Nutmeg & Clove
Nutmeg & Clove serves as a liquid love letter to regional history, reimagining local heritage through the lens of modern mixology. The menu functions as a playful narrative of the city, offering inventive drinks that draw direct inspiration from familiar flavours and culture. For a sophisticated caffeine hit, the ‘Dirty Kopi’ combines cold brew coffee with subtle notes of cherry and berry, resulting in a bittersweet profile that pays homage to the staple drink of the local working class. Alternatively, the ‘Kid Me Not’ offers a nostalgic journey, blending a gin base with hawthorn and sarsi to evoke memories of classic childhood treats. The experience is complemented by a selection of elevated comfort foods, such as rendang mac & cheese and mala sweet potato fries, which mirror the kitchen’s commitment to its roots.
8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587; @nutmegandclove
28 HongKong Street
Hidden behind nondescript shutters marked only by the number ‘28’, 28 HongKong Street pioneered the local speakeasy movement with a spirit inspired by the early 2000s New York bar scene. Inside, the energy is infectious, fuelled by a 90s hip-hop and R&B soundtrack, while sleek, secluded booth seating encourages late-night socialising. Their ‘Now & Then’ menu is a brilliant retrospective, pairing original house classics with contemporary evolutions to showcase the growth of their craft. Highlights include the ‘Saint & Sinner’, which balances citrus and strawberry for a refined profile, and ‘Bees in the Trap’, a floral take on a classic punch. To round out the experience, the kitchen serves satisfying comfort food, ranging from juicy burgers to golden mac ‘n’ cheese balls.
28 HongKongStreet, Singapore 059667; @28hongkongstreet
Sago House
Sago House presents a unique contrast, maintaining the soul of a classic dive bar despite its prominent standing on The World’s Best Bars list. The interior reflects a genuine charm, constructed largely from upcycled materials and adorned with neon signs, graffiti murals and Polaroid photos. To keep guests on their feet, the team introduces a new rotation of drinks every week, utilising ingredients sourced from the local vicinity. While the specific offerings change, the foundation remains six core cocktails inspired by traditional styles such as the daiquiri or highball. This commitment to change is supported by high-energy service, approachable hospitality, and an eclectic soundtrack that defines the venue’s character.
37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615; @sagohouse.sg
Manhattan
Located within the Conrad Singapore, Manhattan is a sophisticated destination that mirrors the old-luxury of New York’s Golden Age. The décor serves as a tribute to 19th-century glamour, featuring softly lit olive leather banquettes and glossy tables, all overlooked by a commanding marble table. At the heart of the venue is the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse, which displays a collection of signature single-cask cocktails maturing in oak barrels. This dedication to ageing is best experienced through their namesake Barrel-Aged Manhattan or the complex Solera-Aged Negroni. The menu is further elevated by gourmet bar snacks which pay homage to New York flavours, including the Manhattan Lobster Taco, which features butter-poached lobster and citrus remoulade in a crisp wonton shell. Manhattan is a space that prioritises timeless elegance and the curation of high-quality spirits.
1 Cuscaden Road, Level 2, Singapore 249715; @manhattan_sg
