If you’ve ever had a drink and got hit with the munchies, this might be a familiar plight. Out for a glass of vino with friends or a pint at the pub—perhaps you’re being sensible, because it’s a Wednesday night—and one drink turns into two, the conversation is flowing, and somehow, somewhere between the third round and midnight, the pang of hunger hits. It’s one thing to head to a restaurant for dinner and have a glass of wine; it’s another to go to the bar for a drink, only to find yourself craving something that’s more than just grease on a plate.
The prerequisites for such a list include: solid tipples that would satisfy a varied customer base; a buzzy atmosphere that might prompt someone to stay longer than one drink; and, of course, genuinely good food for the table to share. Singapore has plenty of bars, and even more restaurants; but finding somewhere that takes both its eating and drinking seriously is another matter.
Outside of just the typical fries, peanuts, olives, and other barely-there, snack-sized portions, we’re talking about spots that actually serve up proper food all through the night. For those who are being mindful about their alcohol consumption overall, these bars strike the best of both worlds for you and your motley crew: a solid hang after hours, with good drinks for some, and good food for others.
Be it a good dose of classic American fare at Parliament, vegetarian options at The Elephant Room or deeply satisfying Korean cuisine at Bartenders of Pony—there is something to delight all palettes. If you, like us, enjoy a bite or two (or three) with your drink, then this is the list for you. Below, a Vogue-approved list of bars with equally fantastic grub in Singapore.
1 / 8
Bartenders of Pony
BOP! The name may ring a bell, as it is the latest venture courtesy of Jigger & Pony Group. A deeply personal project for Uno Jang—co-owner and creative director of the Jigger & Pony Group—you’ll find a menu as rich in heart as it is in flavour. Look behind the bar, and you’ll find a team genuinely attuned to food as they are to a good bite to eat, with a menu encompassing tuna gimbap, cucumber squid muchim, and more Korean-inspired fare. Of course, the Yukgaejang K-Cup has to be mentioned: BOP’s interpretation of the Korean hangover soup known as Gamjatang. It accompanies drinks like the Buldak Penicillin—which yes, does include the Buldak sauce, alongside whiskey, honey, yuja, and egg white—and the Bokbunja Pop, which melds soju, plum wine, tequila, and more to pack a real punch. To put it simply, the drinks are strong, but the flavours of the food offerings live up in equal measure.
Bartenders of Pony, 76 Tras St, Singapore 079015
2 / 8
Parliament
When you think of American food in Singapore, what comes to mind? Perhaps a fast food joint or the prime offering of a classic steakhouse. What if you could have it all: a rough-and-tumble ambience that harks back to the very best of American diner culture, excellent cocktails that won’t break the bank and food to die for? On all these fronts, Parliament has your back, complete with spectacular hospitality and an absolute hit of a playlist.
Founder Daniel Raghani and head bartender Steven Wan have curated a menu that delivers on both flavour and nostalgia. Besides tried-and-true sides like shoestring French fries, guacamole and tortilla chips, or popcorn chicken, Parliament serves sandwiches in spades. The Original Southern Fried Chicken Burger packs a hearty punch, a worthy regional counterpart to the mighty General Tso’s Fried Chicken Burger—an impassioned homage to the Chinese-American culinary classic.
Parliament, 18 Teck Lim Rd, #02-01, Singapore 088390
3 / 8
One Trick Pony
For up-and-coming Singaporean creatives on the scene, this is the place to know. Comfort food is the heart and soul of One Trick Pony, much like the rest of the space: a home away from home for creatives, from its drinks selection to its events. Their Pinxtos and Mar-Tiny pairing menu is a standout, which sees three munchable pinxtos—featuring ingredients to indulge the heart like guindilla pepper, manchego, and serrano jamon. Each is paired with an in-house creation, which you can choose at 0%, >5%, or <20% ABV, a cocktail programming that is the first of its kind in Singapore, keeping the flavour first, and alcohol second.
The late night menu doesn’t hold back on the play. Dishes like Bloody Good Toast stay true to their namesake and are packed with pan de cristal and bloody mary butter. Meanwhile, CornDawg sees the classic carnival staple revived with pecorino, risotto, and pickled jalapeño. The events also should be of note, with product launches, book clubs, and their weekly Selectors nights on Fridays highlighting the best of Singapore’s electronic music scene—which really should be the first stop, before heading down to the bar for a drink (alcoholic or not) and some good grub. Night sorted.
One Trick Pony, 98 Club Street #03-01, Singapore 069467
4 / 8
The Elephant Room
Indian and Mexican cuisine have established quite a flavourful relationship in the culinary world; two cultures colliding in a harmony of aromas and spices. The food at The Elephant Room—in collaboration with Taco Mantra—is no exception. Alongside your cocktail, grab a soft shell taco to curb any hunger pangs. The Amma’s fish taco is a deep-fried delight, a nod to traditional South Indian flavours, as a tangy and refreshing mango salsa cuts through the sauce with just the right amount of acidity. For a vegetarian option, try the Cauliflower Pakora tacos, where spicy cauliflower meets a creamy, flavourful beetroot yoghurt in one.
The Elephant Room, 33 Tanjong Pagar Rd, #01-02, Singapore 088456
5 / 8
Cat Bite Club
Rejoice, Latin American lovers, for Cat Bite Club not only specialises in slinging agave and rice spirits—their food is equal to the enviable task of their cocktails. Founders Jesse Vida and Gabriel Lowe know what it takes to make excellent Mexican dishes, evidenced by their small, but mighty spread of food options. As far as fusion fare goes, the Korean Chicken Al Pastor Quesadilla is a match made in heaven, effortlessly marrying sour with savoury. For simpler, but no less hearty offerings, look to their Three Cheese Quesadilla, Tortilla Chips with Guacamole (or Onion Cream Cheese) and their House Pickles.
Cat Bite Club, 75 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089534
6 / 8
Stay Gold Flamingo
As the saying goes, the way to one’s heart is through their stomach—a philosophy that Stay Gold Flamingo has duly taken note of. Its food menu is as equally considered as its cocktail lineup, with head chef Joanne Sakai cooking up a storm of Pan-Asian fusion bar bites, main courses and sharing platters. Appetisers like the Mala Quail Eggs and Mapo Dog are unexpectedly addictive. Despite being a bar, the main courses—like the Steak and Rice or Beef Cheek Pasta—do not disappoint. Meanwhile, large groups are sure to have a good time with the Rockstar sharing platter.
Stay Gold Flamingo, 69 Amoy St, Singapore 069888
7 / 8
Bar Bon Funk
One can be sure of three things when they enter Bar Bon Funk: groovy sound, effervescent cocktails and delicious plates. Created by chef Keirin Buck and his team, the menu strikes a balance between experimental fare and bar classics. Traditionalists may lean towards the Olives and Friends and the ‘All Dressed’ Potato Chips, while those seeking something new may enjoy the Tripe, Parsnip and Zucchini Fries or the Squid and Barley Porridge. Whatever the choice may be is sure to be a memorable one.
Bar Bon Funk, New Bahru (School Block), 46 Kim Yam Road, #02-01, Singapore 239351
8 / 8
Third Floor Social
Brought to you by the folks behind the now-defunct No Sleep Club, Third Floor Social is a serious win in our books. They’re not a café during the day, but you’ll find some really good coffee here. And past dusk? The drinks are formidable, but it’s the food on the table makes this a star address in town. You’ve got toasty focaccia dishes packed with layers of tasty salsiccia, stracciatella, and topped with hot honey; a crab paccheri dish doused in a comforting garlic base; some moreish fried chicken seasoned to perfection; and a charred hispi cabbage that comes with a spice hit. It’s in truth, a wonder of a diner that comes with equally good drinks, but the labels simply don’t seem to matter here.
Third Floor Social, 250 Orchard Rd, 3rd Floor, Singapore 238905
