There’s no better way to kick off the weekend than painting the town red with loved ones, accompanied by a delicious tipple or two. Knocking back a few drinks as a pre-party aperitif or settling down in a hideaway bar for an intimate evening of conversation can be made even more appealing when the drinks are particularly elegant, colourful, or flavoursome. Singapore wears the crown as a cocktail capital, and is home to bars listed on the highly coveted World’s 50 Best Bars list year after year. It comes to no surprise, with each taproom promising an enthralling night of concoctions seated at the front edge of innovation and artistry crafted by acclaimed mixologists.
Whether you’re a layman or aficionado, solitary drinker or life of the party—Singapore has the bar for you. Craving hearty nosh and nostalgia? Parliament is a true-blue hit of Americana in the heart of sunny Singapore. Keen to travel to a far away land? Bar Somma will take you to the beautiful, white-washed hills of Puglia and back, all in one night. And if you just want to sip on good drinks amidst great bar staff, look no further than Night Hawk, where the cocktails are lovingly crafted and the community is the real deal.
Below, Vogue Singapore rounds up the most stellar cocktail bars to visit, ranging from speakeasies focusing on specific types of liquor to eco-conscious taverns pushing out plant-based concoctions.
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Night Hawk
A playful nod to Edward Hopper’s classic 1942 painting, Nighthawks, Singapore’s take is unobtrusive—the unmarked entrance is tucked around the corner just off of Tanjong Pagar Road, only denoted by a slight, silver hawk emblem—and small—seating 25 in a narrow, but cosy space. The bar within, though, is ready to transport you to a world that wholly resists its namesake’s themes of urban alienation and existential loneliness. Peter Chua, director of Composed Concepts, which operates Night Hawk as well as Five Oars Coffee Roasters, runs a tight ship, figuratively and literally. The booming chatter of the experienced bar staff extends a charming, thrilling welcome to patrons. The design of the space is both intimate and playful, boasting retrofuturistic metal panes framed by leather upholstery and wood-panelled walls. And the menu doesn’t disappoint, oozing swagger with names like Black Hole Sun and Slippery Transistor, and offering drinks that push gastronomic boundaries in bold, yet comforting ways. The Kick Artist Fix doubles down on the spice and sweetness of rye whisky and rum with injections of maple and brown butter; the titular Nighthawks offers a decadent nightcap, pairing rum, vodka and amaro with chocolate, coffee, MSG and hot coconut foam. Heads up, though: this bar only accepts walk-ins. It’s certainly uncommon in the scene, but most definitely unsurprising—especially for a bar that prides itself on being “an unpretentious hospitable haven of futuristic nostalgia.”
Night Hawk, 43 Tanjong Pagar Rd, #01-02, Singapore 088464
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Fura
At Fura, the future of food is constantly being reimagined—and it seems like that future’s in the best hands possible. The co-owners have a mountain of qualifications between them: among many others, head chef Christina Rasmussen was former head forager at Noma, and her partner, head bartender Sasha Wijidessa, helped found Operation Dagger, an indelible piece of Singaporean nightlife history. The two have built a shrine to creativity, sustainability and intentionality in Fura, which placed on Tatler’s best 20 bars in Singapore for 2025. This is reflected by everything from the warm Nordic interior design, which uses upcycled materials like plastics, glass and even oyster shells, to how they source ingredients, test recipes and serve stunning dishes and drinks. Whether it’s insect proteins, cell-cultured milk and quail, and even coffee-free coffee—or any number of cutting-edge fermentations and distillations—both food and drink defy expectations. Corn lovers can drink to their heart’s content with the 3 Crop Corn, a delightful pairing of Empirical Soka and rye whisky, alongside masa, cover crop and corn silk vermouth. Or if you’re seeking adventure, look no further than the Get the Worm, which infuses tequila with chili, lime, cilantro and mealworm, or the Jellyfish Martini, which transforms the format with jellyfish, topped with fish leaf, spirulina and kombu oil. The food is also singular in its vision—the Pumpkin Layers pairs butternut squash with cricket garum mahumarra, while the Smokey Banana introduces the fruit to a pasilla chile sauce and dulce de leche made with Courvoisier VSOP.
Fura, 74A Amoy St, Singapore 069893
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Bar Somma
As above, so below. Bar Somma is just downstairs from its namesake restaurant, located on the fourth floor of the hip New Bahru enclave. Upstairs, chef-partner Mirko Febbrile breathes life into exquisite culinary journeys that span every season under the sun and evoke the traditions of his home region of Puglia. Below, bar manager Mel Chavez treads a similarly bold, inventive path. His work pays homage to the spirit of Italian celebration while simultaneously looking to redefine the concept for the modern age. Through both Mirko’s and Mel’s efforts, it’s clear that artistry is in the DNA of all-things-Somma. The interior design of the bar is transportive in its magic, whisking you away to the beautiful, white-washed hills of Puglia with a warmly lit, sophisticated touch. That’s only the tip of the iceberg, though, as the menu is where things really pick up steam. Drinks like the Margarita for Mel and the Miso Sidecar are prime examples of Somma’s culinary vision—striving for authenticity and timelessness without compromising on innovation or creativity. In the former, tequila gets blended with creme de cacao and lime cordial; for the latter, the classic cognac experience gets a savoury makeover through a rich infusion of red miso.
Bar Somma, 46 Kim Yam Rd, #04-02A New Bahru, Singapore 239351
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Nutmeg & Clove
Nutmeg & Clove is a microcosm of Singapore’s short but storied history, from burgeoning colony to bustling city. Situated on Purvis Street, the interior is stately and elegant, which only gives more room for the talent and their work to shine—and shine it has, as industry veteran Colin Chia’s establishment has placed on the World’s 50 Best Bars list three years in a row. A bold prism of pink filters Nutmeg & Clove’s vision to reinterpret classic dishes and drinks by introducing them to the little red dot’s culinary charms. Every staff member is dressed to the nines in matching pink jackets and the menu’s design pops with striking pink graphics. The menu itself is a storytelling wonder, with each signature cocktail getting its own page that tells the ongoing tale of some hallmark of Singaporean culture, cuisine or community. The Pasar Punch knocks the ever-so-familiar combination of Hendrick’s gin and cucumber out of the park with infusions of beef stock and clarified milk. Yeast Side Best Side attempts to solve cross-coastal conflict with a single malt offering balanced by bread, yeast and buckwheat. And the ‘Nutmeg & Clove’ elevates some of Zacapa’s very best rum with gula melaka, egg white and, predictably, nutmegs and cloves. Bites are on-brand, too, with small plates offering rendang mac and cheese, fried carrot cake and har cheong pork bites.
Nutmeg & Clove, 8 Purvis St, Singapore 188587
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Parliament
If you’ve ever wanted to experience an American dive bar in all its glory—minus the potential grime and presence of unsavoury diners—now’s your chance. However, dubbing this establishment merely dive-bar-inspired would be doing founder Daniel Raghani’s ambitions a disservice. Parliament puts the authentic spirit of the red, white and blue front and centre at buzzy Keong Saik in the best way possible. Inside, nostalgic Americana abounds, reflected by the lights of a slowly spinning disco ball: Pabst Blue Ribbon pennants adorn the ceiling, well-worn license plates decorate the walls alongside numerous band posters and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Pearl Jam and more blasts proudly into the ears of every patron. The menu is all killer, no filler, featuring a rotating selection of custom cocktails and tried-and-tested classics like the whisky sour, negroni and paloma. Of course, the picture of ‘American dive bar’ wouldn’t be complete without the right gastronomic accoutrements, and Parliament hits the nail on the head with resounding accuracy. Steven Wan is both head bartender and kitchen manager here, and cooks up a storm of fried chicken, grilled cheese and all-purpose bar snacks to accompany your boozy escapades.
Parliament, 18 Teck Lim Rd, #02-01, Singapore 088390
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Side Door
As its name might indicate, Side Door’s presence doesn’t shout or bluster (even if it did land a spot on Tatler’s best 20 bars in Singapore for 2025). Its exterior is unassuming and its interior communicates only in quiet whispers. Entering the bar feels like you’re walking into someone’s homely abode: a healthy dose of plants and miniature memorabilia looks comfortably across seats fashioned from tree logs and unfinished concrete walls. It’s all very minimal and industrial, which makes it the perfect setting to enjoy the outstanding drinks on offer. Bannie Kang and Tryson Quek, the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo responsible for creating this home away from home in the Maxwell area, have developed a menu that’s deceptively simple, but clearly crafted with the utmost intricacy and technicality. In the Holy Moly Mary, fermented tomato deepens the flavour profile of a typical bloody mary, with ginger beer giving it the zesty kick of a Moscow mule. Don’t miss out on Bannie’s version of a soju bomb, either, which is quite possibly the cleverest, classiest reinvention of the Korean all-star drink to date, eschewing both soju and beer in favour of whisky and Korean barley, respectively. The food goes toe to toe with the drinks as well. When Tryson isn’t helping sling drinks, he’s serving hearty, elevated bites like beef tartare with yuzu sorbet and fried dumplings with homemade XO sauce.
Side Door, 3 Neil Rd, #01-01, Singapore 088805
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Cat Bite Club
Tucked away in the vibrant Duxton Hill neighbourhood, Cat Bite Club promises a night defined by qualities of the feline nature–curiosity, excitement and a touch of mischief. A glowing red Cheshire cat marks the entrance, which hints at the fascinating journey that awaits within, one that has helped place the bar at number 44 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars of 2025. The establishment focuses on agave and rice spirits, experimenting with flavour and aroma. Taking cultural and culinary inspiration from Mexico and Southeast Asia, explore reinterpretations of classics such as their signature Cat Bite Margarita or Soju Sprint. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try your hand at the Rice Rice Daisy with its blend of shochu and rum with miso, coconut and coriander; while the Ghost’een is a tropical twist of mezcal and mangosteen, topped off with chilli and fresh citrus.
Cat Bite Club, 75 Duxton Road, Singapore 089534
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Jigger & Pony
One of the standouts on the scene since 2012, this classy and classic speakeasy has placed in the top 5 of Asia’s 50 Best Bars six years running. Located in the Amara Hotel, the smartly-dressed hospitality staff, led by principal bartender David Kim, are more like family than coworkers. Their ability to connect with patrons and craft cocktails with a warm heart and level head leave no room for doubt that the bar deserves its many accolades. Speaking of: the menu’s six by four grid of cocktails are positioned in descending order of booziness, so it’s always clear there’s something for everyone. While many are familiar, what sets them apart is their flawless execution. Stiff staples like the Dry Martini, Negroni, and Old Fashioned are the platonic ideal of each recipe. And when Jigger & Pony want to reinvent the wheel, they do so with self-assured confidence—the Spicy Margerita mixes ancho chiles with awayuki salt, and the Banana Boulevard doubles down on the boulevardier’s signature earthy sweetness with banana leaf and peated whisky.
Jigger & Pony, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539
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Native
Focused on regional ingredients and locally sourced produce like curry leaves and starfruit flowers, Native’s innovative mixology makes not only for a fun evening, but also a great story. Cosied in to a quieter corner of bustling Amoy Street, this bar is another local establishment with a carefully-curated hidden speakeasy vibe, complete with exposed brick and hanging lamps. Sharp-eyed local art connoisseurs might recognise the graffiti on the wall as the handiwork of Rajesh Kumar, or the ceramics on the shelf as sporting Ummuramics’ signature curvy style. Owner Vijay Mudalier sings the praises of the commercial foraging movement, and it’s easy to see why. You may have never considered Thai rum with crunchy ants (also locally foraged, naturally) and pink jasmine blossoms as a viable cocktail combination, but the minds behind the bar at this Ann Siang Hill joint certainly have, to wonderful effect. Its marvellous, slightly grainy texture makes for an exciting, luscious drink that you’ll be bragging about to all of your friends for days afterwards. It’s not for nothing that Native consistently finds itself occupying a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
Native, 52a Amoy Street, Singapore 069878
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Offtrack
Understatedly cool, this music bar prides itself on an impressive DJ roster—stemmed from local music collectives Darker than Wax and Ice Cream Sundays. And while ambient beats are a sure thing here, most would definitely return for the bar’s inventive cocktails and Asian-skewed food menu that span from Korean Gnocchi to Garlic Noodle. With the former, Offtrack has been wildly successful, landing at number 23 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars of 2025. Apart from a selection of highballs, some highlights from head bartender Joash Conceicao and his team include the Dirty Sonic—a gin and tonic rendition enlivened by olive oil and black pepper—and the Low & Slow—a hojicha- and bourbon-based concoction topped with plum caramel and sloe gin.
Offtrack, 34 N Canal Rd, #01-01, Singapore 059290
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The Elephant Room
Inspired by the sights and sounds of Little India, slipping into this Tanjong Pagar watering hole often feels more like visiting a culture-forward bar in Bombay. The experience at The Elephant Room kicks off with the signature spice plate, which allows guests to inhale deeply all the spices that are on offer that night. Take a seat at a Jaali-patterned table top and pull up a lungi-embroidered coaster, because these South Asian spices are then combined into complex cocktails that are each a little heaven in a glass. The “Banana King” (Himalayan gin, sandalwood, and the fermented fruit) and “Jothi’s Flower Shop” (jasmine gin, lime, and honey) are our personal favourites. Every bold cocktail on the menu has a layered story, and owner-bartender Yugnes Susela is more than happy to regale you with the breakdown behind your choice. Perched atop the Michelin-starred Burnt Ends, The Elephant Room is Susela’s passion project, based on his heritage and childhood.
The Elephant Room, 20A Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088391
12 / 17
Live Twice
One of the Jigger & Pony Group’s concept cocktail joints, Live Twice is a mid-century warren of classic cocktails and bar signatures (divided into two on the menu, emblematic of its Nancy Sinatra-inspired name). An elevated and cosy izakaya, it feels more like your most sophisticated friend’s living room than a drinking establishment. It’s almost a hidden bar in its sleek aesthetics and presentation, and wouldn’t be out of place as a setting in a Kurosawa flick. Try the Pear Alexander if you’re a fan of chocolate notes, or the Mizuwari if you’d rather indulge in a finely mellowed grain whisky. Also of distinction are the “Spring Riot”, with its grated daikon over rogu gin, and the “Snow Flurries”, with Empirical Spirits’ Fallen Pony blend (a vacuum-distilled koji, for the uninitiated) and oolong tea. The katsu sandos—take your pick of beef, pork, or ebi and corn—are addictive, and not to be missed.
Live Twice, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834
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Kakure
There is an enigmatic quality to The Bar Kakure. Its entrance is entirely discreet—blending in with the wall panels on the second floor of a colonial black-and-white bungalow—and can only be unlocked with a keycode that changes daily. Within its intimate space, a dining experience is defined by omotenashi, the concept of Japanese hospitality. Head bartender Kazuhiro Chii helms the bar with an intuitive ability to personalise his service according to each guest’s mood—whether it’s a friendly chat over the counter that you seek, or the solitude of a quiet nightcap. His masterful artistry arises from technical precision and a deep respect for tradition and form, cultivated over more than two decades behind the bar. The signature Fresh Fruit Cocktail is an undeniable highlight here. Choose from a selection of the season’s finest Japanese fruits—we recommend the peaches if they’re available—which Chii then uses to create a delightfully refreshing tipple. Another unique standout is the Yamaoroshi, a smooth, creamy libation of wasabi-infused gin, cacao liqueur and freshly grated wasabi. If you find yourself feeling peckish halfway through the night, a carefully curated menu of elevated Japanese snacks pairs superbly with Chii’s cocktails. You’ll find what is possibly one of the best renditions of Japanese curry rice in Singapore in the Mini Miyazaki Wagyu Curry Rice, while the Toro Katsu features tender cuts of fresh otoro coated in a special charcoal-infused panko then deep-fried to wonderfully crisp perfection.
The Bar Kakure, 29 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228224
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The House Bar
Regent Singapore had added The House Bar into their repertoire; a boutique lounge exuding quiet refinement and sophistication. This is evident via its subtle signage and dimly lit, minimalist interiors anchored by a facet-edged feature wall showcasing their wide variety of sakés. Its Japanese slant comes through in the premium cocktails and elixirs available, where tried-and-tested blends such as an Old Fashioned are crafted with Hanoki bitters and Japanese red sugar. This treatment extends to its menu of bar bites, too, where negitoro, ikura, and avocado are sandwiched between crisp slices of monaka and paired alongside other Asian-inspired dishes in the vein of Miyazaki wagyu claypot rice.
The House Bar, 1 Cuscaden Road, #01-02, Regent Singapore, Singapore 249715
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Manhattan
The Regent Singapore’s signature cocktail bar, Manhattan has all the glamour and refinement of the city that never sleeps itself, and then some. Since opening in 2014, the bar has quickly accumulated a wide circle of dedicated customers and seems to have found a forever home on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Oozing luxe and finesse, the menu explores an endless array of old New York’s iterations, from the 1520s to the 1990s. Choosing just one or two tipples from the list of classic and forgotten cocktails is nearly impossible, but guests can rest easy knowing that, no matter what they settle on, it will be meticulously crafted in the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse, a whisky-aging mini-warehouse. Its Sunday cocktail brunches—the first in Singapore—are also notoriously equal parts elegant and indulgent. Even better, the bar is known for its environmental consciousness, taking excess ingredients like spent coffee grounds, excess cream, and strawberry tops, and infusing them into their spirits to give them a new lease on life.
Manhattan, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
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Atlas
One of Singapore’s grandest bars, Atlas welcomes all-day drinking and dining deep into the night. At number 43 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, Atlas has long been a fixture in the local cocktail scene, and is certainly one of its more sweeping contenders. Known for its iconic gin tower, the bar holds over 1,000 varieties of the spirit, some dating as far back as 1910. The 7,400 sq ft establishment is consistently compared to a setpiece from the The Great Gatsby. With drinks on the menu like the caramel-infused Transatlantic and Mr. Schulze’s Sour, named in tribute to the man behind the beverage programme on the Hindenburg, we’ll let thirsty guests decide for themselves.
Atlas, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
17 / 17
The Store
This inviting speakeasy removes all barriers to entry in the guise of a cosy den. Fitted out with stylish high chairs, whimsical doodles splayed on the walls and ample skylight, The Store feels like your friend’s living room—where it’s possibly the best place to imbibe in libations. Some cocktails stay on the safer side, while others like the Irish Kyoto Collins, draws out umami notes from an unconventional ingredient: wasabi, as it’s mixed with yuzu juice, seaweed and a generous splash of Glendalough Botanical Dry Gin. Of course, customisations are readily available—feel free to check in with the friendly bartender on shift based on your preferences.
The Store, 11 Neil Road, Singapore 088809
