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5 bars in Singapore to sample the best drinks the Little Red Dot has to offer
Singapore is known for its vibrant nightlife and its many innovative bars serving fun cocktails and other spirits. In fact, it is home to Manhattan Bar, hailed the best bar in Asia in 2018 and one of the best bars in the world.
If you're heading down to the Little Red Dot, mix up your Universal Studios and Gardens By The Bay with a visit to any of the following bars below. They will not only quench your thirst, they will also give you a taste of Singapore's wonderful drinking culture.
We should know— these bars have been recommended by the Singapore Tourism Board! Now let's drink to that!
1. Native Bar
Despite having to close its doors during the peak of the pandemic, Native Bar survived and is now back to business with its extensive menu of wines, spirits, Asian alcohol, and original cocktails mixed by its owner himself, Vijay Mudaliar.
Located on Amoy Street, Native distinguishes itself among the many bars in the area with its use of local and regional ingredients both familiar and unusual, such as pandan and foraged ants. The cocktails are creatively served in small bowls, painted cups, pottery pieces, and even coconut shells that truly speak "native."
One of their must-try drinks include the Oolong Highball, which is inspired by the Japanese salaryman who winds down with a drink in the evening after a long day's work. A mix of shochu, yuzu, and Oolong kombucha garnished with nori, Native serves the drink on a tall clear glass placed on a tray with a cold towel to freshen up and chopsticks to nibble on three snacks: a small piece of tamagoyaki, gari, and dried pineapple jelly. Instagram
2. Tanglin Gin Jungle
If you are a fan of gin, Tanglin Gin Jungle is your happy place. Founded in 2018, the brand came up an original gin that Singapore can call its own. It is named after one of the districts in the country, Tanglin, which used to be the home of tigers.
Tanglin offers several gin products: the Singapore Gin, Orchid Gin, Black Powder Gin, and ready-to-drink cocktails. If you're a gin and tonic connoisseur and wish to have a taste of them all, consider booking a tour of their distillery and learn more about the making of gin.
On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer a weekend brunch featuring free flowing Orchid and Singapore Gin and Tonic, as well as all wines and beers. They serve several tapas like masala hummus, beef satay, tandoori chicken, and salmon ceviche. They also have bread and other sides. Instagram
3. Potato Head
Want some fresh air while having your evening drink? Visit Potato Head and its rooftop bar, which offers a nice view of the city's skyline at dusk. The bar is located in a building shaped like a ship, and the different levels cater to your various needs. Aside from the rooftop, they also have a studio bar and a dining hall.
Climbing all the way to the rooftop is already an experience, as Potato Head boasts of a stairwell lined with several art pieces such as paintings and sculptures.
The rooftop is decorated with plants and hanging lights that come alive when the sun goes down, giving the space a cozy atmosphere.
Much like its famous big Balinese brother, Potato Head Singapore serves delicious burgers, fries, nachos, sausages, sliders, and even desserts to go with their signature drinks.
Their rooftop-exclusive tiki cocktails are served in carved mugs and feature interesting mixes such as Pinatubo, a spiced rum with coconut liqueur, coconut cream syrup, and pineapple juice. Instagram
4. Blu Jaz Cafe
Fancy some entertainment along with your drinks? Head to the Blu Jaz cafe in Bali Lane. They have live performances you can enjoy while on a night out with friends. Be it music, poetry slam, standup comedy, or outright parties, make sure you have enough energy for a lively evening of adventure.
Blu Jaz Cafe also has an extensive menu that caters to all your tastes. Pizza and pasta? Check. Burger and fries? Check. Bread and rice? Meat and seafood? Check and check. Desserts and pastries? Check!
For the drinks, they also have many options to choose from, whether you're going for a happy hour or a sober session. You can have tea and coffee, juices and smoothies, beers and spirits, and wines and shooters. They also have several cocktails—from international classics like caipirinha and Tom Collins to house favorites like lychee martini and Singapore Sling. Instagram
5. No. 5 Bar
For a place with a more Singaporean vibe, visit the No. 5 Bar at Emerald Hill. The building is designed in Peranakan style—a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and Western cultures. The interior has red lanterns, wood carvings, other decorative pieces on the walls that give it an old school aesthetic.
Go hard with that Singaporean aesthetic and order No. 5 Bar's delicious nasi lemak and eh nasi goreng. You can taper it down too and instead nibble on the bar's signature chicken wings, fish and chips, onion rings, and mutton samosa.
For the drinks, try No. 5's very own mixes: the special cocktail, the Mexican bulldog, the Somerita, and the spicy Bloody Mary. If you're coming with friends, they also have beverage bundles and a wide selection of wines, beers, ciders, and martinis. Website
— JCB/LA, GMA News
This story was produced through a familiarization trip sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board.
