Why go: While we recommend checking out Gibson, this particular spot is home to three great bars. There’s Humpback, where you can have your fill of seafood, fresh oysters and bloody Marys and Flagship, a rock and roll dive bar and self-declared home of the Old Fashioned. Climb up to the second floor to Gibson and the air is a little more refined without being overly stuffy.
What to order: Gibson is on this list because if you turn up on a Tuesday, oysters cost SG$3 a pop. The cocktails, sadly, aren’t so cheap, but when the eponymous Gibson (SG$23) is created with Roku Gin, specially commissioned ginjo saké vermouth and served with wasabi leaves, pickled onion and smoked quail’s egg with a runny yolk, you can at least see where your money is going.
Where to find: 2/F, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834
Why go: One of the first rooftop bars to make an appearance in Singapore, Loof has many draws aside from its elevated view of the city. Happy hour happens from Monday through to Friday from 5-8pm when house pours are priced at SG$5 if you arrive at 5pm, SG$6 if you turn up after 6pm and SG$7 when you rock up at 7pm. As good an excuse as any to leave the office early.
What to order: If you’re a fan of bubble tea, then you have to try Loof’s spiked versions (SG$21) alongside other locally inspired drinks like the Singapore Sour (SG$19) and Kopi Cat (SG$19). Save room for the bar snacks – they’re sinfully delicious spins on local classics that are well worth the calories.
Where to find: #03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, 331 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188720
Skinny’s Lounge
Why go: When you’ve made your way through all the bars in Singapore and you find yourself still wanting a drink at 2am, then head to Skinny’s for the after-party. Also known as the bartender’s bar, it’s where all the industry folk hang out after hours before finally heading home. The vibe’s relaxed and grungy and the drinks are strong and stiff – there’s nothing more we could possibly ask for, really. Plus, did we mention the karaoke room where you can belt your heart out to Bohemian Rhapsody?
What to order: Make a bullseye towards the Fast and Cheap list for drinks like the Americano and Paloma for SG$15. But if you’re feeling extra fancy, there’s an option to Make It Nice for just SG$3 more and the bartenders use generous pours of artisanal spirits instead.
Where to find: #01-02, 82 Boat Quay, Singapore 049870
Smith Street Taps
Why go: Here’s where to find locally brewed beer and international craft beer brands on tap right in the middle of a hawker centre. Hawker centres are a unique part of Singapore’s food culture, housing hundreds of stalls specialising in a couple of local dishes under one roof. Smith Street Taps at Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre only sells a rotating range of craft beers from the likes of Young Master, the award-winning Hong Kong brewery, The Beerfarm and plenty of others.
What to order: There are 12 premium craft beers on tap and the brews are ever-changing. Recent beers include Session Pale Ale by Cloudwater Brew, Hopwired IPA by 8 Wired Brewing and Juicier Than Thou by Heretic Brewing Company among plenty of others – all from SG$8 a pint.
Where to find: #02-062, Blk 335 Smith Street Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335