Home to the largest crowd of PMEBs, Raffles Place is one the most populated vicinities where corporates are constantly in need of after-work drinks. We’ve sussed out the best bars for your every need. So go on, eliminate your work blues and quell your thirst at these top five bars in Raffles Place.
AH SAM COLD DRINK STALL – BEST FOR STIFF TIPPLES
Ah yes, the stiff one; that liquid concoction one craves for ever so once in a while when the toil of work bares down on you—hard. Located along Boat Quay, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall welcomes all who seeks a good tipple (or two) to lounge on level two as you take in tranquil views of the Singapore River.
Formerly of Jigger & Pony, owner-bartender Samuel Wong (better known as ‘Ah Sam’) helms the bar with Diplomatico World Tournament 2013 Singapore winner, Eugene Chua, to deliver classic-driven bespoke cocktails that are intoxicatingly potent—it seems they don’t hold back on tipping the bottle over (but we ain’t complaining). A saving grace that liberates one from the stress of work is Old Pal (S$20)—bringing together subtle bitter and herbaceous notes of Campari and dry vermouth, and the toasty nuttiness of rye whiskey. Disclaimer: if you’re a lightweight (drinker), this probably isn’t the place for you.
60A Boat Quay
Tel: +65 6535 0838
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri to Sat 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
FIVE BAR IZAKAYA – BEST FOR CHEAP DRINKS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
A common misconception: working in a corporate-driven environment (and dressing well) does not necessarily mean one earns more than average. If you’re looking for a watering hole that understands your needs; having a drink without burning a hole in the wallet, this is it. The extensive menu may cease to overwhelm—there’s 13 beers; bottled and on tap, and over 30 spirits available—even sake, wine and bubbly are not spared from the list.
Having said that, quantity does not truncate quality. Premium spirits such as Hendrick’s Gin, Macallan 18 years, Martell Cordon Bleu, Nikka From The Barrel, and The Glenlivet 18 years are also stocked at the bar. While that’s great, what really draws the crowd in are their prices—one of the lowest around. A glass (300ml) of Asahi Super Dry will set one back S$5, while a tower (3l) is priced at S$50. If beer’s not your thing, house pour reds, whites, and spirits are all priced at S$5 per glass. There’s also live music performances Monday to Friday from 7pm. Heads up: it gets busy from 6:30pm, so make your way down early.
16 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6536 8955
Mon to Thu: 1pm – 12am
Fri: 12pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
COOK AND BREW – WINES OF THE WORLD BY WESTIN
Cook & Brew at The Westin Singapore opens for the whole day, making it the perfect location for all occasions. Drop by during your lunch hour for a casual and relaxing meal, or pop by in the middle of afternoon to grab a beer and some light snacks. In the evening, it is a lovely place to have some pre-dinner drinks with your colleagues or friends before treating yourself to a well-deserved dinner.
It has a beverage list that promises a mind-boggling range, from your favourite cocktails and mocktails to the many kinds of beers to drink the night away. The third is the ever-popular Wines of The World by Westin, and who can say no to that?
The Westin Singapore
33/F Asia Square Tower 2
12 Marina View
Tel: +65 6922 6948
Mon to Thu: 11am – 12midnight
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Downtown/Marina Bay
THE BANK BAR – BEST FOR AFTER-WORK DRINKS
Located in close proximity to numerous banks, themed bar The Bank Bar exudes a chic and premium vibe with its lofty bar area and high ceiling, private cigar lounge and quality cuisine. Happy hour runs from 11am to 8pm daily, saving you an average of 20% off your bill. Its wide selection of drinks—ranging from beer, wines, spirits, liqueurs and cocktails, make it a great spot for after-work drinks. Great with beer are the chicken and prawns Shanghai dumplings ($15) and the prawn and mango spring rolls ($16) with mango chili sauce.
In line with its moniker, signature cocktails are quirkily named after financial terms like ‘offshore account’; a twist on the mojito by adding raspberries and citrus to the concoction, and ‘liquidated damages’, consisting of Rémy Martin VSOP, lemon juice and simple syrup—thankfully priced affordably (both $18) so your wallet won’t experience either. We especially enjoyed the G&T ($19) with a touch of mint and grapefruit for a bittersweet yet refreshing profile, as well as the sweet and citrusy smash and grab ($18)—a rum-based cocktail of muddled pineapple, Italian basil and lime.
1 Shenton Way, #01-01
One Shenton
Tel: +65 6636 2188
Mon to Tue: 8am – 12am
Wed: 8am – 1am
Thu: 8am – 12am
Fri: 8am – 1am
Sat to Sun: 9am – 12am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
THE SECRET MERMAID – BEST FOR QUALITY AMERICAN SPIRITS
There is work. There is play. And occasionally, (well, more than occasionally, actually,) you find yourself in need of a place that can effortlessly blend these two realms. A place that lets you take respite from the hustle and bustle of work. Located in the heart of the CBD; a mere five-minute stroll from Raffles Place station, is The Secret Mermaid. There’s no wheel reinventing here—just a muted list of American classics with a twist.
Heading the bar is bartender Kevin Petrie, who designs a straightforward cocktail list to enhance the flavors of the spirit. Read: no fancy garnishes here. Reigning high on our list is the Negroni ($15) of Alaska fireweed vodka, Campari and Aperol with a hint of grapefruit, and our swear-by after-work mood-lifter tequila Old Fashioned ($12)—Sparkle Donkey Reposado tequila and a touch of basement bitters. Also available are tasting flights (from $15) that come in a set of three spirits (15ml each)—choose from bourbon, gin, rum, vodka, infused vodka, and whiskey.
The secret is out. We’ve found the best spot in the CBD for quality American spirits.
10 Collyer Quay, #B1-08
Ocean Financial Centre
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
For more recommendations on the best bars in Singapore, read the following guides: Top 5 Bars at Tanjong Pagar || Top 5 Bars at Club Street || Top 5 Bars at Ann Siang Hill.
About the writer:
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Appetite Asia, Food & Travel, and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest openings in the dining scene.