Several generations ago, speakeasies referred to the unlicensed saloons where patrons were required to lay low about drinking at these illegal establishments. Today, a speakeasy bar typically refers to a bar’s concept, where its appearance is more often than not deliberately unnoticeable or even camouflaged. Speakeasies are all the rage right now on our sunny island! Some of them are incredibly difficult to locate – but good things are worth hunting for, right?
From cocktail speciality bar Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall, underrated alfresco The Bar Above, hidden underground gem Operation Dagger to award-winning 28 Hong Kong Street, here is our guide to 13 Best Secret Bars in Singapore that are worth making a special trip to.
#1 AH SAM COLD DRINK STALL
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall might sound like an old-school drinks stall at a hawker centre, but is actually a retro cocktail bar located on the second storey of a shophouse. The owner-cum-bartender ‘Ah Sam’ fronts the bar with creative concoctions that have successfully infused local elements into classics.
60A Boat Quay
Tel: +65 6535 0838
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 2am
Cloesd on Sundays
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
Who would have expected such a stylish open-concept bar to open in the heart of Alexandra? Aqua Luna is perched atop seventh storey of Park Hotel Alexandra and boasts an alternative view of the Queenstown precinct. The beautiful alfresco bar – situated right beside a 25-metre infinity pool – also has a tantalising menu to offer.
Level 7 Park Hotel Alexandra
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 6828 8885
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Queenstown / Redhill
Bar Stories is possibly one of the longest standing bespoke speakeasy in this guide and we are glad that the cocktail bar is going from strength to strength with its mouthwatering unique concoctions. The talented and experienced mixologists here will ensure you have a wonderful night out with their awesome creations.
55-57A Haji Lane
Singapore 189248
Tel: +65 6298 0838
Sun to Thu: 4pm – 1am
Fri and Sat: 4pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Bugis
#4 BITTERS & LOVE
From the outside, Bitters & Love looks like a shophouse under construction works but do not let is facade fool you. Behind the deceiving ‘door’ is an intimate cocktail bar bustling with life. Their cocktail menu is extensive but we would strongly recommend first-time visitors to order the Kaya Toast Cocktail (S$23) – a tasty alcoholic treat for those with a sweet tooth!
118 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068587
Tel: +65 6438 1836
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 2am
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer
We have never seen a Chinese restaurant with such a sleek-looking bar. The jellyfish tank is the contemporary bar’s main centrepiece and is a great hangout spot for those searching for an intimate space. Mitzo’s Asian-inspired cocktails are absolutely delicious and are worth returning for.
Level 4 Grand Park Orchard
270 Orchard Road
Singapore 238857
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12am
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset
#6 OPERATION DAGGER
Most people walk pass Operation Dagger without even knowing it! Which is such a shame given how gorgeous the interior of this Speakeasy Bar is. Navigating your way there is a bit of a challenge but well worth the hassle. The bar is filled with 6,000 hanging light bulbs and poses as a stunning backdrop for your cocktails.
7 Ann Siang Hill
Singapore 069791
Tel: +65 6438 4057
Sun and Mon: Closed
Tue to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer
#7 SMOKE & MIRRORS
Smoke and Mirrors is a gorgeous rooftop bar located within National Gallery Singapore. Established as one of Singapore’s best rooftop bars, it comes with stunning views of Marina Bay Sands and Padang. Try to arrive before sunset and watch Singapore’s skyline transform before your eyes!
#06-01 National Gallery 1 St.
St Andrew’s Rd
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 9234 8122
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11.30am – 12.30am
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: City Hall
#8 THE BAR ABOVE
The Bar Above is a lovely hidden gem that we actually hate to share with you. The tiny rooftop bar – positioned right above the unassuming Pho Stop restaurant – grants visitors a magnificent view of Pinnacle at Duxton. Patrons can enjoy tantalising Vietnamese dishes prepared by Pho Stop and ice-cold beers under the dimly lit fairy lights.
72 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088493
Tel: +65 6534 8178
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri to Sat: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar
#9 THE LIBRARY
The Library is renowned for its admission hassle and impressive cocktails. In order to enter the speakeasy bar, visitors must have had already acquired the password which changes on a weekly basis. Unnecessarily pretentious or actually cool? You decide.
47 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089151
Mon to Fri: 6pm – 1.30am
Sat and Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Outram Park
#10 THE HORSE’S MOUTH
The Horses’ Mouth is accessible from Uma Uma Ramen and we love how ‘hidden’ this underground speakeasy Japanese bar is! Prices are admittedly steep but alcoholic concoctions are prepared with the finest ingredients – so hey, we are not complaining. The place gets a little crowded on Friday nights, so do make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
583 Orchard Road, #B1-39
Forum the Shopping Mall
Singapore 238884
Tel: +65 6235 1088
Closed on Sundays
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard
#11 THE SECRET MERMAID
The Secret Mermaid might not be a secret amongst the corporate workers in Singapore’s central business district area due to its proximity to Raffles Place MRT Station. P.s. It is only a five-minute leisure stroll away from the train station. The bar boasts a selection of American craft spirits and is the go-to place to unwind after a long day at work.
10 Collyer Quay
B1-08 Ocean Financial Centre
Singapore 049315
Daily: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
#12 THE SPIFFY DAPPER
Speakeasy bar The Spiffy Dapper has shifted from Boat Quay to one of Amoy Street’s heritage shophouses. Walk through the Ann Siang Hill Park connector to Amoy Street and look for number 73. Look out for Dapper Coffee signs and head up the staircase and a whole new wonderland awaits.
73 Amoy Street
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 8722 4953
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
Sun: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer
#13 28 HONGKONG STREET
Despite its semi-obscure shopfront, award-winning 28 Hong Kong Street clearly faces no lack of eager customers. The bar has recently been crowned as the best bar in Asia by Drinks International and has numerous other accolades under its name. Indulge in their exhaustive list of over 700 independent craft spirits or sink your teeth into lip-smacking bar nosh.
28 Hongkong Street
Singapore 059667
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 2am
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 3am
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay