On the outside, dive bars may seem dodgy and probably not the sort of place you would ever want your folks catching you and your mates at. Tucked away in some of the tiniest cracks, these neighbourhood joints are often hard to find.

But a dive bar’s charm lies in the fact that it often sees a regular crowd, of which like-minded drinkers can feel a sense of familiarity and belonging. They may not be the most lavish—in fact far from it. But for some, these dive bars are considered home.

These are the spots where you can expect to chit chat with bartenders till the cows come home, occasionally witness some drunk-driven drama or simply get sloshed without being judged. As much as we love our bespoke cocktail bars, it’s time to give those a miss because dive bars are where the fun is at.

Here are 6 Elusive Dive Bars In Singapore Your Parents Should Never Know About.

SARA’S

Sara’s is one of the longest standing establishments in the Upper Thomson enclave. This is a place that sees patrons from all walks of life from retirees to strapping young teenagers in need of a late night tipple.

This iconic bar may seem dodgy to first-timers, but for those who live around the area, it is pretty much home. Sara’s has just about everything from beer to scotch and even some homemade cocktails that pack a punch.

217 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574350
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 3am
Sun: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Marymount

Photo Credit: One Place Bistro & Bar

ONE PLACE BISTRO & BAR

Located in Jalan Kayu, One Place Bistro & Bar is pretty hard to get to unless you drive—which is not particularly advisable if your motive for the night is to get sloshed. Their offerings include the usual suspects but many people just go for the dual beer tower promotion which is pretty decently priced.

It may also come as a surprise that their food is far more impressive than the average bar grub. The only downside is that their kitchen closes relatively early, but then again, being in Jalan Kayu, searching for a late night bite is not a difficult task.

273 Jalan Kayu,
Singapore 799501
Tel: +65 6555 6539
Sun to Fri: 6pm – 1am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Seng Kang

CHIPS

From beers as cheap as S$5 a mug, to a wide range of killer cocktails to get your night started, Chips has got it all covered. Located in the incredibly dodgy ming arcade, this tiny hole-in-the-wall is a godsend for party-goers in need of a quick and cheap fix.

They also have a delicious range of bar snacks (hint: cheese fries) to go along with the ice-cold beers.

21 Cuscaden Road,
Singapore 249720
Tel: +65 6735 4336
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 3am
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: The Drunken Poet

THE DRUNKEN POET

Located on the ground floor of the infamous Orchard Towers lies The Drunken Poet. This quaint hole-in-the-wall Irish pub exudes a rustic vibe that one would closely associate to Irish charm—from green bricks, barrels, mahogany furniture and the smell of Guinness.

The food menu is simple yet affordable with a few mains and bar bites to fill your tummy. Their drink offerings are pretty extensive however, many just go for the iconic Guinness draught.

01-29C Orchard Towers, 400 Orchard Road,
Singapore 238875
Tel: +65 6734 2924
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Orchard

VIE BAR

Residents of the East will want to keep this one a secret—Vie Bar in Siglap is an intimate bar whose primary clientele comprises loyal customers who return for their beers, hard liquor and occasional promotions.

This is also where you can catch sporting events and the upcoming EPL for those who are a fan of football.

914 East Coast Road
#01-02 The Domain
Singapore 459108
Tel: +65 6245 0010
Sun to Fri: 3.30pm – 1am
Sat: 3.30pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Kembangan / Bedok

Photo Credit: Molotov

MOLOTOV BISTRO & BAR

Over at Molotov, you can either go slow and have a chill drink while watching a game of football or spend the night playing drinking games with your friends—either way, this is a place you can check out if you are not up for squeezing with the crowd at Clarke Quay.

The bistro and bar can be found along the stretch of shophouses at Upper Thomson so you can bet that the atmosphere there is nothing short of exciting when night falls.

215F Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574349
Tel: +65 9008 2358
Daily: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Marymount

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/06/dive-bars-singapore/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2018/09/fresh-fruits-lab-z/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2018/09/fresh-fruits-lab-z/#comments Wed, 19 Sep 2018 08:00:31 +0000 ladyironchef http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=168847 Continue reading →]]>

Our favourite Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL) is back at it again. They have opened a second cafe—Fresh Fruits Lab Z Edition—in Clementi just behind NUS.

The new outlet is nothing short of amazing. Just like their previous branch, they stick to the core of incorporating fruits into their menu as much as possible, being kid-friendly, and serving up absolutely delicious food at even more reasonable prices than before.

We already know what’s great at their first branch, so what is it about The Z Edition that makes it fantastic? A bouncy castle for kids during the weekends! And on top of that, there are some tweaks to the menu and here is everything we love.

From now until 30 Nov 2018, kids below 8 dine for free during weekends at Fresh Fruits Lab Z when you quote ‘ladyironchef’. Every order of a main course comes with a complimentary kid’s main (from the kids’ menu).

Calling all mommies: this is also the next brunch spot you must bring your kids to for a jolly good time!

BANGING APPETISERS

Just like before, FFL serves their signature cold-pressed juices in a small test tube for you to sample, and in an adorable beaker should you order the full-size ones (averagely S$5 per glass).

We ordered the Spam Fries (S$8) as well as the Golden Brown Chicken Wings (S$8)—both served with homemade sweet chilli sauce.

The chicken wings had a lovely crispy skin that readily soaked up sweet garlic taste of the chilli. It was well seasoned down to the bone, and juicy without being oily. The light batter coating the spam fries also had an interesting texture to it, that provided a pleasant contrast between it and the soft spam inside. Despite being deep fried, it wasn’t greasy at all.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY MAINS

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. The Classic British Fish and Chips (S$12) is our all-time favourite main at FFL.

As plain and boring as it sounds, the portion size is massive, and the fish remains firm, flaky and delicately soft, encrusted by a thin layer of white ale batter. Their homemade tartar sauce boasts a slight spice to it that made the whole dish even more enjoyable. As if the generous serving is not filling enough, it comes with a side of fruit salad and truffle fries.

Another main to try is the FFL Baked Rice (S$9). The rice is cooked in buttermilk before being baked with a layer of mozzarella cheese, and it is pleasantly cheesy without being cloying or heavy. With bacon, chicken ham and mushrooms in it, kids are bound to love this dish of baked rice for sure!

The Grilled Pork Loin (S$15) is also a chef’s recommendation. Tender, thick and juicy, each morsel was a delight in itself to eat.

Served with mashed potatoes, eggplant pesto and green zucchini, the flavours intermingled with one another to highlight and emphasize the natural sweetness of the meat. It also comes along with pesto mayo sauce and apple chutney that helped to change up the flavour profile as we ate it.

Cafes are usually not known for their steaks, but FFL’s Angus Rib Eye (S$22) is definitely worth its price. It is a genuine 250gm of Angus ribeye that’s tender and soft, with the perfect amount of chew before easily sliding down your throat.

We loved how with every chew it released more of that beef flavour we all know and love, which melded well with their brown sauce that was slightly sweeter than the typical chargrill or mushroom sauce.

We also enjoyed their Cajun Chicken (S$10), which is really a simple yet comforting roasted cajun chicken served with grilled vegetables, sweet corn and mashed potatoes.

BITE-SIZED FUN FOR THE KIDS

Just like their first branch, FFL aims to cater to the entire family. Treat your kids to deliciously adorable meals such as FFL’s Teddy The Daddy (S$8), Little Miss Koala (S$8) or Chicken Little (S$10).

Their kids’ menu is prepared with less salt, without compromising on any of the other flavours for the children to enjoy. That is, if they’re willing to cut into something so cute.

From now until 30 Nov 2018, kids below 8 dine for free during weekends at Fresh Fruits Lab Z when you quote ‘ladyironchef’. Every order of a main course comes with a complimentary kid’s main (from the kids’ menu).

They also offer cake decorating to allow your kids to have a hand at crafting their own desserts. Choose from a range of their signature and have your children’s creativity flow from the tip of their chocolate pens.

For those kids that just can’t sit still, there’s a bouncy castle out in their backyard—set up at Fresh Fruits Lab Z on weekends. Boy, won’t the kids get so excited about this!

Your kids will absolutely love the bouncy castle where they can bounce and run back and forth. Fresh Fruits Lab Z Edition is the perfect place for parents to kick back and relax with good food while their children entertain themselves.

During lunch hours from 12pm to 3pm (except on public holidays), FFL offers a set menu consisting of a drink, salad and main for only S$10.90++.

For the alcoholics, you’d also be glad to know they have daily beer promotions. The most bang for the buck ones being Wednesdays for students, with beer towers at only S$39 (U.p. S$49–53), and Fridays with two towers going for S$89! Worth it!

Fresh Fruits Lab – The Z Edition
28 Clementi Road
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
(Closed on Mondays)
Tues to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge

Fresh Fruits Lab
351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Kembangan

This post was brought to you by Fresh Fruits Lab.

Treating yourself to alcohol can be no cheap affair in Singapore. With prices for beer towers costing as much as S$80, it is hard to not feel the pinch when it is time to foot the bill. Maximise your cash and get the most out of your drinking sessions during happy hours—which is undoubtedly the time when you can get the most value-for-money deals.

If you find yourself tight on cash on days when you need a pint or two, worry not, because we’ve got you covered. Happy hour just got happier with these 16 places in Singapore where you can get drinks under S$10. We kid you not.

Photo Credit: Acid Bar

ACID BAR

Situated near Somerset is Acid Bar, a hot spot amongst locals and tourists alike to chill out and have a few rounds of beer. At night, local musicians take centre stage so diners get to immerse themselves in live music and a chill ambience.

Happy hour happens from 5pm to 9pm daily—you can get house pour liqueurs at S$6 a glass and 3 bottles of beer at S$22.

180 Orchard Rd
Singapore 238846
Mon-Thu, Sun: 5pm – 2am
Fri and Sat: 5pm – 3am
Tel: +65 6738 8828
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: Al Capone’s

AL CAPONE’S RISTORANTE & BAR

This place remains as a crowd-favourite among party-goers to load up on pre-party drinks before the night’s antics for the very simple reason that it is insanely cheap. Three Heinekens can be had at only S$13 and a full pint of Guinness at S$8.80—what a steal!

Opening up to the wee hours of the night, it is not surprising that this is a popular go-to amongst both youngsters and adults.

2 Orchard Link,
#02-38 Scape Building
Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6509 5097
Daily: 5.30pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Somerset

BISTRO 1855

This tapas bar and restaurant not only whips up quality grub such as healthy grain bowls and European-inspired bar food, they also have alcohol options that are sure to please you.

At Bistro 1855, happy hour promotions run all-day long, whereby bottled beers, premium house wine and spirits are priced from S$6 to S$9 per glass.

3 Temasek Boulevard #01-643 Tower 4
Suntec City East Wing
Singapore 038983
Mon to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 5pm – 11pm
Closed on Sundays
Tel: +65 6836 5994
Nearest Station: Promenade

DISTRICT 10 BAR AND GRILL

District 10 should be no stranger to those who frequent Suntec City.

On Mondays, look forward to S$6 all day long for half pints of beer, wine and spirits. And if Monday just isn’t the day for you, District 10 offers a 1-for-1 promotion on full pints of beer, wine, house pours and exotic gin and tonics between 11.30am to 8pm from Tuesdays to Sundays.

3 Temasek Boulevard #01-514/515
Suntec City Mall
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6822 2886
Mon – Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Sat: 5pm – 1am
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Promenade/ Esplanade

FIVE IZAKAYA

FIVE Izakaya may be an oasis serving value-for-money set lunches, but it doesn’t end there.

With house pour wines at S$5 per glass and prices for half pints of beer from as low as S$5 to S$8 all-day long, it is indeed difficult to say no to such a deal!

5 Changi Business Park Central 1 #01-66/67
Changi City Point
Singapore 486038*
Mon – Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 3pm – 10pm
Tel: +65 6604 8255
Nearest Station: Expo
*FIVE Bar has various locations islandwide

Photo Credit: Fu Lin Bar and Kitchen

FU LIN BAR AND KITCHEN

While Telok Ayer definitely doesn’t fall short when it comes to the number of restaurant and gastrobars, Fu Lin Bar and Kitchen stands out against the rest for their service, ambience, food and drinks.

Happy hour happens between 4pm to 8pm daily, and that’s when you can get wines at S$9.50 a glass, as well as house pours at S$9 a glass.

127 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068596
Mon – Fri: 10am – 12am
Sat: 4pm – 12am
Closed on Sundays
Tel: +65 6423 0311
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: jaceonthemove

KANPAI 789

Many of us would have heard of Kanpai 789, one of the most affordable drinking spots around.

As if their drinks aren’t already economical for the masses—you can get beers, sake, wine and house pours all priced below S$10 all night long! Now you do not have to worry about rushing for happy hour promotions after office hours.

11 Unity Street, #01-18/29 Robertson Walk
Singapore 237995*
Daily: 5pm – 12am
Tel: +65 9800 4954

LOOF

Every day from 5pm onwards, prices for their house pours increase as it gets later in the night. Five, six, seven—the earlier you get there, the cheaper the drinks are!

331 North Bridge Road,
#03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop
Singapore 188720
Tel: +65 6337 9416
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 2am
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Raffles City

Photo Credit: MOJO

MOJO

Founded by local artistes Shane Pow and Sin Lee, MOJO is a restaurant nestled close to the city centre, offering protein rice bowls and yakitori.

Their happy hour—Mojo Hour—happens daily between 11.30am and 9.30pm. During this timing, Asahi Draught beers are S$15 for 2. What a steal!

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

204 Telok Ayer St
Singapore 068640
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 11.45pm
Closed on Sundays
Tel: +65 6220 0723
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: &SONS

&SONS

Nestled along one of the many streets of Chinatown is &SONS, a gastrobar best known for their Italian cuisine.

&SONS Singapore offers different happy hour deals daily after 6pm. Mondays will see the promotion of a glass of wine/ cocktail or a bottle of beer priced at S$6++ on Mondays; on Tuesdays, all cocktails are S$6 and on Wednesdays, Peroni Beer is priced at S$6 each.  This is an excellent place for one to drive away Monday blues and midweek woes.

20 Cross St
Singapore 048422
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Sat: 6pm – 11.30pm
Closed on Sundays
Tel: +65 6221 3937
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: undae_

STICKIES BAR

Stickies Bar is incredibly popular among youngsters—particularly those strapped for cash—and is often crowded by as early as 2pm in the afternoon.

Beer prices here begin as low as S$2 from 2pm onwards and increases by a dollar as the hours pass, all the way till the clock strikes 12 midnight. Worth it? Definitely.

11 Keng Cheow St, #01-10
Singapore 059608
Tel: +65 6443 7564
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

SYMMETRY

This cosy, modern bar & restaurant primarily serves French-inspired tapas, global mains & weekend brunch that leave a lasting impression.

But that’s not all they are known for—Symmetry has a ‘Happy Thirsty Hours’ promotion all-day long on Sundays and Mondays, 3pm to 8pm from Tuesdays to Fridays and 9am to 8pm on Saturdays, whereby beer prices are as low as S$8!

9 Jalan Kubor #01-01
Singapore 199206
Mon: 10.30am – 9pm
Tue – Thu: 10.30am – 11pm
Fri: 10.30am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 7pm
Tel: +65 6291 9901
Nearest Station: Bugis/ Nicoll Highway

Photo Credit: The Cider Pit

THE CIDER PIT

The Cider Pit is an unpretentious bar situated along the roads of Joo Chiat where you can get everything at nett prices.

Not only will The Cider Pit satisfy your cider cravings, the place also offers happy hour deals daily from 5pm to 1am, with half pints of Aspall Draught beer and Cider Pit Premium Lager going at S$5, and full pints going at S$10.

#01-03, 328 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427585
Tel: +65 6440 0504
Mon to Fri: 3pm – 1am
Sat & Sun: 1pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Eunos

TWO CHEFS BAR

Two Chefs Bar has enticing Happy Hour deals that see pints going at S$10 all day, every day! Now that’s taking Happy Hour to the next level! So quickly gather your amigos for a night out of solid tipples and fun times.

This promotion is only valid at the Holland Village outlet. The best seller frozen Margarita with premium tequila and irresistible Pina Colada are two must-try cocktails that will make you go for more.

17D Lorong Liput
Holland Village
Singapore 277731
Tel: +65 6463 3903
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

WALA WALA

Wala Wala is a popular spot in Holland Village where beer and live music aficionados flock to. The appeal of this humble bar is in its relaxed and cosy setting, which is perfect for a chill night out with your girlfriends and buddies.

Happy hours at Wala Wala runs from 4pm to 9pm on weekdays, and 3pm to 9pm during weekends. Beers, wines and house pours can go for less than S$10 during happy hour!

31 Lor Mambong
Singapore 277689
Tel: +65 6462 4288
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 1am
Fri: 4pm – 2am
Sat: 3pm – 2am
Sun: 3pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Holland Village

Photo Credit: Wine Connection

WINE CONNECTION TAPAS BAR & BISTRO

Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro is one of Singapore’s largest importers of wine and they offer an extensive menu of 20 to 30 different varieties of wines.

Prices for a glass of wine can be priced at only S$6 all day, making it one of the cheapest places in Singapore for one to get wine.

11 Unity Street
#01-06 Robertson Walk
Singapore 237995*
Mon – Thu: 11.30am – 2am
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 3am
Sun: 11am – 11pm
Tel: +65 6238 6878
Nearest Station: Fort Canning
*Wine Connection has several outlets islandwide

For more recommendations, read our guide on 11 bars in Singapore’s CBD with the best happy hour deals.

The rising popularity of izakayas in Singapore is no surprise, especially with Singapore’s growing bar scene that sees drinking holes in all forms and themes.

An Izakaya is essentially Japan’s equivalent to a Spanish tapas bar where you get to dine and drink under one roof. The answer to the woes of the Japanese working class, Izakayas are seen as a haven where people can go to after work to enjoy a tipple, snack on some food and unwind with their mates.

Whether it is an ice-cold beer you crave or something a little more punchy, here are 10 Izakaya bars in Singapore for you to unwind, get fed or simply to drown out your sorrows.

#1 EN BAR

Previously known as En Grill & Bar, En Bar—located along Mohamed Sultan Road—is a contemporary bar and lounge where you are greeted with a selection of Asian and Western tapas and a neat range of Japanese alcohol such as Sake Shochu, Awamori, wines and spirits.

If you are keen on trying something new, do approach their bartenders for a unique cocktail concoction!

#2 FIVE IZAKAYA

Besides their enticing S$5 beer promotions, FIVE Izakaya is a pretty solid place to catch up with friends or colleagues over some yummy grub. Alcohol never runs dry here but perhaps one of the more underrated qualities of this long-time establishment is its food.

From bar bites to authentic Japanese fare, their food offerings are massive.

5 Changi Business Park Central 1, #01-66/67
Changi City Point
Singapore 486038
Tel: +65 6604 8255
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 3pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Expo

Photo credit: IZAKAYA 95

#3 IZAKAYA 95

Despite being tucked all the way at The Punggol Settlement, Izakaya 95 is worth a visit.

The izakaya dishes out a wide variety of tasty Japanese food which includes yakitori and did we mention the happy hour promotions that happen all night long? You get to enjoy drinks from S$9.50 onwards!

3 Punggol Point #02-05
The Punggol Settlement,
Singapore 828694
Tel: +65 6384 1132
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat: 1pm – 1am
Sun: 1pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Punggol

#4 IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

Nestled on the second level of Cuppage Plaza, Izakaya Nijumaru is possibly one of the oldest Japanese eateries around—we’re talking about over 3 decades! From the old-school interior to the wall murals, Izakaya Nijumaru is bound to have you reminiscing your times in Japan.

This cosy eatery serves up an extensive range of Japanese food at really affordable prices. Drink choices are limited but rest assured that thirsty tipplers will still be able to get their fill of sake.

5 Koek Road, #02- 228796
10 Cuppage Road
Tel: +65 6235 6693
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#5 JINZAKAYA

A hidden gem with pretty affordable food, JINzakaya is known for its wide range of grilled delicacies, including everyone’s favourite yakitori. Crowd pleasers include their juicy grilled chicken thigh, tender pork belly slices, and fresh scallops wrapped in bacon—all of which go incredibly well with an ice-cold beer.

Drinks wise, one can choose from more than 10 different types of sake, shochu and beer.

Connexion at Farrer Park
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Owen Link, #01-08/10
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6443 1173
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

#6 MO’MOR IZAKAYA

Nestled in the cosy enclave of Tanglin—right on the outskirts of the bustling Orchard district—this contemporary establishment fuses Japanese and European elements together to present a stunning menu featuring mainly tapas and grills.

Other than being aesthetically-pleasing, the quality of their food is also top-notch and go perfectly well with in-house tipples.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 3 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

56 Tanglin Road
#B1-01 Tanglin Post Office
Singapore 247964
Tel: +65 6463 8080
Sun to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 10am – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

#7 NEON PIGEON

This quaint Japanese fusion restaurant located along the restaurant-laden Keong Saik Road brims with cool indie vibes that just scream out at you as you walk by—and we’re not just talking about the literal neon pink pigeon at its doorway.

The recipes here take on a modern twist and are sure to intrigue as well as delight. There is also a curated menu of artistic cocktails that pair beautifully with their outstanding nosh.

1 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6222 3623
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#8 SHIROKANE TORI-TAMA

If you’re a fan of grilled skewers—or more specifically, yakitori—then this outpost of the Tokyo-based Toritama group is one to visit. Choose from a selection of over 20 chicken parts—all grilled to tender, smoky perfection.

While you soak up the aromas, feel free to knock back a cold one or even a sake.

11 Unity Street,
Singapore 237995
Tel: +65 6836 5680
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

#9 SHUKUU IZAKAYA & SAKE BAR

Tanjong Pagar may be home to quite a number of izakayas but perhaps one of the standouts is Shukuu Izakaya & Sake Bar. This traditional Japanese restaurant exudes a laid-back vibe that nicely complements the Japanese fare served here.

Along with its remarkable service and accessible location, this spacious restaurant is perfect for large groups—time to round up the entire office!

8 Stanley Street
Singapore 068727
Tel: +65 6327 9240
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#10 SHUNJUU IZAKAYA

Located along Robertson Quay, Shunjuu Izakaya is a riverfront izakaya that serves up mainly skewers and outrageously affordable sake.

With an incredible variety of 70 grilled skewers and just about 60 different kinds of Japanese sake to choose from, every visit remains a refreshing experience!

30 Robertson Quay
#01-15 Riverside View
Singapore 238251
Tel: +65 6887 3577
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning / Clarke Quay

In Singapore, few things ever come as cheaply as we would prefer (not in the town area at least). After a long, tiring day at work when all you feel like doing is winding down at a spiffy bar, with your feet up on a saddle and a drink in your hand, it gets a tad demoralising when you suddenly recall how expensive a drink will cost you—not to mention a couple.

But learn to play it smart and drinking in Singapore will not cost you a bomb. In fact, little did we know that the city area is laden with many bars offering cheap deals and unbelievable happy hour promotions.

Shut down your computers and head out of the office early, because while your colleagues may judge you for drinking when the sun’s still up, you can just as easily have the last laugh for paying much less for the same. Here’s a list of 12 bars in Singapore’s CBD where you can enjoy a tipple or two at wallet-friendly prices. You’re welcome.

CIN CIN

Curious tipplers and gin enthusiasts can head to Cin Cin for a taste of their collection of boutique gins, gin-inspired cocktails, and over 500 different ways to build your own martinis and G&Ts. To cash in on their happy hour promo, head there from 5pm to 8pm for their daily 1-for-1 House Gin, Carlsberg, House Red/White Wine.

THE OAKWOOD EXECUTIVE CLUB (OAKWOOD PREMIER OUE SINGAPORE)

Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore’s Premium Happy Hour is the best deal in town. From 6pm to 9pm daily, you can enjoy free-flow wines and beers at S$29.90++ per pax with minimum 2 orders of bar bites.

6 Shenton Way
Level 7, OUE Downtown 1
Singapore 068809
Tel: +65 6812 6050
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

J BAR

Located right smack in the Central Business District, on level 9 of M Hotel Singapore, J Bar draws working executives from nearby offices. Sleek and stylish, this bar is home to many top local acts, making it an ideal spot for unwinding while enjoying a drink.

Daily from 5pm to 8.30pm, enjoy 1-for-1 house pours, wine, Tiger beer, listed martinis and champagne.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 3 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

81 Anson Road,
Singapore 079908
Tel: +65 6224 1133
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Photo Credit: Jigger & Pony

JIGGER & PONY

Jigger & Pony is not unheard of in Singapore vibrant cocktail scene, but boy is their happy hour prices an absolute snatch. With colourful craft cocktails like the Flamingo and classics like the Old Fashioned going at S$14 from 6pm to 8pm, there is no wonder this sleek establishment sees a crowd in the early evening.

101 Amoy Street,
Singapore 069921
Tel: +65 6223 9101
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

LUXE

Serving up an innovative menu of modern Australian cuisine with accents of Asian influence, Luxe wins big points with the working crowd during dinnertime. But besides tasty nosh, they also have 1-for-1 drinks from 4pm to 8pm from Tuesday to Saturday—what better way to round off a satisfying meal than with a tipple or three?

1 Keong Saik Road #01-04,
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6221 5615
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

BLUE LOTUS CHINESE GRILL HOUSE

Blue Lotus Chinese Grill House boasts a modish menu that wows the crowd with their new-age Chinese cuisine. But besides their fancy dishes and pimped up sauces, what we are really into Is their daily happy hour promotions that happen all-day-long!

5 Wallich Street #01-13,
Tanjong Pagar Centre
Singapore 078883
Tel: +65 6996 0880
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

THE BLACK SWAN

At The Black Swan, there is more to it than just its lavish decor and luxurious nosh. Upon entering this highly acclaimed restaurant, you can almost feel your work stress fade away.

Stop by the laid-back alfresco area and enjoy yourself S$9++ house pours, house wines and draft beers as well as S$2++ oysters (available from 5pm to 8pm). If that isn’t enough of an indication of a good night ahead, we don’t know what is.

19 Cecil Street,
Singapore 049704
Tel: +65 6438 3757
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon: 11.30am – 11pm
Tue to Thu: 11.30am – 12am
Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

FIVE ORIENTAL

Popular among Japanese office workers, Japanese izakayas are cheap drinking bars that provide an ideal setting to de-stress and socialise after a hectic day at the office.

Taking inspiration from that, the bar, conveniently located at the heart of Collyer Quay, serves Asahi draught all day, every day at S$5 for a half-pint. Or if Japan’s premier brew isn’t your ideal choice of poison, sip on a range of international beers at just S$30 per bucket of five—now that’s a hot deal.

16 Collyer Quay, #01-05B,
Singapore 049318
Tel: +65 9826 1049
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

THE SECRET MERMAID

When it comes to modern bars with quirky concepts, the ones that lie hidden often intrigue us the most. The Secret Mermaid is a secret watering hole located in the Ocean Financial Centre. This tasting room will offer you an endless selection of gin, whisky, vodka, rum, and more, in addition to free tater tots that come with every order of drinks.

The Secret Mermaid has happy hours from 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday. This means you can enjoy craft beer starting at S$11 and cocktails from S$14!

10 Collyer Quay, B1-09,
Ocean Financial Centre,
Singapore 049315
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 11am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

KINKI

Kinki is a rooftop bar with an underground vibe that is a frequent hangout for the after-work drinks crowd. With a plentiful selection of sake as well as Asian-inspired cocktails and bar bites, be sure to stop by during happy hours from Monday to Saturday between 5pm and 8pm to take advantage of their 1-for-1 deals on selected beers, wines and spirits.

70 Collyer Quay, #02-02
Customs House,
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 6533 3471
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

THE MAD MEN ATTIC BAR

Get merry and go mad at this rooftop bar that overlooks the gorgeous CBD skyline. The vibe here is casual and cool and unlike many rooftop bars around, casual dressing is accepted. Their drinks are very reasonably priced with house pours going for as low S$12 during happy hour up till 8pm daily.

11 North Canal Road, #03-02 (Attic Level),
Singapore 048824
Tel: +65 6222 3529
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

THE PELICAN

A chic and laidback dining spot along One Fullerton overlooking the Marina Bay waterfront, The Pelican serves up a tantalizing array of East Coast American-style seafood boils and grills. But grub aside, The Pelican is where cocktail lovers rendezvous after work for a tipple.

If you’re hankering for a drink post-work or for any reason at all, snag yourself a table because there from 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm from Mondays to Thursdays, and 12pm all the way to 9pm on Fridays, beer, spirits and wine are 1-for-1!

1 Fullerton Road, #01-01
One Fullerton
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place