Tucked in the corner of Teck Lim Road next to Keong Siak Road is Chez Suzette, a beautiful French cafe which specialises in hearty French food, crêpes, freshly baked pastries, artisanal coffee as well as a range of specially curated French wine.

From the French-style decor and furniture to the plates and utensils, Chez Suzette totally nailed it.

Prices range from S$19 for a Croque Monsieur, to S$36 for a main of Braised Beef Cheeks. There are also other classic French dishes including Escargots (S$16), Traditional French Onion Soup (S$16), and Duck Leg Confit (S$29).

We had the Duck Leg Confit (S$29) which was served with ratatouille. While the skin wasn’t as crisp as we’d like, we enjoyed every bit of the Duck Leg Confit.

Another dish that we ordered was the hearty Rolled Turkey with Mushroom Stuffing (S$22) and it came with mashed potato, baby carrot and a turkey sauce. The Rolled Turkey wasn’t dry at all and it was, in fact, quite tender.

To end off your meal, the signature Crêpes Suzette (S$15)—with a homemade sauce made of caramelised sugar and butter, orange juice, and zest—is a must-order dessert. Top it off with Grand Marnier Flambé (additional S$5 supplement) and watch the staff flambéed the Crêpes Suzette table-side. Get your camera ready!

There is also a retail and workshop space at Chez Suzette which features curated items from local artists and craftsmen.

Drop by Chez Suzette and enjoy a leisure lunch of French classics and wines with your friends.

Chez Suzette
5 Teck Lim Rd, #01-01, Singapore 088383
Tel: 8690 4810

Located in the bar and restaurant-laden street of Keong Saik Road, Sluviche is an outfit that serves up icy, boozed up slushies and a tantalising array of fresh and colourful ceviche—perfect for beating the Singapore heat.

With a menu that is limited to a handful of ceviche options, this may not be the ideal place if what you are looking for is a hearty, full-on meal but what you can be sure of is a pleasant mid-day pick-me-up in the form of raw seasoned seafood and a refreshing cocktail.

The best way to enjoy seafood is raw and the best way to savour an alcoholic beverage in Singapore’s mid-day humidity is ice-cold, so what are you waiting for? Sluviche is the place to be.

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Specialising in Peruvian ceviche and pimped up, adult-only slushies, Sluviche—a cheeky play on the words ‘ceviche’ and ‘slushie’—brings to Keong Saik Road a breath of vibrancy and a laid-back vibe. This is where we can imagine ourselves coming to for fun, carefreeness and fresh flavours to excite our palates.

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Their menu is concise in that it only features a selection of 5 ceviche options, 2 boozy slushy options, 3 house-crafted cocktails. Wine and spirits are also available, but the things that you absolutely must try—which also makes for a quick pick-me-up at any time of the day—are their Pisco Punch (S$15) and Pisco Sour (S$15).

Their food offerings may be small but make no mistake, these boys don’t play. What you get out of every serving of their ceviche are masterful techniques in the form of specially curated seafood, scratch-made sauces to uniformly cut garnishes.

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Fish options available here consist of scallops, tuna, shrimp, Buri (yellowtail) and Fiji (swordfish)—all of which come with a side of sourdough bread.

Ready for a night out with the lads? You know where to go.

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Sluviche
17A Keong Saik Road,
Singapore 089124
Tel: +65 6224 0212
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

All photos are credited to Sluviche. 

Butcher Boy is a new Asian-inspired bar and grill at the Keong Saik dining enclave. This humble ‘meatery’ is the perfect space for meat-lovers in search for good vibes and solid meat dishes.

Butcher Boy is the second venture by chef-owner Andrew Walsh of Cure. Their key offerings, as its name suggests, include a sizzle of luscious meats alongside a selection of cocktails, buns, sharing plates, and oh-so-decadent sundaes.

Taking its naming inspiration from Walsh’s all-time-favourite novel and movie, The Butcher Boy, this cosy restaurant space is intended for guests to escape the bustle of life and ease over a laid back atmosphere of great food, tipples and music. Whether you are a passionate meat lover or someone who simply needs to unwind after a hectic workday, Butcher Boy is one place worth visiting.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/pg/butcherboysg

Following through on the Asian influence, Butcher Boy presents carnivorous grill options for guests to sink their teeth into.

Dishes worth trying include the Iberico Pork Belly (S$32), the Duck Banh Mi with Liver Pate and Sriracha ($18) and the foolproof Fried Chicken Bao with Yuzu Kewpie (S$18). Their two-page beverage menu is compact but sufficient. Feel free to knock these bad boys back with a Japanese craft beer or one fo their house-crafted cocktails.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/pg/butcherboysg

For drinks, award-winning head bartender Knut Randhem has created Asian-inspired cocktails such as Thai Basil Tini (S$16++), a mixture of Columbian gin, sake, basil, lemon and sugar; and the Street Side Milk Punch (S$18++), which comprises Cahaca, Thai milk tea and a salted caramel syrup.

Butcher Boy
31 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089138
Tel: +65 6221 6833
Mon to Thu: 5.30pm – 12am
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

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

#2 AQUA LUNA

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

#3 BAR STORIES

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

#5 MITZO

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

Transforming itself from a red light district in the 1960s into today’s trendy neighborhood, Keong Saik has successfully shaken off its notorious past, reinventing itself with some of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.

Assuming you plan on boozing at the crème de la crème of bars at Keong Saik, we’ll assume part of that strategy will include reading this article. Let’s just say it’s a more “specific” strategy.

Here are the Top 5 Bars in Keong Saik Road You Must Check Out:

#1 COPPER BAR

Scrupulously designed to look like a drinkery from a futuristic steampunk era (assuming steampunk is the in thing in the future), this eclectic new eye-boner-ing gin bar exudes a dark sense of mystery—we’re talking skulls, test tubes and beakers—that lures one (too many) into its alcoholic den. Not that we’d mind. The intimate two-storey space focuses on gin, gin, and more gin (read: over 60 gins and 30 self-infused gin concoctions). Sounds sexy? We know, and it’s about to get sexier.

Available on tap are four variations of the classic negroni (S$18) where you will be consumed with desire to have a go at each. Do so. But if you really must choose, Classico and Copper Avenue bode extremely well with the palate; the former done the traditional way with The Botanist gin, and the latter; a twist on the Left Hand with a touch of amaretto. Believe us, it’s strong. Also, we should mention that there’s a hibiscus and chamomile gin-moscato number called the Athena’s elixir (S$24) that full of floral, herbaceous notes. Drink it.

10 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089264
Tel: +65 6222 5565
Mon to Wed: 6pm to 12am
Thu to Sat: 6pm to 3am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#2 LOLLAPALOOZA

In Singapore’s burgeoning food scene, Lollapalooza is the blueprint for impeccable dining and service standards, and of course, wine. Surely you know someone (read: you) who could benefit from some exquisite champagne and wine. Sounds date worthy? It is. So bring a date, or a mate. There’s a rotating range of 20 champagnes and wines available by the glass and half bottle formats, with over 90 wines on the menu. Eliminate all thoughts of wines by the glass being total crap, because these will change your mind.

If you’re a fan of white wines, Soave Classico “La Rocca”, Pieropan (S$31.50) is simply outstanding. Elegant aromatics of honey and almond brim on the nose, before developing intense flavors of pressed flowers and vanilla.

And If you’re in the mood to celebrate, rise to the occasion with a glass of grower champagne. The Champagne Marie Demets, Tradition NV (S$26) is delicate and clean on the mid-palate, with aromas of ripe fruit that will not disappoint.

1A Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6221 3538
Mon to Sat: 6pm to 11pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#3 STUDIO 1939 AT POTATO HEAD FOLK

You must’ve been to Potato Head Folk, or at least heard of them (and their deceptively coy “naughty fries” that will have you eating out the palm of their hand). But have you heard about their bar? If you haven’t, prepare to be enlightened. Ascend the stairs to level three. There’s where enlightenment begins—with over 40 rums.

We’re not religious, but it must be said. The Temple of Excellia (S$25) reigns in the godly (drinking) realm, penetrating one’s senses with oaky, bitter and sweet notes of dried fruit and rich honeycomb. Ascend into a higher realm with the beetroot and horseradish pickled quail eggs (S$10) and Johnny Drum private stock 9 bourbon-pickled onions (S$9)—you can’t go wrong when pickling with 15-year aged bourbons. Take the Silk Tea Route (S$24) and get Hooked On A Feeling (S$24); a bourbon, and rum-based cocktail where layering flavor complexities make an appearance in your favor.

Also, the bar opens before noon. Some people get drinks at that time.

36 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089143
Tel: +65 6327 1939
Tue to Sun: 11am to 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#4 THE CUFFLINK CLUB

No novice in the bar scene is The Cufflink Club; its undeniably bold aura exhibited in its sleek New York-esque interior and achingly attractive cocktails. Start with gin-based Jiak the Ripper (SS$23) that awakens the palate with tart and fruity notes coupled with a tinge of herby bitterness, and work your way through the cocktail prowess of bartender Aaron Goodall. Like Berlusconi (SS$20); an egg-white number that employs pink grapefruit, mandarin, sour lemon and aperol bitters that will have you lapping it up in no time, and Porn Star (SS$28)—go the whole nine yards and tip in the champagne (so what if there’s already vodka in there?).

There’s also a tightly curated menu of pizzas to soak up the aforementioned liquids. It’s not much, but it’s all you’ll need. Order the NYC style (SS$18) pizza. It’s got the usual suspects of house cherry tomato sauce, mozzarella and oregano and it’s pretty darn amazing.

6 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089262
Tel: +65 9694 9623
Mon to Thu: 5pm to 1am
Fri: 5pm to 2am
Sat: 6pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#5 THE LIBRARY

On the outside: a weekly password for entry that borders on being pretentious. On the inside: discreetly potent cocktails. On your inside: great pleasure. Saddle up onto a bar stool or cozy your date and yourself into one of the plush couch seats (where it’s more intimate). If this is a date situation, you’ll need a Silver Screen (S$23). Think of it whichever way you like, but this popcorn-infused bourbon-based beauty has a citrusy and spicy soft finish with its house-mix of 3D bitters; angostura, orange and Peychaud’s, that’s bound to heat things up (even if your date doesn’t).

There’s an option to take it slow and easy with a refreshing Piscotheque (S$23)—think sweet notes of pink guava and passion fruit that blossom in the mouth with a dry, savory-sweet finish. Then get the party started with a Foursome in the Jungle (S$32). You’ve seen this in a dream. Here, your dreams turn into reality (albeit a little differently) where Mina Real mezcal and spiced Rooibos rum form the basis for a good time, alongside citrus notes of pineapple and lime. Play your cards right and you’ll get to the concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

47 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089153
Tel: +65 6221 8338
Daily: 6pm to 1:30am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

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 Men’s Folio, 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 dining and nightlife news.