Whether you’re looking to get a little tipsy in a social setting, have yourself a romantic evening with a date or simply take the edge off a rough day at work, there will always be bars in Singapore for you to wine and dine.

But as fancy and as occasional as the notion surrounding wine drinking is, it really is something that can be had as frequently as a beer—just with a higher alcohol percentage and served in spiffier-looking glassware.

Drinking lavishly does not have to come with a hefty price tag in Singapore, you just need to know where to look. Here is our guide on 9 cheap places to drink wine in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Mercure Singapore Bugis

BARTISTRY@ONE22

Right smack in the lobby of Mercure Singapore Bugis, BARtistry@ONE22 is a casual bar offering everything from cocktails to beers and wines. 1-for-1 happy hour promotions run every day from 5pm to 8pm when house drinks are priced at two for one.

122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 65216088
Daily: 7am – 12am
Nearest station: Bugis

BISTRO 1855

With over 500 bottles of wine to choose from, Bistro 1855 is a joint where anyone who loves vino should definitely hit up. Be sure to make it in time for their happy hour deals between 5pm to 8pm, where selected wines go for as low as S$6 per glass.

3 Temasek Boulevard, 01-643,
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6836 5994
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon & Tue: 11am – 11pm
Wed to Fri: 11am until late
Sat: 5pm until late
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Photo Credit: Drinks & Co.

DRINKS & CO.

As a retail shop with limited seating, Drinks & Co primarily sells wines by the bottle from as low as S$7 and S$9 by the glass, but feel free to prop yourself down and knock back a couple as you bask in the vibrant atmosphere that is Club Street after hours. Happy hour deals last all day, every day till 8pm with the exception of Fridays when it ends at 7pm.

If you’re looking for a nice, quiet spot, this probably wouldn’t be an ideal choice but what can you expect given they are one of the cheapest watering holes in Club Street?

81 Club Street
Singapore 069449
Tel: +65 6423 1773
Mon to Thu: 3pm – 12am
Fri: 3pm – 1am
Sat: 2pm – 1am
Sun: 2pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

KINKI

Kinki is a rooftop bar with an underground vibe that is excellent for the after-work drinks crowd who crave booze and a gorgeous setting to unwind.

With a plentiful selection of sake as well as Asian-inspired cocktails, wine 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 their vino.

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

LOOF

If you fancy the idea of lounging about at a rooftop bar then there is no better place to down a few glasses of wine than Loof. The earlier you go, the cheaper your wine will cost you. At 5pm it’s S$5 a glass, increasing by a dollar with every hour that passes until 8pm.

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

NAPOLEAN

With the bar lined with wine dispenser machines in place of beer taps, you just know that you’re at the right place should you be more of a wine person.

Tasting glasses are available at S$2, and full glasses start as cheaply as S$8. Besides the wine, do spare some tummy space for their grub as well.

206 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068641
Tel: +65 6221 9282
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.45am – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

THE PELICAN

Whether you’re looking to take the edge off or simply have yourself some wine with a view, The Pelican’s daily happy hour 1-for-1 promotion is your best bet.

From Mondays to Thursdays, enjoy 1-for-1 deals for beers, spirits, and wines between 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 9pm, and on Fridays between 12pm to 9pm—that’s 10 full hours of non-stop boozy indulgence!

1 Fullerton Road, #01-01
One Fullerton
Singapore 04921
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

WINESTONE

A restaurant, boutique wine bar and wine retail store all rolled out into one, Winestone’s concept revolves around the keywords: simple, attractive, authentic and affordable, so one thing you can probably expect is quality wines at affordable prices, from S$10 for a glass and S$42 for a bottle.

Wine lovers will be spoiled for choice with so many different bottles to choose from, from well-known vineyards to some lesser known regions and appellations across Europe. Whether it’s a robust red or a crisp, bright white, there is bound to be a vino you will love.

30 Stevens Road, #01-09
Mercure Singapore on Stevens
Singapore 257840
Tel: +65 6491 6100
(Closed on Sundays)
Monday to Saturday: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Stevens / Orchard

Photo Credit: Wine Connection

WINE CONNECTION BAR & BISTRO

As far as wine is concerned, where else would most people’s minds gravitate to other than Wine Connection Bar & Bistro. Offering an extensive wine list with more than 30 varieties by the glass, Wine Connection’s various locations are a great spot for gathering with friends for a spot of vino. A glass of wine can be as cheap as just S$7 all day, while bottles typically start from S$25 onwards.

39 & 41 Cuppage Road,
Singapore 229462
Tel: +65 6836 9069
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Read: 16 Places in Singapore where you can get drinks for under S$10.

72o Bistro & The Toys is the latest addition to Holland Village’s vibrant dining scene and the spacious restaurant specialises in North Indian and Western cuisine.

At this new Heroes-themed restaurant, you can look forward to a comprehensive menu, the best beer deals and an impressive collection of Marvel’s limited edition figurines—including a life-size iron man!

Most of the dishes on 72o Bistro & The Toys’ menu are priced below S$15 nett—there is no GST and service charge.

Quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 1-for-1 promotion on all main courses (during Sundays to Thursdays lunch and dinner) from now until 28 Feb 2016.

Set foot into the dimly-lit restaurant and you will be greeted by a gigantic Iron Man statue. The life-size figurine was imported directly from the United States of America; and we say, it is a dream come true for all fans. We couldn’t stop staring at it, and we chose a table right beside so it felt like we were dining with Tony Stark!

72o Bistro & The Toys’ glass cabinet showcases a wide selection of Marvel limited edition figurines, including Black Widow, Captain America, Hulk, Thor and more. The restaurant owner has been collecting these figurines since 2000 and he decided to open a themed bistro to share his prized possessions with like-minded fans.

The collection is really expensive, and it is fascinating, to say the least.

There are a bunch of starters on 72o Bistro & The Toys’ menu. We suggest you get the Spicy Buffalo Wings (S$8.90 nett / five pieces) for sharing.

Each succulent chicken wing is marinated, deep-fried and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce. Carrot and cucumber sticks are served on the side with a blue cheese dip.

For something more substantial, share the 2 Amigos Pizza (S$13.90 nett) baked with bacon bits, bratwurst sausage, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

It is worth mentioning that every item is served in an incredibly generous portion!

The Dancing Prawn Aglio Olio (S$14.80 nett) might look unassuming, but do not let its simplicity fool you. It is hands down our favourite Western dish from 72o Bistro & The Toys.

Al dente spaghetti is served with fresh and plump sautéed prawns, chilli flakes, garlic, onion, olive oil and pepper. Flavourful in every bite, and certainly very filling!

The 72o House Burger (S$15.80 nett) is a value-for-money main course that will fill you up easily. Melted cheese, chargrilled beef patty, smoked bacon bits, mushroom, romaine lettuce, cherry tomato, mayonnaise and a sunny side egg are served atop two palm-size sesame buns with a garden salad and a tin of fries on the side.

72o Bistro & The Toys’ signature dish is the chef-recommended Grass-fed Rib-eye Steak (S$24 nett). The rib-eye steak is grilled to the doneness of your choice and served with asparagus, mushrooms, potato wedges, salad and drenched in an aromatic brown sauce.

For something different, consider the 72o Curry Chicken Burger (S$12.80 nett), which resembles more of a sandwich. Fork-tender marinated chicken, Indian curry gravy, pineapple rings, romaine lettuce and onion slices are stuffed inside a ciabatta bread.

We have to admit that the North Indian delicacies served at 72o Bistro & The Toys seriously surpassed our expectations. Frankly speaking, there seems to be little or no link between North Indian cuisine and a bistro decked out in Marvel decors. But boy, we were impressed to no end.

The fragrant Butter Chicken (S$12.80 nett) is a must-order. In fact, we would gladly make a return special trip just for their Butter Chicken! Think tender boneless chicken cooked with a thick, buttered masala gravy. Needless to say, this Indian classic was the star of the meal—everyone was digging into the viscous tomato-based mixture.

Think tender boneless chicken cooked with a thick, buttered masala gravy. Needless to say, this Indian classic was the star of the meal—everyone was digging into the viscous tomato-based mixture.

While the Butter Chicken tastes good on its own, the Cheese and Garlic Naan (S$4.80 nett) and Chicken Briyani (S$11.80 nett) make great accompaniments.

The former is a delicious Indian bread baked in clay oven, whereas the latter is a traditional Indian dish comprising curried chicken and spiced rice. Can’t decide what to have? Order all. No such thing as too much good food.

By now, you are probably overwhelmed by the seemingly endless options available.

Want more sharing dishes? Then give the Chicken Suslick (S$9.80 nett / two sticks, S$17.80 nett / four sticks) a shot. These skewers consist of marinated chicken chunks, grilled capsicums and onions.

For the most bang for your buck, visit 72o Bistro & The Toys during lunchtime and dig into these scrumptious dishes at unbelievable prices—we are talking about S$8.80 nett for a set!

72o Bistro & The Toys is also ideal for after-work drinks. Marvel figurines and toys; sounds like a fab idea.

They have an awesome variety of beverages. Regardless of whether it is beer, wine, liquor or non-alcoholic drinks you are after, there is bound to be something you fancy sipping.

Ladies, do give their house-made 72o Classic Champagne (S$12 nett) a shot! This refreshing bubbly is available exclusively on Ladies Night aka Wednesdays at one-for-one. Weekend warriors should try their Watermelon Soju (S$28 nett), which is essentially an entire carved watermelon filled with soju. Note that this fruity potent drink is only available on Saturdays.

And by the way, their prices are one of the most competitive in the Holland Village dining district! Now you know where to head to next for drinks and food when you are in the vicinity. We know for sure that we will be heading back for Butter Chicken and drinks!

And Tony Stark.

Remember to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 1-for-1 promotion on all main courses (during Sundays to Thursdays lunch and dinner) from now until 28 Feb 2016.

P.s. 72o Bistro & The Toys’ venue is also available for private events.

72o Bistro & The Toys
19 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277732
Tel: +65 6463 6028
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 1am
Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

This post is brought to you by 72o Bistro & The Toys.

You don’t need to be an oenophile to know where the best wine drinking spots in Singapore are. We’ve done the groundwork for you. From where to find wine cocktails and tasting portions of exquisite wines, to a wine list proffering rare and exclusive bottles, this list of the best places to drink wine in Singapore is a wine novice’s secret to becoming well-versed in wine.

Caveau Wine Bar

With a name “Caveau” (which translates to “wine vault”), don’t be surprised to find exceptional French wines at affordable prices. Housing over 200 labels with an estimated 85% from France, Caveau is one of the few bars in Singapore with an enomatic wine dispenser that allows wines to be kept for up to two weeks.

A lovely citrusy wine (perfect for our humid weather) is the Anne Gros, Hautes Cotes de Nuits 2011 ($19 per glass; $90 per bottle) from the region of Bourgogne. Made of 100% Chardonnay, this dry white wine has blossoming aromas of citrus fruits that’s great with seafood. If you’re into reds, Rossignol Trapet, Gevrey Chambertin D.V. 2011 ($19 per glass) is a 100% Pinot noir from a small winery that has been producing wine since the 17th century.

1 Scotts Road
#01-10 Shaw Centre
Tel: +65 6737 2622
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Les Amis

Les Amis is home to the largest selection of wines in Singapore, carrying nearly 2,000 labels of wines (housed in two temperature-controlled wine cellars)—half of which are exclusive in Singapore. While wines predominantly hail from the Old World, there are a number of exotic options from the New World available in the list.

1 Scotts Road
#02-16 Shaw Centre
Tel: +65 6733 2225
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2pm, 7pm – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Napoleon Food & Wine Bar

Giving you the option of ordering exquisite wines (without breaking the bank), Napoleon offers a stellar range of 32 European wines available on enomatic wine dispenser machines—one of which is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Ancien Domaine des Pontifes 2011 ($18 per glass; $90 per bottle). This bio-organic wine is dense and dark, with a nose of ripe fruits (due to the purity of the soil).

A well-structured wine with fine tannins, we recommend pairing this with spicy dishes to fully savor its complexity. If you’re in the mood for something white, Graves blanc Château Claron 2010 ($13 per glass; $65 per bottle) is one of the best dry white wines in Bordeaux. Produced traditionally from a single grape variety of Sauvignon Blanc, this full-bodied wine flourishes with aromas of citrus fruits. We reckon this will go perfectly with the poached salmon ($21) and green pea purée.

206 Telok Ayer Street
Tel: +65 6221 9282
Mon to Fri: 11:30am – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Ô Batignolles Wine Bar

The French have a saying, ‘Life is too short to drink bad wine’. Believing in enjoying wine (without hefty price tags), French owner Antoine Rouland travels back to France three times each year to visit winemakers and vineyards, selecting wines from smaller producers.

Here, you’ll find vintages such as the Medoc 2001 Chasse Spleen at only $97 per bottle—a rare find in Singapore. Apart from a specially curated list of 100 wines on rotation (with 75 varieties available at any time), varieties of cheese are also available for pairing.

We recommend the cheese platter ($29) with our personal favorite, Cotes de Gascogne 2012 Domaine du Tariquet ($12 per glass; $55 per bottle). Made with four types of grapes, separately fermented before aging in French oak barrels, this white has an incredibly complex aroma profile of peach and vanilla with a subtle woody aftertaste—perfect with a floret of Tete de Moine (better known as “monk head”) cheese.

2 Gemmill Lane
Tel: +65 6438 3913
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Taberna Wine Academy

If you’re a novice at wines, Taberna Wine Academy is the best place to learn the basics, and sample some exclusive wine labels while you’re at it. What’s really great about this spot is its extensive availability of wine verticals (wines from the same producer and vineyard with differing vintages).

Such is the German Riesling from Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt (from $81 per bottle) with a dozen wine verticals dating back as far as 1983. Beginners interested to learn the technique of wine tasting can attend the introduction to wine appreciation ($100) where you’ll get to taste and sample eight different styles of wine. A range of professional courses are also available for veterans looking to hone their skill.

17 Binjai Park
Tel: +65 6762 5570
Mon to Sun: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Dover

Vida Vino

A fairly new entrant to the winery scene, Vida Vino (translating into “the wine life”) is about making merry without your wallet having to suffer. With a personal selection of 60 wines (by owner Aaron Olivera) that start from $12 per glass, this wine bar stands to give competitors a run for their money.

The Beronia ($85 per bottle) is such—opening with subtle notes of flowers and fruit before blossoming into a refreshingly crisp and spicy finish, this wine pairs extremely well with the iberico ham platter ($23)—a range of Joselito iberico ham (the best in Spain). As for sipping cocktails, Vida Vino has done an exceptional job in crafting some pretty smooth-drinking concoctions. From Spain with Love ($18) consists of “secret ingredients” that results in an edgy, bittersweet cocktail—we managed to make out notes of Spanish white wine and raspberry brandy.

29 Keong Saik Road
Tel: +65 6222 1963
Mon to Tue: 6pm – 11pm
Wed to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

About the writer
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine nightlife writer and current editor of Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features have been published in Appetite Asia and Catalog Magazine. For on-the-go food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her on a Gourmet Adventure.