These days, drinking games no longer revolve around King’s cup and a bunch of card games. Sure, those games are everyone’s go-to especially after having countless rounds of ‘Never Have I Ever’ with your old friends during your catch up sessions, but when nights like these become mundane, all we need is an extra boost other than alcohol.

Yes, while we may all agree that everything seems more fun and intense after having chugged down a pint (or two) of beer in a couple of seconds, there are several arcade-style bars in Singapore that have taken nightlife a notch up.

Now, retro-themed arcade consoles, electronic beer pong tables and plenty of dart machines take centre stage in elevating your nightlife, making sure that you have one hell of a memorable time.

For those of you who are searching for a place that offers more than just average bar grub, live music and irresistible happy hour deals, look no further than at these 7 arcade-style bars in Singapore.

Photo Credit: iamhkh

CLUB CASTLE

Looking for a bar whose walls are fully decked with utterly Instagrammable neon lights, multi-coloured LED chairs and tables as well as entertainment that will keep you busy throughout the night? Club Castle has got them all on top of a wide variety of drinking roulette and dice games.

Besides the myriad of games available, you can look forward to a series of wacky cocktails presented in the most absurd of ways from hospital needle shots to Chinese wine jugs!

217 Lavender Street (2nd Storey)
Singapore 338772
Tel: +65 9722 4018
Mon to Fri, Sun: 5pm – 3am
Sat: 6pm – 4am
Nearest Station: Bendemeer/ Farrer Park

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Photo Credit: Forest Darts Cafe

FOREST DARTS CAFE

While we all know that darts is a traditional pub and bar game, it is serious business here at Forest Darts Cafe. Not only does this indoor forest-themed bar have greenery draped from its ceilings, it has close to a dozen dart machines which are sometimes used for internal dart matches.

Also, if you are the type to think that your singing gets better after a pint or two, don’t be shy to have a go at their karaoke machine where you can unleash your inner Beyoncé.

45 Ann Siang Road, #01-01/02
Singapore 069719
Tel: +65 6227 3522
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

HOPHEADS

Hopheads posits as one of the best places in town to unwind, chill out, go crazy with your friends and get competitive with a bunch of both drinking and non-drinking games.

Think beer pong, foosball, darts and even table tennis all in the same space as where you can get insanely affordable happy hour deals. The best part? No minimum spend is required so you can play to your heart’s content as long as you make a purchase of a drink or two that night.

178 Clemenceau Ave
Haw Par Glass Tower #B1-00
Singapore 239926
Tel: +65 6904 4019
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 12 midnight
Fri: 11.30am – 2am
Sat: 5pm – 2am
(Closed on Sundays except for private events)
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

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Photo Credit: Level Up

LEVEL UP

Hidden on the second level of a shophouse in Clarke Quay, Level Up is known to be Singapore’s first ever arcade-bar. With walls that are gussied up with bright graffiti murals and quirky neon lights adorning the pillars, you can tell that this spot is all about fun and games right from the get-go.

Boasting over 10 game machines such as air hockey and basketball where you can get competitive with your friends, any night at Level Up is guaranteed to be a fun and fulfilling night. All you have to do is get some drinks to obtain tokens for these machines!

3A River Valley Road #02-04
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 6266 2276
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 2am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 3am
Sun: 4pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: Nineteen80

NINETEEN80

Nineteen80 is an 80′s-inspired arcade-pub conveniently situated in the CBD that makes for the perfect place to swing by if you are looking for a place to chill out, have fun and chug down some booze after a long day at work.

Their decor will have you feeling like a fictional character starring in an old-school game right from the moment you step in there—here you may snap away at their pixelated walls that make for the most Instagrammable backdrop or go crazy at their arcade machine that feature games such as Space Invaders, Golden Axe, Puzzle Bobble and Street Fighter 2.

21 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-05
Singapore 088444
Tel: +65 9183 6073
Tue & Thu: 5.30pm – 1am
Wed, Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 3am
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

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PONG SINGAPORE

PONG Singapore is the newest kid on the block and a hi-tech one at that—adopting the latest PongConnect™ technology, this bar in Clarke Quay is home to the first ever PongConnect beer pong table in Singapore that guarantees each round to be a fun and action-packed experience.

On top of their digital beer pong tables, you can expect dart machines, an array of beers on tap, hand-crafted cocktails and scrumptious fusion-style food to complete the entire package of what it means to have a lit night—that is to have a great amount of fun, great company and of course, even greater food.

3B River Valley Road #01-17,
The Foundry
Singapore 179021
Tel: +65 8808 7664
Sun to Tue & Thu: 5.30pm – 2am
Wed, Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning / Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: Tipsy Penguin

TIPSY PENGUIN

Lo and behold, a sports bar in the East of Singapore. Situated right opposite Our Tampines Hub, Tipsy Penguin is a rare gem boasting a spacious interior, a myriad of food options, and of course, loads of fun elements—arcade games at Tipsy Penguin include Bishi Bashi Champ, Pinball and even a boxing machine.

If your stomach is feeling a tad empty, you’d be pleased to know that they have an extensive menu with different cuisine options—expect fresh handmade pasta, donburi bowls and even oysters from just S$2 each!

300 Tampines Avenue 5, #01-02A
Singapore 529653
Tel: +65 9179 2051
Daily: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: Tampines

Read: 11 Bar in Singapore’s CBD with the best happy hour promotions.

Gone are the days when bars used to be after-work hangs for working adults to either drink to celebrate or drown their sorrows. Now, many newer and hipper bars have adopted several fun elements to heighten the overall experience—fun in the form of arcade-style games as well as party games that involve a lot of drinking.

Replacing the now defunct Beer Market—just across the street from Liang Court—is one of Clarke Quay’s newest and most fun-filled beer pong-focused sports bars, PONG Singapore. Established only this year, this luxurious drinking hole impresses with its array of beers on tap, hand-crafted cocktails, fusion-style food and their top-of-the-line, digital beer pong tables.

Singapore’s pioneers of the latest PongConnect™ technology, PONG Singapore revolutionises traditional beer pong with more fun, enjoyment and friendly competition. Coming straight to you from Hong Kong, PongConnect™ is the latest trend hitting the nightlife scene all around the world. Not to mention that the features include live scoreboards that not only show your score but connect beer pong players on a global level as well.

The beauty of the happy hour lies not only in the pleasure of boozy libations but also in the food that is often sinful yet incredibly tasty. Here at PONG Singapore, you will find no shortage of impressionable nosh. And we will not lie—their food truly takes bar food to a whole new level and is something we will definitely return for. You have to try the Beef Sliders, guys.

Adopting the latest PongConnect™ technology, the very same one that has been making waves in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China, every beer pong game at PONG Singapore is guaranteed to be a fun and action-packed experience.

While it is not entirely compulsory—unless you’re the competitive type—players can download the ‘PONGConnect’ App that integrates with the table itself. The app automatically synchronises with the table and updates player’s scores and leaderboards live, allowing users to compete on a global scale.

BEEF SLIDERS

When it comes to hearty bar grub to take the alcohol edge away, nothing beats sinking our teeth into one of PONG Singapore’s signature delights, their oh-so-scrumptious Beef Sliders (S$23 nett).

Essentially a mini burger that’s small enough to slide down one’s throat in a jiffy—hence the name—these beauties of thinly patted ground beef, caramelised onions, cheese, mayo and cornichons are just the perfect thing to indulge in along with drinks.

With just the right combination of ingredients to achieve that fine balance of umami, savoury, sweetness and a hint of tartness on the tongue, we dare say this is one of the best sliders we have ever tasted. They were really that good.

DEVIL’S WINGS

On nights where you’re knocking back one too many beers, it will probably be a good idea to offset all the excess alcohol with something with a little heat. Which is why more often than not, bars would typically have some form of spicy wings.

Here at PONG Singapore, you absolutely have to order a plate of their Devil’s Wings (S$12 nett). Every wing boasts a fiery kick with a stickily sweet and savoury flavour.

TRUFFLE FRIES

What’s a cold one without a bucket of fries to go along with it? While it may rank pretty similar to many other versions we have tried, their Truffle Fries (S$12 nett) is a sharing item that we will never say no to.

These truffle-infused shoestrings boast a delightful crunch with just the right amount of salt.

SEAFOOD POMODORO

Brimming with the delicious oceany flavours of fresh shrimp, mussels and squid, the Seafood Pomodoro (S$20 nett) was truly a joy to eat from start to finish.

The pasta was cooked just slightly past the point of al dente, allowing each individual strand to have a nice firmness to it but still being soft enough to slurp up. The various seafood components complemented the sweet and mildly tart tomato sauce perfectly as well.

BEER BATTERED FISH & CHIPS

Their Beer Battered Fish & Chips (S$28 nett) comes with a generous serving of rustic, thickly-cut potato chips, a generous serving of mushy peas and a massive battered cod fillet.

On the side, you get a tray of condiments featuring the likes of malt vinegar, ketchup and salt—just the way the Brits do it. Delightfully crispy, the lightly battered exterior was neither oily nor overly doughy. Eaten with a sprinkling of salt and some malt vinegar, this dish blew us away.

PROSCIUTTO HAND-ROLLED PIZZA

Another great item for sharing while drinking is pizza. Texturally, it hits all the right spots from the ultra crispy layer of dough to the meaty and crunchy components that work well together to form the perfect bar snack.

There are several hand-rolled pizza varieties to choose from but we decided to go with the Proscuitto (S$21 nett) that encompassed classic Italian flavours. This Italian pie came loaded with prosciutto, arugula, tomato, shaved parmesan cheese, pesto as well as a sweet balsamic glaze drizzled over top.

HALF & HALF HAND-ROLLED PIZZA – WAGYU BEEF & SMOKED DUCK BREAST

Struggling to decide on which pizza to get? Then opt for a Half & Half that includes 2 halves of 2 hand-rolled pizza varieties.

For ours, we got the Wagyu Beef (S$22 nett) that came highly recommended as well as the Smoked Duck Breast (S$22 nett). Both boasted nice textural elements to them as well as a multitude of differing yet pleasant flavours.

The former pie takes on a Japanese influence with bonito flakes, seaweed, a Japanese wine cream sauce as well as, of course, Wagyu beef. Savoury, sweet and brimming with umami notes, this is one that we highly recommend. The former was just as meaty and delicious but the real money-maker for us was the addition of crispy wonton skins.

Compared to many of the bars that we have been to, PONG Singapore is one of the few that exceeded our expectations where service was concerned. The wait staff were attentive and extremely hospitable and the bar itself boasts an exquisite setting and the bustling nature of the bar once the crowd comes makes it a great place to have fun together with your friends and colleagues.

Whether you fancy a pint or a tower of lager, a glass of Champagne or even something a little more personalised like a hand-crafted cocktail, you are sure to get yourself well sorted here at PONG Singapore.

PONG Singapore
3B River Valley Road #01-17,
The Foundry
Singapore 179021
Tel: +65 8808 7664
Sun to Tue & Thu: 5.30pm – 2am
Wed, Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning / Clarke Quay

This post is brought to you by PONG Singapore.