A well-known gem for quality brunch item and strategic location near Somerset MRT station, Oriole Coffee + Bar has recently expanded their menu and upped their game in the local cafe and bar scene.

Whether it is gourmet coffee that you are craving or alcohol for you to indulge in during a night out with your friends, Oriole Coffee + Bar posits as one of the best spots in town for you to have a meal at and chill out. Founded in 2008, this diner has an interesting concept as it transforms from a hipster cafe during the daytime to a snazzy bar by dusk.

We’ve been frequenting Oriole Coffee + Bar since its opening and we have to say that their food and coffee are consistently good—if not, getting better and better over the years—and it is one of our favourite cafes in Singapore.

From now until 31 May 2018, diners who spend S$35++ with Mastercard are treated to Oriole Coffee + Bar’s signature Har Cheong Gai at only $1++! Do note that the promotion is only valid from Monday through Friday, 11am to 3pm, excluding eve and day of public holidays at the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard outlet.

THE CONCEPT

Oriole Coffee + Bar is essentially a specialty coffeehouse in the day and a bar by night. During the day, guests get to indulge in hearty meals while watching the skilled baristas in action as they create each cup of coffee with precision and care.

When night falls, get ready to be serenaded with live music as you knock down pints of beer or sip on cocktails throughout the night. Their all-encompassing drinks menu features cocktails, draft beers, wine and spirits.

Situated in Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard which is just right beside 313@Somerset, Oriole Coffee + Bar definitely does not fall short in terms of serving quality grub to cater to both locals and tourists around the area.

HEARTY ALL-DAY BREAKFAST ITEMS

Don’t we all love all-day breakfast items? If you are like us who cannot wake up early, Oriole Coffee + Bar has plenty of options for All-Day Breakfast meals, which are available from 8am to 6pm daily.

One of their highly recommended dishes is the Fully Loaded (S$22) that will surely, well, leave you loaded and fuelled. Choose how you would like your eggs to be cooked, and have them with 2 types of meat, maple-glazed bacon, roasted potatoes, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, baked bean and multigrain toast. There is also a gluten-free option for their multigrain toast!

For those with a smaller appetite and looking for a wholesome or vegetarian option, the Bircher (S$12) is a blend of healthy Greek yoghurt, rolled oats, fruits and granola.

COFFEE FOR THE DAY

Be it hot or cold coffee, Oriole Coffee + Bar will have you covered.

Coffee connoisseurs will definitely appreciate the effort taken by Oriole Coffee + Bar to offer the best brews in Singapore by travelling to countries like Ethiopia to source for beans and roasting them locally. Aside from single origin coffee brews, cold brews served black, with milk or non-dairy M.A.D milk (cold-pressed nut milk) are some crowd favourites you will be able to enjoy at the coffee specialty house.

In particular, the Death Cream (S$10++) is a special concoction of vanilla beans, espresso and cream – high level of caffeine well-balanced with the ensuing vanilla taste.

Otherwise, try their other signature in-house cold brew, Taisho White (S$8++), which is made using Oriole’s in-house signature Raven blend on the daily. Nitro cold brew lovers will be excited to hear that Oriole Coffee + Bar has recently introduced 5 different types of Nitro Cold Brew (S$7) too!

CLASSIC PIZZAS TO LOVE

This new addition to their extensive food menu is something to love. We sang nothing but praises for their Margherita Pizza (S$18), which was generously topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomato confit, parmesan cheese and basil leaves.

This dish would be good for sharing amongst a group of friends—but we wouldn’t promise that you and your buddies will not be fighting over the last slice!

SEAFOOD OPTIONS

Also a newly introduced dish, the Pan-Seared Barramundi (S$26) features a fresh fillet with nutty romesco sauce.

They also have other seafood options, such as Garlic Prawn Risotto (S$25) and classic Fish and Chips (S$20).

TRUFFLE MAC AND CHEESE

Do not be fooled by their Truffle Mac and Cheese (S$24) which is seemingly unappealing because the flavours are actually very on point. Unlike many dishes that claim to have truffle yet do not have a hint of truffle taste, the taste of truffle in this dish was extremely piquant for us.

Imagine freshly baked macaroni in cheese and topped off with chunky pieces of crabmeat, crunchy corn and then rounding it all up with aromatic truffle oil; it is any cheese lover’s wildest dreams come true.

PHILLY CHEESE STEAK

Open up their Philly Cheese Steak (S$18) to find a chock full of well-marinated beef, mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms and capsicums sandwiched between toasted ciabatta bread.

With just the right proportion of the various ingredients, the sandwich is neither overwhelmingly sweet nor salty, making it very well-balanced.

FINGER FOOD

Look forward to close to 10 bar snack choices which are available from 11am onwards daily. These snacks go hand-in-hand with their beers and cocktails!

For an insanely addictive snack for sharing with friends, the Spam Fries (S$12++) is THE bar snack you have to get when you are at Oriole Coffee + Bar. Thick cuts of luncheon meat are deep-fried until crispy, making this sinful side the perfect accompaniment to your bubbles and ice-cold beer.

Oh what can we say, really? This is a guilty pleasure we are willing to forgo our diet for!

HAR CHEONG GAI AT ONLY S$1++

We have yet to meet a Singaporean who doesn’t enjoy Har Cheong Gai (S$16++). For the uninitiated, Har Cheong Gai is actually deep-fried chicken wings marinated with shrimp paste.

From now until 31 May 2018, Mastercard® cardholders can enjoy an exclusive deal—a serving of Har Cheong Gai at only S$1++ (U.P. S$16++) with a minimum spend of S$35++ on a la carte items in a single receipt.

Simply pay using any local or overseas Mastercard® credit or debit card to enjoy this deal! This promotion runs on weekdays from 11am to 3pm.

BAR BY DUSK

At 7pm daily, Oriole Coffee + Bar will feature a live band to bring out the chill vibes for the perfect ambience to have a glass of cocktail or beer after work. The outdoor seats will give you the best view of the live performances while you enjoy your meals and/or drinks.

We reckon that we aren’t the only ones who love their concept of ‘Café by Day, Bar by Dusk’, right? Besides whipping up quality grub and serving gourmet coffee, get some alcoholic drinks here at Oriole Coffee + Bar at night after a long day at work!

Oriole Coffee + Bar
96 Somerset Road, #01-01, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
Singapore 238163
Sundays to Thursdays: 8am – 11pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 8am – 12am
Tel: 6238 8348
Nearest Station: Somerset

This post is brought to you by Oriole Coffee + Bar.

Opus Bar & Grill – located on the ground floor of Hilton Singapore – is an intimate and modern grill restaurant which also serves the best steaks in Singapore. The restaurant’s secret recipe in divine meat lies in its specially commissioned Himalayan salt tile dry-aging cabinet, charcoal grill, the usage of only excellent prime cuts and high quality ingredients.

You can tell these people are really serious about their meats. And we love how Opus is just the place to visit whenever we crave for a good steak that will not disappoint. The best part? They are easily the place that offers the most affordable premium steaks in town!

From 18 January to 31 March 2016, you get free-flow sparkling, white and red wines with any order of Opus Beef Selection from Monday to Thursday between 7pm to 9pm. And from Friday to Sunday, enjoy a generous 50% discount off wines by the bottle with a steak purchase.

In addition to this, quote “LICOPUS” to get a complimentary best-seller dessert of Charcoal Grilled Banana with smoked salted caramel, coconut and calamansi ice cream with a minimum spend of just S$80 in a bill! Limited to first 80 redemptions only.

We know what you are thinking. You are skeptical of such a fantastic deal and wonder if it is only because your steak will cost an arm and a leg.

But your eyes are not tricking you. Prices at Opus Bar & Grill start from S$58++ for a 250g Grainge Angus to S$110 for a 800g dry-aged Australian Angus OP rib from Rangers Valley (for two pax) – an absolute steal when compared to many other lavish steakhouses!

Yes, S$110 for a huge slab that is good for two! Unbelievable, right? Regular steak eaters would know what value this is, and how you would easily have to pay double the price for that sort of quality at most of the steak houses in Singapore.

Opus Bar & Grill’s beef selections features five scrumptious premium steaks – just five good cuts is all you need.

The ambience and affordability makes it perfect for virtually any occasion, be it an anniversary dinner, family reunion or company’s celebratory dinner. A private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 seated guests is available too.

Each well-marbled steak at Opus Bar & Grill has been cooked with masterly finesse over an open flame to achieve an irresistibly delicious caramelised and smokey flavour.

Choose to complement the meats with a variety of high quality salts or pair them with Garlic Herb Butter, Bone Marrow with Red Wine Sauce, Green Peppercorn Sauce and Black Truffle Mushroom Sauce. But if you are like us who prefer a splendid steak naked, go for it!

We tried the entire menu just to suss out the best for you.

It was the Australian Kobe Wagyu Ribeye (S$92++ for 220g) with a marble score of 6, and Australian Tajima Wagyu Sirloin (S$88++ for 220g) with a marble score of 4/5 that have stolen our hearts forever.

Both wagyu steaks are remarkably tender, almost achieving a melt-in-your-mouth texture. There is no turning back once you savour the best; they are so satisfying that you will definitely head back for more. Best thing now is to take advantage of the beverage promotion, because steak and wine is just about the best pairing and you need not even pay an extra cent for free-flow of the house pours!

If you are a more budget-conscious steak lover, the grain-fed Grainge Angus Tenderloin (S$62++ for 220g) should do the trick to impress, too. Sure, it won’t be as impressive as the ones with better marbling, but while tenderloins tend to be very firm and hard to chew, Opus’ version is actually still quite tender and we did a double take! Pretty damn decent for a beginner’s steak!

The star of the show – the Australian Angus OP rib from Rangers Valley (S$110++ for 800g) – has a marble score of 4 and has been dry-aged for about a month. It is ideal for sharing between two persons, but should you be able to devour them all by yourself, by all means; nobody is judging!

With the inclusion of unlimited house sparkling, red and white wines should you dine from Monday to Thursday between 7pm to 9pm from now till 31 March, we are so going to visit Opus Bar & Grill again soon.

Just so you know too – there is a simple menu of side dishes that can complement your steaks. The highly popular gluten-free Smoked Risotto with Leek and Pecorino is Opus’ signature, or you can go for the classic Mac and Cheese. Grilled Green Asparagus and Baby Green Salad are for those who need their greens.

Each side dish is affordably priced at S$6++ each. Yes, you read that right. Aren’t you shocked by the price tag once again? Everywhere else charges at least S$12++ for side dishes and at Opus, it is half of that!

Good things take time, and a wait is required for the mouthwatering steaks.

You can start your meal with sumptuous starters first while waiting. We like the Tandoori Chicken Skewer (regular – S$16++, large – S$22++) and Tartar of Bluefin Tuna (S$17++).

Sweet notes to end your meal shall be grilled items, too. Well, the restaurant is called Opus Bar & Grill, yes? Of course the grilling concept has to extend to the desserts too!

The two fruity desserts that we highly recommend are Charcoal Grilled Banana (S$12++) and Grilled Honey Pineapple (S$12++).

First, we have a banana-based dessert that is beautifully flame-grilled and caramelised, then served with smoke salted caramel coconut and calamansi ice-cream. And we have a gorgeous pineapple treat that is grilled but still has its juice fully retained, then garnished with crumbles and a rum sauce.

Our readers can quote “LICOPUS” to get a complimentary Charcoal Grilled Banana worth S$12++ with a minimum spend of S$80 in a nett bill. We need not explain how easy that is, right? This amazing offer is limited to one redemption per table, and is limited to the first 80 redemptions per night.

Opus Bar & Grill
at Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard Road Singapore 238 883
For Reservations: 6730 3390 / Opus@hilton.com
Website: singapore.hilton.com./opus
Daily: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard Road

This post is brought to you by Hilton Singapore.

Strategically located in the heart of Orchard is Bar Canary, an open-air bar perched on the fourth level of 5-star Grand Park Orchard Hotel. When daylight wanes away, mesmerising fairy lights illuminate the alfresco bar – one of Orchard Road’s best kept secrets and an absolute must-visit.

What makes Bar Canary even more enticing is its current irresistible “Beat the Clock” deal.

Indulge in either a bucket of eight bottles of beer or a bottle of red/white wine and four signature cocktails of your choice at $60++ at 6pm, $70++ at 7pm, $80++ at 8pm and $90++ at 9pm. Needless to say, the early bird catches the worm!

Gone are the days where we can easily find cocktails under S$20 in Singapore, so imagine our surprise when Bar Canary is offering an entire bottle of wine and 4 (read: FOUR) signature cocktails at only S$60++ at 6pm daily.

If this ain’t a good deal, we don’t know what is.

While beer guzzlers might be satisfied with the awesome beer bucket promotion, cocktail fans might want to try Bar Canary’s signature Coco Chanel.

Coconut liqueur has been shaken with Gold Rum, fresh coconut water, lime juice, fresh mint sprigs and fresh wheatgrass, and the end result is a refreshing tropical alcoholic concoction that we would gladly return for any day.

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

Bar Canary
Grand Park Orchard, Level 4
270 Orchard Road
Singapore 238857
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Sun to Thu: 12pm to 1am
Fri and Sat: 12pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Somerset/Orchard

Looking for a bar to unwind at after a long day? Here is a guide to the Best Happy Hour Promotions in Singapore.

This is it. Mitzo is the sexiest Chinese restaurant in Singapore yet.

Situated in the heart of Orchard Road, Mitzo’s prime location makes it the perfect destination for business luncheons, family dinners, dates, or a late night’s out. Celebrated Chef Nicky Ng – previously the head chef at Michelin-starred Hakkasan New York – now fronts the restaurant with his A-team, skilfully preparing delectable modern Cantonese dishes that will have you returning for more. The array of impressive Asian cocktail concoctions also adds a touch of sexiness to the restaurant.

We are so in love with its gorgeous interior. Very atypical of a Chinese restaurant, Mitzo is absolutely sexy, and has a inviting lounge-like vibe. Here are 10 reasons why you should visit Mitzo Restaurant, right about now.

From now till 31 August 2015, simply quote ladyironchef to get 20% off total bill at Mitzo. We are also giving away 5 X Weekend Brunch for Two (worth $136++). Leave a comment below, and share this post on your Facebook timeline to win. More details on the giveaway at the end of this post.

#1 CONVENIENT LOCATION

Located in Singapore’s iconic hub of retail, Mitzo sits within Grand Park Orchard Hotel, and is the ideal pit stop to recharge with Chinese gourmet and artisanal cocktails. Positioned strategically between Orchard MRT and Somerset MRT, you can take a 5-minute leisure walk over from either train stations.

Six-month-old Mitzo sits on the fourth floor of 5-star Grand Park Orchard. Mitzo is an oasis of calm in the bustling city, offering utmost privacy and mouthwatering Chinese cuisine.

#2 STYLISH AMBIENCE

Upon entrance, we were blown away by Mitzo’s contemporary and elegant decors; full-length windows, colourful glass screens and mirrored ceilings surround the chic restaurant.

The swanky interior is accompanied by upbeat tracks specially curated by the in-house song curator; we love the transition of Nu Disco to Neo Soul grooves as night approaches. The venue boasts a capacity of 82 pax, and is available for booking for private events. For an intimate dining experience, you can book the exclusive Drawing Room that holds up to 26 guests.

#3 TALENTED CULINARY TEAM

Executive Head Chef Nicky Ng, whose vast cooking experiences include stints at Michelin-starred Hakkasan in New York City and the once glorious Club Chinois, helms this fine dining restaurant. Together with his brilliant team of professional sous chefs and knowledgeable waiting staff, Mitzo guarantees you a memorable dining experience. You will definitely be pampered and well taken care of.

#4 IMPECCABLE CANTONESE DISHES

Do not let the Japanese sounding name mislead you. Mitzo name is actually an inspiration from the Cantonese word, ‘Honeyed Date’ (known as Matzo in Cantonese), a key ingredient used in making soup by the Cantonese. Mitzo patrons get to enjoy a scrumptious spread of top-notch Cantonese fare with a refreshing twist on the finest bone china plate ware. By sticking to key Cantonese classic elements, Nicky ensures that familiar Canton flavours remain albeit the modern makeover.

We would say the menu is what you would least expect of your usual Chinese restaurants; you will be pleasantly surprised.

#5 BBQ PORK THAT MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH

While there are many tantalizing treats to choose from, one item that had our jaws dropping in awe was the extraordinary Mitzo Special Barbeque Pork (S$18++). The incredibly tender char siew with a tinge of sweet caramelized crispy coating is such a crowd pleaser – it literally melts in your mouth, while leaving you with a sweet crisp!

We honestly have no words. ‘So damn good’ just does not do it enough justice, really. We were speechless when we sank our teeth in to the first slice; how can char siew be so amazing?! This tasty appetizer is a definite must-order and a dish that we would specially return for any day.

#6 DIVINE TRUFFLE DUCK

Another signature dish that had us all raving about was the Black Truffle Crispy Roast Duck (S$38++). Epicurean foodies and fans of Hakkasan will find this dish familiar – which is no surprise since Chef Nicky Ng is the famed Executive Chef de Cuisine back in 2011.

The moment this dish was brought to our table, the strong aroma of black truffle perfumed the dining hall. You have no idea how we couldn’t wait to devour the glistening duck. And boy, was it a life-changing dish! We can never look at roast duck the same way again.

Only available on the ala-carte menu and in half duck portions, the dish is perfect for sharing with all your truffle-loving friends.

#7 FOUR TYPES OF SET COURSES

If selection of dishes from the ala-carte menu is too much to handle, why not select a curated dining experience from one of Mitzo’s four themed set menus? You will also get to sample a large variety of dishes at a more affordable price.

Choose from four-course set lunch (S$28++), eight-course signature set meal (S$108++ per pax), eight-course classic Cantonese set meal (S$48++ per pax) or a nine-course deluxe set meal (S$68++ per pax).

#8 ASIAN INSPIRED COCKTAILS

Besides an enviable selection of craft beers, wines and premium tonics, Mitzo also offers an interesting cocktail menu of updated classics, Asian inspired cocktails and other marvelous creations.

Using only the freshest ingredients that are carefully procured on a daily basis, you can be rest assured that your alcoholic beverages are of the highest quality. Best-selling cocktails include the refreshing Chrysanthemum-infused Garden of Eden (S$22++) and Empress Sours (S$20++). Enjoy your drinks at the stunning Cocktail Atelier where you can admire jellyfishes in the spectacular 3-meter long aquarium.

In addition, the friendly bar Staff will gladly make any bespoke drinks to your specifications.

#9 DIM SUM FOR SUPPER

How do you fancy the idea of artisanal dim sum for supper? While most Chinese restaurants only serve dim sum in the day, Mitzo is breaking all conventions by serving these dainty Asian delights – which include Black Pepper Wagyu Beef Spring Roll,  Shrimp Dumpling, Crab Meat & Chicken Dumpling - till the wee hours. What great news for nocturnal creatures!

This intriguing concept is not limited to just dim sums, as other savoury selections – such as Deep-fried Octopus with cumin salt and pepper (S$18++), Deep-Fried Prawn Coated with Wasabi Mayonnaise – are also available throughout the night to fight the untimely hunger pangs.

And by the way, if you are at Mitzo for lunch or dinner, you must try the Steamed Dim Sum Platter ($28++) that features exquisitely handmade pieces with premium ingredients. Just look at the little abalone atop the siew mai; aren’t you salivating already?

#10 THE MOST COMFORTING BRAISED VERMICELLI

We are usually not too excited about braised vermicelli. But Mitzo has earned our loyalty with the Braised Vermicelli (S$28++) with scallop, cod fish and prawns. This dish is most comforting, and boasts a taste that reminds us of home. With a sweet broth that is naturally thickened by the fresh ingredients, the Braised Vermicelli makes a splendid one-dish meal on simpler days.

We can never forget the taste of this Braised Vermicelli.

MITZO DINING VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY

1. Mitzo is giving away 5 X Weekend Brunch for Two (worth $136++)
2. Leave a comment in this post and tell us which dish you would like to try from Mitzo.
3. ‘Like’ Mitzo on Facebook.
4. Share the link of this post on your Facebook timeline.
5. The contest starts from now till 9 August 2015, 2359 hrs.
6. Winners will be notified by email.

UPDATE: The five winners are Hazel Yang, Teo Kai Sin, Luah Moi Kee, Koh Peng Jek, and Kash Koh. 

Mitzo Restaurant & Bar
Level 4 Grand Park Orchard
270 Orchard Road
Singapore 238857
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12am last order
Fri to Sun, Public Holiday and Eve of Public Holidays: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 1am last order
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset

This post is brought to you by Mitzo Restaurant & Bar.

There’s always a reason to drink (alcohol): hectic schedules, never-ending deadlines, overbearing workloads, overbearing bosses. Another reason? Shopping in town all day is hard work. We’re here to make it easier.

Forget cafés. Let’s get you properly acquainted with the (right) alcoholic libations. Here are 5 bars in Orchard Road to go for drinks after your shopping spree.

#1 ELIXIR BAR AT KUVO

Tucked away on the second level of Orchard Shopping Centre is a sleek new outpost (of a 40-seater bar) waiting to be unearthed. Japanese head bartender, Yukata Nakashima, runs the show at Kuvo, and ‘bespoke cocktails’ is the name of the game. Send your cocktail preferences his way and leave fate to abate your (alcoholic) cravings.

Adventurous drinkers, this spot will light your fire. A preposterous concoction that tastes uncannily like assam laksa arrives in the form of Auchentoshan 12 year old, garam masala and calamansi. It’s sour, savory and bittersweet with a tinge of exotic spice. Oh, and sidebar; there’s an option for a prawn noodle cocktail—who says you can drink your dinner?

If you’re leaving it to the bartender’s fancy, bespoke concoctions run along the path with concoctions like tequila-based beauty of Don Julio Blanco, Sambuca, martini rosso, Fernet Branca and Nikka-infused coffee beans that births a perfumed, bittersweet palate.

It’s safe to assume that your pre-dinner drinking is in capable hands.

321 Orchard Road
#02-01 Orchard Shopping Centre
Singapore 238866
Tel: +65 6733 8272
Sun to Thu: 12pm to 1am
Fri to Sat: 12pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Somerset

#2 JIBIRU CRAFT BEER BAR

This is where you and 10 like-minded beer appreciators will go to take command of the bar, and focus on what’s important. Things with the words “ale” and “lager”. Because those are the things that they excel at here, alongside some pretty darn good yakitori to prep your stomach for a boozy night. We reckon the Hibiki set (S$36.50 for 12 skewers) will set you straight.

If you’re new to beer, opt for the tasting flights (S$18) where you’ll get a tasting portion of four of their rotating draft beers, explained to you in great detail—these guys sure know their stuff—before proceeding to drown your short-lived beer education.

Do so with Kinshachi red miso lager Nagoya (S$13.90) that’s got minimal head (if that rocks your boat), malty caramel tones, and hoppy bitterness with a mild miso twist, or Owa beer (S$13.50)—a Belgian style pale ale with robust notes of toffee, dark malt, earth and spice. There’s also a range of Hitachino beers catered for easy drinking—we’ve got our vote on the refreshingly malty Saison Du (S$12.90) and hoppy, bittersweet lager (S$13.90). Yes, lager. Like we said, we focus on what’s important.

313 Orchard Road
#01-26 313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6732 6884
Mon to Thu: 11:30am to 11pm
Fri to Sat: 11:30am to 1am
Sun: 11:30am to 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#3 MANHATTAN BAR

This sleek, dark and sexy bar is exactly the kind of place where you’ll refuse to call it a night, which would be for the best, since your refusal will be met with a number of discreetly potent cocktails. Or you could give them a wild-card route (layman’s term: bespoke)—tell them your poison of choice, serving style and whatever preferences pop into your head, and watch them do their magic.

Things you cannot do without: a solera-aged negroni (S$25) and single-cask cocktail (S$25) from their rickhouse; which happens to be the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse—an interesting piece of information you can boast to your date. You can thank us later.

If you’re not (seated) by the bar, sink yourself deep into one of their plush couch seats and decide between an Avaition (S$23) made with Citadelle gin, or Penicillin (S$23) with Monkey Shoulder scotch—the former soft floral and herbaceous notes, the latter; a smoky upgrade of the classic whiskey sour with a twist of lemon and ginger. Those are the toughest decisions you should be making for the night.

1 Cuscaden Road
Regent Singapore
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 6725 3377
Mon to Sun: 5pm to 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

#4 THE HORSE’S MOUTH

You’ll come here for one of two reasons: to impress someone of your knowledge of the best well-hidden bar in Singapore, or to ensure your night ends well. Maybe both. Either way, you’ll be in the good hands of head bartender, Byron Tan. But before he leads you down the path of denial (of drunkenness), pad down your stomach with the Wagyu tongue with yuzu pepper (S$12) and braised duck breast (S$12) that’s so flavorfully delicious it makes you wonder if you might have accidentally walked into a restaurant.

Employing our favorite spirit, mezcal, is the Beetroot Bonanza (S$25) that simmers beetroot concentrate with chili tincture before combining it with green Chartreuse to emanate the sweetness and smokiness of chargrilled beetroot. Another remarkable ‘all-star’ is the Gentlemen’s Tip (S$25) where the malty smokiness of Monkey Shoulder meets Carpano Antica Formula’s herbaceous fruity sweetness, blended with oloroso and amontillado to birth a beautifully complex concoction that layers sweet, bitter and citrus notes. You’ll take to this like a fat kid to cake.

583 Orchard Road
Singapore 238884
Tel: +65 6235 1088
Mon to Thu: 6pm to 12am
Fri to Sat: 6pm to 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

#5 5 ON EMERALD HILL

Possibly the oldest cocktail bar in Singapore, 5 on Emerald Hill has been taking residence in an old Peranakan-styled shop house near the outskirts of town since the early 1990s. The two-level bar exudes an air of nostalgia that envelops you into thinking you’re in the 1990s—think oak wood paneling, worn out furniture and walls covered in black and white pictures of customers and celebrities from that era.

Cocktails here won’t burn a hole in your wallet (prices start from S$15), but its No. 5 original chili vodka just might. Signature vodkas and gin infusions are featured in their house-signature martinis like the No. 5 dry gin martini (S$15) that leaves a lingering burning sensation reminiscent of chili padi, or Bangkok martini (S$15) where lemongrass, lime juice and Grey Goose coconut cream is infused with chili to exude a taste of Thailand. While cocktails here don’t veer too far off in imagination, its nostalgic aura easily transports you back to the 1990s. Sometimes, old is gold.

Let’s just call it the Ol’ 5.

5 Emerald Hill
Singapore 229289
Tel: +65 6732 0818
Mon to Thu: 12pm to 2am
Fri to Sat: 12pm to 3am
Sun: 5pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Somerset

Here is the Ultimate Orchard Road Food Guide - Top 95 Places to dine at Orchard Road, Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut.

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, Singapore Tatler Dining and The Drinks Business, amongst others. 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.