Know Your: Speakeasy Bars and Restaurants in Singapore for a Thrilling Night Out
PUBLISHED February 1st, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED February 24th, 2023 01:32 am
Secret spaces only for those in-the-know, where lights are fluorescent, walls are stark and drinks are top tier – what’s not to like? Speakeasy bars and restaurants have easily become a cult favourite, impressing both young and experienced imbibers. A thrill-evoking unique experience which started in 1920s, this trend is not one that’s subsiding anytime soon.
So, what exactly is a speakeasy? These bars first came into prominence in the United States during the prohibition era, when the sale of alcohol is banned. They resorted to selling illicit alcohol behind the scenes and away from the public eye. Lucky for us, the concept today really means a well-crafted environment and new experiences. Read on to find a hidden gem in Singapore near you.
Out-Of-The-Ordinary Entrances
Taylor Adam
Hidden behind the facade of an English-style tailor shop, pull away the red curtains to reveal a dimly lit space, where warm hospitality and meticulously crafted cocktails await. Grab a seat by the bar as you browse a menu of tipples (S$23.80++) inspired by Singapore’s historic relations to Great Britain, and the rest of the world come alive. Sip the Peranakan Sunset, a nod to South-east Asia’s Nonya heritage with ingredients like butterfly pea leaves and kaffir lime, or the Nimbu Pani, named after the refreshing yet spicy drink sold across India. Are you scheduled for a fitting? The answer is yes!
Taylor Adam is located at 1 Raffles Pl, #01-03, Singapore 048616, p. +65 8878 3395. Open Mon-Wed 5pm-12am, Thu-Fri 5pm-1am, Sat 5pm-12am. Closed Sun.
Roxy
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Inspired by the rock & roll nightclubs of Manhattan’s Lower East Side in the 1970s, cocktail bar Roxy is accessible via two entrances – an unmarked door at the loading dock of the Sail at Marina Bay, or through Miss Fitz Kitchen & Bar. You’ll find red-hued lights, surrounded with maximalist wallpapers, band posters and jam-worthy music. The mischievous but sophisticated lounge serves a concise list of bites and spirit forward drinks. The Jean Genie (S$22), named after David Bowie’s tune, bears a pear twist on the Daiquiri, adorned with full powdered sugar glass, whilst Love Is The Drug (S$22) is a nod to the band Roxy Music, combining vodka, vermouth, cherry liqueur, lemon, and egg white.
Roxy is located at 6 Marina Blvd, #01-17 The Sail at Marina Bay, Singapore 018985, p. +65 9382 5147. Open Wed-Sun 5pm-12am. Closed Mon-Tue.
Mama Diam
Mama Diam is located at 38 Prinsep St, Singapore 188665, p. +65 8533 0792. Open Sun-Thurs 4pm-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-3am
28 Hong Kong Street
28 HongKong Street is easily one of the pioneers of the local cocktail scene, winning the first-ever The Best Bar in Asia award in 2016. Though the bar is best known for its nondescript charm with no signboards, old-school beige doors and its word-of-mouth nature. The main attraction here are artisanal spirits and American-styled libations including the rich and boozy Black Forest Negroni (S$25), or the refreshing and spicy Guava Spicy Margarita (S$25). When it comes to grub, you’ll be served American comfort food made from scratch including burgers, chicken tenders and more.
28 HongKong Street is located at 28 HongKong Street, Singapore 059667, p. +65 8318 0328. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-til 10:30pm.
Hidden In Plain Sight
Stay Gold Flamingo at Amoy Street
Founded by next-gen local bartenders Jerrold Khoo and Bai JiaWei, Stay Gold Flamingo offers an all-day coffee bar in the front, and cocktail party in the back. During the day, caffeine cravers and day drinkers can delve in coffees, iced teas, and low ABV cocktails like the boozy pick-me-up, Espresso Martini at Flamingo Coffee Bar. As dusk falls, draw the velvet curtain at the back of the café, to reveal an enticing tippling den: Stay Gold. On the menu, get blown away with signatures like Wild Fresh Sawa, a gin sour made with yuzu, chamomile, and basil, or the Pink Guava Bellini, sporting Monkey 47 Sloe Gin, Pink Guava Juice, and Prosecco. The food is equally enticing with entries like Plant-Based Corn Dog and Sambal Matah Fish Tacos.
Stay Gold Flamingo is located at 69 Amoy St, Singapore 069888, p. +65 8876 7364. Flamingo is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, while Stay Gold is open Mon-Sat 5pm–12am.
D.Bespoke
A Ginza-style cocktail lounge, D.Bespoke is the brainchild of co-owner Daiki Kanetaka, who is also Head Bartender. The offerings here are decadent, from bespoke cocktails, premium Spanish Sherries, French Calvados and Armagnacs, to rare vintage Rums. Taking a page out of the Kanetaka’s own philosophy, the bar offers a perfectly tailored experience to the individual’s preferences, with curated cocktails and warm hospitality. Heading down soon? Anticipate guest chef appearances, pairing menus, exclusive events, hands-on workshops and more!
D.Bespoke is located at 2 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089816, p. +65 8141 5741. Open Mon-Thu 6pm–12.30am, Fri-Sat 6pm–1.30am. Closed Sun.
The Secret Mermaid
A basement-hidden watering hole in the heart of the CBD, The Secret Mermaid harks on sophistication and modernity. Focused on American craft spirits and brought to you by the same folks behind Standing Sushi Bar and Tanuki Raw, it’s no surprise that happy hour (5pm-7pm) sees salmon sashimi going at S$5 for five slices alongside pocket-friendly cocktails (S$14). Turn your attention to Oyster Hour from 7pm to 10pm, when you can enjoy up to half a dozen oysters at special prices with each regular-priced cocktail. Tipples we love include the Applewood Negroni (S$22), and Temperance (S$20), concocted with mango infused mezcal, tonic syrup, and lime.
The Secret Mermaid is located at 10 Collyer Quay, B1-09, Ocean Financial Centre, 049315. Open Mon-Fri 5pm–11pm. Closed Sat-Sun.
The Other Room
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Tucked along one of Singapore’s busiest streets, The Other Room hides in plain sight, a gem only for those in-the-know. The luxe posh interiors are juxtaposed against its theatrical cocktail menu and cask-finished spirits. The iconic Timeline menu is a lesson in cocktail history, with each showcasing interpretations of the greatest classics, starting from the very first ones with a written record. Think from the year 1787, where the Old Fashioned Way reigned, to 2007’s herbaceous rum-based Love Is In The Air, made with rum, Campari, marmalade, and Fernet. The food menu is just as appetising with seafood, meat, vegetables and desserts to savour.
The Other Room is located at 320 Orchard Rd, Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Singapore 238865, p. +65 6100 7778. Open Tue-Sat 6.30pm–2.30am. Closed Mon & Sun.
Low-Key Tucked Away Restaurants
The Dragon Chamber
Living up to its tagline of ‘Not your grandma’s Chinese restaurant’, The Dragon Chamber is no ordinary hideout. Hidden behind the fridge door of a local café, the immersive space whisks you away to a time of gambling dens and secret societies. Serving up guerrilla-style food that pays homage to familiar Chinese dishes, must tries include the scrumptious Soft Shell Crab with Hokkaido Scallop Crispy Noodles (S$68) and the wok-kissed Wagyu Truffle Beef Hor Fun (S$32). Drinks don’t disappoint here either with innovative signatures like fruity Dragon Punch (S$24) and the gin-based Dragonfruit (S$22) fizzed up with Prosecco.
The Dragon Chamber is located at 2 Circular Rd, Singapore 049358, p. +65 6950 0015. Open Tue-Sun 11am–3pm, 5–10.30pm. Closed Mon.
Corduroy Palace
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Amoy Street’s best kept secret, Corduroy Palace is a truly underrated spot that has to make your bucket list. Sharing the same entrance as the rustic Proper Slice, head forward crossing the industrial kitchen into an elegant cherry wood-panelled dining room. Priding itself as an unorthodox and visionary wine hall, this spot underpins the mid-century vibe of a midtown New York dining room. The fare comes at the hefty price tag of opulence with Downing’s Dozen oysters, and You Peng’s Dumplings topped off with caviar. Worth exploring is their wine list featuring over 300 labels.
Corduroy Palace is located at 110 Amoy Street, #01-02 (Entrance on Gemmill Lane), Singapore 069930, p. +65 9754 3897. Open Mon-Sat 3pm–12am. Closed Sun.
The Flying Squirrel
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Inspired by squirrels hiding their nuts in unknown locations, The Flying Squirrel is a hole-in-the-wall corner hideout in an alleyway along Amoy Street, but you won’t miss this one, thanks to its neon-lit signboard! Mainly a sushi restaurant, the spot still strings together the diverse fragments and flavours of New York, Melbourne, Tokyo and Singapore. Hits include the Assorted Sashimi (S$31) and Sushi Bentos (S$32.96). The Tuna & Avocado Tacos has also been raved online, whilst Unagi Donburi Bento (S$28.25) ) featuring braised unagi in poached egg sauce with onions, scallions, and seaweed remains popular.
The Flying Squirrel is located at 92 Amoy St, #01-02, Singapore 069911, p. +65 6226 2203. Open Mon-Thu 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm, Fri 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm – 12am, Sat 5.30pm-12am. Closed Sun.
UOB Cardmembers can enjoy a variety of dining deals and promotions across different cuisines to satisfy your cravings. From 1-for-1 deals to festive discounts at your favourite hotel, bar and restaurant. Be sure to check out the myriad of deals available throughout the year.
This article is brought to you in collaboration with Dining Advisor by UOB
Top Image: Roxy
