New places to drink cocktails, whisky, sake and beer in the CBD, Keong Saik, Boat Quay, Sentosa and more
Just last month, we dropped the deets on new Middle Eastern bars, bourbon joints serving Louisianan cuisine, and even a classy cafe with live jazz music. Needless to say, the variety of Hot New Bars that pop up each month is just as colourful in November, with more rooftop and beach bars, izakayas and CBD clubs, and even a themed spot that resembles an American Chinese takeout. Looking for new places to drink and get buzzed? We’ve got seven of them right here.
Braci
Perched atop the taller shophouses along the bustling Boat Quay stretch, Braci is the latest concept of restaurateur, Beppe De Vito, that serves modern Italian fare. The restaurant features a luxe 16-seat dining area on the fifth floor, as well as a 30-seat rooftop bar that flaunts a fantastic view of the Singapore River while you savour unique cocktails. If you prefer stronger tipples, opt for the Diplomatico Old Fashioned. Swapping whisky for date macerated rum, this rendition of the drink is a sweeter, more complex take on the classic. Fancy something refreshing to beat the heat? Opt for the Bramble Cocktail instead – a refreshing concoction of Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon and sugar served over a blackberry ice ball. Read our full review here.
Braci, 2 Boat Quay, #05-01/ #06-01, Singapore 049841. p. 6866 1933. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-12am. Closed on Sun.
The Belljar
Not too far from the rowdy Circular Road district is this new bar that boasts a three-tiered experience distributed across its three floors – yup, that’s a lot of space! While shoppers and diners will likely be engrossed with the retail and resto space on the ground floor, booze guzzlers will wanna adjourn to the whisky lounge and cocktail bar on the second, where they can rely on the bartenders for bespoke-slash-curveball tipple requests. The Atelier on the third floor is suitable for private events and holding workshops, so if you’re looking for a new bonding space with your team, this could be it.
The Belljar, 18 North Canal Road, Singapore 048830, p. 8182 2858.
Phat Cat Laundry
We normally wouldn’t resist tossing in an “airing your dirty laundry” pun here, but this mischievous themed bar already beat us to it! In fact, this new bar in the Keong Saik area packs quite a sense of humour – walls lined with laundry detergent boxes and kitschy propaganda posters as ornaments, cocktails inspired by cheesy Mando-pop songs, a philosophy that parodies the notoriety of American Chinese takeout. But unlike its mediocre American counterparts, the food here actually sounds mighty tempting – Brontosaurus char siu beef rib, and mushroom and bone marrow fried rice, anyone? As for bevvies, you must try their specialty teahouse cocktails like the Aromatised Oolong (osmanthus peach vodka, demerara, hand-pressed citrus and prosecco), or the Chrysanthemum Stage (chrysanthemum gin, tonic water and Boston bitters).
Phat Cat Laundry, 4 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089261. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-late.
Skyline Club & Lounge
You don’t need to flee far to find an escape from the CBD; this rooftop bar has emerged right on your doorstep at the Singapore Land Tower – 45 storeys up high, no less! Whether you’re looking to network and mingle, or wildly down a couple of shots and party ’til you forget what your boss yelled at you for, this new nightlife haunt looks to take good care of you. Think live DJs dropping cruising house music, glitzy bottle service (yes, sparklers and all!), free cocktails for members, and a ladies night that you and your gal pals will definitely take advantage of. Titled Vanilla Sky, this pampering affair lets ladies savour five complimentary glasses of bubbly before 10pm, alongside beauty services from Zalora and Toni&Guy. Work stress? What’s that?
Skyline Club & Lounge, Level 45 Singapore Land Tower, 50 Raffles Place, Singapore 048623, p. 8747 8168.
FOC Sentosa
The all-new Sentosa branch of the award-winning FOC is now open on Sentosa’s Palawan Beach. The new space boasts an airy beachfront space with bright interiors, panoramic views and a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a pool deck and beachside sunbeds. The menu is no runner-up either, with satiating, contemporary Mediterranean dishes as the main star, and tantalising cocktails like the Matcha Colada (a Pina Colada with Japanese green tea) and FOC Red Sangria. Life’s a beach? Certainly the case here!
FOC Sentosa, 110 Tanjong Beach Walk, Singapore 098943, p. 6100 1102.
Kotobuki Izakaya
With 32 years under its belt, the Kotobuki Japanese cuisine franchise could’ve easily rested on its laurels without anyone kicking up a fuss. Yet, it still had the gumption to recently launch two new establishments in Wisma Atria – a café called Kotobuki Coffee, and joining this boozy list, Kotobuki Izakaya. Sure to lure parched and weary Japanese salarymen with its authentic exterior of paper lanterns, sake barrels, and earthy tones, this post-work sanctuary in town will brighten anyone’s dreary day with fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, grilled beef and other comfort foods. Gulp it all down with pints of beer or swigs of sake, and it’ll serve as the pat on your back you sorely need.
Kotobuki Izakaya, #01-18/18B Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877, p. 6734 7677. Open Mon-Thu 11.30am-3pm and 5.30pm-1030pm, Fri-Sun 11.30am-10.30pm.
The Black Swan
Now, before you squawk at us for featuring an old-timer on this list, you might just wanna read on! The Black Swan has just opened a gorgeous alfresco space – think cosy benches and rattan chairs, shiny tables and stylish fairy lights sprawled across an intimate space located on the restaurant’s patio. You’ll be wining under the dense canopy of trees, away from the bustling Raffles Place crowds – great for a time out from work. And in case you needed more reasons for a revisit, weekday offers are still aplenty such as $2 oysters, and $9 house pours, house wines and draught beers from 5pm to 8pm.
The Black Swan, 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704, p. 6438 3757.