More than just a shopper’s paradise, Orchard Road is also home to dive bars, martini bars, and hidden speakeasies.
Got three shopping bags on each arm and want to kick back with something a little stronger than a cappuccino? Why not hit up some of Orchard Road’s best bars for a bespoke cocktail, martini or an ice-cold beer with a pool game on the side. In this edition of Hood Bars, we bring you our seven favourite bars in the Orchard Road area.
Acid Bar
If there’s one thing we love about this Peranakan Place fixture – aside from being a rowdy hangout to appease our post-work thirst – it’s how it creates opportunity for budding singer-songwriters and cover bands. Instead of sticking to one or two resident bands, Acid Bar features a different performance outfit every day, giving patrons something fresh and musicians a chance to hone their chops.
Acid Bar, Peranakan Place, 180 Orchard Road, Singapore 238846, p. 6732 6966. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am.
The Other Room
“Speakeasy” is a description thrown around a lot these days, but The Other Room is probably one of the few bars we’ve found that are really hidden away, with only the scantest online presence. This “drinking house for the discerning” offers expertly crafted cocktails that pay homage to classic drinks while adding contemporary twists. Holding court behind the bar is Master Bartender Dario Knox, previously of FOC.
The Other Room, Marriott Hotel Singapore. Open Tue-Sun 6pm ’til late. Closed on Mon.
Manhattan Bar
Regent Hotel’s luxurious bar offers up a slice of 19th-century New York. Check out the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse – a workshop space featuring over 100 American oak barrels of imported whisky for experimentation. Manhattan also has a collection of unusual ingredients like wildcherry bark and shisandra berries. And, if you’re savvy with your bar buzz, you’ll also know that Manhattan was voted the 11th best bar in the world.
Manhattan, Regent Hotel, 2nd Floor, 1 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore 249715, p. 6725 3242
Cuscaden Patio & Chips Pub
This no-frills underground drinking den has no happy hour, but they make up for it with really cheap beer around the clock (we’re not complaining!). For $20, you get a 1.5-litre San Miguel, and on Tuesdays, their jugs are priced at $13. Completing the dive bar experience is an excellent rock & roll soundtrack and a well-worn pool table that’s seen some seriously intense games.
Cuscaden Patio & Chips Pub, #B1-111 Ming Arcade, 21 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249720, p. 6887 3319
OverEasy Orchard
Right next door to Wheelock Place, you’ll find OverEasy’s Orchard outlet. Like the original restaurant at One Fullerton, American comfort fare reigns supreme here with star dishes like the truffle burger and the Mac and Cheeks – crammed with beautifully braised beef cheeks. OverEasy also offers an interesting bar program which includes signature cocktails like the Strawberry Fields Mojito featuring rum, fresh strawberries, mint, and basil. Read our full review of OverEasy Orchard.
OverEasy Orchard, 541 Orchard Road, #01-01, Liat Towers, Singapore 238881, p.6684 1453
Mezza9 Martini Bar
Offering over 50 different signature martinis, this swanky bar never fails to give us a case of decidophobia whenever we’re there – we just end up telling them to surprise us! But if you prefer ordering straight from the menu, we recommend ordering the refreshing Botanical martini – a tantalising blend of Effen Vodka, Domaine de Canton Frence ginger liqueur, zesty lemon juice, fresh cucumber, and rosemary leaves.
Martini Bar, Mezza9, Mezzanine Level, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211. p. 6732 1234.
The Horse’s Mouth
Much like hearing it straight from the horse’s mouth, letting loose at this hideout on the fringes of Orchard feels just like dining at a raucous izakaya in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Inspired by these Japanese waterholes, The Horse’s Mouth – its bar helmed by Woo Wai Leong – sports sleek wooden furnishings, walls with motifs of autumn leaves, and a menu that’d make you wanna stay for hours. From braised duck breasts and shishamo, to stingray fins and wagyu tongue, and even bigger bites like mazesoba and karaage don; this selection of plates will make sure you don’t stop at one!
The Horse’s Mouth, #B1-39 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore, 238884, p. 6235-1088. Open Mon-Thu 6pm-12am; Fri-Sat 6pm-1am.
