The quaint shophouses of the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood are home to some of our favourite bars – from whisky hideaways and cocktail bars to lively dive bars with pumping music
The Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood might be better known for Maxwell Food Court, great lunch spots, and for being home to some of Singapore’s best Korean restaurants, but there’s a bevy of bars we absolutely love as well. We’ve rounded up five of our favourite bars in the Tanjong Pagar area.
Tippling Club
If you’re craving a dose of NYC, the ambience in this bar restaurant will cater superbly – the interior is chic, crisp and totally Tribeca, downtown Manhattan. Helming the bar is the creative and charismatic Joe Schofield, so kick off your night with some of his world-class cocktails that feature innovative flavours, techniques, and garnishes – or you could always opt for something more familiar like his expertly crafted Sonic Negroni.
Tippling Club, 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461. p. 6475 2217.
The Wall
The world of fine whiskies might seem slightly intimidating to get into, but this bar should be your entry point into the wonderful world of whisky. Upon taking a quick peek at the menu, The Wall’s inclination to educate drinkers is apparent. The menu offers a simple flavour profile chart with recommendations of classic drams, as well as a map of Scotland’s main whisky areas. Delve deeper into the menu, and you’ll find a comprehensive collection of whiskies (organised by country) hailing from famed Scottish distilleries to newer names from Sweden and Taiwan. The Wall also offers a selection of Japanese-styled sumiyaki (charcoal-grilled) dishes.
The Wall, 76 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088497. p. 6225 7988.
Jekyll & Hyde
Jekyll & Hyde’s a bespoke bar, so yes, you can order exactly what your heart desires. But we recommend that you give the classic (slightly smoky) whisky sour a go here, because it really does pack a punch. Prices range from $25 to $30, depending on your choice of whisky.
Jekyll & Hyde, 49 Tras Street, Singapore 078988, p. 6222 3349.
Finders Keepers
Situated along Craig Road, this shophouse hideout isn’t just a bar, but also a liquor store where you can stock up on Bailey’s, Glenlivet and Grey Goose for your next no-holds-barred house party. And when you do get thirsty from all that shopping – which you will – Finders Keepers has you covered with on-menu drinks and bar bites.
Finder Keepers, 2 Craig Road, Singapore 089662, p. 6222 2671. Open Mon-Sat 12pm-12am.
Don’t Tell Mama
You certainly won’t want to tell Mama about your boozy shenanigans at this Korean/Mexican bar-restaurant. After all, with pints of Stella and Hoegaarden going for $10 and $11 respectively, and a slew of Korean-inspired tacos and quesadillas, you’ll find yourself here way too late, even on work nights. A trio of Corona, Sol and Heineken also goes for $25 while three bottles of Hite will set you back just $20. Happy hour runs from Mon-Sat, 5pm-8pm.
Don’t Tell Mama, 52 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088473. p. 6221 2007.
Drinking on a budget? Check out our list of the best happy hours in Singapore and our guide to affordable bars in the city.