I visited Bartenders of Pony, Singapore’s newest and hottest bar! Get the scoop on which Korean-inspired drinks and bar bites you must try to complete the experience.
You might’ve caught wind of Bartenders of Pony (otherwise known as BOP) on social media, but why is this new bar in Singapore blowing up? I dropped by to check the space out, and I can say, the hype is justified. It’s created by the same group behind Singapore’s best bar, Jigger & Pony, so you know the drinks are amazing. At the helm is Jigger & Pony’s creative director, Uno Jang, who’s also the world’s favourite bartender for 2025, which means A+ service all round. The cherry on top? The food menu, crafted in collaboration with Jason Oh of Culinary Class Wars. And every bite was as sumptuous as I imagined. Ready for the full scoop?
Bartenders of Pony: Details at a glance
Best for: Anyone who enjoys Korean spirits; group gatherings in a convivial setting; bar hoppers looking for lively ambience and warm service
Must-tries: Dalgona iced coffee; Perilla smash; BOP martini; fried chicken; bossam
Price: Cocktails start from $23; food starts from $14
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 6pm to 1am; Friday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am; closed on Mondays
Address: Bartenders of Pony, 76 Tras Street, Singapore 079015
Gathering spaces with Korean touches
As I stepped into the bar, it was already buzzing with activity, and almost every table was filled with eager diners. “What a vibe”, I thought to myself. I was warmly greeted by the bubbly hostess, AK, who saw me to my seat with water and bar snacks. Despite Bartenders of Pony being a love letter to Korean culture, none of the elements in the bar is loud in their representation. Instead, it’s a subtle beauty that strikes you before you even notice it.
BOP is draped in a palette of green, terracotta, blue and ochre, inspired by Korea’s traditional colour palette, obangsaek. You’ll also see flax linen used throughout the space, a key material in Korean culture, softening the overhead lights by the bar. But the tiger artwork is what draws me to venture further into the space. It’s inspired by a famous Joseon-era folk painting known as Hojak-do (Tiger and Magpie), and brings the Bojagi Room to life.
My favourite part of the bar is the Sarangbang, a cosy nook at the end of the space meant for intimate gatherings of no more than four people. It mimics the private rooms found in traditional Korean homes, and I find you get the best view of the bar from this seat.
And a mega plus for music lovers out there: BOP’s sound system is festival quality. The same equipment can be seen at Wonderfruit!
Familiar cocktails with dashes of Kki
The cocktail menu at BOP reflects one of the brand’s core values, Kki (끼) – defined by discipline, memory, and quiet confidence. Each drink is made with thoughtful precision of flavour and technique, and you can taste it with each sip. All cocktails are $23 a pop, so you’re getting award-winning skill at an unbeatable price.
If you’re a fan of Korean spirits, you’ll find favourites like makgeolli, cheongju, and yakju throughout the menu. Start with the bokbuja pop ($23), which comes with a fun tableside pop! Armed with a somaek tangtang (a uniquely Korean device used to mix soju and beer), the team “pops” your drink to give it an instant foamy top. It also eliminates the harsh bubbles, adding to a smooth drinking experience. The plum wine and raspberry wine give the drink a citrusy and fruity flavour.
The perilla smash ($23) is a signature must-try. Putting a Korean spin on the classic basil smash, you get the taste of aromatic and earthy perilla through the oil and dust. It’s sweet, minty, and bursts with bright acidity.
An iced somaek ($16) is not something you see every day on a cocktail menu, but Uno Jang couldn’t resist adding it! A staple in Korean drinking culture, BOP’s version is topped with shaved soju ice. As each shard of ice melts, you get a gentle taste of soju with every sip of beer. Refreshing and ice cold in all the best ways!
Personal favourites from the menu
I loved every drink I tried at Bartenders of Pony, but I had to give a special spotlight to the cocktails that had my heart at first sip.
The Dalgona iced coffee ($23) was an immediate must-order in my mind. If you enjoyed the Dalgona coffee trend that took our Covid-stricken world by storm, this is a cocktail that can’t be missed. Made with vodka, gamongno liquor, coffee, rice, cream, and a Dalgona crumble, it’s a deliciously sweet and creamy treat that tastes like coffee cake in a glass. The sweet coffee also masks any harsh alcohol flavour, making it easy to drink.
If you’re looking for something stiff and savoury, opt for the BOP martini ($23). It features a mix of Ryu Origin 40 soju, gin, seaweed, takju, and olive jangajji. The deeply savoury flavours give the drink a delightful salinity. I also love an edible garnish in a drink, and the chunky marinated olive was a dream. It tasted exactly like a soy sauce marinated egg, sans the jammy yolk. A fantastic drink to end your night on, I’d say.
Gourmet bar food fit for feasting
When you go to a bar, you typically won’t see a robust food menu. However, like the other Jigger & Pony Group concepts, Bartenders of Pony ensures its bites are just as magical as its cocktails. It’s also your chance to get a taste of menu items developed by famed Culinary Class Wars contestant Jason Oh (Oh Jun-tak).
Because Jason Oh is a chicken specialist, you already know the crispy fried chicken ($18) will be a stellar pick. The chicken itself is lightly seasoned, but it truly shines when you savour it with any of the three accompanying dipping sauces. You can’t go wrong with the mala, tangy barbecue, and peanut sauce, so try them all!
A true highlight of the menu is the bossam ($37). Five chunky pieces of boiled pork are served with lettuce and perilla leaves, and all the fixings like kimchi, garlic, and chilli. Not to be dramatic, but this might have been some of the best bossam I’ve ever tried in my life. The meat literally melts in your mouth. Pair it with all the condiments for an explosive bite.
And a Korean-inspired bar isn’t complete without an offering of yukgaejang K-cup ramyeon ($14). Served in a ramyeon pot and a timer, you can enjoy the noodles piping hot and to your preferred texture! It’s the best option for a hangover cure.
A resounding geon-bae!
With the number of powerhouses behind it, it comes as no surprise to me that Bartenders of Pony is full of hits. From the flavours of food and drinks to the interior design and warm service, enter through the magical door of this Tanjong Pagar bar and you’ll be transported instantly to a spirited hideaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bartenders of Pony?
Bartenders of Pony is a Singapore cocktail bar created by the team behind Jigger & Pony. It’s a Korean-focused bar showcasing the talents and personalities of the group’s bartenders while creating a uniquely Korean drinking ambience.
Should I make a reservation?
It’s highly recommended to make a reservation as Bartenders of Pony is very popular, often crowded and full every night of the week, especially weekends.
Is there a dress code?
BOP does not have a dress code, and you’re welcome to visit while dressed comfortably.
Is BOP good for new drinkers?
Bartenders of Pony is a good bar for both cocktail enthusiasts and casual drinkers! Those who are curious about drink creation and technique can sit at the bar and speak with the friendly bartenders, while casual drinkers can sit back and enjoy warm service with ice cold tipples.
Is BOP casual or upscale?
Bartenders of Pony leans on the casual, more relaxed side. While drinks and food are sophisticated, the air is lighthearted and suitable for get-togethers with friends or close colleagues.
