More than just a cultural enclave rich in history, the Singapore’s Chinatown area is home to rooftop bars, craft beer hawker bars, and even a cigar and whisky lounge
If you’ve kept up with our neighbourhood guides, you’ll already be savvy with what to do at Ann Siang Hill and Club Street. But not far from that area is the iconic Chinatown, and contrary to what you might think, it’s more than just a hub of tradition and culture. If you’re feeling thirsty, you’ll find some rather unique rooftop bars, craft beer bars, and even a Cuban cigar lounge. Here’s our guide to bars in Chinatown.
Lepark
From pop-up event to full-fledged F&B concept, Lepark is a tapas-focused hangout with a massive outdoor sitting area of 63,000 square feet and lots of fun little shindigs to boot (think flea markets, movie screenings and local gigs). Draft beers start from $6, and the ever-changing menu (it gets updated at least once a month) features dishes like deep fried otah bombs and soft shell crab sliders that come with salted egg yolk.
Lepark, 5/F People’s Park Complex (rooftop carpark), 1 Park Road, Singapore 059108. p. 6908 5809.
Olde Cuban
Need to celebrate a birthday or closing a big sale at work? Indulge the way the Cubans do at this cigar and rum bar on Trengganu street. The bar, decked out with warm lights and wooden panels offers a spectacular selection of whisky, Cuban rums, and cigars. Sink into its plush leather sofas, select a dram of scotch paired with a cigar, and pretend you’re Don Draper from Mad Men.
Olde Cuban, 2 Trengganu Street, Singapore 058456. p. 6222 2207.
Smith Street Taps
In the mood for a craft brew but don’t want to skip out on fantastic hawker food? This hawker stall craft beer bar at Chinatown Complex offers an impressive number of draft beers – up to 12 at any one time. Here’s your chance to sample unique and uncommon brews, paired with char kway teow, hokkien mee, chicken rice, and more.
Smith Street Taps, #02-062, Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith Street Singapore 050335.
Jig-A-Jig Bar
If happy hour drinks and a friendly (or not) pool game with your posse is your idea of a fab night out, make this raucous little bar in Chinatown your first choice. After a line of shots or an ice cold beer, fill up on the bar’s selection of affordable classic bar bites.
Jig-A-Jig Bar, 22 Mosque Street, Singapore 059502.
Boozing on a budget? Check out our list of the best happy hours in Singapore and our guide to affordable bars in the city.