Could bars in Joo Chiat be the coolest of them all? Here’s where you need to be for the best drinks on a night out with friends.
Visiting a bar in Joo Chiat will always give us extra street cred in our hearts. Because if you think the cafes in Joo Chiat are beautiful, you should see what this neighbourhood looks like at night. The streets don’t get too busy, it’s cosy, and perfect for casual catchups with friends or a hearty family dinner with a nightcap. The best part is there are plenty of unpretentious but elevated experiences that are ideal for date nights too! We also can’t make a list without giving you some of our top recommendations, so here are some of the spots we’ve tried and tested so you don’t have to.
Joo Chiat bars in Singapore
1. Dutch Door
Serving only 100 drinks a day is Dutch Door, a cocktail bar that’s only open on the weekends for three hours a day. Popping up at a window at Cheeers, this takeaway spot will satisfy all your day drinking needs. Previous renditions saw tipples like pink pomelo palomas, a whipped honey Dark & Stormy, mango pina coladas, and spiced watermelon margaritas. Rest assured, your drink will always be refreshing. Your order also comes with a snack for munching! You can sit at the tables outside to enjoy your drink, but I like to take it along for my walks around Joo Chiat.
Must-tries: Drinks rotate every month
Price: $20 for a drink and a snack
Opening hours: Saturday & Sunday, 12pm to 3pm
Address: Dutch Door, 454 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427669
2. Joo Chiat Oyster House
This sleek and cosy bar is Kings Cart Coffee’s sexy alter ego, Joo Chiat Oyster House. Reminiscent of Joo Chiat’s previous life as a red light district, this sunlit brunch cafe turns into one of the best bars in Joo Chiat decked out in neon-red lights. If my review of this place doesn’t convince you to visit, the long lines out the door should! The playlist was a bop, and the vibe made me feel cool as a cucumber. Go for the Solero, a drink reminiscent of the childhood lime-vanilla ice cream! I found it equal parts refreshing and indulgent. My hot tip: come hungry because you can’t skimp on the bar bites. And if you’re not a fan of alcohol, come in the morning instead for the fancy coffee drinks!
Must-tries: East Coast Plan; Solero; Rum Pum Pum
Price: Cocktails start from $14
Opening hours: Monday to Tuesday, 5pm to 10pm; Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 11pm
Address: Joo Chiat Oyster House, #01-05, 328 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427585
3. The Cider Pit
This no frills, British-style pub is a Joo Chiat institution, operating for well over a decade. It sees many regulars who frequent the space for its array of beers and ciders on tap, and the authentic English pub food. It’s uber casual, so I suggest bringing a big group of friends to make a night out of it. I always go for the chargrilled burgers with a side of crispy fries, the best accompaniment for an ice cold beer.
Must-tries: Ciders on tap; Snakebite; St. Austell Big Job IPA
Price: Drinks start from $13
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 3pm to 12am; Friday to Sunday, 11.30am to 12am
Address: The Cider Pit, #01-03, 328 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427585
4. Monk’s Brew Club
If you’re on the lookout for a cafe to work from while you’re in the Joo Chiat area, drop by Monk’s Brew Club. It’s a cafe, co-working space, and social club, so the energy here is super unique! I popped by for a coffee and lunch, but ended up lingering longer to chat with the founder and other entrepreneurs. Cocktails are available all day long, so feel free to have a tipple with brunch. There’s even a champagne option, which you can turn into a spritz, bellini, kir royale, or mimosa.
Must-tries: Death by Morning; CMIO; Monks Negroni
Price: Cocktails start from $18
Opening hours: Monday to Tuesday, 8am to 5pm; Wednesday to Sunday, 8am to 10.30pm
Address: Monk’s Brew Club, 57 East Coast Road, Singapore 428773
5. Gaudi Room
Tucked away within the Spanish tapas restaurant Carlitos is Gaudi Room. It’s a speakeasy shaped by Barcelona’s most iconic designer and architect, Antoni Gaudi, best known for his creation of the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Bartenders are friendly, so feel free to sit at the bar and ask for a recommendation on what to drink. It’s an intimate setting, perfect for a nightcap before making your way back home for the night.
Must-tries: Smoking Architect; whisky sour; Elixir Surrealista
Price: Cocktails start from $22
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 12am
Address: Gaudi Room, 350 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427598
6. Tapout Craft Beers
Beer aficionados must put Tapout Craft Beers on their radar. Located in a shophouse within East Coast Road, this neighbourhood bar boasts 20 beers on tap with a rotating selection of brews. It’s a must-visit if you’re a fan of IPAs and sour beers! It’s also known for its uber juicy burgers and a selection of skewers to complete the full pub experience.
Must-tries: Freedom; Rock Candy; Red Berry Waffle Cone Shortcake Triple Scoop
Price: Half pints start from $12
Opening hours: Monday, 6pm to 11pm; Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm; Friday, 5pm to 12am; Saturday, 4pm to 12am; Sunday, 4pm to 11pm
Address: Tapout Craft Beers, 103 East Coast Road, Singapore 428797
7. 60ml
Joo Chiat is one of the fun neighbourhoods because there are so many speakeasies in the area. See if you can spot them all! One of my favourites is 60ml, hidden behind the Spanish restaurant Asador. Rest assured, you’ll have an amazing time with the bartenders who are just as welcoming as they are skilled. I highly recommend having dinner at Asador first before heading to 60ml to end on a romantic note with some fancy tipples.
Must-tries: Melon sangria; white negroni; black hole sour
Price: Cocktails start from $16
Opening hours: Daily, 5.30pm to 12am
Address: 60ml, Asador, 51 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427775
8. Common Man Coffee Roasters
Common Man Coffee Roasters is one of our go-to cafes for hearty brunches where the prices are affordable and portions are massive. But did you know Common Man now has a night time concept with special dinner dishes and drinks? From pizzas to pastas, and Asian dishes like butter chicken and bulgogi, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Drinks wise, Common Man is known for its coffee so you have to try the espresso martini made with CMCR cold brew and hazelnut liquor. Or get a bottle of natural wine for the table, carefully curated by the team.
Must-tries: CMCR negroni; CMCR espresso martini; natural wine
Price: Drinks start from $12
Opening hours: Monday, 7.30am to 5pm; Tuesday to Sunday, 7.30am to 9.30pm
Address: Common Man Coffee Roasters, 185 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427456
Clinking our glasses to Joo Chiat’s best bars!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make reservations?
It depends on the spot. Some casual bars have many seats and welcome walk-ins if you're looking for a quick pint. However, the smaller bars can get booked up quick, especially on the weekends.
If you're looking to have dinner and drinks, make the reservations! But if you're on a casual night out, you can feel free to walk-in to most places.
What's the vibe like in Joo Chiat?
Joo Chiat has a laid-back and slightly artsy vibe, so it's good for casual get-togethers or an impromptu night out.
Do Joo Chiat bars have food?
Yes! Most bars in Joo Chiat have a pretty extensive menu of dishes, so you can usually enjoy a hearty meal with a few drinks.
Is it easy to get to Joo Chiat?
Joo Chiat does not have an MRT station nearby. However, you can easily get there with a variety of buses from Paya Lebar MRT Station or Marine Parade MRT Station.
Are Joo Chiat bars good for solo visits?
Yes! Because some bars can get crowded, it's often easier to be seated when you're a solo diner, so feel free to bar hop on your own since most bars are walking distance from each other.
