15 Best Hidden Restaurants & Bars in Singapore [2022] 

The term ‘speakeasy’ was once reserved for hidden bars but has since come to be adopted by any establishment that takes on the cloak-and-dagger appearance. Restaurants are following the path taken by their bar counterparts in this small little red dot. Each of these restaurants cum bars offers unique dining experiences on top of their mysterious locations. Searching for them may be potentially frustrating, even with the assistance of a GPS. Fret not for here, we are going to share with you the 15 Best Speakeasy in Singapore.

1. The Secret Mermaid

Address: 10 Collyer Quay, B1-09, Ocean Financial Centre, 049315
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 5 PM-11 PM (Closed Weekends)

Sushi and salad joint by day, The Secret Mermaid transforms into a closed-up “private” bar as the sunsets. Do not be fooled by the completely closed doors; you had probably been able to catch a glimpse of their exquisite alcohol “library” peeking out from the top of their shutters, not to mention some oldies music spilling out from within. Cosy describes the bar’s interior all too well; approximately 25 people can fit inside comfortably. The numbers can go up definitely if the crowd do not mind squeezing. Truly one of the best speakeasy in Singapore!

How to get there: Look out for the huge black shutters and a little logo of a fish with legs, denoting “push here.”

2. Live Twice

Address: 20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089834
Opening Hours: Mon-Thur 6PM-1AM; Fri-Sat 6PM-2AM
Contact Number: 9011 8304

At street view, this bar doesn’t reveal itself as it is located behind Humpback restaurant. You will have to enter a glass door beside the restaurant and head down a corridor decorated with photo frames to find Live Twice at the end. There are over 100 types of whiskeys to select from. Amongst other liquors and spirits, cocktails are also a highlight of the bar, where customers can get some house favourites in the bar itself.

How to get there: Spot the office-like glass door next to Humpback restaurant.

3. Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall

Address: 60 Boat Quay, Singapore 049848
Opening Hours: Mon-Thur 6PM-12AM; Fri-Sat 6PM-2AM
Contact Number: 6535 0838

If food lovers ever adored Chili Crab so much that they wished they could have it in a form other than food, then customers are going to love what Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall has done to one of the most beloved dishes in Singapore. Their famed Chili Crab cocktail is a novelty to look out for, but that is just scraping the surface of the local-inspired cocktails they churn out.

A written menu does not exist in the bar, and neither do “official” names for their mixes. The ambience is localised, like an upscale coffee shop that, despite serving speciality cocktails, would not mind if patrons arrived in shorts and slippers. Hawker food is offered on the menu throughout the night, featuring Singaporean favourites such as Char Kway Teow and Hokkien Mee. Definitely one of the best speakeasy in Singapore.

How to get there: Snuggled next to a mini-mart, look for the subtle signage of the bar and head up the stairs. On the first landing you will find the old-fashioned localised watering hole.

4. Operation Dagger

Address: 7 Ann Siang Hill, #B1-01, Singapore 069791
Opening Hours: Tues-Weds 6PM-1AM; Thurs-Sat 6PM-12AM
Contact Number: 6438 4057

If you were looking for the definition of unassuming, the bar entrance to Operation Dagger would be it. Resembling a stairway that is under construction and leads down into a basement, the only way to know you are at the correct place is when you see the symbol above the doorway. As you enter the bar, the first thing you will notice is a floating cloud of lightbulbs dominating the ceiling space. Beyond the bar, you will see shelves that resemble a modern apothecary.

With a cocktail menu that alters every six months, you can expect some unusual concoctions to make an appearance. If customers are feeling peckish, they can also choose from a small menu of bar snacks, which consists of dishes like Banana Fritters and Steak Tartare etc. All in all, a superb speakeasy and indeed one of the best speakeasy in Singapore.

How to get there: To know if you are at the correct entrance, just look out for the unmarked door with six squares illustrated on it.

5. Mr Punch Public House

Address: 26 Seah Street, Singapore 188382
Opening Hours: Mon-Thur 3PM-11.30PM; Fri 12PM-12AM; Sat 12PM-11.30PM (Closed Sundays)
Contact Number: 8339 8966

Tucked stealthily underneath MINT Museum of Toys, Mr Punch Public House’s interior hits a nostalgic nerve as soon as you see it. It is as if you have stepped into a teenage room in the 1960s, where colourful and quirky enamel posters dominate your line of sight.

This gastrobar owns a menu of European cuisine as its highlight. You can get an appealing meal of Glazed Short Ribs or Linguine Soft-Shell Crab before proceeding to an evening of cocktails.

How to get there: Just make a trip to MINT Museum of Toys and down the staircase right beside the entrance.

6. Catchfly

Address: 12 Ann Siang Rd, Basement 069692
Opening Hours: Tues-Thur 6PM-1AM; Fri-Sat 6PM-3AM (Closed Sun & Mon)
Contact Number: 6222 7183

A basement bar that is only accessible via a “private” lift, Catchfly undoubtedly captures the old-world luxe. Besides the velvet-covered furniture, the gold accents and dark marble table surfaces mark this place as relatively swanky. The bar itself stands out more on the exclusive side of things, in which the floor area is able to accommodate an estimated 37 seated pax, and 50 standing at any one time.

With a varied menu of cocktails, spirits and liqueur, you can get a wide range of different mixes for individual preferences. You will not go hungry here either, as the bar illustrates a menu with main and sharing plates, like the Trio of Kebab that constitute prawns, lamb and chicken kebabs, and a Duo of Mediterranean dips with pita chips. Hands down one of the best speakeasy in Singapore!

How to get there: After entering a passageway with the signage of Catchfly, take the lift at the end of the hallway to the basement and it opens straight up to reveal the entire bar.

7. The Great Escape

Address: 101 Kallang Ave, #08-02 Victoria Wholesale Centre, Singapore 339504
Opening Hours: Fri-Sat 6PM-2AM; Sun 6PM-12AM (Closed Mon-Thur)

If there is a bar that really makes an effort to stay hidden, it is The Great Escape. Previously taking residence at Golden Mile Tower, this car park bar has recently made its new home in its third iteration as a city getaway. Gritty as always but definitely determined to provide a secret hideaway for the city dweller who is sick of all the shiny restaurants and cafes inundating the island.

When patrons are on site, they will see that they are actually on a rooftop equipped with a DJ console and scattered sitting areas. Enough said, the vibe that the bar gives off is undoubtedly chill. The bar menu comprises options of standard liquor like gin, whiskey and vodka, to Kona beers on tap and bottled craft beers.

Doubling as an event space, guests can expect movie screenings every alternate week or so, as well as arts and crafts markets that roll around every so often.

How to get there: Head to the Victoria Wholesale Centre and take the centralised lift to the 8th floor. The rooftop bar is sharing its common space with a coffeeshop canteen.

8. SLING

Highlights:

• All-natural craft cocktail menu
• Refined local dishes
• Paramount quality of ingredients
• One-of-a-kind art-perience

SLING is a hidden restaurant and bar that brings out the internationally recognised Singapore Sling for a new generation. First created in 1915, the national drink is considered treasure among Singaporeans and has gained popularity and recognition because of the history behind the famous drink. 

What better way to enjoy the national drink than complementing it with other local cocktails? SLING offers the best concept that will bring you nostalgia: flavours that refine your childhood! The quality of ingredients they use is top-notch, as they make sure that everything is natural, free from any preservative. This ensures a genuine taste that will keep you coming back for sure!

For more information about this hidden bar, go to SLING’s page via this link. 

9. Burger Bar New York Singapore

(Image Source: Burger Bar | Facebook)

Highlights:

• Old-school American bar vibe
• Highest quality produce
• Offers burger and beer gift card

If you’re looking for a burger place that’s out of the mainstream, then Burger Bar is your next destination. Burger Bar serves genuine American Beef Burgers and international beers that are one of a kind. This hidden bar is a gem for those who rave about burger and beers.

Burger Bar was established in 2016. And, since then, they have been providing customers with a great selection of craft beers around the world. Feel like you’re in New York as you go inside this old-school American-inspired bar. Follow them on Instagram and like their Facebook page to learn more about Burger Bar. 

10. The Horse’s Mouth Bar

Highlights:

• Fine and rarely-seen sakes
• Wide range of premium spirits and liquor 
• Offers island-wide delivery

The Horse’s Mouth Bar is a Japanese bar hidden on Orchard Road. Found behind a door in a ramen shop of a shopping mall, their menu and sets of drinks are as intriguing as the bar’s location. 

What’s outstanding is the mysterious ambience of this bar. The walls are designed to be shelves overflowing with books and light fixtures that are geometric in design. Overall, this hidden bar is something to add to your bar-hopping list mainly because of the range of premium spirits and the enthralling vibe.

11. The Elephant Room

(Image Source: SG Magazine Online)

Highlights:

• Modern tipples inspired by Little India
• A wide selection of cocktails available for delivery
• Culture-forward cocktail bar

Indulge with Indian flavours and spirits with The Elephant Room. This hidden bar houses the fanciest craft spirits and modern cocktail inspired by our very own Little India. This bar will tell you stories about heritage and culture you’ve never heard before – all through drinks and tipple.

One of the top favourite drinks from The Elephant Room is Tekka, a drink Susela, the brainchild of this bar, loves the most. This is named after the Tekka Centre in Serangoon. This drink is made from Old Monk Rum which is common in Little India but not entirely known in the mainstream drinks. 

Sip one of their uniquely crafted drinks in The Elephant Room. There’s a lot to find out about this hidden bar in Chinatown! You may visit their Instagram page for a little sneak peek, but, the rest is for you to find out!

12. MoboMoga Sake Bar

(Image Soure: Tsukurto)

Highlights:

• Sake bar with 20 years of experience
• Decent Izakaya-style food menu
• High-quality sakes imported from Japan

True sake lovers wouldn’t miss visiting the sake bar at River Valley Road, MoboMoga, but, for starters, this bar might be tricky to hunt down. Hidden in UE Square Residences, this bar is among the best sake restaurant bars in Singapore. With over 20 years of experience in providing exceptional drinks, you definitely won’t regret finding this hidden gem!

Besides their interestingly unique and high-quality sakes, they also offer izakaya-style food. Get to taste their oden, cabbage rolls and chicken karaage along with the sake master’s recommendation of your tipple. And oh, don’t forget to reserve your slots ahead! MoboMoga gets kinda busy on some days so that would be our best tip.

13. The Other Room

(Image Source: World’s Best Bars)

Highlights:

• Open until 4 am on weekends
• Serves delightful libations
• 300 different finished products

Good food, great company, and the best drinks – experience all these by hanging out at one of the most chill speakeasies along Orchard Road: The Other Room. The Other Room is a hidden restaurant bar in Singapore that serves delightful food and drinks all night long.   

Looking for a Sirloin steak? How about an Iberico ham? The Other Room is definitely the place to be! Visit their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram to stay updated with their latest promotions.

14. The Dragon Chamber

(Image Source: The Dragon Chamber | Trip Advisor)

Highlights:

• Unconventional Chinese dishes
• Guerrilla-style food
• Chinese mafia room

Behind a fridge door inside a local cafe is The Dragon Chamber. It is an immersive Chinese hidden restaurant that will make you reminisce the old-time Chinatown.

The Dragon Chamber brings you unconventional Chinese dishes for an unforgettable dining experience. The best part is that its ambience gives you that Chinese mafia vibe which is why The Dragon Chamber can definitely be your go-to secret society hangout haven. Their uniquely served guerrilla-style food will surely leave you coming back for more!

15. Bincho at Hua Bee

Highlights:

• Inspired by a yakitori-ya in Japan
• 20% off on all self-pickup orders
• Selection of meats, seasonal veggies, and seafood

Bincho is a hidden bar tucked inside a heritage coffee shop near Tiong Bahru. It is inspired by small grilling stalls in Osaka, serving the famous yakitori. 

Bincho is an all-in-one unique restaurant that twists Singapore’s past with the present. The concept combines a 7-year-old mee pok stall during the day, which transforms into a dining destination at night. Head down to the Moh Guan alley at Hua Bee and enter that metal door to see and experience the sensory escape yourself!

This rounds off our list of the best speakeasy in Singapore. In a nutshell, notable hidden Speakeasies are the ultimate “secret hideout” for de-stressing from work and treating yourself to a good drink or two. That sense of exclusivity coupled with your favourite cocktail is truly an exquisite way to wind down your day and let you enjoy the blissful night ahead

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