Keong Saik Bars: From rooftop revelries, classy cocktail lounges to craft beer paradise, there’s never a dull moment here.
Restaurants, hawker centres and food carts have, and always has been a hallmark of bustling Chinatown but tune your sights toward the humble enclave of Keong Saik Road and you’ll find that there is more to be discovered.
Having undergone something of a renaissance just under a decade ago, this little precinct now sees an abundance of f&b establishments spanning anything from laid-back bistros, chic cocktail bars to Michelin-starred restaurants.
A relatively quiet spot located a fair distance away from the CBD, the crowds that go there are hardly the sort you’ll find in places such as Telok Ayer or even Holland Village, making it a great place to consider for after-work drinks if you’re not too keen on excessive noise.
Amongst the lot, we’ve narrowed down the bars worth visiting to these 7 choices should you find yourself spoiled for choice.
1. Butcher Boy – An East-Meets-West Cocktail Approach
Boasting a casual, laid-back vibe, Butcher Boy is an ideal place to visit for a good hearty meal and delicious, opulent cocktails to top it all off. A vibrant East-meets-West sort of concept, the food takes a multicultural approach so expect to find anything from steaks to chilli crab and Chinese bao. On the cocktail front, excite your palate with their range of locally-inspired cocktails.
Address: 31 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089138
Opening Hours: 5PM – 12AM (Mon to Thu & Sat), 12PM – 3PM, 5PM – 12AM (Fri), 12PM – 9.30PM (Sun)
Contact: +65 6221 6833
Nearest MRT Station: Outram
2. Neon Pigeon – Not Your Regular Izakaya
This quaint Japanese fusion restaurant brims with a cool grunge-meets-chic vibe that totally goes against what a traditional Japanese izakaya stands for—not that that’s a bad thing. Going beyond the boldness of the restaurant’s decor, their cocktail and food delves away from conventional, putting spins on popular classics. Must-try’s include their Fashioned Highball and Beesy.
Address: 1 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089109
Opening Hours: 6PM – 12AM (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6222 3623
Nearest MRT Station: Outram
3. Potato Head Singapore – Their Rooftop Bar’s A Must-Visit
Walking down the bar and restaurant-laden streets of Keong Saik, it’s literally impossible to miss Potato Head Singapore. Tastefully bizarre inside and out, this multi-concept destination housed within a historic building oozes with cool vibes. The restaurant is best known for their burgers but their cocktails are marvellous as well. Coupling tasty handcrafted cocktails with amazing views, the rooftop floor is where you need to be.
Address: 36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143
Opening Hours: 11am – 1am (Sun to Thu), 11am – 2am (Fri & Sat), Closed on Mondays
Contact: +65 6327 1939
Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park
4. Taki Taki – Singapore’s Only Dedicated Rum Bar
Not to be confused with DJ Snake’s hit single—there is no relation whatsoever—Taki Taki at Keong Saik Road is one of Singapore’s only tiki-themed concept rum bars. Located on the balcony floor right above The Working Capitol, expect a wide range of rum-focused tiki cocktails after 4PM. Planning on returning? Order a bottle instead as the bar stocks up a pretty versatile range of exotic rums.
Address: 1 Keong Saik Rd., #02-02, Singapore 089109
Opening Hours: 4PM – 12AM (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 9273 5534
Nearest MRT Station: Outram
5. The Old Man Singapore – Hemingway-Inspired Cocktail Bar
Hidden discreetly behind KēSa House at Keong Saik Road, this award-winning cocktail bar from Hong Kong has earned spots on Asia’s 50 Best Bars (1st) and the World’s 50 Best Bars (10th) just a year after opening.
Inspired by one of Ernest Hemingway’s fictional works, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ the bar presents 9 cocktails inspired by the man’s libations, named after his novels. Helmed by veteran bartender, Andrew Yap, previously from Neon Pigeon, expect an array of amazingly creative cocktails with unique twists.
Address: 55 Keong Saik Rd., #01-04, Singapore 089158
Opening Hours: 5PM – 12AM (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6909 5505
Nearest MRT Station: Outram
6. The Guild – Craft Beer Heaven
A collaborative effort between Hong Kong’s highest-rated craft beer brewery, Young Master Brewery and acclaimed Italian-American Chef Vincent ‘Vinny’ Lauria, The Guild is a restaurant and bar that serves up homemade comforting small plates paired with a comprehensive drinks menu featuring independent craft beer, cocktails, and all-natural wines.
Address: 55, #01-01 Keong Saik Rd., 089158
Opening Hours: 12PM – 12AM (Mon to Sat), 3PM – 12AM (Sun)
Contact: +65 9042 3900
Nearest MRT Station: Outram
7. Wine Mansion – A Cosy Little Nook For Vino & Convivial Conversation
Tucked away in a little nook in Keong Saik Road, this humble bistro boasts an an extensive array of quality wines and daily promotions that guarantee to give you the most bang for your buck. During off peak days—every day excluding Wednesdays, Fridays and eve of public holidays—luxuriate in endless pours of house red, white and sparkling wine along with beer.
Address: 26 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089133
Opening Hours: 12PM – 2.30PM, 5PM – 12AM (Mon to Fri), 5PM – 12AM (Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6225 4468
Nearest MRT Station: Outram
Read our guide to Singapore’s nightlife.
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