Contrary to what many may think, the bar scene in the Raffles Place precinct isn’t solely confined to the stretch along Boat Quay. The Central Business District (CBD) is after all, massive and sees a multitude of bars—both the swanky and the ordinary—scattered all around.
Weeding out the must-go’s from the so-so’s, we’ve sussed out 12 of our favourite bars in Raffles Place. In these listings, their concepts and allure may vary, but the factors that remains consistent are that their drinks are phenomenal and their attention to detail, on-frickin-point.
1. Anthology – Compendium Spirits’ Brand House
Located in central Singapore is Anthology, the newly-opened brand house of homegrown distillery Compendium Spirits. It is home to Singapore’s first temperature and humidity-controlled barrel-ageing cellar. The three-storey heritage shophouse houses a cocktail bar on the first level, Chartered Private Lounge for members on level two, and the Chartered Cellar at the top level.
Delve into the world of Compendium Spirits, sampling their full range, including limited edition spirits – imbibers can give the Vertical and Horizontal tasting flights a try, or sip on signature cocktails made with the spirits as a base. We heard the Anthology Somaek is a game-changer too. The experience extends beyond tastings, featuring carefully curated learning opportunities, from themed workshops to crafting and aging your spirits.
Address: 10 Circular Rd, Singapore 049366
Opening Hours: 4 PM – 12 AM (Mon – Sat), Closed on Sun
Contact: +65 8451 5389
Nearest MRT Station: Clarke Quay
2. Artemis Grill – Perched atop CapitaGreen
Armed with a Mediterranean-inspired menu, an excellent cocktail programme and a gorgeous view of the city below it, Artemis Grill promises nothing short of total enjoyment. This sky-high eatery uses fresh, organic, and sustainable ingredients to concoct both their drinks as well as their food. From farm to fork, the restaurant-bar promises a memorable dining experience for all whilst striving for the betterment of our ecosystem.
Address: 138 Market Street, #40-01, CapitaGreen (Rooftop), Singapore 048946
Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 10PM (Mon to Wed), 11.30AM – 12AM (Thu & Fri), 6PM – 12AM (Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6635 8677
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
3. Chimi’s – Mexican Cantina Facing Marina Bay
Set in the heart of the Central Business District at Marina Boulevard, Chimi’s is a fun little Mexican joint set in a turquoise-hued container that focuses on classic Mexican cantina-style grub along with a repertoire of drinks perfect for an after-work tipple. Choose from a selection of beers, wine, house pour spirits as well as refreshing-but-potent cocktails such as their newly-launched, frozen Coronarita. A hybrid between a frozen margarita and a beer, this refreshing slushie-like cocktail is tangy, sweet and extremely easy to down.
On the food front, you can enjoy anything from burritos and tacos to loaded nachos and meat skewers—they even serve freshly-shucked Canadian oysters. On Tuesdays, diners can enjoy S$2 oysters with an order of any alcoholic beverage—minimum half a dozen or a full dozen.
Address: 1 Marina Blvd, #01-01, Singapore 018989
Opening Hours: 11AM – 11PM (Mon to Fri), 2PM – 11PM (Sat & Sun)
Contact: +65 9100 0855
4. Empire Lounge (CLOSED)
Conceptualised by the same folks that brought you popular nightlife destinations, Filter, Mink, Fenix Room and Bang Bang, Empire Lounge is an upscale rooftop bar and lounge that’s all about the glitz and the glamour. Early in the evening, Empire operates as a cosy lounge great for networking over some drinks but as the night progresses, it transitions into an all-out club.
Address: 50 Raffles Place, Level 45, Singapore 048623
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Mon & Tue, Thu), 5PM – 2AM (Wed), 5PM – 3AM (Fri & Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 9336 1443
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
5. Kinki Rooftop Bar – Sits Above a Japanese Restaurant
A two-storey bar located at the Customs House, Kinki Rooftop Bar is a trendy after-work spot that’s hugely popular among the cool cats within the CBD. The restaurant takes up residence on the first floor, serving up modern interpretations of Japanese food and the second floor is the rooftop area where revelry ensues. The bar offers a plentiful selection of sake as well as Asian-inspired cocktails—all of which come prepared fastidiously by a team of talented bartenders.
Address: 70 Collyer Quay, #02-02 Customs House, Singapore 049323
Opening Hours: 12PM – 3PM, 6PM – 11PM (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6533 3471
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
6. Lantern – Sits within The Fullerton Bay Hotel
A trendy hotspot in the city, Lantern is a popular after-work chill-out spot that’s situated conveniently sitting atop the Fullerton Bay Hotel. Elegant and stylish, this rooftop bar boasts unrivalled views of the Singapore skyline and astounds with its incredible service and a vast selection of refined food & drink options. Proof of its first-class stature, CNNGO.com even crowned it as one of the best hotel bars in the world.
Address: The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326
Opening Hours: 8AM – 1AM (Sun to Thu), 8AM – 2AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +65 6597 5299
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
7. OverEasy (One Fullerton) – American Diner & Bar
This American diner is known for way more than just its thick shakes and juicy burgers, whether it’s lunchtime or late in the evening, OverEasy at One Fullerton is an ideal spot for a casual gathering of friends. We particularly like this outlet because of its open patio, which adds to the vibe. Apart from their hearty nosh, their alcoholic beverages are also impressive from liquor infusions, craft cocktails to spiked milkshakes.
Address: One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd, #01-06, Singapore 049213
Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 11PM (Mon & Tue), 11.30PM – 1AM (Wed to Fri), 11.30AM – 12AM (Sat), 11AM – 11PM (Sun)
Contact: +65 6684 1453
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
8. The Black Swan (CLOSED)
Housed in a beautifully-restored 1930s landmark in the heart of the CBD, The Black Swan exudes a posh yet modern vibe, deviating only slightly from a classic American steakhouse with its glorious high ceilings. Clinching the award for ‘Best Watering Hole’ by Chope Diners’ two years in a row by Choice Awards back in 2014 and 2015, their repertoire of drinks rarely disappoint. Whether it’s a classic dry martini you’re craving, or something a little fancier, trust that you’re in good hands.
Address: 19 Cecil St, Singapore 049704
Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 11..30PM (Mon to Fri), 5PM – 11.30PM (Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6438 3757
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
9. The Secret Mermaid – Hidden in Ocean Financial Centre
The Secret Mermaid is a secret watering hole located in the Ocean Financial Centre that exists as a salad bar by day and morphs into a speakeasy after 5PM. This craft cocktail bar offers what seems like an endless selection of tipples so deciding on one is going to be tricky.
Address: 10 Collyer Quay, B1-09, Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315
Opening Hours: 5PM – 11PM (Mon to Fri), Closed on Saturdays & Sundays
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
10. Zafferano Italian Restaurant & Lounge – Great date night venue
Offering diners a stunning 360-degree view of the Marina Bay skyline from its perch on the 43rd floor of Ocean Financial Centre, Zafferano impresses with its attention to detail in both culinary aspect as well as with its impeccable service. Friday sees an all-you-can-drink champagne buffet and on Saturdays, enjoy free-flow tipples starting at just S$50++ per head.
Address: 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315
Opening Hours: 11.30AM – 3PM, 5.30PM – 11PM (Mon to Thu), 11.30PM – 3PM, 5.30PM – 1AM (Fri), 6.30PM – 12AM (Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6509 1488
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
11. LECOQ – Locally-Inspired Cocktails & Mighty Delish Social Bites
As far as craft cocktails go, there are professional cocktail bars and there are restaurants that happen to also serve cocktails. It’s bloody tough to find cocktails of such high quality at a bar that doesn’t position them at the helm of their entire drink programme… And boy, we were genuinely intrigued by LECOQ’s cocktails!
Made with proper care and enthusiasm, with a good level of genuine complexity for a relatively affordable price, you’ll find it difficult to be disappointed. Among their repertoire of signatures, we highly recommend the Drunk Milo and Que Sera. Food-wise, you can’t go wrong with their Firecracker Chicken (La Zi Ji) and Spicy Garlic Swings.
Address: Capital Square, 25 Church St, Singapore 049482
Opening Hours: 11AM – 12AM (Mon to Thu), 11AM – 2AM (Fri), 6PM – 12AM (Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6788 8066
Nearest MRT Station: Telok Ayer
12. Bayside Drink & Eats – Ultimate Al Fresco Destination
Savour a glass of bubbly orange Aperitif straight from the tap with a breathtaking view of the Marina Bay. Located outside One Fullerton, Aperol Spritz has teamed up with Bayside Drinks & Eats to create “Little Orange Dot” – the ultimate al fresco drinks destination in Singapore.
Drawing inspiration from the beverage, the venue is decorated with bright orange chairs and standing umbrellas; it also features various artwork created by local and international street artists.
Address: 1 Fullerton Road, 01-12 One Fullerton, 049213
Opening Hours: 5PM – 10.30PM (Wed to Sun), Closed on Mon & Tue
Contact: +65 8121 3995
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
Read our after-hours guide to Telok Ayer.
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