Where most global cities announce themselves loudly through scale, with towering skylines, sprawling neighbourhoods, or decades of history, Singapore has quietly written its own rules. From the moment you land at Changi Airport, you’re greeted by Jewel, a glass-domed complex built around the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, flowing 40 metres through a five-storey masterpiece.
One of three city-states in the world, Singapore is where rainforest and financial district, heritage shophouses and mega-mall exist within a short distance of each other. It also has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per square kilometre in Southeast Asia, and a public transport system that makes traversing the city effortless.
But scratch beneath its famously orderly surface, and the city reveals a mischievous streak. Nowhere is this more evident than after dark, where the city’s bar culture has quietly become one of its most compelling assets. Behind delis, coffee shops, and unmarked doors is a thriving speakeasy scene that rewards curiosity.
28 HongKong Street
Along Hongkong Street is the grande dame of the city’s speakeasies. In 2011, 28 HongKong Street opened without fanfare or signage, introducing Singapore to the New York-style, hush-hush speakeasy prototype. Since then, it’s grown into an iconic institution – and still has no signage. Hidden inside an unmarked shophouse façade behind a heavy curtain is the sultry, award-winning bar. The quietly unpretentious space sets the mood with dimmed lights, a centrepiece bar flanked by discreet leather booths, and a hip-hop soundtrack. The cocktail menu offers both the classics and inventive house creations, poured over bespoke ice by bartenders who are happy to make a recommendation suited to your tastes. The drinks menu rotates periodically, but do ask the bartenders for an off-menu suggestion.
Try: Evoo Martini
Live Twice
With just 40 seats, Live Twice is an intimate space entered via an unassuming passageway. The bar’s name speaks to its central premise of being a place where, after a hard day’s work, one can shed the day’s restraint after dark. Inspired by mid-century Japan, it’s designed like a Japanese home, with a cosy living room in one corner, sultry bar in another, and a large, irregularly shaped communal table anchoring the room.
The chic hideaway is opulent in a quiet way, with plywood-lined walls, vintage stools, and leather. Live Twice’s menu is split into two distinct chapters. One Life for Yourself… leans into refined takes on the classics, while …And One for Your Dreams is made up of creations drawn from geisha personas. The food menu includes Japanese-leaning bar snacks, from sandos to a cult-favourite clam dip.
Try: Mizuwari
Players Table
It’s not often that an evening out can please both beer enthusiasts and cocktail lovers, but on the fringe of the CBD, Players Table offers a reprieve from the usual compromise. Beer aficionados can enjoy an evening at WitBier, but if you look closely, past the pool table, you will notice a nondescript black door marked “Players Only”.
Behind it, in what used to be the beer bar’s kitchen, is a speakeasy that offers an exclusive 12-drink signature menu, each strictly built with a base of just two ingredients, relying heavily on technique, with no fancy garnishes in sight. Alongside the signature cocktails are the classics and non-alcoholic options. Given its size, with around 20 covers, the venue only accommodates walk-ins.
Try: Pandan x Coconut
Cat Bite Club
Only a neon-red Cheshire cat sign announces Cat Bite Club, which is located inside Monument Coffee. A set of heavy grey curtains leads through to an industrial chic space, with crimson lighting and a cult following that has seen the bar develop its own merchandise.
The founder-led bar is built around agave and rice spirits, boasting an impressive collection. More than 300 bottles line the backlit shelves, split between Mexican distillates and Asian rice-based liquors such as soju, shochu, and baijiu. The menu comprises classic cocktails with two interpretations, one built on agave and the other on rice. High tables keep every seat at eye level with the bartenders, seamlessly creating a warm, conversational night out.
Try: Cat Bite Margarita
