Themed cafes are always fun to check out, but lately, I’ve been finding myself going for cocktail bars over cafes. Luckily, Singapore has no shortage of bars, lounges and speakeasies with creative concepts that range from the wacky to the whimsical.
We stand by the belief that there is always an occasion to imbibe, but it’s way better if you do it in style at one of these 15 themed bars and speakeasies in Singapore.
1. Ume San 100
Hidden behind a row of Japanese vending machines in Fortune Centre is Ume San 100, a quirky yet laidback speakeasy modelled after traditional izakayas in Japan.
Plum wine aficionados, it’s your time to shine. This is where you can find the largest collection of umeshu in Singapore, which is showcased in the form of experimental cocktails and refreshing highballs.
Not to be missed is the Sea Garden, a cocktail that draws inspiration from Wakayama, a famed diving centre (and the birthplace of umeshu), comprising a blend of gin, lime acid, prosecco, butterfly pea flower and edible fairy dust.
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???? 190 Middle Road, Fortune Centre #02-07, Singapore 188979
???? 5pm—11pm (Daily)
2. Live Twice
Transport yourself to mid-century Japan at Live Twice, a cinematic and charming space where guests from all walks of life gather. The swanky bar is run by the Jigger and Pony Group, so you know the cocktails — elevated classics that will make you sit back and contemplate — are going to be good.
Keep it classy with the signature Vesper (yes, the “special martini” ordered by James Bond in Casino Royale), or the exotic Lucky Courage, a balance of smoky whisky and mango chilli liqueur.
Either way, you’ll also need to get your hands on their signature Sandos, which may make you think twice about ordering just one.
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???? 18-20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089834
???? 6pm–12am (Mon, Wed & Thu), 6pm–2am (Fri & Sat), 6pm–12am (Sun)
3. Here Kitty Kitty
An evening of merry-making awaits at Here Kitty Kitty, a cocktail lounge by the Zouk Group that pays homage to the infamous Golden Gai district in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The entire space is equal parts eclectic and opulent — very fitting, given that it is also referred to as the “Vice Den”.
Spend some time exploring the three concept rooms, including the Mamasan Lounge and Shibari Room, as you sip on Japanese-inspired cocktails like the fruity tequila-based Only Fans and the aptly named Sugar Baby.
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???? 3E River Valley Road, #02-01, The Cannery, Clarke Quay, 179024
???? 6pm–11.30pm (Thu–Tue), 6pm–1.30am (Fri & Sat), Closed on Sun & Mon
4. The Wizard’s Brew
Calling all Potterheads! The Wizard’s Brew, a Harry Potter-inspired bar in Chinatown (no, not Diagon Alley), may be hidden away in plain sight, but step right in and you’ll be greeted with an intimate gothic-themed space filled with flying books, mystical ornaments, and even secret hideouts.
As for cocktails, look forward to a range of bewitching brews like the rum-based Phoenix Fire and the fizzy pink Sparkulous — keep an eye out for sparks, smoke, and colours that change right before your eyes. Who knows? You may prove yourself to be better at brewing potions (than the Half-Blood Prince himself).
Coupled with theatrical desserts like the Witches Hat and the mandrake-inspired Baby Root, all we can say is, get ready to be enchanted and you might walk away with some liquid luck!
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???? Trengganu St, 10B, Singapore 058464
???? 3pm–11pm (Tue & Wed, Sun), 3pm–12am (Thu to Sat), Closed on Mon
5. O/T Bar
There’s no better place to channel your inner Michael Scott than at O/T Bar, a mid-century modern office-themed bar that aims to replicate the “1940s Manhattan office vibe”. It also happens to be the first cocktail bar in the North, so there’s no need to go for the usual post-work drinks in the CBD.
The cosy speakeasy makes for a welcoming space to nibble on bar bites as you knock back cocktails named after common work-related terms, like Warmest Regards, D&D, and KPI (shudders) — drinking on the job is normal here, after all.
You can even find a private karaoke lounge hidden between an unassuming wall of letterboxes, which makes this one office I’d gladly clock into.
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???? 6 Woodlands Square, #01-02 Woods Square, Singapore 737737
???? 3pm–1am (Daily)
6. PLUME
Birds of a feather flock together at PLUME, a destination cocktail bar at Pan Pacific Singapore that’ll have you soaring to new heights (of flavour).
Bask in the contemporary art deco interior decked out in rich shades of maroon and emerald, intricately textured monstera leaf walls, and an array of hidden birds, as you choose from a flock of crafted cocktails inspired by 12 iconic native birds of Singapore.
Take flight with the bitter and herbaceous Asian Koel (better known as the uwu bird) or the Blue-tailed Bee-eater, a take on the gin sour. But if you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Banded Woodpecker, an unconventional cocktail that’s made with green ant gin (yes, ants) and served with a mist of oak moss.
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???? 7 Raffles Blvd, Pan Pacific Singapore, Singapore 039595
???? 5pm–1am (Daily)
7. Parliament
Shrouded in sultry red lights with poster-lined walls and intimate booths, Parliament has established itself as an all-American retro dive bar for those who enjoy unpretentious vibes. It’s a fun spot to let your hair down with a drink in hand as you groove to a killer soundtrack that can range from disco to classic rock and hip hop.
Most drinks are priced from S$19, but we recommend popping by during Happy Hour (before 8pm) for bulletproof classics at just $15 each.
Parliament also makes a killer Fried Chicken Burger that’ll sober you up in an instant — it’s so popular that only limited quantities are available daily.
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???? 18 Teck Lim Rd, #02-01, Singapore 088390
???? 5pm–12am (Tue to Sat), Closed on Sun & Mon
8. Roxy
For those looking for a blast from the past, another American-style speakeasy that harks back to the rock & roll nightclubs of 1970s New York City is Roxy.
The small yet intimate 20-seater drinking den is bathed in a red hue, with iconic images of NYC musicians, artists and socialites plastered on the walls, so you can gladly indulge in a couple of signatures, boilermakers (a shot with a beer), or classic cocktail flights without feeling like you’re in Singapore.
Do note that the journey to Roxy ain’t easy — it can only be accessed via an unmarked door in the loading bay of the Sail at Marina Bay or in the back of Miss Fitz Kitchen & Bar — but this is one of those themed bars that will be well worth your time.
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???? 6 Marina Boulevard, #01-19 The Sail at Marina Bay, Singapore 018985
???? 5pm–12am (Wed to Sun), Closed on Mon & Tue
9. Taylor Adam
Taylor Adam is probably one of the most well-known “secret” themed bars on the list, because how could the concept of a swanky speakeasy tucked behind the facade of a posh tailor shop remain hidden?
You’ll get asked “are you scheduled for a fitting?” before getting ushered into the bar, which exudes old-time suaveness and a quaint British flair that will help you charm the socks off of your date.
If you’re a fan of classics, you can find several spruced-up versions of all-time favourites like Party in Surrey, a play on the pornstar martini, alongside a seasonal menu of specials inspired by Singapore’s dealings with the UK and Commonwealth.
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???? 1 Raffles Pl, #01-03, Singapore 048616
???? 5pm–12am (Mon to Wed, Sat), 5pm–1am (Thu & Fri), Closed on Sun
10. Jiu Zhuang
Step back in time to 1920s Shanghai at 酒庄 Jiu Zhuang, a bar and restaurant in Dempsey. The decor here is largely influenced by Chinese heritage — think ornate interiors, antique furniture, and hanging lanterns with lots of mahogany and red hues. You could visit dressed in a cheongsam and you’d fit right in (which explains the bar’s popularity as a wedding photoshoot venue).
As a premium pour bar, they’ve got practically everything on the menu, including fine wines, whiskies, spirits, sake, champagne, and cocktails that are best enjoyed with a selection of small bites and “fancy” dim sum such as XO carrot cake and whisky-infused xiao long bao.
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???? 6D Dempsey Rd, Singapore 247664
???? 4pm–1am (Mon), 11am–1am (Tue to Sat), 11am–10.30pm (Sun)
11. Mama Diam
Feeling nostalgic? You’ll probably fall prey to the charms of one of Singapore’s most unique themed bars, Mama Diam, that’s hidden behind the facade of an old-school mama shop with blue-tiled HDB tables, vintage knick-knacks, and traditional snacks.
In line with the retro Singaporean theme, the food and drinks served here are all locally-inspired, but with a quirky fusion twist. For instance, you easily reminisce the not-so-forgotten flavours of childhood in the form of boozy drinks like the fizzy and zesty Sng Muay Fizz, or the Chai Tarik Brew, a blend of whisky, creamy butterscotch, and frothy milk tea.
Otherwise, go all out with their charming Shooters like Ribena Sour, Kaya, and Milo Gao — don’t forget that you’re now of legal age to drink.
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???? 38 Prinsep Street, #01-01, Singapore 188665
???? 4pm–10.30pm (Sun to Thu), 4pm–12am (Fri, Sat & eve of PH)
12. Oriental Elixir
Little is known about Oriental Elixir, a tiny and dimly-lit speakeasy tucked away in Bukit Pasoh. Well, on social media, at least.
Those lucky enough to snag a seat are bound to be enthralled by the bar’s main feature — a cabinet of curiosities filled to the brim with odds and ends — kind of like an apothecary of sorts.
There is no fixed menu, so you can expect the bartenders to whip up bespoke creations based on what you’re in the mood for (which could be literally anything). Just be prepared to dive right into intriguing flavour profiles showcasing bonito, pi pa gao, and even beef rendang.
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????19A Bukit Pasoh, Singapore 089833
???? 6pm–12am (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
13. Helen’s
One of the buzziest themed bars in town has got to be Helen’s, China’s largest pub chain that boasts over 700 outlets worldwide.
Located on level 12 of Orchard Central, the pub is incredibly atmospheric, with a neon-lit interior that features medieval and fantastical elements — but on an extra large and kitschy scale. You’ll be drinking alongside majestic golden peacocks, Mayan Pillars and an intricate carving of the Prague Astronomical Clock, but who’s complaining?
There are plenty of fun alcoholic drinks to choose from, but if you can only try one item, go for the Signature Milk Beer which is similar to a milk calpis — sweet, sour, and milky with low alcohol content.
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???? 181 Orchard Road, #12-02, Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
???? 11am—2am (Daily)
14. Set of Six
Inspired by author Joseph Conrad’s infamous novel of the same name, Set of Six is a campy cocktail lounge along Craig Road that gives off major 1870s tropical vibes. The cocktail menu takes the literary theme even further, given that each category features one of six short stories that bring different protagonists to life.
Immerse yourself in these thrilling tales of adventure and mystery with concoctions like The Mutiny, a sour rum-forward cocktail, and Blessed Earth, a tart tequila and mezcal-based number.
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???? 20 Craig Rd, #01-01, Singapore 089692
???? 4pm–12am (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun
15. Synthesis
Opened by the folks by Mama Diam is Synthesis, yet another “hidden” concept with an unassuming storefront — a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shop.
But once you enter, walk through the IG-worthy neon-lit shophouse alleyway and sink into the oriental-themed bar and restaurant’s plush furnishings before ordering a round of reimagined locally-inspired small plates.
And of course, you’ve got to nourish the soul with TCM-inspired tipples like the Ginseng Spiced Wine and Date with Jia Jia, both of which feature an exquisite blend of cognac and spices your ah gong would probably approve of.
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???? Suntec City Tower 4 #01-643, Singapore 038983
???? 4pm–10.30pm (Sun to Thu), 4pm–12am (Fri, Sat & eve of PH)
So, instead of your usual watering hole, which of these themed bars will you be hitting up on your next night out on the town?
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨