Quick answer: For a night of well-made drinks and a little mystery, 28 Hong Kong Street remains the blueprint—craft cocktails in an old shophouse, easy to settle into. Sago House charms if you like a menu that changes weekly, painted by hand. Horse’s Mouth brings Latin-Asian heat and ramen alongside their drinks. Each of the seven here has its own reason to pop by, whether you want a quiet tasting flight at The Secret Mermaid or a mid-century Japanese hideout at Live Twice.
This sits inside Best Bars & Nightlife in Singapore, alongside 19 related guides.
28 Hong Kong Street
This is the one many cocktail lovers point to as the place that shaped how Singapore drinks. Tucked into a heritage shophouse, it serves American-style craft cocktails with a side of comfort—think gourmet burgers and a dim, unhurried room. The names on the menu sometimes pull from rap lyrics, but what’s in the glass is always serious.
It opens every night from 6pm till late, and the bar team has the kind of quiet confidence that comes from years of getting it right. No gimmicks, just a very good drink.
Address: 28 HongKong Street, Singapore 059667
Phone: +65 8318 0328
Hours: Monday – Sunday 6pm till late
Website: 28hks.com
Go with a small group who want a sociable start to the night, or on a date where the setting does the talking for you. It suits anyone curious about where Singapore’s cocktail revival really started.
Sago House
Sago House on Duxton Hill is a bit of a shapeshifter—and that’s the whole point. Every week the cocktail list gets wiped and rewritten, hand-painted onto paper. The small team runs on instinct and seasonal ingredients, turning out drinks that feel personal and a little unpredictable. Small plates keep you going between rounds.
They’re open till 1am on weeknights, 2am on Saturday, and the room has the energy of a place where everyone genuinely enjoys what they do.
Address: 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615
Phone: +65 8874 9936
Hours: Monday – Sunday till 1am, Saturday till 2am
Website: sagohouse.sg
Ideal for a date or a quiet catch‑up with one friend. The weekly rotation means even if you pop by often, there’s always a reason to come back. If you’re exploring the neighbourhood, you might also enjoy our guide to Coffee Havens in Tanjong Pagar for Refined Tastes.
Horse’s Mouth
Hidden on the second floor of Millenia Walk, Horse’s Mouth feels like a secret supper club that happens to pour very good drinks. Latin American and Asian flavours run through the cocktail menu, and the food is just as important—proper bowls of ramen, grilled dishes, and a premium sake list that many regulars treat as the main event.
They do lunch too (12pm–2.30pm, Monday to Saturday), so you can slide into a midday drink without anyone raising an eyebrow. After 5pm the energy picks up and the room settles into its evening rhythm.
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, Millenia Walk #02-06, Singapore 039596
Phone: +65 8188 0900
Hours: Monday – Saturday 12pm – 2:30pm & 5pm till late
Website: horsesmouthbar.com
When someone says “let’s get drinks and proper food,” this is your answer. It also works well for a long lunch that gently turns into an afternoon off. For more evening inspiration, our list of Singapore’s Premier Tempura Destinations pairs nicely with a night out.
No paid entries here. If we have missed a good one, tell us and we will look into it.
The Secret Mermaid
Down in the basement of Ocean Financial Centre, The Secret Mermaid skips the theatrics and focuses squarely on American craft spirits. It’s a tasting room more than a bar—flights of bourbon or rye, cleanly made cocktails, and a small beer list. The space is compact and quiet, open only on weekdays from 5pm to 11pm, so it attracts the after-work crowd who want a brief, grown-up escape.
Address: 10 Collyer Quay, B1-08 Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315
Phone: +65 6634 8593
Hours: Monday – Friday 5pm – 11pm
Website: thesecretmermaid.com
Best for a decompress drink before the train home. If you genuinely want to learn a little about American whiskey, the team is happy to walk you through—no pressure, just steady knowledge.
The Spiffy Dapper
Along River Valley Road, behind an unremarkable door, The Spiffy Dapper leans into 1920s charm without ever feeling like a costume party. The back bar is deep—stacked with spirits—and the drinks are made with obvious care. The room feels lived-in and easy, a neighbourhood spot that happens to take its cocktails seriously.
Address: 294 River Valley Road, Singapore 238335
Phone: +65 8742 8908
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 5pm till late
Website: spiffydapper.com
Go with old friends when you want a relaxed evening where nobody is rushing. The sort of place where you might end up staying for three rounds simply because it’s so comfortable. If unwinding is the plan, our look at the best Wellness Spas in Singapore pairs well with a slow night out.
Synthesis
Synthesis gives the speakeasy a local twist: you enter through what looks like a Traditional Chinese Medicine shop, and inside the menu borrows from TCM principles. Cocktails might reference herbs or wellness, and the Asian fusion dishes are built with balance in mind. It’s one of the more unusual drinking experiences in the city, and it works.
They do lunch (11:30am–2pm) and dinner (4pm–10:30pm), so you can experience it in full daylight or after dark.
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-643 Suntec City East Wing Tower 4, Singapore 038983
Phone: +65 9727 4649
Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2pm; Dinner 4pm – 10:30pm
Website: synthesis.sg
For curious drinkers who like a story with their glass. Also handy if you’re in Suntec City and want a meal that’s far more memorable than the usual chain restaurants nearby.
Live Twice
On Bukit Pasoh Road, Live Twice pours mid-century Japanese cool into every corner—soft lighting, wood panelled booths, and a soundtrack that makes the evening feel cinematic. The cocktails lean into Japanese ingredients and precise technique, with small bites to match. It’s the kind of place that has earned its spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list without ever feeling loud about it.
Address: 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834
Phone: +65 9011 8304
Hours: Sunday – Tuesday 6pm – 12am; Wednesday & Thursday 6pm – 1am; Friday & Saturday 6pm – 2am
Website: livetwice.sg
Save this for a special evening—maybe marking a milestone—where the setting feels as considered as the company. Go with someone who appreciates design and a slower pace, and the room will reward you.
How to choose
Most of these bars don’t take reservations, so turn up early or be ready to wait a little. Dress well but comfortably—none of them are strict, but you’ll feel more at home if you match the room. The real differences come down to what you want alongside your drink.
If food matters, Horse’s Mouth and Synthesis serve full meals, while 28 Hong Kong Street has solid American comfort fare. For a bar that changes its personality every week, Sago House is unmatched. Live Twice and The Spiffy Dapper are best when you want the room itself to be part of the night. The Secret Mermaid is purely about the spirit in your glass—no distractions. And if you’re bringing someone who loves a bit of theatre, Synthesis’s TCM entrance is a great talking point.
Prices run at the level you’d expect for serious craft cocktails; expect to spend similarly across all seven, with food pushing the bill higher where it’s offered.
| Bar | Vibe | Drink Focus | Food | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Hong Kong Street | Laid‑back shophouse elegance | American craft cocktails | Gourmet burgers & comfort food | First‑time explorers & social groups |
| Sago House | Intimate, creative & ever‑changing | Weekly rotating, seasonal cocktails | Small plates | Date nights & loyal regulars |
| Horse’s Mouth | Secret supper‑club energy | Latin‑Asian cocktails & premium sake | Ramen, grilled dishes | Dinner‑and‑drinks evenings |
| The Secret Mermaid | Quiet, focused tasting room | American craft spirits & flights | Check with the business | After‑work decompress & whiskey learners |
| The Spiffy Dapper | Intimate, 1920s‑inspired neighbourhood bar | Classic & contemporary cocktails | Check with the business | Easy evenings with old friends |
| Synthesis | Playful TCM‑themed hideaway | TCM‑inspired cocktails | Asian fusion dishes | Curious drinkers & Suntec diners |
| Live Twice | Mid‑century Japanese sophistication | Japanese‑influenced cocktails | Light bites | Special celebrations & design lovers |
Summary
From the cocktail institution that started it all on Hong Kong Street to a hidden TCM-inspired den in Suntec, these seven bars show different sides of Singapore’s night-owl soul. Each one gives you a reason to stay out a little later—whether it’s a rotating hand‑painted menu, a ramen‑and‑sake stop, or a quiet room built for slow, good conversation.
No paid entries here. If we have missed a good one, tell us and we will look into it.
Disclaimer: All information provided here has been compiled from publicly available sources. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information is complete or error-free. We disclaim any liability for inaccuracies or omissions. If you find any errors or have concerns about the content, please let us know so we can address them promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Do these speakeasies require a reservation?
Most operate on a walk-in basis, though a few may take bookings for larger groups. To avoid waiting, it’s safest to arrive early, especially on weekends.
Is there a dress code?
None of these bars enforce a strict dress code, but smart casual is generally a good fit for the setting. You’ll feel more at ease if you dress to match the polished but relaxed atmosphere.
Are these bars suitable for a quiet conversation?
Several—especially The Secret Mermaid, The Spiffy Dapper, and Live Twice—keep music and volumes at a level where talking is easy. Others, like Horse’s Mouth, can get livelier as the evening progresses.
Do any of them serve food beyond bar snacks?
Yes. Horse’s Mouth and Synthesis offer full meals, while 28 Hong Kong Street has proper comfort food like burgers. Sago House and Live Twice serve smaller plates designed to accompany drinks.
Are the speakeasies hard to find?
Part of the fun is the search. Most are tucked behind unmarked doors, stairwells, or themed entrances—Synthesis’s TCM shopfront is the most playful example. Calling ahead if you’re unsure saves you circling the block.
Are these places kid-friendly?
These bars are designed for adults and serve alcohol as the main draw, so they are generally not suited for children. They tend to be intimate, dimly lit spaces with limited seating.
