Behind the unmarked doors and secret entrances lies a world of craft cocktails and bar vibes that originate back to the Prohibition era of the 1920s. The allure of Singapore's speakeasy bars creates a thriving nightlife scene, with an air of exclusivity and mystique that can attract both local residents and overseas visitors.
Whether it's a hidden room behind a tailor shop or a dapper bar tucked away behind magazine shelves, these illicit-feeling watering holes are slinging creative cocktails with panache in intimate spaces sure to delight anyone who treasures the journey as much as the destination when it comes to a night out.
It’s no secret Singapore has a palate for great bars, so here are some of the best hidden speakeasies to check out the next time you’re feeling a little adventurous and parched for a tipple.
Taylor Adam
Whether you’re looking for a custom suit or not, you’ll want to think twice before dismissing this little bespoke tailor shop in the heart of the CBD. Located at Raffles Place, Taylor Adam is a popular speakeasy bar that’s discreetly hidden behind the guise of an establishment where you’d normally go to get measured. After you step inside, guests will be asked if they are scheduled for a fitting before going through velvety curtains that lead you inside an expansive and classy enclave for cocktails. With a signature menu inspired by globetrotters, you’ll want to order more than one drink — especially when you’re with good company.
Location: 1 Raffles Pl, #01-03, Singapore 048616
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Saturday from 5pm-midnight, Thursday and Friday from 5pm-1am; Closed on Sunday
Contact: 8878 3395
Mama Diam
You’ll feel a wave of nostalgia as soon as you walk up to Mama Diam, a retro storefront lined with toys and trinkets that pay homage to Singapore’s family-run provision stores in the 1980s. It’s hard to miss this spot’s colourful set-up, but be sure to walk up to its magazine door, which, when opened, transports you to a dimly-lit, modern food and drink space. Its menu is inspired by local flavours, which get a makeover every few months. Tasty and innovative, it offers a great vibe for date nights as well as larger friend gatherings.
Location: 38 Prinsep Street, #01-01, Singapore 188665
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 4pm-10:30pm; Friday, Saturday, and PH Eve from 4pm-midnight
Contact: 8533 0792
Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Other Room
This drinking house is located at the Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, so its entrance isn’t too tucked away. Look out for a black door in the hotel lobby—once you step through, you’ll be whisked away to a dark and upscale bar specializing in Cask-finished spirits and cocktails. According to its website, The Other Room is the first and only place in the world where all of its spirits are created in-house. Come for the drinks and stay for the atmosphere.
Location: 320 Orchard Road #01-05, Singapore 238865
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30pm-2:30am; Closed on Sunday and Monday
Contact: 8300 6085
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Synthesis
The latest speakeasy that’s been generating plenty of buzz is Synthesis at Suntec City (from the same team behind Mama Diam), which is hidden behind a Traditional Chinese Medicine storefront. One of the main attractions here is a hidden corridor decorated with colourful neon signs where guests walk through, before they enter an impressive bar and dining space with mood lighting and marble counters. Early reviews already rave about the TCM-inspired cocktails and food, so don’t be surprised if it’s a bit difficult to snag a reservation in the coming months.
Location: 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-643, Suntec City East Wing Tower 4. Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 4pm-10:30pm, Friday and Saturday from 4pm-2am, and PH Eve from 4pm-2am
Contact: 9727 4649
Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Dragon Chamber
Located along the perennially busy Boat Quay, this Chinese-style speakeasy can be accessed via a Kopitiam fridge door. You’ll feel as if you’ve time-travelled to an era of historic Chinatown gambling dens and secret societies, complete with traditional Chinese decor and murals. Besides tasty yet unconventional Chinese dishes that are great for sharing, don’t miss out on unique and punchy cocktails, sakes, wines, spirits, and plenty of zero-proof libations.
Location: 2 Circular Road, Singapore 049358
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11am-3pm, and 5pm-10:30pm
Contact: 6950 0015
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Night Hawk
With no shortage of watering holes in the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood, it’s hard to stand-out in the crowd, especially in you’re a newcomer. But Night Hawk has been filled with crowds each night, attracting cocktail-enthusiasts who never say no to enticing speakeasies. Like most of its popular counterparts, guests will discover an entirely different atmosphere as soon as they push open the front door. Inside is retro-futuristic space that oozes a sexy vibe with sleek lines, dim lighting, stylish seating pods as well as mid-century modern bar stools—you’re bound to have a good time even without any alcoholic drinks. Its menu is extensive and features signature concoctions as well as an interesting mocktail menu that caters to all kinds of palates.
Location: 43 Tanjong Pagar Road, #01-02, Singapore 088464
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30pm-midnight; Closed on Sunday and Monday
Contact: 9666 0928
