Best bars in the CBD: Native, The Elephant Room, Jigger and Pony, Laut, and more
Worth a shot
A long, tumultuous day at work calls for a well-deserved wind down. For some of us, hitting the bags at the gym could be it, while others might find solace in a boozy night out. From speakeasies and hole-in-the-wall joints to prestigious bars that have been crowned the best in Asia, there's no way you'll run out of options when in the CBD. Just don't forget to make sure to book a designated driver at the end of the night.
The Elephant Room
If you're looking to experience heritage in a cocktail, this is the place to be. This quiet hideout located above Michelin-starred Burnt Ends, thrives on culturally rich creations that are inspired by Little India. The menu is specifically crafted to reflect their commitment to serving strictly Indian flavours, with cocktails like Jothi's Flower Shop and Mango Lassi that pay tribute to Indian culture.
Jigger and Pony
Clinching the top spot on the list of Asia's best bars is no small feat — and we can tell that they're going above and beyond the label. As one of Singapore's oldest craft cocktail bars, Jigger and Pony has breathed new life into the bar scene with its inventive cocktails. Apart from its classics, its Asian favourites, such as the Jungle Bird and Madame President are a nod to our lush local flavours.
Live Twice
Named after the theme song to the 1967 James Bond film, Live Twice transports you back to Tokyo in the 60s, with its alluring interiors inspired by Japanese minimalism. The Jigger and Pony Group's new baby takes over the space that used to be The Flagship. While the drinks here have delicate sounding names like Little Bell and Spring Riot, these tipples have been designed to tease and tantalise your tastebuds.
Native
Take a seat at the current 6th place holder on Asia's 50 Best Bars list, a bar dedicated to creating cocktails inspired by local flavours from around the region. Headed by Vijay Mudaliar, this cocktail bar seeks to educate its guests and connect them to Singapore's surroundings, serving up concoctions that are full of local flavours like pandan, cardamom, aged sugarcane, and more.
Gibson
Gibson caters to the non-conformists and the mavericks who are down to try out sophisticated craft cocktails. This charming vintage bar is where you'll want to be to immerse yourself in a warm, relaxed setting after a hectic day at your desk. Asian-inspired cocktails are also their forte, and where East meets West in creations like the Silk Road, as well as the Don Don Old Fashioned that's inspired by the sweet potatoes at... you guessed it — Don Don Donki.
The Old Man Singapore
Adopting its name from one of Ernest Hemingway's most famous works — The Old Man and the Sea, this bar is far from outdated. Tucked away in the ever-buzzing and lively Keong Saik enclave, it marked its strong debut last year by being number 38 on the World's 50 Best Bars list. Enjoy some of their signatures — inspired by Hemingway himself.
Lantern
Rooftop bars will never go out of style, and we stand by it. Lantern is situated atop the Fullerton Bay Hotel, boasting a view of the Marina Bay Sands area. Signature cocktails are according to their Caribbean and Latin-American themes, so grab one and enjoy an immaculate view of the Singapore skyline.
The Secret Mermaid
A salad bar by day and a swanky cocktail bar by night, The Secret Mermaid is a bar that's hidden in plain sight, waiting for you to savour their bottles of gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whiskey, along with one of the biggest collections of American craft spirits that's stored in their small hideout.
Operation Dagger
For the daredevils who are down to have an exhilarating experience in this basement bar that's extremely hard to locate, this one's for you. Operation Dagger is tucked obscurely underground, so down the dark stairway with scribbles on the walls, you'll find a well-lit bar with an ever-changing menu.
