Singapore’s cocktail bar scene has matured considerably over the past decade, moving well beyond hotel lobbies and tourist strips into a network of independently owned, craft-focused venues that regularly appear on international best-bar lists. The city’s mix of cultural influences, its position as a regional business hub, and its deep appreciation for hospitality mean that quality here is genuinely high across both well-known institutions and neighbourhood spots.
The bars listed below were assessed using a combination of verified customer review scores, volume of reviews, and the consistency of experience reported across multiple platforms. Each venue has demonstrated a sustained track record rather than a single period of strong performance. Ratings are drawn from publicly available sources and are accurate as of 2026.
Whether you are looking for a heritage shophouse atmosphere, a serious whisky programme, creative custom cocktails, or a late-night address that stays open when others close, this guide covers the strongest options across Singapore’s central districts.
1. Tess Bar and Kitchen, Singapore
A neighbourhood cocktail bar with a strong kitchen and over 1,200 reviews
Tess Bar and Kitchen holds a 4.6-star rating across more than 1,200 verified reviews, which places it among the most consistently reviewed cocktail venues in Singapore. The volume of feedback is notable because it reflects sustained performance over time rather than a short burst of publicity.
The bar combines a serious cocktail programme with a kitchen menu, making it a practical choice for groups who want drinks and food without moving between venues. The atmosphere is relaxed without being low-effort, and the staff are reported across reviews as attentive and knowledgeable about the drinks list.
Its position in the rankings reflects both the depth of its review base and the reliability of the scores within it. For visitors and locals alike, it represents one of Singapore’s most dependable all-round bar experiences.
Pros
- One of the highest review volumes among Singapore cocktail bars at 1,200+
- Consistent 4.6-star rating across a large sample
- Food and drinks under one roof suits group visits
- Staff knowledge praised regularly in customer feedback
Cons
- Can get busy during peak evening hours
- Less specialised than single-focus cocktail bars
Best for: Groups wanting cocktails and food in a single venue, repeat visitors seeking consistent quality
Website: tessbar.com
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
2. ATLAS
Art deco bar serving European cuisine and afternoon tea in a 1920s-styled building
ATLAS occupies one of Singapore’s most visually striking bar spaces, a grand 1920s-styled room with art deco detailing that sets it apart from the city’s more pared-back venues. The bar holds a 4.5-star rating and is as well known for its afternoon tea service as for its cocktail and spirits list.
The gin collection at ATLAS is one of the most extensive in Asia, with thousands of bottles displayed in a tower that forms the centrepiece of the room. The European food menu is taken seriously, and the service standard reflects the formal setting without feeling stiff or unwelcoming.
ATLAS appeals to a wide range of visitors, from those celebrating a special occasion to gin enthusiasts who want access to a selection that few venues anywhere in the world can match. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly for weekend evenings and afternoon tea sittings.
Pros
- Exceptional gin and spirits collection
- Visually distinctive space with strong design credentials
- Afternoon tea and European food menu alongside cocktails
- 4.5-star rating across a broad customer base
Cons
- Price point is higher than most Singapore bars
- Formal atmosphere may not suit casual visits
- Reservations required well in advance for popular sessions
Best for: Special occasions, gin enthusiasts, visitors wanting a landmark Singapore bar experience
Website: atlasbar.sg
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
3. Long Bar
The original home of the Singapore Sling inside Raffles Hotel
Long Bar is one of Singapore’s most recognised drinking establishments, situated within the historic Raffles Hotel and carrying the legacy of the Singapore Sling cocktail that was created on the premises more than a century ago. It holds a 4.4-star rating and draws a steady mix of tourists, hotel guests, and locals who appreciate the historical context.
The bar retains several of its classic touches, including the tradition of discarding peanut shells on the floor, which contributes to an atmosphere that is deliberately unhurried and informal despite the grandeur of the surrounding hotel. The Singapore Sling remains the headline order, though the full drinks list extends well beyond it.
For first-time visitors to Singapore, Long Bar is a genuine landmark. For regulars, it offers a reliable and atmospheric setting that the city’s newer venues cannot replicate simply through good design or a strong cocktail menu.
Pros
- Historic venue with genuine cultural significance in Singapore
- Located within the iconic Raffles Hotel
- 4.4-star rating with a well-established and loyal clientele
- Distinctive atmosphere unlike any other bar in the city
Cons
- Can feel tourist-heavy during peak periods
- Cocktail menu is more traditional than forward-looking
- Prices reflect the premium hotel setting
Best for: First-time visitors to Singapore, history enthusiasts, those wanting a classic hotel bar experience
Website: restaurantsandbars.accor.com
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
4. Republic Bar Singapore
A cocktail-focused bar with one of the highest customer ratings in the city
Republic Bar Singapore carries a 4.7-star rating, placing it among the top-rated cocktail bars in Singapore by verified customer score. The bar’s focus is squarely on mixed drinks, and the quality of the cocktail programme is consistently highlighted in customer feedback as the primary reason for repeat visits.
The venue has built a strong following among those who prioritise the drink itself over surrounding spectacle. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff are noted for their willingness to discuss the menu in detail and suggest alternatives based on preference rather than defaulting to crowd-pleasing options.
Republic Bar Singapore sits at number four in this list based on the ranking criteria applied, but its 4.7-star score means it is among the very highest rated venues covered here. It is a strong choice for anyone whose primary criterion is the quality of what is in the glass.
Pros
- 4.7-star customer rating, among the highest for cocktail bars in Singapore
- Clear focus on cocktail quality rather than atmosphere as the lead draw
- Staff engagement with customers on drink preferences is frequently praised
Cons
- Less well known internationally than some older Singapore venues
- Limited food options compared to bar-kitchen venues
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts who prioritise drink quality above all else
Website: republicbar.com.sg
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
5. Night Hawk
A late-night bar in Singapore with a strong following and 4.6-star rating
Night Hawk fills a specific gap in Singapore’s bar scene: a venue with quality drinks and a 4.6-star rating that operates into the late hours when many of the city’s more polished cocktail bars have already closed. It has developed a steady following among night-shift workers, hospitality industry regulars, and those who prefer to start their evenings late.
The bar does not rely on novelty or elaborate presentation. The drinks are well executed, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the consistency of the experience is what keeps customers returning. The 4.6-star rating across a solid review base confirms this is not a venue that coasts on its late-night positioning alone.
For anyone planning a longer night out in Singapore or looking for somewhere reliable after other venues have quietened down, Night Hawk is one of the better-supported options in the city.
Pros
- Late-night trading hours that other quality bars in Singapore do not match
- 4.6-star rating confirms quality is not sacrificed for late-night convenience
- Strong local following and repeat custom
Cons
- Atmosphere is more casual than formal, which may not suit all occasions
- Less suited to early evening visits when other options are more compelling
Best for: Late-night drinkers, hospitality workers, those wanting quality cocktails after midnight
Website: nighthawk.sg
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
6. Jigger and Pony
Craft cocktail bar with an extensive whisky selection and a relaxed setting
Jigger and Pony has been a fixture in Singapore’s serious cocktail conversation for several years, building a reputation on both its cocktail craft and one of the more substantial whisky selections available at a bar in the city. The 4.6-star rating reflects a consistent experience across a broad customer base.
The bar’s approach leans towards precision in preparation without the theatre that some craft cocktail venues use as a substitute for quality. Cocktails are well-balanced, the whisky list rewards those who want to spend time exploring it, and the atmosphere sits comfortably between formal and casual.
Jigger and Pony appeals particularly to those who drink with intention rather than for atmosphere alone. It has appeared on international bar lists and the recognition is earned rather than manufactured through marketing.
Pros
- Strong craft cocktail programme with genuine depth
- Extensive whisky selection appealing to spirits enthusiasts
- 4.6-star rating supported by international recognition
- Relaxed atmosphere without sacrificing drink quality
Cons
- Can be busy on weekends, with limited walk-in availability
- Whisky focus means the beer and wine offering is secondary
Best for: Whisky drinkers, craft cocktail enthusiasts, those wanting a respected local bar without tourist crowds
Website: jiggerandpony.com
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
7. Bar Stories
Custom cocktail bar where drinks are made to order based on personal preferences
Bar Stories operates on a straightforward premise: rather than ordering from a fixed menu, customers describe what they enjoy and the bartenders create something specific to that brief. The concept has attracted 786 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, which suggests it delivers on its promise reliably enough to earn repeat visits and positive word of mouth.
The bar is deliberately stripped back in its presentation, keeping attention on the drink-making process rather than elaborate decor or entertainment. This appeals to customers who want a personal, attentive experience rather than a venue where the environment is the primary draw.
Bar Stories is one of Singapore’s more original bar concepts and has maintained its appeal by executing the custom cocktail experience consistently. It is particularly well suited to visitors who find standard menus limiting or who enjoy the conversation and discovery that comes from a bartender-led experience.
Pros
- Custom cocktail model creates a genuinely personal drinking experience
- 4.6-star rating across 786 reviews confirms consistent execution
- Stripped-back setting keeps focus on the drinks
- Well suited to those who struggle to choose from fixed menus
Cons
- The custom model requires more time per round than a standard order
- Not ideal for large groups wanting fast service
- Limited food options at the venue
Best for: Cocktail curious visitors, those wanting a personal bartender interaction, couples and small groups
Website: barstories.sg
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
8. Manhattan
American-inspired cocktail bar inside Conrad Singapore Orchard with a 4.7-star rating
Manhattan sits within Conrad Singapore Orchard and draws on American cocktail culture as its reference point, with a drinks list that covers classic American bar traditions alongside house-developed recipes. The 4.7-star rating places it among the highest-scored venues in this guide.
The bar is known for its in-house barrel-ageing programme, where spirits are matured on site and used in cocktails that cannot be replicated elsewhere. This gives the drinks list a dimension of exclusivity that goes beyond sourcing premium commercial spirits. The service quality is high, consistent with the five-star hotel context.
Manhattan suits those who want the assurance of a well-resourced hotel bar programme without the stiffness that hotel bars sometimes carry. It is a strong choice for business entertaining, hotel guests, and those who want a full cocktail experience in a comfortable, well-staffed setting.
Pros
- 4.7-star customer rating, matching the highest in this guide
- In-house barrel-ageing programme produces exclusive cocktail ingredients
- Five-star hotel service standards applied throughout
- Strong choice for business entertaining or celebrations
Cons
- Hotel bar pricing applies across the menu
- The formal setting may feel less relaxed than independent venues
Best for: Business entertaining, hotel guests, those wanting a premium cocktail experience with full service
Website: conradsingaporeorchard.com
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
9. 28 HongKong Street
Cocktail bar in Singapore’s historic central district with a solid 4.4-star rating
28 HongKong Street holds an established place in Singapore’s cocktail scene, operating from a discreet address in the central district that has become well known to those who follow the city’s bar culture. The 4.4-star rating reflects a consistent standard over a number of years rather than a recent spike in attention.
The bar takes a classic approach to cocktails, emphasising well-constructed drinks over novelty. The space is intimate, and the format encourages the kind of considered drinking experience that regulars tend to appreciate. It is not a venue designed for large groups or quick rounds.
28 HongKong Street has contributed to Singapore’s reputation as a serious cocktail city and continues to perform as a reliable address for those who value a knowledgeable bar team and a focused drinks list over spectacle.
Pros
- Established reputation within Singapore’s craft cocktail community
- Intimate setting suits focused, unhurried drinking
- Knowledgeable bar team with a classic cocktail orientation
- 4.4-star rating across a sustained operating history
Cons
- Small capacity means walk-in availability is limited
- Not suited to large groups or celebratory gatherings
- The understated entry format may be confusing for first-time visitors
Best for: Cocktail regulars, small groups wanting an intimate setting, those familiar with Singapore’s bar scene
Website: 28hks.com
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
10. Nutmeg and Clove
A Singapore bar drawing on local history for its cocktail menu and atmosphere
Nutmeg and Clove takes Singapore’s history as the direct reference point for its drinks programme, with cocktails named and constructed around local historical figures, places, and stories. The bar holds a 4.6-star rating and has developed a following among both locals who appreciate the cultural references and visitors wanting something more rooted in place than a standard cocktail menu can offer.
The setting is cosy rather than expansive, and the pace of the bar reflects that. Bartenders are well briefed on the stories behind each drink and will explain them when asked, which adds a layer to the experience that goes beyond the glass itself.
For visitors wanting to connect drinking with a sense of Singapore’s past, Nutmeg and Clove offers something genuinely different from the city’s other cocktail venues. The quality of the drinks supports the concept rather than being overshadowed by it.
Pros
- Cocktail menu rooted in local Singaporean history, offering genuine distinctiveness
- 4.6-star rating confirmed across customer reviews
- Bartenders knowledgeable about the stories behind each drink
- Cosy atmosphere suits quieter evenings and small groups
Cons
- Small venue means capacity is limited and bookings are recommended
- The historically themed concept may not appeal to those wanting a contemporary bar feel
Best for: Visitors wanting a Singapore-specific bar experience, history enthusiasts, couples and small groups
Website: nutmegclove.com
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
11. Origin Bar
Cocktail bar at Shangri-La Singapore with a 4.6-star rating from 208 reviews
Origin Bar operates within the Shangri-La Singapore and has built a 4.6-star rating across 208 reviews, a strong score for a hotel bar where the baseline expectation is already high. The bar’s name and concept reference Singapore’s story as a trading hub, with cocktails that reflect the spice routes and cultural intersections that shaped the city.
The setting benefits from the Shangri-La’s well-maintained environment, and the service carries the attentiveness expected of a five-star hotel operation. The cocktail programme goes beyond what most hotel bars offer, with staff who can speak to the thinking behind each drink on the list.
Origin Bar suits those who want to combine a quality cocktail experience with the comfort and reliability of a major hotel venue. It is a strong choice for visiting professionals and those hosting guests who require a polished setting.
Pros
- 4.6-star rating from 208 reviews, strong for a hotel bar context
- Five-star hotel service and environment
- Cocktail concept grounded in Singapore’s trading heritage
- Well suited to hosting visiting clients or colleagues
Cons
- Hotel bar pricing applies throughout
- Location within a large hotel can feel removed from the city’s street-level bar scene
- Smaller review volume than some venues in this guide
Best for: Hotel guests, visiting professionals, those wanting a polished cocktail experience in a five-star setting
Website: shangri-la.com
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
12. No.5 Emerald Hill
A cocktail bar set in a heritage shophouse on one of Singapore’s most distinctive streets
No.5 Emerald Hill occupies a Peranakan shophouse on Emerald Hill Road, one of Singapore’s best-preserved heritage streets. The 4.3-star rating reflects a venue that draws as much on its physical setting as on the drinks programme, with the building itself being a significant part of the appeal.
The bar has been operating for many years and is known as a relaxed, unpretentious venue where the atmosphere is more important than theatrical cocktail presentation. The drinks list covers a solid range of cocktails and spirits without positioning itself as a craft-forward destination in the way that some newer Singapore bars do.
No.5 Emerald Hill suits those who want to drink in a genuinely characterful Singapore setting and are less interested in a cutting-edge drinks programme than in a comfortable, well-located venue with a sense of the city’s architectural past.
Pros
- Heritage shophouse setting is among the most distinctive of any bar in Singapore
- Relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere suits casual visits
- Well-located on one of Singapore’s most attractive streets
Cons
- 4.3-star rating is the lowest in this guide
- Cocktail programme is less ambitious than specialist craft bars
- May feel dated to visitors expecting a contemporary bar experience
Best for: Those wanting a heritage Singapore setting, casual drinkers, visitors exploring the Orchard Road area
Website: emerald-hill.com
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
13. Quaich Bar Wanderlust
A whisky-specialist bar in Singapore with a 4.9-star rating from 502 reviews
Quaich Bar Wanderlust carries a 4.9-star rating across 502 reviews, making it the highest-rated venue in this guide by customer score. The bar focuses on whisky, with a collection that spans Scotch, Japanese, American, and other regional styles in serious depth. For spirits enthusiasts, this is one of the most compelling addresses in Singapore.
The venue takes its name from the traditional Scottish drinking cup used when sharing whisky, and the ethos reflects that: this is a place built for people who want to drink whisky thoughtfully and with access to informed guidance. Staff knowledge across the collection is a recurring highlight in customer reviews.
The 4.9-star score across more than 500 reviews is exceptional and reflects the loyalty of a customer base that returns because the experience consistently meets expectations. It sits at number 13 in this list due to the ranking criteria applied, but on raw customer satisfaction it leads the field.
Pros
- 4.9-star rating from 502 reviews, the highest in this guide
- Specialist whisky collection spanning multiple regions and styles
- Staff knowledge on whisky is a consistent strength in customer feedback
- Strong repeat customer base confirms reliable experience
Cons
- The whisky focus means it is not the right venue for those wanting cocktails or a broad drinks list
- Specialist setting may feel niche to casual bar visitors
Best for: Whisky enthusiasts, spirits collectors, those wanting expert guidance on a serious whisky selection
Website: quaichbar.com.sg
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
14. Taylor Adam
A cocktail bar in Singapore with a 4.7-star rating and online reservations available
Taylor Adam holds a 4.7-star customer rating and operates with an online reservation system, which makes it a straightforward venue to plan around. The bar’s strong score reflects a consistent standard across its cocktail programme and service, and customer feedback points to a well-run operation with clear attention to the guest experience.
The venue is less publicly documented than some of the longer-established bars in this guide, but its customer scores place it in the top tier. The combination of a high rating and accessible booking process makes it practical for visitors who want quality without uncertainty about availability.
Taylor Adam suits those who prioritise a well-rated, bookable cocktail experience without needing a venue with decades of history or international media coverage behind it.
Pros
- 4.7-star customer rating, among the highest in this guide
- Online reservation system available through Sevenrooms
- Consistent positive feedback across the guest experience
Cons
- Less publicly documented than longer-established Singapore bars
- Limited information available for first-time visitors planning their visit
Best for: Visitors wanting a highly rated, easily bookable cocktail bar without the crowds of more prominent venues
Website: sevenrooms.com
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
15. Alleybar
A casual neighbourhood cocktail bar with a loyal local following and 4.6-star rating
Alleybar holds a 4.6-star rating and has built its following primarily among Singapore locals rather than through tourist traffic or hotel affiliation. The bar operates with a casual, neighbourhood feel that sets it apart from the more polished or theatrically presented venues in this guide.
The cocktail list is approachable without being simplistic, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a practical choice for after-work drinks or a low-key evening without the reservation requirements and pricing of higher-profile venues. Customer reviews consistently mention the welcoming staff and the lack of pretension as key reasons for returning.
Alleybar rounds out this list as a venue that performs reliably for its audience without overreaching. It is a good option for those wanting a quality cocktail in an unpretentious setting, and its 4.6-star rating confirms that the experience is consistently worth the visit.
Pros
- 4.6-star rating with a strong base of repeat local customers
- Casual, welcoming atmosphere without pretension
- More accessible pricing than hotel bars or prestige venues
- No complex reservation requirements for most visits
Cons
- Less suited to formal occasions or business entertaining
- Cocktail programme is not as ambitious as specialist craft bars
Best for: Locals, casual after-work drinkers, those wanting a relaxed neighbourhood bar experience
Website: alleybar.sg
Full listing: View on Best of Singapore
Who is the best bars in Singapore?
Based on verified customer ratings and review volume, the top bars in Singapore in 2026 include Quaich Bar Wanderlust (4.9 stars from 502 reviews), Republic Bar Singapore and Manhattan (both 4.7 stars), and Taylor Adam (4.7 stars). Tess Bar and Kitchen leads on review volume with 1,200+ reviews at 4.6 stars, making it one of the most broadly validated venues in the city. ATLAS and Long Bar are the strongest choices for landmark atmosphere, while Jigger and Pony and Bar Stories lead on craft cocktail experience.
How much does a bar cost in Singapore?
Cocktail prices in Singapore typically range from SGD 18 to SGD 35 per drink at mid-range and independent bars. Hotel bars such as Manhattan at Conrad Singapore Orchard, Origin Bar at Shangri-La, and Long Bar at Raffles Hotel generally sit at the higher end, with cocktails often priced between SGD 28 and SGD 45. Specialist venues like ATLAS, with its premium spirits collection, can exceed this for rare or aged pours. Casual neighbourhood bars such as Alleybar and Night Hawk tend to sit at the lower end of the range. Expect to pay a service charge of 10% and GST on top of listed prices at most establishments.
How do I choose a bar in Singapore?
Start by identifying what matters most to you: atmosphere, cocktail quality, spirits selection, food availability, or price. If you want a historic setting, Long Bar and No.5 Emerald Hill offer heritage environments that newer venues cannot replicate. For the highest customer-rated experience, Quaich Bar Wanderlust, Manhattan, and Republic Bar Singapore lead on score. If a serious whisky selection is the priority, Quaich Bar Wanderlust and Jigger and Pony are the strongest choices. For custom cocktails and a personal bartender experience, Bar Stories is the logical starting point. Booking ahead is advisable at smaller venues and at hotel bars on weekend evenings.
What should I look for in a bar?
The most reliable indicators of a quality bar are customer rating consistency across a substantial review base, the knowledge and engagement of the bar staff, and the quality of the core drinks list rather than the novelty of individual items. A bar that scores 4.6 stars across 1,000+ reviews is a more dependable choice than one scoring 4.8 from 50 reviews. Beyond scores, consider whether the venue suits your occasion: an intimate specialist bar like 28 HongKong Street is appropriate for a small group of cocktail enthusiasts but less suitable for a large corporate function. Matching the venue type to the occasion is as important as the rating itself.
Are there good bars for small businesses in Singapore?
Several bars in this guide are practical choices for small business entertaining. Manhattan at Conrad Singapore Orchard offers a five-star setting with professional service suited to client meetings over drinks. Origin Bar at Shangri-La provides a similar level of formality with a strong cocktail programme. ATLAS is well suited to impressing clients in a visually distinctive setting. For smaller, more relaxed business conversations, Jigger and Pony and Tess Bar and Kitchen both offer quality drinks in environments that are comfortable without being overly casual. Most of these venues accept reservations and can accommodate small group bookings without requiring a minimum spend arrangement.
Singapore’s bar scene in 2026 offers a genuine range of quality across different venue types, price points, and atmospheres. The 15 bars covered in this guide represent the strongest options based on verified customer data, and together they span everything from century-old hotel traditions to contemporary craft cocktail specialists. Whether the priority is a landmark experience, a serious spirits collection, or a reliable neighbourhood venue, the city has options that consistently deliver.
