Hey you! Are you someone who spends most of your days indoors? Be it in school (poly & uni students) or at work, face it, we spent most of our time in an air-conditioned room!
(But Singapore’s so hot!)
Yup, I feel you, but shouldn’t we be making the most out of our limited time outdoors? Although it seems that our climate is like a curse, but other times, it can be a real blessing.
Especially after dark when Singapore gets amazing! There’s no better way to enjoy the nightlife than to chow down on delectable gastronomy while enjoying a chilled drink or two. Throw in a couple of hot tunes and there you have it, a night to remember!
Friends, I bring you, alfresco bars! What makes them different from other restaurants is that they provide a totally unique experience. Whether it’s celebrating a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or corporate gatherings, alfresco bars are your go-tos.
Here are some of our favorite places:
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Timbre @ Arts House
Everyone should be familiar with the iconic and premier Timbre Group’s chain of live music restaurants. Timbre @ The Arts House is perhaps the most “atas” of them all. Enjoy the picturesque view of the Singapore River and hey, don’t forget to snap a picture with the statue of Singapore’s founding father, Sir Stamford Raffles.
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Timbre @ Arts House
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 6pm – 1am; Fri – Sat: 6pm – 2am
Live Music: Mon: 8pm – 11.15pm; Tues: 8.30pm – 11.45pm; Wed – Thurs: 8.15pm – 11.30pm; Fri: 7.15pm – 12.45am; Sat: 8.30pm – 12.45am; Closed on Sundays
Location: #01-04, 1 Old Parliament Lane, S (179429)
Contact: 6336 3386
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Timbre @ The Substation
Located opposite SMU, Timbre @ The Substation is the older and more rustic brother of Timbre @ Arts House. Tucked away from the city crowd, rest your eyes on the idyllic teak furnishing and foliage, and drift away to tranquility and melodic tunes.
Timbre’s menus are nearly identical, but of course, there are popular dishes. For something light, there’s the Crispy Pork Belly ($16), and Timbre Chicken Wings ($14). Who can forget the famous Roasted Duck Pizza ($21), deliciously topped with hoisin sauce and crispy popiah skin. Don’t forget to drown them down with your favorite alcohol selection!
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Timbre @ The Substation
Live Music: Tues – Wed: 8.30pm – 11.45pm; Thurs: 10.15pm – 12.45am; Fri – Sat: 10.15pm – 1.45am; Sun: 10.15pm – 12.30am
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 6pm – 1am; Fri – Sat: 6pm – 2am, Closed on Mondays
Location: 45 Armenian Street, The Substation Garden, S (179936)
Contact: 6338 8030
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Wala Wala
Nestled in one of Singapore’s most exciting and entertaining nightlife district, Holland Village, Wala Wala Café Bar is often packed. Who can blame them? The ambience is always cheerful and relaxed, making it popular with foreigners. Food favourites include Spicy Blacken Wings aka Wala Buffalo Wings ($14), and Curly Potato Wedges ($7). Did we mention that the alcohol selection is really extensive as well?
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Wala Wala
Live Music: Daily: 7pm – 9pm; 9.30pm (varies)
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 4pm – 1am; Fri: 4pm – 2am; Sat: 3pm – 2am; Sun: 3pm – 1am
Location: 31 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, S (277689)
Contact: 6462 4288
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Spruce
Spruce deserves a spot on this list because of its location. Located at the former Bukit Timah Fire Station (yep, it’s true), Spruce serves as the perfect hideout to escape the bright lights of the city. Be sure to try their original creations – Spruce Hot Wings ($18), served with homemade hot sauce, and the succulent Spruce Burger ($19). (Psst, there’s free parking!)
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Spruce
Live Music: Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sun: 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Opening Hours: Tues – Thurs: 11.30am – 12.30am; Fri: 11.30am – 1am; Sat: 9am – 1am; Sun: 9am – 12.30am; Closed on Mondays
Location: #01-01, Fire Station, 260 Upper Bukit Timah Road, S (588190)
Contact: 6466 5582
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Five Tapas @ Cuppage
My personal favourite place for a night of drinks with friends, Five Tapas @ Cuppage, is popular for their five dollar tipples (for the uninitiated, that’s liquor), and sing-along tunes. The only downside is that it’s always crowded and gets relatively humid. But hey, for tipples at such low prices, I have no complaints. My favourites from the food menu include Stuffed Mushrooms ($5), Spicy Pork Belly Cubes ($5), and Beer Battered Fish & Chips ($18).
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Five Tapas @ Cuppage
Live Music: Daily: 8.00pm – 10pm (varies)
Location: 25 Cuppage Road, Cuppage Terrace, S (229454)
Opening Hours: Daily: 5pm – 12am
Contact: 6733 8097
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Going Om
Inspired by Hindu temples while travelling in the Himalayas, founders Barry and Oliver has delivered an almost meditative experience in their quaint little alfresco bar. Tucked in the corner of eclectic Haji Lane within the confines of a refurbished shophouse, Going Om is perhaps the most artsy and unique in this list. I personally vouch for the Pear N Apple Crumble ($7), which is heavenly. Fellow Ommies unite!
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Going Om
Live Music: Tues, Thurs, 9.30pm
Opening Hours: Tues – Thurs: 5.30pm – 1am; Fri: 5.30pm – 3am; Sat: 3.30pm – 3am; Sun: 3.30pm – 1am; Closed on Mondays
Location: 63 Haji Lane, S (189256)
Contact: 6396 3592
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The Queen & Mangosteen
Offering a million-dollar view of neighbouring Sentosa, The Queen & Mangosteen is the quintessential gourmet British alfresco pub. With an unpretentious menu of appetising British food with an Asian twist, this chic establishment is the ideal spot to put your feet up after a long day of shopping and activities in Vivocity. Unlike other bars in this list, it’s also great for the kids! Must try: Fish & Chips ($26), and Shepherd’s Pie ($20).
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The Queen & Mangosteen
Live Music: Tues – Thurs: 8pm – 11pm
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11am – 12mn; Fri – Sat: 11am – 1am; Sun: 11am – 12mn
Location: #01-106/07, Vivocity, 1 HarborFront Walk, S (098585)
Contact: 6376 9380
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CM-PB
Guys, guys, relax! This isn’t CMPB (Central Manpower Base), this is CM-PB. An acronym for Contemporary Melting-Pot & Bar, this café-bar-bistro is set against the evergreen scenery of Dempsey Hill in a bungalow setting. Albeit dishes are on the pricier side, the Truffle Fries ($15) is one of the best in Singapore. For an all-day breakfast selection, try the Eggs on Request ($24).
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CM-PB
Live Music: Thurs: 8.30pm; Fri – Sat: 9.30pm
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 10.30am – 1am; Fri – Sat: 10.30am – 2am
Location: #01-05, Block 7 Dempsey Road, S (249671)
Contact: 6475 0105
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Mel’s Place
Situated near East Coast Park, Mel’s Place offers much needed reprieve after a day of exhausting activities and festivities. I’ve heard that they’ve revamped the main building and furnished it with a stylish new look. Upon setting foot in the bar, Mel’s Place welcomes you with a Hawaiian-ish décor. Also, from the grapevine are rave reviews for their Bangers & Mash ($18), a duo of sausages rested on mash potatoes with Mirepoix Sauce. Yummy!
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Mel’s Place
Live Music: Mon – Sat: 7.30pm – 11pm
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 4pm – 1am; Fri – Sat: 4pm – 2am; Sun: 11am – 1am
Location: 2A Kuo Chuan Avenue, S (426897)
Contact: 6440 3573
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The Mad Men Attic Bar
Boasting a stunning skyline of the Marina Bay Sands, Mad Men Attic Bar is fast gaining more prominence. Located in the concrete jungle of Singapore’s CBD, this place is highly beloved by white-collared workers after a hard day’s toil. Add to that a charming view of commercial skyscrapers, there’s no better word to describe this alfresco bar than “wow”. Tuck into delicious nibbles such as Luncheon Meat Fries ($12), Mini Beef Burgers ($12), and the Chili Cheese Dog ($14).
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The Mad Men Attic Bar
Live Music: Mon – Sat: 8.30pm
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 5pm – 1am; Fri – Sat: 5pm – 3am
Location: #03-02, 11 North Canal Rd, S (048824)
Contact: 9822 1789
With this list on hand, you’ll be well-armed for night time chill outs. Let us know which are your favourite spots!
(Header image credit: lifestyleasia.com, words by editor)
Also read: 7 Must Try Food Places At Ang Mo Kio – From Seafood To Desserts!
