Rated one of the most expensive cities in Asia for alcohol, it would seem logical for alcoholics to be seen at neighbourhood coffeeshops instead of exorbitant bars and pubs that will rip you off your wallet. Well, drinking in Singapore doesn’t necessarily have to cost you a bomb. With awesome happy hour promotions, booze prices are slashed and your wallet gets a little breather.
Here’s our take on great happy hours places that aren’t hidden at the far ends of Singapore. With pubs, bars and restaurants located all at the central area – Orchard Road and Bras Basah, you’ll never have to travel far to get your cheap booze.
1. Loof
At Loof, the early bird catches the best prices. Awarded Singapore’s best rooftop bar, it is one of the most dope spots in downtown CBD. Bask in its urban garden and take in the best view of Raffles Hotel, or soak up beats from resident DJs and theme party nights. From 5pm to 8pm on weekdays, all drink prices will match according to the time. Housepours, wines and beer are $5 from 5-6pm, $6 from 6-7pm and $7 from 7-8pm. Arrive early for cheaper drinks! With such prices, imagine the number of glasses we’d be ordering.
Loof
Happy Hour: 5-8pm
Address: 331 North Bridge Road #03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, Singapore 188720
Contact: 65 9773 9304
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am (Closed on Sun)
2. KPO Cafe Bar
After a dramatic makeover of the iconic Killiney Post Office, KPO opened its door in 2010. It now accommodates up to 500 people with both indoor and outdoor seating available. This bar has become a staple on Orchard Road.
Happy hours happen daily till 8pm and day-time alcoholics will rejoice over housepour wines and spirits that are available from $10 to $11 and beers on tap from $12. For the ladies, head down on Wednesday nights for martinis at $8. Enjoy the tunes that their DJs spin or listen to hip-swaying music as you kick back and relax over a cold pint of beer or wine. Chill the night away while you enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life.
KPO Cafe Bar
Happy Hour: Till 8pm
Address: 1 Killiney Road, Killiney Post Office, Singapore 239518
Contact: 65 6733 3648
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 3pm-1am, Fri 3pm-2am, Sat 6pm-2am (Closed on Sun)
3. Ice Cold Beer
Opened in 1994, Ice-Cold Beer is housed in a restored Peranakan shop house and offers customers icy-cold beers from unique ice tanks. Beers are served in beer glasses chilled to -3 degrees Celsius to keep them icy-cold for a long time. Choose from over 60 types of bottled and draught beers from local to international beers.
During happy hour, get a pint of Hoegaarden at $11 nett or a jug of Stella Artois at $23. Located just off the busy Orchard Road, Ice-Cold Beer allows its customers to relax in its quiet and comforting space. They also have another outlet at SMU where you can get a 2 bottle deal of Kronenberg Blanc for $15. Reasonably priced cold beers served by friendly staff in a relax casual environment – sounds good!
Ice Cold Beer (Emerald Hill)
Happy Hour: Daily 5pm-9pm
Address: Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229293
Contact: 65 6735 9929
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri, Sat, Eve of PH 5pm-3am
Ice Cold Beer (SMU)
Happy Hour: Daily 11am – 9pm
Address: 50 Stamford Rd #01-01, Singapore 178899
Contact: 65 6837 3585
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-12am, Fri, Sat, Eve of PH 5pm-3am 11am-1am, Sun/PH 4pm-12am
4. Tanuki Raw
Known for its insane happiest hours where freshly shucked oysters go for $2, martinis and cocktails for $10, a pint of beer of $12, this place is the most value-for-money food and drink spot along Orchard Road. Enjoy happy hours from 5pm-8pm daily after a hard day’s work. Choose between enjoying live music on their alfresco balcony overlooking Orchard Road, or on their patio in the beautiful Bras Basah civic district.
Need we say more? With happy hours including fresh oysters and a good cold cocktail or beer, this is the place to be hanging out comfortably after a long day without burning a hole in your pocket. What’s more, enjoy these prices without any extra service tax or GST. Do note that Tanuki Raw does not take reservations so remember to arrive early to avoid long queues.
Tanuki Raw (Orchard Central)
Happy Hour: 5pm-8pm
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #04-01 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Contact: 65 6636 5949
Opening Hours: Daily 1130am-1030pm
Tanuki Raw (Kapok)
Happy Hour: 5pm-8pm
Address: 111 Middle Road, #01-05 National Design Centre, Singapore 188969
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
5. Five Izakaya
Five Izakaya is Singapore’s first Tachinomi Izakaya inspired bar. Modelled after the 300-Yen bars, the “five” in their name refers to the price of the drinks. Yes, you can get Asahi, Shochu, Choya, and basically every drink here at $5! It’s not a gimmick. It’s happy hour here everyday, at anytime! Even the snacks here are $5. Unbelievable.
Five Izakaya has 4 outlets. One of them is just off Orchard Road at Cuppage Terrace. Enjoy live music and cosy ambience with drinks and food at affordable prices. With such cheap prices in town, this is the perfect place to catch up and chill out after a long day at work. Getting a seat here might prove challenging. Hence, visit early or make a reservation at least 1 day in advance! Do check out their other 3 outlets and opening hours here.
Five Izakaya (Cuppage Terrace)
Happy Hour: Everyday, anytime
Address: 25 Cuppage Road, Cuppage Terrace, Singapore 229454
Contact: 65 6733 8097
Opening Hours: 5pm – 12am Daily
6. No. 5 Emerald Hill
Located conveniently a street away from Orchard Road, this Peranakan-style bar has a number of extremely cost saving drink options. It has the longest happy hour session in town with deals from 12pm to 9pm followed by Martini specials from 9pm all the way to 1am. With two Martinis for $16, this bar has won our hearts for late night drinks in the city. Their wide range of cocktails including Chilli Vodka and No. 5 Cocktail are not to be missed. The drinks pair delightfully with their famous Prawn Paste Chicken Wings and selection of Pizzas.
Their relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere has remained unchanged over the years; and that has drawn us back every time.
No. 5 Emerald Hill
Happy Hour: Weekdays 12pm-9pm, Maritini Specials from 9pm-1am
Address: 5 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229289
Contact: 65 6732 0818
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-2am, Fri, Sat, Eve of PH 12pm-3am, Sun/PH 5pm-2am
7. Bar Canary
Located strategically in the heart of Orchard, Bar Canary is an open-air bar perched on the fourth level of 5-star Grand Park Orchard Hotel. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Bar Canary provides an idyllic oasis for shoppers and busy working adults to relax. With mesmerising fairy lights illuminating its alfresco bar, its atmosphere is spot on and it is one of Orchard Road’s hidden gem.
Beat the clock and jumpstart your happy hour at the Bar Canary with their special deals available from 6pm to 9pm. Round up your friends and colleagues and choose from a bucket of 8 bottled beers or a set of house red or white wine and your choice of 4 signature cocktails from $60++ at 6pm, $70++ at 7pm, $80++ at 8pm and $90++ at 9pm. At Bar Canary the early bird gets the cheap booze! Cocktail fans might want to try their signature Coco Chanel. Coconut liqueur shaken with gold rum, fresh coconut water, lime juice, fresh mint and wheatgrass which leaves a refreshing taste.
For some mid-week fun, on Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm, girls get free flow champagne, housepour wines, spirits and signature cocktails at $50++ while men pay $100++. Head down to Bar Canary and enjoy a good catch up session with your friends and colleagues!
Bar Canary
Happy Hour: 6pm-9pm Daily
Address: 270 Orchard Road, Grand Park Orchard, Singapore 238857
Contact: 65 6603 8855
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri, Sat, Eve of PH 12pm-2am
Unwind and enjoy a relaxing night out with refreshing drinks and snack on some tasty food after a hard day’s work.
(Image credit: arcinspirations, edited by writer)
Also read: Here’s An Ingenious Way To Easily Save 10% Off Your Dining Bills
