In Need Of A Happy Hour? This ‘Atas’ Food Hall In The CBD Has A Bar That Offers Drinks For Just $5

As they say, old is gold.

This time, Singapore After Nine is casting the spotlight on an oldie but a goodie: Five Square (FIV Square) in the busy CBD.

It’ll have you covered from lunch through to dinner and drinks, and with live performances, no less!

[caption id="attachment_25082" align="aligncenter" width="2880"] Outside Five Square[/caption]

Just like its name, food and drinks here go at the unbeatable rate of $5 each, every hour of everyday.

[caption id="attachment_25107" align="aligncenter" width="2880"] Inside Five Square[/caption]

Take your pick between dining indoors or out at the alfresco area.

The Bar

Chill out with your pals over sake, wine or beer at just $5 a glass.

To liven up the party, have a go at Five Square’s pool table or dart booths. Sports fans will feel right at home here too, as Five Square often screens games on their large-screen televisions.

Their drink menu features an extensive selection of premium whiskies, a hundred or so different brands of wines, and various labels of icy cold beer.

[caption id="attachment_25085" align="aligncenter" width="2775"] L-R: Kronenbourg 1664 Lager ½ Pint Beer ($5), Mint and Margo Margarita ($15), Lychee Martini ($15), Mojito ($12)[/caption]

The Bazaar

Next to the bar is a large, open food hall that can hold a total of 300 diners. Home to 5 gourmet food stalls with extensive menus, take your pick from international cuisine ranging from Japanese to Spanish!

[caption id="attachment_25086" align="aligncenter" width="2880"] Five Square adopts an open food hall concept[/caption]

The dishes are reasonably priced, making them a popular choice for those working in the CBD, and attracting crowds from farther away.

It’s no wonder, as the dishes beat what regular food courts can offer in terms of taste and quality, yet are not as pricey as those in upscale restaurants.

Cinqo Tapas

A take on the popular Five Tapas Bar at Cuppage Terrace, Cinqo Tapas brings on a whole host of palate pleasers.

[caption id="attachment_25105" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Cinqo Tapas[/caption]

1. Carbonara Fettucine ($9.90)

This plate of pasta was worth every dollar–and every calorie! We swear we’re not exaggerating when we say we could literally smell the aroma of the smoky prosciutto ham and rich cream while it was on its way out from the kitchen!

[caption id="attachment_25088" align="aligncenter" width="3024"] Carbonara Fettucine[/caption]

The fettucine was topped with thinly shaved parmesan slices and a glistening orb of an egg. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the rich creaminess of the sauce was complemented by the smoky ham, which was chewy and crisp.

[caption id="attachment_25089" align="aligncenter" width="2880"] In loving memory of the Carbonara Fettucine we devoured[/caption]

2. Angus Beef Cubes ($12)

[caption id="attachment_25090" align="aligncenter" width="2880"] Angus Beef Cubes[/caption]

Fried beef topped with a generous smattering of golden sautéed garlic–yum! The beef cubes were well-marinated and packed a punch of flavour. Texture-wise, however, it was a tad too chewy for my preference. Nevertheless, we enjoyed it, and the fresh rocket leaves at the side were a refreshing accompaniment to the meat.

3. Bacon Mushroom ($6)

Springy, juicy mushrooms wrapped in bacon is what this dish is all about.

[caption id="attachment_25091" align="aligncenter" width="2880"] Bacon Mushroom[/caption]

It was a pity the juices from the mushrooms softened the otherwise crispy bacon. Still, it was a winning combination, as the sweet taste of mushroom offset the savoury flavour of the bacon.

Just Pho Fun

Don’t let that name fool you–this place takes its food seriously.

4. Fresh Summer Roll (2 pcs, $5)

[caption id="attachment_25092" align="aligncenter" width="2816"] Fresh Summer Roll[/caption]

Stuffed with vermicelli, fresh prawns, mint leaves and assorted vegetables, these rolls were a delight to crunch into. If the rice paper wrap had been a little bit softer, it would have been perfect. Nevertheless, the sweet-sour chilli dip lent the roll a kick of flavour, and was very pleasing on the whole.

5. Dry Vermicelli with BBQ Pork ($10)

[caption id="attachment_25094" align="aligncenter" width="3023"] Dry Vermicelli with BBQ Pork[/caption]

The texture of the noodle was good, and the accompanying sweet-spicy-sour sauce was thoroughly interesting on the taste buds. However, the pork leaned slightly on the dry side and could have been more tender. A generous shower of ground nuts, fried shallots, and freshly julienned carrots and turnips added some colour to the dish and was the perfect way to round it off!

6. Rice Noodles with Sliced Beef Soup ($10)

[caption id="attachment_25095" align="aligncenter" width="2880"] Rice Noodles with Sliced Beef Soup[/caption]

The rice noodles were cooked to just the right degree of springiness, and the beef slices were cooked to tender perfection. The soup was less savoury than we had hoped, but well-flavoured nevertheless!

[caption id="attachment_25097" align="alignnone" width="2445"] Free mango salad![/caption]

As a bonus, with each main dish ordered at this stall, you get a free mango salad!

Teppei

A branch-off of its renowned parent outlet at Tanjong Pagar, this stall at Five Square serves equally good grub.

[caption id="attachment_25102" align="aligncenter" width="2151"] Teppei[/caption]

Without missing a beat, it continues to spread chef Teppei’s legacy in the form of top-notch taste, quality and affordability.

7. Kaisendon, Seafood Donburi ($16)

[caption id="attachment_25098" align="aligncenter" width="2880"] Kaisendon, Seafood Donburi[/caption]

The cubes of salmon and tuna sashimi were fresh and tender, well-marinated and flavourful.

Small chunks of sweet scallop were nestled in the middle of the sashimi pyramid. Along with the tobiko, which exploded with savoury goodness with every bite, they went perfectly with the Japanese rice. A lick of wasabi to the side of the dish cleared our palate in between mouthfuls.

8. Seared & Salmon Sashimi, Seafood Donburi ($16.80)

This was really, really good.

[caption id="attachment_25099" align="aligncenter" width="2880"] Seared & Salmon Sashimi, Seafood Donburi[/caption]

The salmon sashimi was fresh and chopped into thick slices. Marinated with what tasted like a mixture of soy sauce and mirin, it was the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

The seared salmon, on the other hand, had just the right amount of smokiness to it. Even though we were too full to eat all the rice, we devoured every single bit of the salmon.

The Grill Knife (Western)

An offshoot of The Soup Spoon, The Grill Knife also offers nutrition-packed meals made with fresh ingredients, paired with their delicious homemade sauces.

9. Chicken Combo ($13.80)

Grilled over high heat, the chicken thigh was tender and moist, as were the Bratwurst sausages.

[caption id="attachment_25100" align="aligncenter" width="2880"] Chicken Combo[/caption]

As the saying goes, the more the merrier! This was true of the Herbivore salad that came with more than 5 different vegetables! Our only gripe was that the fried wanton skins that came with the salad could have been crispier. Apart from that, this dish was a tasty balance of protein and fibre.

Gogibox (Korean)

The Gogibox offers a unique twist on Korean cuisine, with the Gogi Taco ($6.80), and the Gogi Dog ($6.80).

[caption id="attachment_25101" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Image Credit: ckchai.blogspot[/caption]

It also sells bentos such as the Gogi Plate above ($8.50). Take your pick from fried rice, 8 different choices of meat and a salad. Unfortunately, we did not manage to sample food from the Gogibox as it was closed, but we will definitely be back to get some!

All things considered, Five Square is definitely a top contender on our list of chill out spots. Not only does it provide affordable food and drinks with great taste and quality, it’s also conveniently situated near the workplaces in the CBD.

It’s never too late for food and drinks at Five Square. Supper, anyone?

Cheers to the next round of great food and beer,

Singapore After Nine

All prices are subject to 7% GST and 10% Service Charge. 

Five Square
Address: 
1 Pickering Street, Great Eastern Centre, #01-03, Singapore 04865
Opening hours: Mon – Sat, 10am – 12am (Closed on Sundays and PH)

Also read 7 Oozy Choux Pastries That Will Have You Scrambling To Lick Everything Up

Step Aside Pastamania, This Resto Chain Serves Legit Italian Fare For Under $30

Running overtime tonight? That’s not a problem.

At Singapore After Nine, we bring you the scoop on tried-and-tested, late night gems for you to rest your work-weary self.

This time, we’re featuring Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

Alternatively, enjoy the breeze at the alfresco dining area:

[caption id="attachment_23921" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

Here is where you’ll find genuinely good Italian food that doesn’t call for a pound of flesh. They’re generous with their portions, do not scrimp on their cheese (cheese lovers take note) and use fresh, quality ingredients. Read on to see what’s good.

Starters

1. Caesar Salad from the Cheese Wheel Menu ($19++)

[caption id="attachment_23902" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

Prepared in a uniquely traditional Italian method right by our table, the salad was tossed in the middle of a 20kg Grana Padano cheese wheel.

[caption id="attachment_23919" align="alignnone" width="871"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

While the salad was being mixed, the server scraped off fluffy cheese from the wheel to add a creamy, sweet-salty zing to the salad. Smoked chicken and light, crispy croutons were the cherry on top. It was such a refreshing accompaniment to our meal, and also doubled as an effective palate cleanser.

2. Wagyu beef carpaccio ($18++)

[caption id="attachment_23904" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

This dish consisted of finely sliced wagyu, topped with fresh rocket leaves and mushrooms, and drizzled with truffle oil. Amidst the bed of rocket leaves lay delicately-shaved pieces of 24-months old Parmesan cheese. All in all, it was a tasty, clean and refreshing dish. There were no hints of fishiness from the beef, which was sweet and tender. The rocket leaves were fresh, and tasted great with the dressing.

3. Oven Baked Eggplant Alla Parmigiana Style ($16++)

[caption id="attachment_23910" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

This dish of eggplant gratin proved to be a delicious, well-executed twist on the popular potato gratin. Baked to a pleasing softness without being overly mushy, the eggplant pieces were doused in a tomato-herb based sauce that had more flavour and depth than regular pasta sauce.

While potatoes might have weighed the dish down, the eggplant added a lighter touch that was delightfully refreshing. We bet you’ll love the chewy golden Parmesan crust atop the eggplant base. It was generously thick and stringy, and crispy at the edges.

Pizza

4. District 10 Pizza ($19++)

[caption id="attachment_23905" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

This dish was the highlight of the night. The pizza arrived warm and toasty, brimming with the aroma of a good ol’ stone oven. The crust was fluffy and so chock full of ingredients that it bent under their weight when we tried to pick up the pizza slices. The Pancetta ham was smoky and savoury, its fatty juices adding a flavour burst in every bite. Refreshing zucchini pieces were thoughtfully added to counter the richness of the ingredients, which included a sunny side up egg and mushrooms.

Pasta

5. Spaghetti Carbonara with Black Truffle ($24++)

[caption id="attachment_23908" align="alignnone" width="871"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

This dish was another one of our favourites. Al dente pasta coated with creamy carbonara sauce and infused with truffle – what’s not to like? The dish arrived with a sprinkling of finely-shaved black truffle, and a perfectly poached egg that oozed golden yolk.

6. Homemade Angel Hair with Live Lobster, Chilli, Basil and Fresh Tomatoes ($34++)

[caption id="attachment_23909" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

Looking ever so tempting, this dish no doubt lived up to its appearance. The tomato-based sauce was tangy and appetizing, which made us lose track of how much pasta we were eating. The zesty hit of tomato also went very well with the half-shell lobster, which could have been a tad bit more springy.

7. Warm Lava Chocolate Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream ($14++)

[caption id="attachment_23912" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

All it took was a gentle cut and the chocolate lava flowed like an endless river. Safe to say, this tops our list of chocolate lava cakes. The chocolate flavour was intense and the consistency of the lava was great. It wasn’t too runny, nor was it too thick. The cake itself was moist and fluffy, which was a major plus point.

8. Traditional Italian Tiramisu ($14++)

[caption id="attachment_23996" align="alignnone" width="6000"] Image Credit:
Victoinette[/caption]

Likewise, the tiramisu was another crowd pleaser.  Topped with cocoa powder and garnished with a berry and holly leaves, it looked like Christmas came early. The light cream sat atop a fluffy cake base flavoured richly with coffee, and was not as bitter as some other tiramisus out there.

While District 10 is known for serving up great-tasting Italian fare, its latest outlet at Suntec City specialises in something rather more unique, but equally delicious. There, choose from an ample variety of flavoursome, dry-aged meats that are beautifully marbled and paired off with premium red wine.

Last but not least, what better way to round off the night than with these sweet deals?

[caption id="attachment_23916" align="aligncenter" width="306"] Outlets
UE Square
Address:
81 Clemenceau Avenue #01-15/16, UE Square Shopping Mall Singapore 239917 (Corner of Unity Street and Clemenceau Avenue)

Monday to Thursdays: 11.30am to 12.00am (Last order: 10.30pm)
Fridays & Eve of Public Holiday: 11.30am to 1.00am (Last order: 11.00pm)
Saturdays: 09.00am to 12.00am (Last order: 10.30am)
Sundays & Public Holidays: 09.00am to 11.00pm (Last order: 10.30pm)

The Star Vista 
Address: 1 Vista Exchange Green, The Star Vista #01-42/K3, Singapore 138617 (Beside taxi stand)

Mondays to Thursdays: 11.30am to 11pm (Last order: 10.30pm)
Fridays & Eve of Public Holiday: 11.30am to 12am (Last order: 11.00pm)
Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays: 11.00am to 11.00 pm (Last order: 10.30 pm)

Suntec City
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Mall #01-514/515, Singapore 038983 (Beside Tower 2 Office Lobby, near the Fountain of Wealth)

Monday to Sunday: 11.30am to 11pm
Lunch: 11.30am to 3pm (Last order: 2.30pm)
Dinner: 6pm to 10.30pm (Last order: 10pm)

Chill Like The Japanese! 6 Izakayas To Wind Down Your Work Week

Looking to unwind over a large variety of sakes or whiskies while indulging in some tapas, yakitori or some good Japanese food? With Izakayas growing in popularity as a spot for after-work drinks and chill out, we have hunted down the best bars and restaurants for your top-notch sake, cocktails and Japanese-inspired bar bites.

Pop by our list of recommended hidden izakayas in Singapore, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the relaxing, chill-out vibes while you hit the bottles.

1. Hokkaido Izakaya

[caption id="attachment_9645" align="alignnone" width="1000"]hokkaido izakaya Image credit: 95 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088516
Contact:
65 6221 7118
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm; 6pm-12am, Sun/PH 11.30am-2.30pm; 6pm-10.30pm

2. Bar Ippudo

[caption id="attachment_9626" align="alignnone" width="851"]
Bar Ippudo Image credit: Bar Ippudo Facebook Page[/caption]

This recently opened bar by the famed Ippudo ramen brand specialises in over 80 Japanese sake labels. These sake labels are from more than 20 sake breweries from Japan. With such a large variety, Bar Ippudo caters to both retail and dine-in customers. With tons of Japanese bar bites to everyone’s favourite Hakata-style ramen, you’ll always have something to pair with your sakes.

This minimalist 12-seater bar is the place to go if you’re looking for a cosy yet intimate sake dining experience.

9 Bras Basah Road, RendezVous Hotel Gallery, #02-02A, Singapore 189559
Contact:
65 6235 2547
Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu 11.30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-11pm

3. Bam! Tapas-Sake Bar

[caption id="attachment_9628" align="alignnone" width="626"]
Bam! Tapas-sake bar Image credit: 38 Tras St, Singapore 078977
Contact:
65 6235 2547
Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu 11.30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-11pm

4. JINzakaya

[caption id="attachment_9659" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
JINzakaya Image credit: JINzakaya Facebook page[/caption]

Tucked at a backstreet off Rangoon Road beside its sister concept restaurant Sushi Jin, lies the new retro-chic JINzakaya. JINzakaya is a small quaint restaurant refurnished as an old Tokyo train station with Japanese commercials playing in the background. The restaurant displays retro posters on dark walls and uses rustic wooden furniture. Choose to dine at the main dining area or simply sit at the counter seat to watch chefs prepare your food.

JINzakaya offers a wide range of yakimono (grilled items), bar bites, and noodles in its cosy small restaurant. For drinks to go along, try their Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Ginjo Tamasakae for a refreshing and slightly tangy taste. If you appreciate a good Japanese meal with a dose of sake, this intimate restaurant is highly recommend! Do book before coming as space at JINzakaya is limited.

1 Farrer Park Station Road, #01-08/10 Owen Link, Singapore 217562
Contact:
65 62443 1173
Opening Hours: 
Daily 12pm-3pm; 7pm-11pm

5. Neon Pigeon

[caption id="attachment_9643" align="alignnone" width="700"]
neon pigeon Image credit: chope[/caption]

Located at the hip enclave of Keong Saik Road lies Neon Pigeon. Serving up Japanese small plates to go along with its lists of craft sakes and other liqueurs, this restaurant is fit for both after-work drinks and intimate dates. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere. Its interior has a funky vibe as its decor is a mix of industrial concrete and wood. Huge graffiti murals adorn the walls.

Their artistic cocktails are to die for. Try their house signature “Throw a Kyuri-ken” which is a refreshing mix of vodka tossed with cucumber. If you prefer sticking to sake, the bar’s special in-house junmai daiginjo sake features a lighter taste that pairs well with food. With a huge crowd flocking to this well-loved restaurant, do make a reservation to secure the best seats! What’s more, what we love about Neon Pigeon is their no-service-charge policy!

1 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089109
Contact:
65 6222 3623
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 6pm-12am, Closed on Sun

6. Izakaya 95

[caption id="attachment_9660" align="alignnone" width="650"]
izakaya95 Image credit: danielfooddiary[/caption]

Looking for a no-frills, relaxing place to enjoy good Japanese dishes with perfectly matched Japanese beers, whiskies, sakes and shochus? This hidden gem at Punggol settlement has it all! At Izakaya 95, wind down to a relaxing seafront view and enjoy bar food and traditional charcoal grill dishes paired with premium beers and a wide selection of alcohol. Try their Hakurakusei Tokubetsu Junmai Sake for a smooth, clean and crisp light body with unami.

Though this location is quite inaccessible, it is certainly well-worth the trip! Do note that driving to Izakaya 95 would be the best way to get there.

Izakaya 95
Address: 
3 Punggol Point Road, #02-05 The Punggol Settlement
Contact:
65 6384 1132
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri/PH eve 5pm-1am, Sat 1.30pm-1am, Sun/PH 12.30am-12am

There’s so much more to look forward to after a hard day of work. Call your friends, book a reservation at one of these spots and unwind to great food and drinks!

(Header Image by JINzakaya Facebook Page, edited by writer)

Also read: Wind Down Your Week – 6 Whisky Bars All Whisky Lovers Must Visit

8 Kampong Glam Places For Cool Vibes, Best Drinks, And Music That Will Soothe Your Soul

Often referred to as the ‘Arab quarter’ in Singapore, Kampong Glam has turned into a hip neighbourhood enclave in recent years. Quaint restaurants, cool laidback bars and boutiques dot the area. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you must visit the Kampong Glam district.

If you are looking for a place to chill out during the weekends, here are our recommendations. Follow us as we unveil the many chill out places you never knew!

1. Going Om

[caption id="attachment_8631" align="alignnone" width="630"]Going Om Image credit: sethlui[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8630" align="alignnone" width="630"]Going Om Image credit: sethlui[/caption]

Decent dive bars are hard to come by, yet Going Om ticks all the criteria of a good bar on our list. Tucked in the eclectic Haji lane, this bar brings a homely and cosy atmosphere. You can sit on little stools with small tables and listen to great live music. Chill at this bar and enjoy the relaxed vibes. This hidden gem is definitely a good getaway from the busy city life.

Drink prices here are pretty decent with a daily happy hour from 5pm to 9pm and house pours from $8.

63 Haji Ln, Singapore 189256
Tel: 
65 6396 3592
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 530pm-1am, Fri 5.30pm-3am, Sat 3.30pm-3am, Sun 3.30pm-1am (Closed on Mon)

2. Blu Jaz Cafe

[caption id="attachment_8642" align="alignnone" width="899"]
blu jaz cafe Image credit: Blu Jaz Cafe[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8720" align="alignnone" width="700"]Blu Jaz Image credit: citynomads[/caption]

Unwind and relax while you listen to live band performances at Blu Jaz Cafe. This cafe is a bohemian-style pub that has pretty cool interiors and a laid back feel. Set up in a restored shophouse along Bali Lane, Blu Jaz features authentic live jazz, resident DJs and comedy sessions. While the 1st floor usually plays host to local Jazz and Funk banks, the 2nd floor is frequently taken up by local DJs playing 90s Hip Hop to Reggae. On its top floor, expect a quieter lounge catering to their frequent spoken word and poetry performances by local troops.

Whether you are looking for an intimate cosy corner, or prefer outdoor seatings at the courtyard, this place provides it all. Blu Jaz has an extensive menu which features bar snacks to Western comfort food, Asian local delights, and a large selection of beers, spirits and cocktails.

 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848
Tel:
 65 6292 3800
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 3pm-2am (Closed on Sun)

3. Piedra Negra

[caption id="attachment_8645" align="alignnone" width="899"]
Piedra Negra Image credit: Blu Jaz Cafe[/caption]

Chill the night away with authentic Mexican food at Piedra Negra. Opened by the same management at Blu Jaz, Piedra Negra serves up delightful Mexican food in an affordable casual dining style. Covered in colourful murals with eclectic pieces of furniture, this place is hard to miss.

Don’t worry about getting a seat here. The restaurant is pretty big and there are tables that are built in as part of the walls that can be unfolded out. Head in if you prefer relaxing in its plush cushioned bar stools casted in soft dim lights with Mexican music playing in the background.

Piedra Negra
Address: 
241 Beach Road, Singapore 189753
Tel: 
65 6291 1297
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-1am

4. Bar Stories

[caption id="attachment_8691" align="alignnone" width="1024"]bar stories Image credit: wearespaces[/caption]

Located on the 2nd floor of a shophouse, Bar Stories is a quirky little bar. Don’t expect to refer to a drinks list, there is no menu. Every drink here is crafted by a team of mixologists who will bring out the best flavours. As this swanky spot gets a little packed in the evenings, it is recommended that you make a reservation before you make your way down.

Bar Stories
Address:
 55/57A Haji Lane, Singapore 189248
Tel:
 65 6298 0838
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 3pm – 1am, Fri-Sat 3pm – 2am, Sun 3pm-1am

5. Maison Ikkoku

[caption id="attachment_8701" align="alignnone" width="1024"]maison ikkoku Image credit: caffeineshot[/caption]

If you’re looking for a great brunch on a weekend, drop by this quaint little cafe. Exposed brick walls, old furniture and bare bulbs light the cafe with its industrial-retro interior. Maison Ikkoku serves up quite a good range of brunch items and is famous for their quality coffee.

[caption id="attachment_8699" align="alignnone" width="900"]maison cocktail bar Image credit: dresscodefinder[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8700" align="alignnone" width="710"]maison cocktail bar Image credit: dresscodefinder[/caption]

While the 1st floor of the shophouse houses a cosy cafe, its 2nd floor is a cocktail bar by night. Head up to its cosy bar after a good meal at the cafe. Select from the menu of cocktails or simply let the bartenders serve you a cocktail specially catered to your taste buds. With the recent trend of mixology bar openings, this bar is a cut above the rest and is sure to leave you refreshed after a drink or two!


Tel: 
65 6294 0078
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-7pm


Tel: 
65 6294 0078
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am

6. Working Title

[caption id="attachment_8711" align="alignnone" width="1000"]
working title Image credit: cafehopping[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8712" align="alignnone" width="1000"]working title Image credit: cafehopping[/caption]

If you’re looking for a chill out spot with good coffee, Working Title is the place to go. This cafe is connected to the hostel right above. It has a relaxed, slightly hipster, and indie vibe, with an eclectic choice of furniture that was collected from preloved stores. Pop in for a relaxing time with a friend or with your laptop after the long afternoon exploring the area around Arab Street and Haji Lane. If you’re looking for some extra peace with free wi-fi and sockets, you’ll find an unexpected light and breezy outdoor area to get some work done. The backyard space of the cafe also hosts musical performances at times.

Check out their wide variety of food
Tel: 65
6295 5509
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm

7. The Lab

[caption id="attachment_8713" align="alignnone" width="1024"]the lab sg Image credit: misstamchiak[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8714" align="alignnone" width="650"]thelabsg danielfooddiary Image credit: danielfooddiary[/caption]

As you can tell by their name, The Lab is all about experimenting and trying new things especially when it comes to food. Designed somewhat like an underground laboratory, with assorted lab equipments and copper pipes running down their walls, this cafe is a sight to behold.

The Lab serves up a mixture of experimental Western and European cuisine. You’ll find food from cuisines such as Dutch, Hungarian and Russian on the menu. When you’re here, do try their interesting drinks which are served in beakers and syringes of syrup or coffee.

The Lab
Address:
1 Jalan Pisang #01-01,Singapore 199069
Tel: 65 6299 5681
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 1230pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-930pm

8. I AM Cafe

[caption id="attachment_8716" align="alignnone" width="1024"]I am cafe Image credit: misstamchiak[/caption]

Located at the junction of North Bridge Road and Haji Lane, I AM cafe is inspired by the city of Amsterdam. Halal Certified and opened by 3 Muslim friends, this cafe is an open space concept which serves hearty sandwiches, burgers, pastas and pizzas. One of the must try dishes on their dessert menu is the Rainbow Mille Crepe and Red Velvet Cake baked by one of the owners’ mothers. If your definition of a good chill out place includes good cakes and drinks or a comforting lunch, I AM Cafe is the place to visit!

Do note that this cafe doesn’t take reservations so do drop by early to snag your seats!

I AM Cafe
Address: 
674 North Bridge Road #01-01, off Haji Lane, Singapore 188804
Tel: 65 6295 5509
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 1130am-11pm, Fri-Sat 1130am-1am, Sun 1130am-10pm

Awed by all the bohemian vibes and cosy atmosphere at the Kampong Glam district? If your definition of a good chill out place includes good music, delightful desserts or a good meal, be sure to make your way down this weekend to explore the Kampong Glam area!

(Header image by expatliving, edited by writer)

Also read: Beerfest Asia 2016 – Bottoms Up To Your Favourite Beers & More!