Photo by Samantha David
Yup, you read it right – this joint is actually named Coq & Balls. Situated in Tiong Bahru’s eclectic dining enclave, this edgy gastropub may be all about fun but when it comes to quality of their food and drinks, they’re dead serious. There’s a wide array of craft beers, ales and ciders available and the tapas selection can be described as “Japanese-Western fusion”. Oh, and if you think bar food is all about deep-fried stuff, think again. Here you have tasty guilt-free options such as tofu and stir-fried mushrooms to choose from. Yay!
Die-die-must-try
Food: Bacon Cherry Bombs Yakitori ($8), Mixed Mushrooms Stir-fried in Butter ($9), Tofu in Century Egg and Sesame Sauce ($7)
Drink: Match Made in Heaven ($28) – consists of two cocktails, Jack Rabbit ($18) and Coqtease ($18)
2. District 10
The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green #01-42/K3, Singapore 138617 (and two other outlets at UE Square and Clarke Quay)
Photo by District 10
Compared to many other after-work watering holes, District 10’s European-inspired menu is pretty extensive. You can find satisfying finger food for the peckish and even bigger bites like pizza, duck confit and even fish & chips. However, it’s the tapas we’re really in love with (… okay, add great ambience in too) – perfect for communal dining after a hard day at work!
Die-die-must-try
Food: Sauteed Mushroom with Quail Egg ($3.80), Mini Black Angus Cheddar Cheese Burger ($7)
Drink: Lychee Mojito ($16)
A little local flavour
3. Immigrants – The Singapore Gastrobar
467 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427678
Photo by Immigrants – The Singapore Gastrobar
There’s nothing more shiok than enjoying a fiery sambal dish with a beer in one hand and a fork (or a pair of chopsticks, whatever) in the other. Here at Immigrants, chef-partner Damian D’Silva whips up some of Joo Chiat’s best Peranakan/Eurasian-style sambal creations, most of which will leave you feeling the heat and craving for more.
Die-die-must-try
Food: Sambal Patin Fish ($28, feeds 3 to 4 pax), Squid Bombs ($14), Sambal Buah Keluak Fried Rice ($20)
Drink: Hitachino Nest White Ale ($12)
4. Celina’s GastroBar
51 Duxton Road, Singapore 089515
Photo by Celina’s GastroBar
Run by a friendly husband and wife team, Kok and Celina, Celina's GastroBar boasts a menu chock-full of unique and interesting grub. Let's face it, there aren't many bars and lounges in this country that serve stuff like pie tee and chicken liver! As for their drink list, there are all sorts – from old world and new world wines, to single malts, sakes and various types of cocktails.
Die-die-must-try
Food: Chicken Liver Pate ($10), Celina's Pie Tee ($10), Laksa Pasta ($16)
Drink: Dry Apple Kopparberg Cider ($12)
Straight to desserts
5. The Ascot
The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road #01-16, Singapore 287994
Photo by The Ascot
The Ascot offers the very best of English comfort food and of course, the UK’s most popular booze. Sure, there are classics like bangers with bubble and squeak, but most folks are unaware of just how amazing The Ascot’s desserts are. We tried the Bread & Butter Pudding and all we can say is… WOW. Best we’ve ever had! The Deep-fried Mars Bars are fantastic as well – they’re surprisingly light and not overly-sweet.
Die-die-must-try
Food: Classic Bread & Butter Pudding ($9), Deep-fried Mars Bars ($8)
Drink: Fullers London Pride ($15)
6. Verre Wine Bar
8 Rodyk Street, Singapore 238216
Photo by Verre Wine Bar
It might be easy to miss Verre Wine Bar along the cafe-lined Rodyk Street. This charming hideaway oozes charm and sophistication and it goes without saying: the service really is excellent. Here there are over 700 wine labels and there’s definitely something for everyone.
Mains aside, Verre’s desserts are extremely affordable and quite underrated so pop by this hidden gem before the rest of the world starts to take over!
Die-die-must-try
Food: Carrot Cake ($9), Chocolate Lava Cake ($9), Red Fruit Creme Brulee ($9)
Drink: The wine-by-the-glass menu changes often so check with the staff for recommendations
Feeling Japanese?
7. Tanuki Raw
Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road #02-03, Singapore 238896
Photos by Tanuki Raw
Sashimi and sake – where do we sign up? Tanuki Raw specialises in Japanese cuisine, and while some dishes may have some sort of a Western twist to them (e.g. the American Roll which is, in a nutshell, a “cheeseburger sushi roll”), most of the stuff on the menu are the same ol’ clean-tasting Japanese creations everyone loves like donburi and sashimi.
Another highlight is Tanuki’s Happy Hour, where you can slurp on $1 raw oysters, $10 martinis, and $10 beer daily from 5pm to 8pm. Yum!
Die-die-must-try
Food: American Roll ($10), Tanuki Aburi ($11), Oyster Mentaiko Don ($18)
Drink: Kiwi Shrub Mojito ($18)
8. Mariko’s
4 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089261
Photo by Mariko’s
Inspired by Tokyo’s post-war times in the 1950s, Mariko’s is a ramen bar named after famous Japanese artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi’s fictional manga character, Mariko. Split into a main dining area on one side and a bar and ramen counter on the other, Mariko’s menu is a colourful mix of ramen creations together with tempura items and comforting light bites. There are also affordable lunch sets available during the day.
Die-die-must-try
Food: Wagyu Shoyu Ramen ($25), Whitebait Fish Tempura ($18)
Drink: Manazuru Junmai Ginjo ($12 per glass, $70 per bottle)
Meaty goodness
9. Sunset Grill & Pub
259 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799488
Photo by hogdelicious
Sunset Grill & Pub’s buffalo wings are legendary. With spice levels ranging from 1 to 30, the wings here are strictly for those who can actually handle chilli. If you can’t, please do yourself a favour – stick to Level 1, Level 2 at most. Remember, don’t be a hero.
If you spice queens and kings do manage to wolf down the Level 30 wings, you will be awarded a certificate. That should make a lovely addition to your portfolio eh, Hot Stuff?
Die-die-must-try
Food: Buffalo Wings ($18+ for half dozen, $30+ for full dozen)
Drink: Beer of any sort – take your pick
10. Bedrock Bar & Grill
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, 96 Somerset Road #01-05, Singapore 238163
Photos by Bedrock Bar & Grill
Okay, so Bedrock isn’t exactly a gastropub, but they are a bar AND grill so yes, in our books they qualify. This dining joint just outside of 313@Somerset serves some of Singapore’s best steaks, grilled to tender, juicy perfection. Throw in alcohol into that glorious meat formula and your foodie soul will be floating straight to heaven.
Die-die-must-try
Food: Bedrock Pepper Steak ($79), Tomahawk Steak (market price)
Drink: Bedrock Whisky Sour ($16)
‘A+’ for novelty
11. Little Saigon
3E River Valley Road #01-02, Singapore 179024
Photos by Little Saigon
Little Saigon is a Vietnamese-style restaurant and bar and probably the only one of its kind in the bustling Clarke Quay area. Fans of Vietnamese cuisine shouldn’t miss out on the classic pho beef noodles while those craving for something a little more sinful can tuck into fried bar bites like the buttery fried frog legs or fried pork meatballs.
There’s also a variety of exotic Vietnamese-inspired cocktails here. If you dare, order the Pho Bia – dark rum with creme de menth, orange and pineapple juices – or the Saigon Kick, a whimsical blend of vodka, lime juice, egg white, sugar syrup, strawberries and chilli. Comes with a slice of whole chilli too!
Die-die-must-try
Food: Dui Ech Chien Bo / Deep-fried Frog Legs ($16), Pho Bo / Beef Noodles ($18)
Drink: Pho Bia (all exotic cocktails priced at $15 each)
12. The Screening Room
12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069692
Photos by The Screening Room
This multi-concept entertainment venue features different hangouts on different building levels. On one floor you’ll find Mamounia Restaurant, and on the other it's Mamounia Lounge. Moving on to another area there’s the film theatre, complete with a fancy private bar, and on the rooftop you have the La Terraza Rooftop Bar, one of the best places to chill out and sip on a drink or two while enjoying the view of the city. At The Screening Room, it’s definitely “where food meets film”.
Die-die-must-try
Food: Greek Platter ($18), Lamb Kebab ($30)
Drink: Mojito ($17+)
13. Bacchanalia
Masonic Club, 23A Coleman St, Singapore 179806
Photos by Bacchanalia
Brunch in a bar? At Bacchanalia, why not? This funky establishment believes in having good food all day long, and not just in the evening before drinks. During their crazy brunch events (held once a month every month at a different venue), it’s food first, followed by lights out by 2pm-ish and then of course, partayyyyy time. Strange but true!
Die-die-must-try
Food: Brunch Set for 2 ($38++) – Eggs Benedict, French Toast
Drink: Champagne – ask staff for recommendations
See Also:
Bars and lounges worth checking out
Check out some of the popular eats in Singapore