Alley Bar : This high ceilinged, L-shaped bar, which literally opens out into an alley, attracts a cosmopolitan crowd of yuppies and expatriates and is a favourite haunt for regulars at Emerald Hill. Just off Orchard Road, the entire hill is dominated by charmingly restored pre-war houses. Hanging lamps from the high ceiling and a striking gilt-framed mirror lends a contemporary yet old world charm to the water-hole. The margaritas are strong, the wine list is comprehensive and there’s also tasty local fare quite unlike any pub grub you’ve had. Pandan Chicken or Scallop Dumplings with your beer, perhaps? Conversations tend to be shouted above the Buddha Bar-ish music as the night wears on, thanks to the raucous crowd.
Ice Cold Beer: Located in a refurbished 1910 shophouse, the bar has custom built ice tanks to chilled bottled beer to the correct temperature for an 'ice-cold' brew. Prices are reasonable and the selection comprehensive. Relax to retro pop and slow rock, and stave off hunger pangs with the bar's famous chicken wings or nine-inch hot dogs. The second level, named The Stellar Bar, has tall mirrors and showcases to remind you of Belgium.
No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar: This 1910 Peranakan shophouse turned European style pub serves an impressive range of classic cocktails, mocktails and shooters. Like sister pubs Ice Cold Beer and Que Pasa, it has a lively alfresco scene. Upstairs, indulge in a game of pool or imbibe at the rum bar.
Que Pasa: Resembling a Spanish provision shop, Que Pasa is the perfect place to get cozy with your wine. If you want privacy and comfort, be prepared to shell out for premium wine labels in the hunting lodge-style den upstairs. Wine tastings are held every last Sun of the month, with a generous selection of six different types of wine. Tastings begin with an aperitif and end with tapas, making the $30-$45 price tag worth every cent.
Rouge: A plush and swanky interior entices visitors to stay on in their cozy seats before the resident DJs pack the dance floor with bodies moving to a variety of music - from house and garage to hip-hop and soul. With theme nights from Wed to Sat, Rouge is setting its own beat.
Thumper: Night owls headed for Thumper know they can party al fresco at the terrace or go through its iconic tunnel to hit the dance floor. The party picks up on Thursday when it’s ladies’ night – themed “Alice in Thumperland”. Cheers to free flow of vodka from 9pm till late for ladies! Aside from cocktails and music, the dress code is smart – setting the tempo for some stylish clubbing.
Nude Supperclub + Bar: At Wisma Atria, clubbing at the Nude Supperclub + Bar is akin to chilling out in an underwater paradise, with a giant, floor-to-ceiling aquarium with special lighting effects (look out for the sharks). To add to the draw, there is not one, but three live acts from Tuesday to Saturday.
Brix: This three-in-one basement club comprises the Wine Bar, Whiskey Bar and Music Bar. Live music is a main feature at BRIX, while jazz, funk, R&B and soul are its other music specialties. The band changes every three months or so. Salsa Nights are on Monday, where you can attend free basic and intermediate salsa lessons, and then take to the dance floor with sizzling latin moves.
Bar None: Still packing 'em in everyday of the week, Bar None sees mostly exec types and expatriates shaking their booties to contemporary hits and rock 'n' roll tunes by resident band, 9Lives.
Located in the basement area of one of Singapore's most centrally located hotels, Bar None never fails to pull in the crowds over the many years it's been around. Tourists are joined by expatriates and a smattering of local executives. Home to the local band, 9Lives, its stage is fronted by live wire veteran Douglas Olivero whose presence has been a staple of the Singapore entertainment scene for years. This is where home-grown entertainer and sharpy Douglas Oliveiro heats things up. The repertoire of his new band includes numbers from ol’blue eyes Frank Sinatra, Black Eyed Peas and everything in between.
Editorial Team, Editor This article is written by SD Editorial Team. Streetdirectory.com is the number 1 travel guide in Singapore and manage by Robert J Steiner.