Are you planning to throw an intimate birthday party, impress your crush on your first date, or simply just want a private place to drink while catching up with your loved ones? Hidden bars and speakeasies are what you need.

From Instagram-worthy drinking spots to almost-hard-to-find-but-so-worth-it bistros, here are the top five best and coolest hidden speakeasies in Singapore this 2024.

Junior the Pocket Bar

Junior the Pocket Bar’s cocktail menu is its main selling point, featuring carefully curated drinks at S$26 each. It includes the delectable Paris of the East, which is a mix of Bol’s Genever drink, Galliano Vanilla liquor, brown butter, maple syrup, cream, milk, and molasses bitters. Bar snacks such as the tangy Hurricane Popcorn (S$5+), the savoury Spiced Chickpeas (S$7+), and the sauce-filled French Fries (S$9+), are also on offer. Located on the quaint road of Ann Siang Hill, Junior the Pocket Bar’s simple and unassuming storefront indicates that you’ve arrived at this hidden spot. Contact +65 8121 1462 for more information.

Location: Junior the Pocket Bar, 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787

The Hidden Story

At first glance, The Hidden Story might look like an old shophouse or a traditional restaurant serving authentic Singaporean cuisine. But step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a secret bar that feels exclusive with its inviting interiors and dim lighting. For starters, order the Gotong Royong (S$24) cocktail, made with whiskey, lemon, mango, and yellow chartreuse. Want to try something different? Get the Turtle Cape (S$22), made with dry gin, chartreuse verte, punt e mes, and orange bitters. Reserve a table through this link.

Location: The Hidden Story, 115A East Coast Road Singapore, Singapore 428804

Chandu

If bespoke cocktails are up your alley, head over to Chandu. Just a stone’s throw away from UE Square Shopping Mall, this slightly hidden speakeasy offers specially crafted drinks using premium ingredients. There’s The Mata Hari, a cocktail made with Bol’s Genever, mango, passionfruit, jasmine, and spicy pink peppermint. If you’re feeling fancy, order the aromatic Chasing the Dragon, a drink infused with Dr. Robertson’s gin that will transport you into a “bygone era of forbidden pleasures.” Reserve a table now.

Location: Chandu, 1 Unity St, Singapore 237983

Sago House

Opened during the height of the pandemic in 2020, Sago House is an award-winning bar that takes pride in its wide variety of refreshing beverages. If you dine here, make sure to order The One in Barbados, which is made with Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, lime cinnamon, Falernum, and Maraschino liquor. If you’re feeling adventurous, get the 24 Carrots, made with Campari, Ancho Reyes liquor, lime Jamaican rum, ginger, and carrot. How to get there? Once you reach Duxton Hill, search for the shophouse with an iron hand on its door, and that’s how you’ll know you’ve arrived. For more details, reach out to Sago House at +65 8874 9936.

Location: Sago House, 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615

Bar Spectre

If you’re in or near Tanjong Pagar, Bar Spectre is the place to be. Nestled in the alleyways between Duxton and Craig Road, this speakeasy can be accessed through a lift at the back, adding to the thrill of discovering a hidden bar. What sets this place apart is its specially curated beverages that use traditional Chinese medicine or natural mood boosters. There are four categories to its craft beverages: the Herbal for the health-conscious, the Citrus for those who love freshly-flavoured drinks, the Umami for those who like complex beverages, and the Spice for those who like a bit of kick in their drinks. Reserve a table today.

Location: Bar Spectre, 120 Tanjong Pagar Rd, #02-01, Singapore 088532