Have a Chill, Regret-free After-work Booze Session at These Bars Near CBD

Are you the type who loves catching up with your colleagues over a round of drinks after a long day? If so, an after-work drinking session is a fun way to destress, but there are caveats: don’t gossip about other colleagues and stay out of office politics.

Whether you want to chill out or have a drinking party, the Downtown Core, also known as Singapore's Central Business District (CBD), is teeming with wine bars and cocktails lined up along Shenton Way, Robinson Road, Cecil Street, Tanjong Pagar, and the Anson subzones. 

We recommend exploring five of the best bars near the central area that you can visit during happy hour. Drink responsibly!

Graffiti Sky Bar

Seated in the upscale, environmentally friendly hotel Carlton City, Graffiti Sky Bar is a seven-minute drive away from the Downtown Core. As its name suggests, the sky bar flaunts a stunning view of the city skyline with its illuminating interiors that brighten as the evening falls.

The bar serves a wide selection of cocktails, spirits, wines, and beers while you and your colleagues savour the sunset. Some of its after-work drinks include Champagne, sparkling wine, white wine, and wines by the glass. 

Other drinks available are draught beer, bottled beer, craft beer (proudly brewed in Singapore), shooters, whiskey, and mocktails, to name a few. The Graffiti Sky Bar is open daily from 4 PM-12 AM. 

Location: Graffiti Sky Bar, Rooftop Level 29, Carlton City Hotel Singapore, 1 Gopeng Street

The Secret Mermaid

If you and your colleagues love American craft spirits and cocktails, The Secret Mermaid is the place to be. Its signature cocktails – classic and modern – are made with fresh fruits and pressed juice.

To better enjoy your after-work drinking night, you may order some gourmet food from the bar. You can choose between the artisanal cheese box and seafood combo. The cheese box comprises six types of cheese, wafers, and assorted dehydrated fruits and nuts, while the seafood combo includes a tin of salmon pate, garfish in olive oil, codfish, and spiced sardines. Each cost S$45. 

You may reserve a table here.

Location: The Secret Mermaid, Ocean Financial Centre #B1-09, 10 Collyer Quay

Tess Bar & Kitchen

Because of its laid-back vibe and convenient location near the Raffles Hotel, Tess Bar & Kitchen is an ideal place for a post-work drink and some friendly conversation.

Its beverages feature bespoke cocktails, while its food is a fusion of modern European fare with Asian influences. Its ]drinks include the pub’s award-winning cocktails (S$23), classic cocktails (S$24), and twisted cocktail (S$23-S$24).

Take note of the alcohol level of each drink, categorised as Sit Back, Get the Party Started, and Call me a Cab! To view its Dinner and Cocktails menu, click here.

Tess Bar & Kitchen kicks off its happy hour from 12 PM-7 PM daily, while the bar is open every Monday (4 PM-1 AM), Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (12 PM-1 AM), and Friday and Saturday (12 PM-3 AM). 

Location: Tess Bar & Kitchen, Singapore, 38 Seah Street

Flow Bar

Go with the flow with Flow Bar! The bar is known for its “timeless classic cocktails and progressive concoctions.” 

The bar’s drinks menu is classified into four pillars named after different spaces – Living Room, Garden, Office, and Playground. 

Similar to its house function, the Living Room menu offers comfort and familiarity, the Playground is about fun and creative drinks, the Garden offers seasonal and refreshing concoctions, and the Office features spirit-forward creations. 

For reservations, you may contact the Flow Bar via WhatsApp (+65 8028 5865) or book online.

Location: Flow Bar, Duxton Plain Park, 76A Duxton Road, Level 2

The Elephant Room

Inspired by the culture and history of Singapore’s Little India, The Elephant Room is also a great spot for after-work cocktails near the CBD. Its culture-forward cocktails are freshly sourced from Tekka Market.

The bar was named after the Tuskers because they symbolise loyalty, companionship, and unity. Its bar team is dedicated to fostering close relationships amongst patrons by serving good drinks and hearty fare.

Redefined classic drinks, such as the Espresso Martini, Margarita, Milk Punch, Tom Collins, and Dark Stormy, are available everyday from 6 PM-8 PM. The cocktail bar is open daily from 6 PM-12:30 AM. 

Location: The Elephant Room, 20A Teck Lim Road