People typically visit Tiong Bahru for one of three reasons — food, cafés, or an abundance of Instagram-worthy backdrops. There are plenty of decent hawker centres and markets around, as well as the beloved Tiong Bahru Bakery flagship that remains a firm favourite (those kouign amanns, right?).
The neighbourhood is also saturated with restaurants, and any hungry visitor will find options ranging from sushi to gluten-free bites, and more. But what happens if there’s the need for an after-dinner drink, or if you have plans to start your Friday night there?
Fret not, as Tiong Bahru has a handful of fantastic bars where you can park yourselves. And we’ve got you sorted with this list of drinking destinations around its various streets.
But you don’t plan to head to Tiong Bahru anytime soon, check out our Tanjong Pagar, Telok Ayer, Orchard Road, or Ann Siang Hill and Club Street bar guides. Those looking for new bars around the city can also see our latest round-up here. You’ll never run out of options.
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1 /5
Coq and Balls is a laid-back spot that caters to beer and cider fans thanks to its massive list of globally-sourced brews. There are pours from the US, UK and Asia to quench your thirst, a catchy playlist to fuel the mood, and perhaps a sports match to watch — if you’re into that. Food options range from snacks to full-on main courses, and each dish bears a Japanese-fusion slant. This is the place to be if you want a no-frills bar governed by good vibes.
Coq and Balls, 6 Kim Tian Road, Kai Fook Mansion, Singapore 169246, +65 6276 6609
2 /5
Lin is a lesser-known rooftop bar in Singapore that ought to get more attention. The Chinese-inspired decor makes for quite a sight, along with the view, and everything here is rather wallet-friendly during happy hour. We’d recommend sticking to house pours, but fuelling your appetite with its local streetfood-inspired bar snacks. Tip: The homemade otah with prawns and mussels go fantastic with a bottle of Tsingtao.
Lin 林 Rooftop Bar, 50 Tiong Bahru Rd, Singapore 168733, +65 9487 4290
3 /5
Hidden behind Hua Bee mee pok stall is Bincho, a yakitori bar housed in a bunker. If that doesn’t appeal to your sense of adventure, the promise of delicious food and drinks should. The cocktails on the menu all feature a Japanese flair, but there are also familiar beers available that go fantastically with the succulent yakitori served.
Bincho, #01-19, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore 162078, +65 6438 4567
4 /5
If it weren’t for the wall of craft beers outside Lee Tai Fu, you’d probably mistake it for a dingy diner. What used to be Potbellies has now revamped into a gastro-bar that will summon nostalgia from the moment you step in, thanks to its truly old-school décor. Comfort food and craft beers dominate the menu, with two exclusive brews — the Poleeko Gold Pale Ale and Victory Golden Monkey — you’ll find nowhere else in Singapore. Also, it has otah pizza. Enough said.
Lee Tai Fu, 16 Kim Tian Rd, Singapore 169251, +65 6376 2338
5 /5
Many people visit The Rabbit Stash for its mod-Singaporean fine dining fare by chef Matthew Mok, but it’s also got an alfresco area that doubles up as a charming place for drinks. The view may not be the most remarkable, but if you’re there for a dinner and need a nightcap, or are staying in the Klapstar Boutqiue Hotel where Rabbit Stash is located, then make the bar a pitstop.
Rabbit Stash, 15 Hoe Chiang Road, Singapore 089316, +65 9858 8607