The Hit List - Best After-Work Bars

The Hit List - Best After-Work Bars

The best Singapore bars to help you unwind after your 9-to-5

If there's one advantage to working in the Central Business District (ERP charges and exorbitant taxi prices be damned), it's the sheer number of Singapore bars and pubs in the area. And, with Marina Bay Sands in the vicinity, the good times never stop.

As much as we adore the area’s new glitzy bars (and we do, thank you 1-Altitude and Ku De Ta), sometimes we just want to kick back and relax after work without having to worry about touching up our hair.

We find the best Singapore post-work bars, which offer atmosphere to match their creative cocktails, sans all the fuss.

Alcova

Although a nondescript cafe by day, Alcova transforms into a flashy bar with thumping beats at sunset. The space, located in the heart of the Central Business District, is a favourite with the area’s bankers, and is also a great place to people - and car - watch. (We once saw five Lamborghinis parked outside the bar.)

Drinks are standard fare, and are slightly overshadowed by the impressive food menu. The truffle fries menu item, just S$12 for a huge portion, is a bowl of golden crispy goodness. We would finish them all by ourselves if we could.

The Alcova happy hour, which starts at 3pm, is one of the longest in town.

LeVel33 Microbrewery

Located on Level 33 (hence the name) of the Marina Bay Financial Centre, LeVel33 is the less flashy, and also, dare we say, less pretentious bar-with-a-view cousin of the nearby Ku De Ta. Nevertheless, LeVel33 holds the bragging rights as the highest microbrewery in Singapore, and has all the makings of a great after-work chill out spot.

Beer is the obvious specialty at LeVel33, but the bar menu is just as good: the beef cubes and fish and chips are order staples.

Even though LeVel33 is more relaxed than Ku De Ta, you still should make reservations for the popular balcony tables (which have incredible views of the Singapore skyline) if you want to sit out there, as the spots are quickly snapped up by the bankers who work in the building.

Read LifestyleAsia’s full review of LeVel33 Microbrewery.

Molly Malone's Irish Pub

You know you're doing something right when your pub is packed even on a Monday night.

Crowds of expats and a smattering of tourists come streaming in here from 5pm onwards for a pint of Guinness and the excellent fish and chips, so head over down early if you want to grab a spot. When you go, remember to leave your airs and pretences at the door (or bring them to some other club), those are the few things not welcome at this friendly and boisterous Irish pub.

RedDot Brew House at Boat Quay

Housed in a restored building along the Singapore river, Red Dot Brewhouse looks no different from the other pubs and bars in the area, except that it is one of the only local microbreweries in the city and all the beers are brewed on premises.

Although Singapore is not a city know for its microbrews, the ever-present crowd is proof that at least one venue has found a key to success: great food, consistent service and good beers.

If you dare, order the Monster Green Lager, which comes with a strange green hue due to the addition of spirulina (it tastes better than it looks). Otherwise, opt for the refreshing Summer Ale, which goes down easy and serves as a welcoming respite from the heat in the summer.

Wine Connection at Robertson Walk

Located slightly off the Central Business District, Wine Connection may function predominantly as a retail store, but it also serves as a lovely place to unwind post-work, and enjoy the wines that you've just picked up. With bargain-basement prices, there's nothing to stop you from picking up a bottle, or two, or five.

If you would like some cheese with your wine, Wine Connection also offers an all-you-can-eat Raclette deal for four for only $29.90+ each.

Head over to Lifestyleasia.com for full details on post-work Singapore bars

Related articles:

If you’re still looking for other Singapore bars to check out after work, there are always the Singapore rooftop bars as well as world’s highest al fresco bar. If you’re hurting after your night out (altitude can do that to you), here are hangover tips Singapore’s nightlife experts.