The hottest bars to visit in Singapore this August

Singapore’s nightlife is always abuzz, constantly evolving with fresh bars and exciting new menus. This August, the city’s bar scene is brimming with exciting new spots and beloved classics that are perfect for an evening out. Whether you’re in the mood for innovative cocktails, a cosy speakeasy, or a rooftop with breathtaking views, we’ve decided to do the legwork and round up some of the coolest watering holes that are making waves this month.

Silly Goose

Looking for an unpretentious bar that serves up mean cocktails and good vibes? Look no further than Silly Goose. Your humble abode to letting loose and all things good, sip on their handcrafted cocktails inspired by the likes of hip hop and R&B greats such as Snoop Dogg, Central Cee, Nicki Minaj as part of their first menu. With 7 old school and 7 new school “Goosified” greats, join thm in finding out who will ultimately “top the charts” while treating your tastebuds to the comforting flavours of their homemade creations such as our Sambal Brussel Sprouts or the Silly Sandwich.

Republic Bar

It’s been awhile since the bar last refreshed its menu in 2022 but Republic Bar is back with its third volume this month. Celebrating a decade of breakthroughs, distilling the bold expressiveness and convivial spirit of the 1960s into 16 imaginative libations, the new menu, titled “Breakthroughs”, draws inspiration from the era’s icons, media, aesthetics, and innovation, each cocktail embodies the groundbreaking spirit of the 1960s, paying homage to the pioneers, moments, and cultural shifts that defined the generation.

Through a local lens, here, you’ll find tipples like the Founding Father, that’s inspired by the enduring legacy of luminaries such as Lee Kuan Yew. But more notably, we also found a cocktail, that’s aptly named after our Woman of the Year, to commemorate the pioneering spirit of our magazine, Her World Singapore, and it’s made with a unique blend of East Indies Bali pomelo pink gin, sparkling wine, cointreau, a hint of ginger chilli honey, zest of citrus and edible gold stars.

Of course, if you’re a fan of the Irish Coffee at Republic Bar, which I’m sure most of us are, then you’ll be thrilled to know that the bar has also given a fresh spin on the classic. Titled the Headliner, the classic libation is made with Shanky’s Whip Black Irish Whiskey Liqueur, a drizzle of berry syrup, brewed coffee, and topped with Bols Crème de Cacao White and an indulgent layer of cream cheese foam, leaving you with a decadent drink that will have you going for seconds.

Republic Bar is located at The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039799

Dragonfly

Dragonfly has just unveiled its first outpost in Singapore. Nestled within the chic Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard on Mount Elizabeth Road, this new art-nouveau bar from Hong Kong makes for the perfect spot for those looking for some after-hours revelry. At the heart of the bar is a stunning stained-glass dragonfly centrepiece that’s not to be missed. But that’s not all, the space is also adorned with intricate patterns and natural motifs, brought to life by hundreds of delicate, hand-blown lamps with wing-like designs. These lamps bathe the room in an ethereal teal glow, drawing inspiration from 19th-century art icon Louis Comfort Tiffany, the visionary and first Art Director of Tiffany & Co.

With years of experience under her belt, head bartender Morgan Raelin Barron, has honed her craft at establishments like Allegory and BarMini, the sister bar to the two-Michelin-starred restaurant by José Andrés, and she has also assumed other roles at award-winning bars like Singapore’s Jigger & Pony, 28 HongKong Street, and even assumed the mantle of brand ambassadorship for labels like Bols Genever and Camus Cognac, to name a few.

At Dragonfly, Morgan and her skilled team of bartenders have created the bar’s debut menu, ‘The Cause and Effect.’ This collection reinvents classic cocktails with bold, modern twists and a fearless approach. The menu is thoughtfully divided into categories, each featuring a classic cocktail followed by drinks that explore intriguing new flavour profiles. The second drink in each section is crafted to be light and refreshing with a lower alcohol content, while the third offers a more robust, spirit-forward experience.

Each drink has its own unique charm, but our favourite is the Murphy’s Law from the Rum section. It combines house-made dark rum with sweet corn ice cream (yes, you read that right, ice cream) and a pipette of house-made mala oil. The dessert-like drink (made with ginger, chilli, and Szechuan peppercorn) goes surprisingly well with the mala oil that adds a subtle, spicy depth to this dessert cocktail.

Dragonfly is located at 24 Mount Elizabeth, #01-05 Vibe Hotel, Singapore 228518

28 HongKong Street

28 HongKong Street has unveiled its new menu, DR-INK, featuring creative cocktails crafted in collaboration with four local tattoo artists from renowned studios like Ocean Tattoo, Honest Bob Tattoos, Clifford Wong, and Of Gods And Monsters. Here, each drink draws inspiration from the artists’ designs, reflecting their personal experiences, childhood memories, and nostalgic elements of Singapore.

Heading the bar is none other than 24-year-old Tamaryn, who took the helm as Head Bartender at 28 HongKong Street in 2023. “The concept originated from many discussions around the heritage of the bar, the evolution of bartender culture, what is quintessential to Singapore, and the fact that I trained as an apprentice tattooist. Celebrating Singapore’s tattoo artistry through cocktails felt like a great way to pay homage to the amazing world-class bars and bartenders in this city today - a community that 28 HongKong Street has been instrumental in fostering since it opened thirteen years ago.” 

Highlights include the Petals, Pincers and Parallels, a light, floral, and refreshing cocktail with a medium ABV, perfect for easy sipping. For those who prefer something stronger, the Femme Fatality combines Greater Than Gin, chrysanthemum, absinthe, Benedictine, and honey vermouth, offering a delightful honey and floral flavour profile. What makes it so special is that it’s also beautifully garnished with a rose lollipop and dehydrated flowers.

28 HongKong Street is located at 28 Hongkong St, Singapore 059667

Bayside Drinks & Eats

Looking for a new spot to unwind with after-work drinks? If you’re in the CBD area, be sure to check out Bayside, now transformed into a stylish champagne bar in partnership with Maison Telmont.

Starting from 12th August, guests can take in the breathtaking views of Marina Bay while enjoying Telmont Reserve Brut champagne bottles for $88+ (5-8PM) while the ladies can indulge in free flow drinks from 5-8PM for $68+ on every Wednesday night.

Some of the few champagnes that will be featured on Bayside’s menu, include the classic Telmont Reserve Brut, the delightful Telmont Reserve Rosé (our personal favourite), and the exquisite Telmont Reserve De La Terre.

Bayside Drinks & Eats is located at 1 Fullerton Road, #01-12 One Fullerton, 049213

Elephant Room

Paying homage to the hawkers, as well as flower and spice traders in Little India, The Elephant Room has unveiled a new cocktail menu that features some of the most unique food-inspired cocktails we’ve seen in town.

Packed with spicy and savoury notes, you’ll find options like the Briyani, Chicken Curry, and Spiced Crab Rasam. Of course, there are other options like Jothi’s Flower Shop that’s made with a blend of Telmont Brut champagne, Bombay Sapphire and Floral Mead.

If you’re feeling peckish, the bar also serves up some delicious Indian delicacies that are sure to please your tastebuds. We recommend going for the Naan Pizza that comes in assorted flavours like Chicken Masala if you’re looking for something more filling, or opt for other savoury sides like the Okra Fries, Malai Meatballs or Spiced Kerala Beef that are perfect for sharing.

The Elephant Room is located at 33 Tanjong Pagar Rd, #01-02, Singapore 088456