The lowdown: Underdog Inn is the latest concept from the team behind Sago House, Low Tide and Ghostwriter. The New York-style bar is tucked away along the back alley of Amoy Street near Gemmill Lane. As for the space,  juxtaposition is at the heart of its design. You’ll find plush banquettes amidst the eclectic art collection and unique graffiti on display throughout the dimly lit room. Bar Manager Lee Rizali and Owner Jay Gray have put their heads together to create a unique take on the 18 “Tavern Taps”, with 12 draught cocktails and six beers on rotation.

Address: 115 Amoy Street (off Gemmill Lane)

Contact: 9230-9595

The lowdown:  A new concept bar at Duxton hill, Nemesis bar was launched by the folks behind Junior the Pocket Bar. The casual space is playful and welcoming, playing host to bartender “face-offs” as part of their Monday Night Brawl. The most recent one saw Barood’s Rodolfo Rodriguez compete against Cat Bite Club’s Gabriel Lowe for most-drank cocktails. The in-house cocktail menu is pretty funky too, with drinks like Wildside – consisting of smokey monkey shoulder, fruits syrup, lime, creme de violette and angostura bitters.

Address: 37 Duxton Hill 

Contact: 8028-3697

The lowdown: This new speakeasy bar and restaurant is hidden within a TCM medical hall shopfront. The design takes inspiration from the five Chinese elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal, with its bar counter section featuring dark red accents. The cocktail menu draws inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine too, with highlights like the Scallion Blossom, featuring flower gin, scallion-infused vermouth and St Germain. Also, the Goji-Roni, featuring white rum, goji berry, Italian vermouth blend and campari. 

Address: #01-643 Suntec City East Wing Tower 4

Contact: 9727-4649 or e-mail info@synthesis.sg

The lowdown: Located within Apolo’s Food Village in Little India Arcade, Lofty Peaks is all about Indian-inspired cocktails. Drinks crafted by their house mixologist include Take Me To Chennai (pictured), whisky with tamarind syrup and lime. Another one we’re looking forward to trying is the East India Negroni, made of old monk rum, Lustau East India sherry and averna amaro with an orange peel twist for taste.

Address: 48 Serangoon Road 

Contact: 9230-9595

The lowdown: Named after John-Gotti – the infamous former leader of the New York-Sicilian mafia – this sleek restaurant/bar is where you’d imagine crime bosses would hang out in style. The cocktail menu is an exploration of the five boroughs of the Big Apple, and pays homage to Sicily as well. Try the Capo Limoncello, featuring Sicilian limoncello and grapefruit seltzer. There’s also the Pizzaria Brandi, an oak-infused gin inspired by the iconic pizza joint in Napoli. 

Address: 78 Amoy Street 

Contact: 3157-4226

The lowdown: This new dive bar in city hall was founded by Asia’s 50 Best 2022 Industry Icon recipient Colin Chia, and his team at Nutmeg & Clove. The concept is laid-back and fuss-free, with neon-lit signs, low-key lighting and affordable drinks. Highballs go for as low as $9.90 during happy hour (currently Monday to Saturday, 4pm-8pm), and the cocktail menu is tempting with refreshing creations like Southside Fizz – a citrusy refresher perfumed with mint leaves. 

Address: 24 Purvis Street

Contact: 9657-8774

The lowdown: This hidden restaurant and bar was launched by the folks behind Mediterranean dining concept Miznon, with the thoughtfully-designed space consisting of a chef’s kitchen, cocktail bar and lounge. Bar Manager Syafiq Rahim has bartended at well-known establishments like Marquee, Avenue, 1880 and Indochine, with cocktails inspired by his travels. On Saturdays after 8pm, the lounge plays host to live DJ sets as well. 

Address: #05-03, 6 Battery Road

Contact: 9668-8036 or e-mail hello@aniba.com.sg 

The lowdown: Having recently opened its doors in end-march, this resto-bar brands itself as a ‘neighbourhood wine bar serving modern Asian cuisine. The wine list comprises an impressive range of natural to conventional wines, with cocktails specially curated to complement the cuisine. For example, the Kecap Manis, featuring pandan-infused rum, cold brew coffee, gula jawa, kecap manis and pandan white chocolate brittle. 

Address: 467 Joo Chiat Road

Contact: 8939-9617

The lowdown: Part of Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku restaurant, this bar includes a small but inventive cocktail menu. The star player is the Miyazaki Wagyu Fat-Washed Old Fashioned, made using Miyazaki wagyu fat, Suntory Old Whisky, Okinawan brown sugar syrup, Angostura bitters, and a slice of torched Miyazaki beef. Patrons can also pair the grilled meats with wines and a selection of Japanese whiskies. 

Address: #01-224 Jewel Changi Airport

Contact: 6246-7488

The lowdown: Can’t make it all the way to Palm Springs? This rooftop bar brings the balmy California resort city to you.  Located within Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena on Level 33, the space’s decor is inspired by 1960s Los Angeles, with splashes of colour, pastel shades and plenty of tropical vibes. Enjoy panoramic views as you sip on cocktails like the Silver Pina, which comprises a blend of 12 botanicals such as grapefruit peel and Japanese and Chinese Green Tea infused in spirit for 24 hours.

Address: Level 33 Courtyard Marriott Singapore 

Contact: 6250-0303