In the bustling streets of Singapore, where the city’s vibrant nightlife thrives (ok … not really, it kinda died during COVID, haha), there exists a unique camaraderie among the bartenders who serve up more than just cocktails; they serve up solidarity and support for one another. Beyond the clinking of glasses and the buzz of conversations, there’s this talented community where competition takes a backseat to collaboration. When a customer finishes a drink, sometimes he’s looking for somewhere else to go. Well let us tell you what, the best recommendations are the ones from your bartender! He will send you to a mate he knows has good drinks; so say no more, pay your bill, UP YOU GO!
You may think bars all compete with each other (ok yeah a little bit), but behind the scenes, there’s a network of bartenders who go beyond their own establishments to promote their peers. It’s a culture rooted in mutual respect and a shared passion for delicious cocktails and having a good time.
So there’s list, by a cool bloke we met last year, he started “The Bartender’s Edit“, a page and website where you can literally find “Best bars recommended by bartenders. No better way to know where’s good than by asking your friendly local bartender”. It’s now in Singapore for the 2nd year, it’s also in LDN & EDI and coming soon to Milan.
So let’s cut to the chase, here are the best bars in Singapore in 2024, as voted by the bartenders of Singapore:
- Origin Bar
- Sago House
- Cat Bite Club
- Stay Gold Flamingo
- Night hawk
- The Elephant Room
- Side Door
- Employees Only
- 28 Hong Kong Street
- Republic Bar
- Last Word
- Jigger & Pony
- Analogue
- Offtrack
- FURA
- ATLAS
- Native
- Live Twice
- Tippling Club
- Junior The Pocket Bar
In a profession where creativity is key, the exchange of ideas is invaluable. Bartenders talk about their recipes, tips, and tricks, knowing that their success is intertwined with the success of their peers. It’s this sense of community that trully sets Singapore’s cocktail scene apart in our opinion, making it a beacon for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
What we saw during The Bartender’s Edit “awards night” at Sago House for the 2024 edition was beautiful and the sense of belonging of our great bartenders of Singapore is priceless. It’s what keeps bartenders passionate and motivated, even on the toughest of nights. And it’s what makes the Singaporean cocktail scene not just a destination for great drinks, but a community built on mutual respect and support. So, the next time you’re in Singapore and looking for a place to grab a drink, trust the recommendation of a bartender—they’re not just serving drinks, they’re building a community, one cocktail at a time.
Beautiful photos by our Industry friend Dave – give him a follow: @DaveJony
