From an alleyway New York pizzeria to a hidden courtyard bar, you might need a map to hunt down these concealed, speakeasy-style grub spots and cocktail bars
Although it’s been a good while since the speakeasy trend first found its way to Singapore, there’s still something to be said about the allure of a place that takes some effort to find. Whether it’s the thrill of its hidden nature; its secret status that only those in the know are aware of; or the anticipation that builds as you search furtively for its concealed entrance, speakeasy-style establishments remain a popular mainstay in today’s dining scene.
We’ve rounded up a few top-notch hidden restaurants and bars in Singapore that serve up everything from modern Asian nosh and NYC-style pizza to classic cocktails and an extensive range of sake. While it may require a little legwork and detective skills before you slide into a booth or sidle up at the bar counter, the quality nosh at these spots is undoubtedly worth it.
1. Proper Slice BYGB
A clandestine NYC-style pizza joint
If you prefer another New York favourite, venture past Burger Bar and into the alley on the corner of Gemmil Lane. There you’ll find Proper Slice BYGB, marked only by a maroon awning and an acrylic sign. Peek into the unmarked steel door and you’ll be greeted by the enticing smell of freshly baked pizzas.
This hidden pizzeria is helmed by the folks behind Lucali BYGB and serves up proper New York-style pies – large slices with simple ingredients and a delightfully thin crust. The star of the show is undoubtedly the pepperoni slice, but the cream-based spinach and ricotta slice has die-hard fans as well.
In addition to pizza, other Italian-American staples are available like the garlic knots, stromboli (essentially a more portable pizza) and a sweet calzone filled with ricotta and hazelnuts.
2. Live Twice
A slick Japanese speakeasy tucked in a shophouse
Live Twice is one of the three Jigger and Pony group establishments along Bukit Pasoh Road, there’s also fellow cocktail bar Gibson and seafood restaurant Humpback. The entrance to Live Twice isn’t visible from the street – it’s tucked into a hidden alcove behind Humpback.
You’ll need to look for the glass door located next to the restaurant and make your way down a narrow corridor before arriving at the bar. Inspired by mid-century Japan and specialising in Japanese food and drinks, Live Twice sports low lighting, booth seating, plush lounge chairs and a central table that’s ideal for groups.
As for what to order? We recommend the wagyu katsu sando (a lip-smackingly good panko-coated steak sandwich) washed down with the Coconut Alexander (Remy Martin VSOP, Mhoba white rum, Giffard creme de cacao white, coconut and cream) or the Little Crane (Kyru Juuri unaged rye, Muyu Vertiver Gris, Oloroso sherry and pineapple).
3. The Other Room
A longstanding den of cocktail creativity in the main shopping district
Another hard-to-find Orchard Road watering hole, The Other Room is tucked away behind an unmarked doorway and heavy velvet curtains in the lobby of the Singapore Mariott Tang Plaza Hotel. Once you enter its softly lit and intimate space, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to the heyday of speakeasies in the 1920s.
The maestro behind the concept is Dario Knox, who wanted to create a welcoming bar where creative takes on spirits – think barrel-ageing, smoking and infusing – take centre stage. In order to sample the bevy of unique libations on offer in their purest form, we recommend going for the tasting flight. From there, you can move on the cocktails.
An excellent choice for your first drink is the Coffee Peach Fashioned made with aged rum, bourbon, coffee, peach and honey for a strong and subtly sweet drink.
[sk_post id=”113975″]
4. Roxy
Rock and roll-inspired digs hidden near Marina Bay
A bar-within-a-bar, Roxy is hidden behind nondescript velvet drapes at the back of Miss Fitz at The Sail along Marina Boulevard. The intimate space is drenched in moody red lighting and offers seats at cosy booths or by the bar.
As the piped-in music and the posters plastered on the wall would suggest, Roxy fully leans into its 1970s rock-and-roll theme. More specifically, the bar’s design is meant to resemble the private backrooms where music icons like Bowie and Queen would have held afterparties.
The drinks menu is also thematic – try the Smoke on the Water, a spicy concoction of Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey, house jalapeño syrup, fresh lemon and soda; or the Mexican-inflected Backstage Pass, a mix of fruit liqueurs, fresh juices and firewater tincture.
5. The Dragon Chamber
A modern Chinese speakeasy with an entrance behind a traditional coffeeshop
For upmarket modern Chinese food with an atmospheric speakeasy ambience, make your way to the The Dragon Chamber along Circular Road. Instead of the ornate entrance that you may expect from such an establishment, the hidden restaurant is located at the back of a kopitiam (coffee shop).
Search for the “beer fridge” at the rear, pull it open, make your way down the narrow corridor and you’ll find yourself in a space that resembles the clandestine hangout of a Chinese secret society. Food-wise, the menu features inventive dishes such as cheeseburger eggrolls (a fusion take on the classic spring rolls), Golden Cloud Dragon Mountain (fried whole lobsters tossed in egg floss) and the silky and decadent wagyu truffle beef hor fun.
If you can’t make up your mind which drink to order, try the refreshing Spring Herald, made with sour plum infused Botanist gin, ginger syrup, honey and lime.
6. MoboMoga
A secret sake bar with a modern Japanese aesthetic
True sake fiends in Singapore will need no introduction to specialty sake bar MoboMoga, though others may have a bit of a hard time hunting it down. Located at UE Square Residences, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for the nondescript and narrow arched doorway, which you’ll then have to crouch and squeeze through to enter the bar.
Inside, there’s limited counter seating alongside a central bar area, which is typically crammed with Japanese businessmen seeking a smooth serving of sake after a long day of work. Our tip? Simply let the sake expert behind the bar know how you like your tipple, and sit back and accept whatever he recommends (trust us, it’s going to be delicious).
Besides an array of high-quality sakes imported from all over Japan, there’s also a decent izakaya-style food menu that features the likes of oden (Japanese one-pot stew), generously stuffed cabbage rolls and crispy chicken karaage.
7. Kult Yard
A vibey open-air bar sequestered away in the Old Police Barracks
While not ostensibly a hidden bar or speakeasy, Kult Yard isn’t the sort of bar you’d accidentally stumble upon because of its rather secluded location atop Pearl Hill, within the courtyard of the old police barracks. The breezy courtyard is adorned with street art and the quiet setting makes it feel quite like an oasis away from the bustle of the nearby Chinatown district.
Come evening, the bar gets a little livelier with music and the occasional DJ set. A must-try cocktail here is the devilishly spicy Sambal Bloody Mary which offers a spin on the classic drink. On the dining front, the bar is partnered with Lavo, which serves up stellar Mexican dishes – cooked right before your eyes on the courtyard grill. A crowd pleasing favourite here is the birria-style tacos served with a rich, flavourful jus for dipping.
8. Underdog Inn
A hideout for gourmands and craft beer enthusiasts
Taking over the space that used to house Burger Bar New York is Underdog Inn. While the address might lead you to Amoy Street, this clandestine restaurant has its entrance hidden along Gemmill Lane, just a few doors down from Proper Slice.
The centrepiece of the restaurant is its 18 taps, which include a rotating selection of six craft beers. For the remaining 12 taps, bar manager Lee Rosli has put together a unique selection of bespoke cocktails with an emphasis on whisky and tequila.
On the dining front, Chef Peter Smit has curated a menu that makes use of every last part of the animal, to minimise waste. Wood-fired dishes are a speciality here, so make sure to try the smoked beef neck with daikon and pickled onion or the BBQ squid gently cooked over coals and finished with a green tomato pork fat relish.
