Top 8 Bars in Chinatown, Singapore: Best Budget & Luxury Picks (2026)
Chinatown is a great starting point for exploring Singapore's cocktail and craft-beer scene. Around its heritage shophouses and neighbouring streets, you'll find venues ranging from casual craft-beer bars to award-winning cocktail lounges. This guide to the best bars in Chinatown, Singapore, compares verified venues by atmosphere, location, drink prices and the kind of evening each suits best. Check current menus and opening hours before heading out, as prices, promotions and venue details can change.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore's Chinatown nightlife offers something for every budget, from casual neighbourhood bars in Singapore to upscale cocktail lounges with premium experiences.
- The suggested bars are all located within a 10-minute walk of Chinatown MRT station, and it is easy to bar hop.
- Craft cocktails are priced between SGD 15–25 (~₹1,115–₹1,858), while premium drinks reach SGD 35–40 (~₹2,601–₹2,973) under normal business hours.
- It is common to find venues crowded after 8:00 PM on weekends, and on weekdays, there are shorter lines to wait.
- The district features bars inspired by Asian, British, and international themes, reflecting Singapore's multicultural heritage.
- It is always advisable to make reservations when visiting over the weekend.
- Bar hopping is one of the best activities in Singapore, particularly in the Chinatown area.
Table at a Glance: Best Bars in Chinatown, Singapore
Bar | Best For | Drink Budget (SGD/person) | Why Visit? |
| The Brightside | Budget-conscious travellers | Verify current menu | Casual drinks, happy hour deals and a friendly atmosphere |
| Native Bar | Music lovers and adventurous drinkers | Verify current menu | Creative cocktails, including the Mango Sticky Rice Negroni |
| Shin | Culture and cocktail enthusiasts | Verify current menu | Chinese-inspired cocktails in a heritage setting |
| Night Hawk | Couples and date nights | Verify current menu | Retro-inspired interiors and creative cocktails |
| Jigger & Pony | Premium cocktail experiences | SGD 18–30 (~ ₹1,360 to ₹2,270) per cocktail | Award-winning mixology and refined drinks |
| The Screening Room | Rooftop views and relaxed evenings | SGD 16–25 (~ ₹1,210 to ₹1,890) per cocktail | Rooftop ambience, city views and a cinematic setting |
| The Olde Cuban | Whisky and cigar enthusiasts | Premium pricing; check the current menu | Exclusive whiskies, cigars and classic lounge interiors |
| The Good Beer Company | Craft beer lovers | SGD 12–18 (~ ₹910 to ₹1,360) per beer | Craft beer and a relaxed heritage-building setting |
Best Budget-Friendly Bars in Chinatown, Singapore
Chinatown is home to some of Singapore’s most vibrant nightlife, but you don't have to break the bank to enjoy it. From hidden happy hour gems to lively hawker-style drink stalls, these budget-friendly bars prove you can enjoy beer and creative cocktails without the premium price tag.
1. The Brightside: Casual Drinks & Happy Hour Deals
The Brightside is one of the most welcoming budget bars in Chinatown, Singapore. This cheerful spot eliminates the pretentious attitude that some upscale venues in Singapore have. It boasts an excellent sound system, a cool environment, and long happy hours without breaking the bank. On the weekends, it gets heavy crowds because of its popularity and the low prices.
- Location: Chinatown District, Singapore
- Entry Fee: Free (No cover charge)
- Happy Hour: Extended periods with 20-30% discounts
Tips: Excellent place to have fun and find other travellers and locals in a casual situation
2. Native Bar: Creative Cocktails & Live DJ Nights
This bar allows you to enjoy music at night, from mainstream music to underground music. Having a great corner location, this place has easy access to the street-side seats and late-night food establishments. This is one of the best places to visit in Singapore if you are a music lover or seeking a local, authentic feel. It offers excellent value with affordable drink prices for going out in Singapore at night. You must try the Mango Sticky Rice Negroni at Native Bar, offering a unique flavour.
- Location: 52A Amoy Street, Singapore
- Entry Fee: Free
Tips: Visit on Wednesday-Friday for Live DJ performances and a street-side atmosphere
3. Shin: Chinese-Inspired Cocktails in a Heritage Setting
Shin has a pretty unique setup within a traditional Cantonese association building. It is an excellent place to enjoy the authentic heritage of Singapore due to its cultural ambience. The cocktail program here is outstanding, with bartenders using traditional Chinese ingredients that will make your taste buds dance all night long. Whether it's a classic cocktail or an innovative creation, this place guarantees you'll remember your visit.
- Location: 179a Telok Ayer St, #2nd Floor, Singapore
- Entry Fee: Free
Tips: Perfect for cultural experiences and Instagram-worthy moments.
4. Night Hawk: Retro-Inspired Cocktails for Date Nights
This cocktail bar in the Tanjong Pagar area is inspired by that famous Edward Hopper painting, "Nighthawks." With beautiful interior design, this bar in Chinatown transports you to a retro-futuristic American diner from the 20th century. The exceptional cocktail menu and strategic location make it perfect for a night out. Night Hawk is perfect for a date night or just catching up with friends.
- Location: 43 Tanjong Pagar Road, 01-02, Singapore
- Entry Fee: Free
Best Luxury Bars in Chinatown, Singapore, for Premium Drinks
While Chinatown is known for its historic charm, it also hosts a sophisticated playground for the discerning drinker. These premier luxury bars offer a masterclass in mixology, pairing rare spirits and bespoke premium cocktails with stunning, upscale interiors.
1. Jigger & Pony: Award-Winning Cocktails & Premium Drinks
Jigger & Pony is one of the most upscale bars in Chinatown, Singapore and was ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars in the previous year. It has precise Japanese bartenders, known for their award-winning Sakura Martini, offering a world-class cocktail experience to all. The bar offers high-end entertainment to wealthy neighbourhood residents, global visitors and cocktail drinkers. For travellers seeking premium experiences, many Singapore luxury tour packages include visits to award-winning bars, fine dining venues, and exclusive nightlife experiences like Jigger & Pony.
- Location: 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Amara Hotel
- Entry Fee: Free (premium cocktail prices SGD 18-30/₹1,340 to ₹2,232)
2. The Screening Room: Rooftop Drinks & Skyline Views
Want a rooftop bar experience? Head to The Screening Room. It is a special place with magnificent scenery of traditional shophouses and contemporary high-rises. This is a bar featuring an indoor cinema as well as a rooftop bar, where you can enjoy the skyline of Singapore while drinking cocktails. Unlike the nightclubs in Singapore, this bar offers a perfect ambience for couples seeking unique date experiences, and the Screening Room feels more intimate and cinematic.
- Location: Rooftop level, 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore
- Entry Fee: Free (cocktails SGD 16-25/ ₹1,190 to ₹1,860)
Tips: For the best skyline views at The Screening Room, ask for the north-facing tables.
3. The Olde Cuban: Premium Whiskies & Cigar Lounge Experience
There are luxury bars in Singapore, and then there's The Olde Cuban. It provides premium experiences with over 200 types of cigars and exclusive whiskey collections. With climate-controlled cigar storage, plush leather seating, and old-world charm, this place is ideal for business meetings and special celebrations. The atmosphere includes premium service levels compared to standard venues.
- Location: 2 Trengganu Street 02-00, Singapore
- Entry Fee: Free (premium cigars and whiskey at luxury prices)
4. The Good Beer Company: Craft Beer & Rooftop Ambience
Want to upscale your drinking experience? Visit The Good Beer Company. It spans four stories in a heritage building with its brewery operations. The house-brewed beers and rooftop garden offer you a premium craft beer experience. It's one of the major players in Singapore's craft beer scene, operating with late hours and attracting both tourists and locals.
- Location: 3 Pickering Street, Singapore
- Entry Fee: Free (craft beers SGD 12-18/ ₹893 to ₹1,339)
Best Areas for Bar Hopping in Chinatown, Singapore
- Club Street: The area has the best secret bars in Singapore, including speakeasies and cocktail bars squeezed into old-school shophouses.
- Ann Siang Road: The rooftop bar capital in the city, offering fabulous urban outlooks, luxury bars, and backgrounds that are fit for an Instagram post.
- Tanjong Pagar: A blend of the old pub culture with modern craft beer scenes in some casual as well as upscale places.
Tips for Visiting Bars in Chinatown, Singapore
- Arrive early (6-7 PM) for happy hour deals and shorter queues
- Check for ladies' night promotions on weekdays
- Wear smart casual clothes and comfortable shoes for bar hopping
- Book in advance to visit tourist attractions over the weekend
- Make reservations and pre-book for special occasions and theme nights
- Minimum age is 18+, with a valid ID required for all venues
Why Visit Chinatown for Singapore Nightlife?
Bars in Chinatown Singapore are incredibly diverse, with some having low prices, free entry to the bar, and a luxurious bar experience. The convenience of transportation, secure atmosphere and a flawless mix of ancient and contemporary flavours form a memorable experience of nightlife. If this excites you to explore Singapore's night scene, check out the best Singapore tour packages from Pickyourtrail for your ultimate bar-hopping adventure.
FAQs
1. What are the best bars in Chinatown, Singapore?
A: Some popular bars featured in this guide include Native Bar, Shin, Night Hawk, Jigger & Pony, The Screening Room, The Olde Cuban, The Good Beer Company and The Brightside. They offer different experiences, from creative cocktails and craft beer to premium drinks and relaxed evenings. Check current operating status and locations before visiting.
2. Are there budget-friendly bars in Chinatown, Singapore?
A: Yes, Chinatown has casual bars and drinking spots for travellers looking to manage their nightlife budget. The Brightside, Native Bar and Shin are featured as options for relaxed drinks and creative cocktails. Check current menus and happy hour offers to compare prices before ordering.
3. How much do drinks cost at bars in Chinatown, Singapore?
A: Drinks at bars in Chinatown vary by venue and drink type. As a general planning estimate, cocktails may cost around SGD 15–25 (~ ₹1,116 to ₹1,860), while premium cocktails can cost SGD 35 (~ ₹2,604) or more. Craft beer prices also vary. Check the latest menu and confirm whether service charges and GST are included.
4. Which bars in Chinatown, Singapore, are best for cocktails?
A: Jigger & Pony, Native Bar, Shin and Night Hawk are options for travellers interested in cocktails. Jigger & Pony is known for its premium cocktail experience, Native Bar for creative combinations, Shin for Chinese-inspired flavours, and Night Hawk for its distinctive retro-inspired setting.
5. Are there rooftop bars in Chinatown, Singapore, with city views?
A: Ann Siang Hill and the surrounding Chinatown area are worth exploring for elevated drinks and city views. The Screening Room is featured in this guide for its rooftop setting. However, rooftop access, views and operating hours can change, so confirm the venue's current facilities before visiting.
6. What is the best time to visit bars in Chinatown, Singapore?
A: Early evening, around 6 pm to 7 pm, is a good time to start bar hopping in Chinatown. You may find happy hour offers at selected venues, while Friday and Saturday nights generally attract more visitors. Check individual bar timings and promotions before you go.
7. Which areas are best for bar hopping in Chinatown, Singapore?
A: Club Street, Ann Siang Road and Tanjong Pagar are popular areas to consider for bar hopping around Chinatown. Club Street has cocktail bars and speakeasy-style venues, Ann Siang Road is known for its dining and nightlife scene, and Tanjong Pagar offers a mix of cocktail bars and casual drinking spots.
8. Do bars in Chinatown, Singapore, charge an entry fee?
A: Many bars do not charge a general entry fee, but some venues may require reservations, minimum spending or tickets for special events. Drinks and food are charged separately. Confirm the entry policy with the venue before visiting, especially on weekends.
9. Are bars in Chinatown, Singapore, suitable for couples and date nights?
A: Yes, Chinatown has several options for couples seeking a relaxed evening or a special date night. Night Hawk offers a distinctive retro-inspired atmosphere, while Jigger & Pony is suited to premium cocktail experiences. Rooftop venues around Ann Siang Road may also appeal to couples looking for evening views.
10. Do bars in Chinatown, Singapore, offer happy hour deals?
A: Some bars in Chinatown offer happy hour discounts on selected drinks during specific hours. Promotions vary by venue, weekday and season. Ask about current offers before ordering, and check whether the discount applies to cocktails, beer, wine or selected beverages only.
11. What is the legal drinking age in Singapore?
A: The minimum legal age for purchasing alcohol in Singapore is 18. Bars may request a valid passport or other accepted identification to verify your age. Alcohol consumption and sales are also subject to local regulations and venue policies.
12. What should Indian travellers know before visiting bars in Chinatown, Singapore?
A: Indian travellers should check drink prices, opening hours, dress codes and reservation requirements before visiting bars in Chinatown. Carry valid identification, budget for service charges and GST where applicable, and arrange public transport or a taxi for the return journey. If you do not drink alcohol, check whether the venue offers mocktails or other non-alcoholic beverages.
13. Are reservations necessary for bars in Chinatown, Singapore?
A: Reservations are recommended for popular cocktail bars, rooftop venues and weekend visits, particularly for groups and special occasions. Some bars accept walk-ins, but seating may be limited during peak hours. Contact the venue directly to confirm availability and booking requirements.
14. How do you get to Chinatown's bars using public transport?
A: Chinatown MRT station is a convenient starting point for exploring the neighbourhood's nightlife. Depending on the venue, Telok Ayer, Maxwell, Tanjong Pagar or other nearby MRT stations may be more convenient. Check the exact address and your return route before setting out, especially if you plan to stay late.
15. Are there non-alcoholic drinks available at bars in Chinatown, Singapore?
A: Many cocktail bars serve non-alcoholic options such as mocktails, soft drinks and other refreshments, although the selection varies. Ask the staff for alcohol-free drinks if you do not consume alcohol or prefer a non-alcoholic option during your evening out.
