Behind Closed Bars

Forget the usual crowded dining shindigs this Valentine’s Day. Lifestyle Writers Aysha Quek and Fatin Amira Hairy trawl through the alleys to suss out hidden bars that suit any kind of date.

By Aysha Quek and Fatin Amira Hairy

This coming Valentine’s Day, spend quality time with your loved one in the most unassuming yet cosiest bars of Singapore.

PHOTOS: AYESHA QUEK, CHARISSE ONG

28 Hong Kong Street

28 Hong Kong Street
S059667

Opening Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 5.30pm – 1am
Thursday: 5.30pm – 2am
Friday – Saturday: 5.30pm – 3am

For the Intimate Date

The discreet exterior of a closed shophouse often leaves those looking for 28 Hong Kong Street confused. Tucked away in a street lined with hotels, 28 Hong Kong Street had us questioning ourselves: Is it open or closed, and is this really the place?

Its entrance is cleverly disguised, and what marks its location is a ‘28’ signage hanging above the store.

In stark contrast to its ordinary exterior, the bar oozes cosiness and classiness inside — perfect for an intimate tête-à-tête with your date.

Lounge music fills the dimly-lit bar, bringing you to a sweet and quiet escape.

Drinks served are packed with a punch as they bear cheeky names such as 99 Problems But A Peach Ain’t One (made with Redemption Rye, Mathilde Peche, peach marmalade, lemon and barrel-aged bitters) and Slip Me a Mickey (lemon, Death’s door gin, housemade ginger cognac and fernet).

If you are spoilt for choice, the skilled bartenders are more than willing to whip up drinks tailored to your taste buds.

A perfect accompaniment to drinks, according to staff members, is its Mac ‘N Cheese Balls — bite-sized pieces of cheesy joy, exuding a fragrant truffle scent.

Another favourite would be the sweet and savoury Chicken & Waffles, glazed over with bourbon-spiked maple syrup.

28 Hong Kong Street’s official website is also shrouded in secrecy, stating only their contact details.

Reservations are to be made one week in advance, so mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled for their nondescript entrance.

PHOTOS: AYSHA QUEK, CHARISSE ONG

The Secret Mermaid

Ocean Financial Centre
10 Collyer Quay, B1-08
S049315

Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 5pm – 11pm

For the Underground Date

Japanese eatery by day, and cosy bar by night, The Secret Mermaid — located in the heart of the Central Business District — lives up to its mysterious namesake.

The bar is known as Shinkansen in the day, and serves craft beer and lesser-known boutique spirits that are directly imported from the US.

It even supplies these unique spirits — which comes from small independent distilleries — to other bars in Singapore, according to one of the bartenders, who only wanted to be known as Kevin.

Designed with a dark and rustic atmosphere, The Secret Mermaid is the perfect place to relax and unwind with your loved one after a long day at work.

The Secret Mermaid prides itself in being one-of-a-kind as it is hidden underground with a maximum seating capacity of 15.

Unlike most bars, customers can request for tasting flights, which start from $15, if they are undecided on which drink to get.

Though this bar regularly changes its menu, some classic recommendations not to be missed include the usual Tequila and Old Fashioned.

With surprisingly affordable prices starting from only $10, The Secret Mermaid definitely does not disappoint.

A tip though — arrive early, because The Secret Mermaid only serves drinks till 10.45pm every weekday.

PHOTOS: AYSHA QUEK, CHARISSE ONG

Ah Sam Cold Drink Store

60A Boat Quay
S049848

Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 6pm – 12am
Friday – Saturday: 6pm – 3am

For the Local Lovers

Talk about being cleverly disguised: with its localised name and unassuming location — right beside a provision shop — one might think Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall sells the usual kopitiam coffee and tea.

But we were pleasantly surprised to learn that Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall serves up tequila cocktails instead of teh-peng.

Upon walking into the bar, you will see the owner Mr Samuel Wong, fondly known as Ah Sam at the counter serving up drinks and entertaining customers.

The interior pays homage to the Singaporean staple that is the kopitiam, and is intricately designed with knick-knacks to look the look.

The concept of the bar was to create a casual and laidback setting with no dress code, so people can actually come in slippers.

While Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall does not provide a regular drinks menu to customers, it embraces Singaporean hawker culture by serving up classic cocktails with a local twist.

Edwin Poh, a bartender at Ah Sam’s suggested some interesting favourites including a Laksa cocktail (vodka infused with dried shrimp oil, fresh laksa leaves, lemongrass, chilli padi, sugar, lime and coconut cream) and an Old Fashioned with Milo infused bourbon.

Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall also serves up local delights like Hokkien Prawn Mee (Hokkien-style fried prawn noodles), Fried Kway Teow (Stir-fried flat rice noodles) and Ngoh Hiang (Fried pork rolls) as the perfect accompaniment to an Old Pal or Margarita.

A beautifully furnished place with friendly staff and delectable local delights, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall is a definite must-go if you are looking for a simple night out and well-concocted classic drinks.