Bars with Knock-Out Views

10 bars with views to die for

Monday, 5 Mar 2012

Bars with Knock-Out Views
Behold the rooftop bar: good drinks, great view, and – relief! – cool breeze.

You’ll never break a sweat up here.

We’ve rounded up a list of our top ten bars with unbelievable views – and not just of the usual Marina Bay variety.

Get ready to see Singapore from a different angle.

Maison Ikkoku
Maison Ikkoku wears many hats. It’s a café, men’s boutique, and cocktail bar in the trendy Haji Lane area. Head mixologist Ethan Leslie Leong (from Bar Stories fame) has had 18 years of experience, so you bet your bottom dollar your drink’s gonna be uh-mazing. Look out for the deadly MI cocktail – as lethal as it sounds!
The view: Get out of the CBD! The bar overlooks the striking Sultan Mosque – a grand view of Islamic architecture.
When: Mon-Thu 6pm-1am, Fri-Sat & PH eve 6pm-2am
Where: Maison Ikkoku, 20 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198885, p. 6294 0078

Orgo
Back when the Esplanade was young (and its rooftop unoccupied), we hoped someone would realize its potential. Then Orgo opened and we were sorry we wished that because everyone began fighting us for the best chill-out spot in town. Be sure to try their delicately balanced margaritas.
The View: An UNBEATABLE view of the bay area. See Fullerton Hotel in its full glory.
When: Daily 5pm-2am
Where: Orgo, Esplanade-Theaters on the Bay, Roof Terrace, 8 Raffles Avenue, #04-01,
Singapore 038982, p. 6336 9366

Privé Waterfront Bar
We wish we owned our own island but since we know that’s near impossible, this is the next best thing. Located on the quiet, privately-owned Keppel Island, Privé feels like a quick resort getaway. Must-try: their DIY cocktails which take mixology to a whole new (and sometimes messy) level.
The View: Tranquil harbour with docked yachts and Keppel Bay Bridge. Super chill.
When: Sun-Thu 12pm-12am, Fri-Sat & PH eve 12pm-1am
Where: Privé Waterfront Bar, 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore 098382, p. 6776 0777

Mr Punch Rooftop and Winebar
This space would win “least unlikely to succeed”- it’s a bar on top of a toy museum. Do people even drink at toy museums? But the concept works and after our first visit we were happy to admit defeat. It’s in town and still manages to be a hole-in-the-wall, plus the décor reminds us of an old timey Western diner. Bonus points for the kitsch promotions.
The View: Mr Punch Rooftop and Winebar, Raffles Hotel on one end, Swissotel on the other. Slightly obstructed views but the surrounding lights make for great ambience.
When: Rooftop bar – Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat, P.H. eve & PH 6pm-3am; Winebar – Mon-Thu 12pm-2am, Fri-Sat, PH eve & PH 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-6pm
Where:Mr Punch Rooftop and Winebar, Mint Museum of Toys, 26 Seah Street, Singapore 188382, p. 6339 0660

Lantern Bar
Props to the Lantern Bar for making us want to ditch our drinks and exercise instead. It lacks the height advantage its counterparts have around the area, but it does have a beautiful pool and a lantern-inspired bar (hence the name). Drinks are potent but slightly expensive. We think it’s entirely worth it when you factor in waterfront breeze, live music, and impeccable service.
The View: Marina Bay Sands looms right in front – catch the laser light shows from your seat.
When: Sun-Thu 8am-1am, Fri-Sat & PH 8am-2am
Where: Lantern Bar, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay Singapore 049326, p. 6597 5299

Moonstone at Mt. Faber
Slightly inaccessible, but the view (and quietness) is worth it. The vibe at Moonstone is definitely more chill than at the surrounding Jewel Box neighbours, but you won’t feel overdressed if you’re decked out in sleek cocktail wear either.
The View: Shows off a whole new waterfront landscape. See Sentosa, Keppel Island, and docked ships.
When: Sun-Thu 5pm-1230am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am
Where: Moonstone, The Jewel Box, 109 Mount Faber Road, Singapore 099203, p. 6377 9688

LeVeL33
We already know MBS is swanky but have you seen the view from up top? Gorgeous! LeVel33 isn’t all the way there but the view it offers is still spectacular. We like this place because on days we don’t want to sip cocktails, we swig beer. And kids, this is the world’s highest urban craft-brewery. Limited outdoor seating so call ahead to snag that sweet spot.
The View: The entire Marina Bay and city skyline. Singapore Flyer inclusive.
When: Sun-Thu12pm-12am, Fri, Sat & PH eve 12pm-2am
Where: LeVeL33, 8 Marina Boulevard #33-01, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, Singapore 018981, p. 6834 3133

La Terraza Rooftop Bar
Ann Siang Hill’s hiding one of the best bars in town. This award-winning bar (it’s on a world’s top 20 list) boasts great service, affordable prices, and hands down one of the best cocktails we’ve ever had. It’s also cozy and much more intimate than some of the bigger bars downtown.
The View: Charming Chinatown shophouses backlit by the CBD skyline from behind.
When: Mon-Thu 6pm-1am, Fri and Sat 6pm-3am.
Where: La Terraza Rooftop Bar, The Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069692, p. 6221 1694

New Asia Bar
Scaling new heights now. At a whopping 71 storeys off the ground, New Asia isn’t for the faint-hearted. With that said, the drinks here are so good you’ll be downing plenty of liquid courage anyway. Very sophisticated crowd (no bar fights here) and great music.
The View: Singapore city in its crowning glory.
When: Sun-Thu 3pm-1am, Wed-Thu 3pm-2am, Fri, Sat & PH eve 3pm-3am
Where: New Asia Bar, 2 Stamford Road, Level 71, Equinox Complex, Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore, p. 6431 5681

Salt Grill & Sky Bar
We’re not one to endorse regular mall bars, but Salt is in a whole different league. Sky Bar (on level 56) is right above Salt Grill (level 55) so you won’t be bothered with the clatter of dining patrons, in fact if anything, you need to byo party atomphere to this place.
The View: Floor-to-ceiling windows show off Singapore’s most iconic shopping belt.
When: Daily 6-1130pm
Where: Sky Bar, 2 Orchard Turn, Level 56, ION Orchard, Singapore, p. 6592 5118