No matter how wild you were in your youth, chances are you’ve mellowed out since then. Now, any travel outside your neighbourhood seems like too much, and you enjoy only the occasional drink, when convenient. If this sounds like you, we’ve rounded up affordable heartland bars all around Singapore, so you won’t need to travel all the way to town just for some booze.
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Image credit: Beer Basket Kovan via Google Maps
North-Easties flock to Beer Basket Kitchen & Bar for their all-day happy hour on Sundays and Mondays, and 1-for-1 gin and tonic on Wednesdays. With beers going from $29 for 5, and wine menu from a reasonable $49/bottle, it’s no surprise that the place is often packed.
Image adapted from: Hazel Nut via Google Maps
Look out for their slew of promotions covering all days of the week, including $18 steak and frites on Sundays, and $10 Guinness daily until further notice. On the off chance that Western classics like pizzas aren’t your thing, you can get bar bites from all over the world, including Ngoh Niang ($14) and Escargot ($10).
Address: 1010 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534748
Opening hours: 4.30pm-12am, Daily
Contact: 8821 3780 | Beer Basket website
Image credit: Venuerific
Late night spots don’t just exist in the heart of town. Ang Mo Kio residents have it good with Major 99 that opens till as late as 2am on Saturdays, and till 1am for the rest of the week. You won’t just be doing HTHT all night long – the bar has old school arcade machines like basketball and Bishi Bashi. Beer pong, darts, and karaoke machines will also keep the gang happy till closing.
Image credit: Venuerific
There’s a minimum spend of $28 per table, a number that’s easy to hit as long as you have a couple of friends with you. A bucket of 5 Heinekens here costs $52, or you could also get a Guinness pint at $16. Granted, prices aren’t rock bottom cheap, but at least you get to enjoy games there, and not to mention, save on midnight taxi surcharges!
Address: 4190 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #02-02 Broadway Plaza, Singapore 569841
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 3pm-1am | Sat 3pm-2am
Contact: 8500 3230 | Major 99 Facebook
It’s no secret that meals with a stunning view can cost an arm and a leg. At this satay bar in Sembawang however, you’ll find food and drinks at surprisingly affordable prices. Think half pints from $6. Previously located at 1018 Sembawang Road, the ex-hawker bar has now relocated to the waterfront, and you can find it right next to PAssionwave Sembawang.
Image credit: @its.satay via Instagram
While it’s a little out of the way now, those willing to take a short Grab ride can still look forward to deals like 1-for-1 house hours on Wednesdays (U.P. $10). Pair your booze with something hearty, like their burgers from $13.60 and chicken, mutton, beef or tripe satay from $10/10 sticks.
Address: 60 Jalan Mempurong, #02-01, Singapore 759058
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 4pm-10.30pm | Sat-Sun 12pm-11.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: The Patio website
Nestled deep within Turf Club Riding Centre is Cheval Café & Bar, a rustic bar surrounded by nature. Here, the highlight is the view – throw back a beer ($35/bucket of 5, $10/pint) as you watch the majestic horses gallop around the stable.
You might expect prices to be pretty steep, but neigh – house pour spirits are priced from just $9 during happy hour, which lasts practically all day, from 12pm-8pm. Singapore Turf Club will only be around till October 2024, so be sure to swing by this unique bar before it’s too late.
Address: 1 Equestrian Walk, Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre, Singapore 737863
Opening hours: Sat-Thu 11am-11pm | Fri 11am-12am
Contact: 6269 0918 | Cheval Café & Bar website
Image credit: @fcul78 via Instagram
With alfresco seating and scenic pond views, Quench! Bistro and Bar is known for its laid-back kampong atmosphere.
More than its extensive range of affordable booze, a huge selling point of the open concept bar is the prawning pond – here, diners can have fun reeling in the catch of the day without needing to worry about doing the same for their spending.
Ask any Taiwanese person what their favourite food from home is and I’m willing to bet they’ll mention Gua Bao, better known as Kong Ba Pao in Singapore. For those who aren’t too familiar with the meaty dish, they’re made with tender braised pork belly in fluffy, steamed buns, and can be found at Abundance in Redhill.
This spot in Bukit Merah serves up the tasty Taiwanese dish Gua Bao ($7.90) – a braised pork belly bun – and more, like Chili Dumplings ($9.90) and Prawn Toast ($11), in addition to a number of craft beers on tap ($12). Located just a 2-minute walk from Redhill MRT station, Abundance is worth a try, especially to those living in the area.
Address: 63A Lengkok Bahru, #01-378, Singapore 151063
Opening hours: 11am-1pm, Daily
Contact: 8032 1880 | Abundance website
You can’t say you’re a true fan of Japanese food unless you’ve been to an izakaya. These intimate bars are popular after-work hangout spots in Japan – and you can experience the same at Tachinomiya under this HDB block in Kovan.
Other than their Kushiyaki (from $2.50 a stick), and Crispy Chicken Karaage ($7.30), they’re known for their affordable Japanese liquor – with whiskeys from $7.80 for a house pour and $9.50 Sapporo Premium Draft pints. It’s no wonder why they’re so popular among residents in the area.
Plus, happy hour happens from opening till 7pm daily, with 20% off all alcohol. If you’re coming with a larger group, Sapporo beer towers start from just $55.90.
Address: 211 Hougang Street 21, #01-285, Singapore 530211
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-12am | Sat-Sun 11.30am-12am
Contact: 8718 5388 | Tachinomiya website
With 13 outlets islandwide, chances are you’ve been to an Al Capone’s on a night out. The sports bar chain is known for its tasty, affordable food at nett prices. Here, all beers are under $10, while most mains are $20 and below.
Popular picks include the Bangers & Mash ($15.90), a carnivore’s dream with grilled chicken sausages, brown sauce, and mashed potatoes, and the Mafia Wings ($12.90), Cajun wings fried to crisp perfection. Pair them with a Heineken pint ($7.70) to cut through all the grease, or the Ginger Monkey cocktail ($11), made with Monkey Shoulder whiskey, ginger ale, and orange.
Address: 4 Kim Tian Road, Singapore 169245
Opening hours: 4pm-12am, Daily
Contact: 6254 3930 | Al Capone’s website
After a couple drinks, everything starts to go blurry. If you want a view to appreciate while you can, Middle Rock Garden Bar is where it’s at. Tucked away in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, this laid-back spot offers tapas and cocktails in addition to beer and other classic bar bites.
This rustic pub is situated among a quiet row of shophouses in Joo Chiat Road.
Image credit: @lamkianming via Instagram
The Cider Pit in Joo Chiat specialises in, well, cider. The British pub carries an expansive range of English ciders and ales, as well as hearty burgers – the Classic Cheese Burger ($19.50) is a fan favourite. Best of all, all prices are nett, meaning the English experience doesn’t come at a premium – beers and ciders go for just $10.
Image credit: @sniknejgnhc via Instagram
Popular picks include the Aspall Drop cider ($10), a refreshing, medium dry cider and the craft beer on tap ($10), the flavours of which change on a rotational basis.
Address: 328 Joo Chiat Road, #01-03, Singapore 427585
Opening hours: 3pm-12am, Daily
Contact: 6440 0504 | The Cider Pit website
When we think of hangout spots, Geylang probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. At Space Box, however, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else. Here, the hanging planets, neon lights, and astronaut figures emulate the vastness of outer space, creating an ambience that’s otherworldly.
The space-themed bar carries a range of pilsners and ales, starting from just $8. In terms of food, they fire up fresh zi char dishes such as Sichuan Spicy Chicken ($18.80) and Roast Pork with Garlic ($18.80), along with lok lok, with sticks starting at $1.50.
Address: 60 Lorong 23 Geylang, #01-01 D’Innova, Singapore 388384
Opening hours: 2pm-2am, Daily
Contact: 8429 3800 | Space Box Facebook
If you’re no stranger to a night out, you’ll know that there’s nothing like a game of darts to loosen everybody up. At Forest4 Darts Cafe, a game will only run you just $1.25.
Other than their namesake, they also offer karaoke. Order a 40cm-tall glass of Sapporo beer at $58, and enjoy all cocktails for $14. Though their flagship outlet is in Downtown East, the games aren’t limited to just Easties as they have 5 other outlets, including one on Ann Siang Road and another in Shenton Way, perfect for an after-work tournament.
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Circle, #01-313 Downtown East, Singapore 519599
Opening hours: 2pm-11.30pm, Daily
Contact: 6612 2469 | Forest4 Darts Cafe website
Chocobar in Jurong is a chocoholic’s alcoholic paradise – here, they’re known for their chocolate soju towers ($70), that serve up to 30 glasses each. In addition to their soju towers, they’re also known for their affordable soju bottles, at only $13.90 each.
The Korean bar also serves up a number of tasty mains and bar bites. Favourites include the Sour Buffalo Wings ($11.90) and Mala Popcorn Chicken Pizza ($14.90). Plus, it’s located a mere 3 minutes from Jurong East MRT station, so you won’t need to worry about not being able to get a cab home. After all, nothing spoils a good night out like a midnight surcharge.
Address: 2 Venture Drive, #01-41, Singapore 608526
Opening hours: 5.30am-12am, Daily
Contact: 8171 9211 | Chocobar Facebook
While their name may suggest otherwise, Tap D’Fish in Jurong does not serve fish. Instead, they’re known for their succulent roast meats and tasty finger food. At this karaoke bar, you’ll find tables filled with plates of barbecued skewers, roast meats, and of course, beer towers.
Looking at the price, you’ll understand why – the beer towers start at just $38 during promotion, there are frequent happy hour deals, and all prices are nett. Contact the business before heading down to find out the latest deals. They’ve also got beer pints at around $10, and are open till 1am every day of the week.
Address: 2 Venture Drive, #01-23, Singapore 608526
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-1am | Sat-Sun 5pm-1am
Contact: 9474 3474 | Tap D’Fish Instagram
If you were excited about visiting The Cider Pit until you realised it was in Joo Chiat, you may want to check out The Jolly Roger in Hillview. The Cornish pub in the West offers a solid range of draught beers, along with ciders and pilsners on tap – popular ones include Pilsner Urquell (from $14).
They also stock a number of award-winning craft beers, including Brewdog Punk IPA craft beer at $15 during happy hour (U.P. $17). Here, you can have the drinks by themselves, or pair them with one of many English home-cooked meals, such as the all-day Full English Breakfast ($24) and Bangers and Mash ($22).
Address: 15 Chu Lin Road, Singapore 669907
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4pm-12am | Fri-Sun 11am-12am
Contact: 8874 7123 | The Jolly Roger website
They say never to go swimming if you’ve had a drink – if you must come into contact with a pool, let it be at O Bar @ TradeHub 21. Here, you won’t need to worry about staying afloat, instead, much on some Japanese bar bites in between billiard games. Items like their Garlicky Teriyaki Beef Cubes ($15.80) and Crispy Chicken Skin ($8.80) are most popular.
Most of their food is under $15, and the same goes for drinks with a pint of Carlsberg starting from $13.80. For soju fans, Yakult Soju Towers are priced at just $59.80. On the off chance that the pool table is full, they also offer darts so you can play while you wait.
Address: 8 Boon Lay Way #01-32 TradeHub 21, Singapore 609964
Opening hours: 11am-11.30pm, Daily
Contact: 8683 9450 | OBar website
And there you have it – 14 affordable heartland bars that you can visit for more than just a drink. Until now, you may have thought that good beer could only be found in parts of town like Clarke Quay and Orchard, but if anything, this list proves that sometimes, the best spots are hidden right within your hood.
More to do in the heartlands:
Cover image adapted from: Eatbook, Hazel Nut via Google Maps
Originally published on 12th July 2022. Last updated by Kezia Tan on 6th November 2023.
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