Kampong Gelam doesn’t just offer history and culture by day—it turns on the charm after dark. Once the sun sets behind the iconic Sultan Mosque, the lanes fill with laughter, music, and the clink of glasses. Whether you’re chasing craft beers, custom cocktails, rooftop views, or live tunes, this guide maps out the watering holes worth stepping into. Here’s where to drink in Kampong Gelam—and why each one stands out.
Haji Lane: The Epicentre of Nightlife
Haji Lane, this narrow, mural-covered stretch is more than Instagram bait. It hides some of the most interesting and character-rich bars in the city.
1. Good Luck Beerhouse
- Vibe: Cosy, colourful, unpretentious
- Drink Focus: Local craft beers on 12 rotating taps
- Bonus: Modern takes on Bak Chor Mee and Asian tapas
What started as a taproom became a gastro-bar that balances craft with comfort. The menu shifts with Singapore’s microbrewery scene, ensuring there’s always something new in your glass. Pair a hoppy IPA with truffle Bak Chor Mee and you’ll understand why it draws regulars and newcomers alike.
2. Bar Stories
- Vibe: Minimalist upstairs shophouse with personal flair
- Drink Focus: Bespoke cocktails, no menu
- Bonus: One-on-one chat with your mixologist before they mix
Every drink here starts with a conversation. “What flavours do you like?” leads to a liquid surprise. From smoky mezcal notes to floral gin infusions, it’s cocktail therapy without the script. No gimmicks, just tailored chemistry in a glass.
3. Piedra Negra
- Vibe: Loud, Latin, street-side fun
- Drink Focus: Towering frozen margaritas
- Bonus: Mexican street food and salsa nights
You’ll spot it by the kaleidoscope of graffiti and hear it before you see it. This place doesn’t do subtle. It serves tacos, ceviche, and a party atmosphere. The margaritas come in generous pours, best enjoyed while bobbing to live rhythms spilling onto the street.
For Music and a Buzz: Venues That Hit the Right Notes
Live tunes elevate any pour. These bars blend sound with sip, creating experiences that go beyond the drink.
4. Blu Jaz Cafe
- Vibe: Eclectic, energetic, slightly chaotic—in the best way
- Drink Focus: All-round bar classics
- Bonus: Jazz, open-mic nights, dance floors, and DJ sets
It’s not just a bar, it’s a three-storey festival. Jazz downstairs, indie rock upstairs, maybe some spoken word poetry thrown in midweek. It draws backpackers, creatives, and anyone craving rhythm. The colourful decor matches the mood—vibrant and buzzing.
5. All About Eve Music Bar & Kitchen
- Vibe: Intimate, warm, acoustic-heavy
- Drink Focus: Curated spirits and crowd-pleasers
- Bonus: Live acts and hearty pub fare
Tucked into Arab Street, this spot brings together laid-back tunes and a menu of comfort bites. Perfect for a date night or post-dinner hangout. The sound system’s dialled just right: you can actually hear your friends talk between sets.
Want a View With That Drink? Head Upwards
Rooftop bars let the breeze do some of the talking. Kampong Gelam offers one key hideaway that pairs height with hush.
6. Maison Ikkoku
- Vibe: Sleek, quiet, stylish
- Drink Focus: Japanese whisky, craft cocktails
- Bonus: Rooftop terrace facing Sultan Mosque
A restaurant by day, this spot lifts the mood come evening. Sit under the open sky, take in the minarets and shophouse roofs, and sip something stirred or shaken. The bartenders know their spirits. The scene stays mellow—ideal if you’re not in the mood for noise.
Honourable Mention: Worth the Walk
Sometimes the best finds lie just beyond the border. A few blocks away in Little India stands a crowd-puller for those who want something louder, cheaper, and packed with stories.
7. Prince of Wales
- Vibe: Backpacker, gritty, no-frills
- Drink Focus: Ice-cold beers and jugs
- Bonus: Live gigs, Aussie pub vibes, hostel upstairs
Don’t expect craft or cocktails. Expect cheap drinks, live music, and friendly chaos. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over a shared pitcher. Think of it as Kampong Gelam’s rowdy cousin—close enough to walk to, far enough for a change in pace.
Quick Tips for Your Kampong Gelam Pub Circuit
- Dress code? Most bars keep it casual. You’re fine in shorts and sandals unless heading to Maison Ikkoku.
- Timing matters: Weekends pack out fast—hit your favourites before 9 p.m.
- Reservations: Bar Stories and Maison Ikkoku take limited guests. Booking ahead helps.
- Transport: Nearest MRTs are Bugis and Nicoll Highway. Taxis are easy to hail nearby on Beach Road.
- Late night eats: Zam Zam and Victory (open till late) are perfect for post-bar prata cravings.
Summary of Where to Go Based on Your Mood
| Mood | Go Here | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Local brews & casual eats | Good Luck Beerhouse | Craft on tap, plus creative hawker food |
| Creative cocktail journey | Bar Stories | One-of-a-kind drinks made just for you |
| Fiesta and frozen drinks | Piedra Negra | Loud, colourful, unapologetically fun |
| Jazz and chaos | Blu Jaz Cafe | Live acts across multiple levels |
| Cosy acoustic sessions | All About Eve | Laid-back, musically rich |
| Sophisticated rooftop vibe | Maison Ikkoku | Skyline meets Japanese spirit finesse |
| Loud, cheap, and cheerful | Prince of Wales | Aussie-style backpacker bar with live gigs |
Kampong Gelam rewards anyone willing to slow down and explore bar by bar. No two spots feel the same, and no visit is ever repeated in exactly the same way. Bring your curiosity, keep your plans loose, and let the night unfold.
