Among the countless Singapore bars, pubs and lounges, precious few come with both awesome drinks and an engaging personality. But for pub crawlers with a sense of adventure, not to mention a taste for medical malpractice, military history and the best jazz in Singapore, we've picked out some unique venues that are a must.
Camp Bar @ House
A former army camp, Camp Bar @ House does its military heritage proud with a platoon of bartenders who are as serious about serving perfect cocktails as boot camp drill sergeants are about busting balls. Fresh juices and creative presentation are just part of the everyday code. Care for a Jamaican Black Strap? Here you can take a swig from a bottle in a brown bag, Captain Jack Sparrow-style. After the drinking mission is over, weary commandos can march to Spa Esprit, a plush spa located on the second level.
House specialty: The Mintberry Gin Fizz. Gin, fresh berries, mint, lemon juice, gomme, berry liqueur, soda. Comes in a jam jar.
8D Dempsey Road
tel +65 6479 3511
www.dempseyhouse.com
El–Sheikh
More restaurant than bar, El-Sheikh has Egyptian fare and decor straight out of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." Just off Arab Street, guests eat outdoors or lounge indoors among scattered divans while smoking on shishas (Egyptian hookahs). Coffee drinkers bored with the old can get a kick with a cup of traditional Lebanese coffee, which has a thick texture and is flavored with cardamom.
House specialty: The hookahs are popular and flavors can be mixed on request. Peach and grape smoke anyone?
18 Pahang Street
tel +65 6296 9116
www.elsheikhrestaurant.com
Yello Jello Retrobar
It’s Beatlemania all over at Yello Jello Retrobar. Inspired by “Yellow Submarine,” this psychedelic bar celebrates John, Paul, George and Ringo by playing groovy remixes and disco-funk mashups. Resident band Retro Groove belts out classic rock 'n' roll covers. Happiness may be a warm gun, but if you haven't yet visited this unique Singapore bar, you've got to get it into your life, even if it takes a long and winding road to get there.
House specialty: The tangy Yello Zingy combines pineapple with grenadine and plum wine. Much better than it sounds.
Blk 3C The Cannery, Clarke Quay, River Valley Road
tel +65 6877 3733
www.yellojello.sg
Jazz@Southbridge
Jazz@Southbridge’s intimate interior lets you know the minute you walk in that this place is meant for genuine jazz fans. With a regular lineup of local and foreign musicians, the quality of music here is consistently great. The well-stocked bar includes a selection of whiskys and single-malt liquors, such as Lagavulin 21 year old and Glenfarclas 1960.
House specialty: A bottle of Suntory Vintage Malt (1980) goes for S$1,300. It's no longer in production and there are reportedly only a handful of bottles left in the world.
82 Boat Quay #02-01
tel +65 63274671
www.southbridgejazz.com.sg
The Clinic
In the middle of Clarke Quay, The Clinic looks like a posh laboratory decorated by Doctor Giggle. IV stands, test tubes and other quirky medical paraphernalia provide the operative ambience. Down your shots from a syringe or have your food served in kidney-shaped bed pans and on surgical trays. Enjoy it all from the comfort of your wheelchair.
House specialty: The novelty drink to end all novelty drinks: Sex on the Drip. Yes, it comes in an intravenous drip bag.
3C River Valley Road #01-03
tel +65 6887 3733
www.theclinic.sg
Eskibar
Who says you can’t freeze your butt off in a tropical country? Eskibar transports you to the arctic where you can chill like an Eskimo, without having to build an igloo or watch out for polar bears. Housed in an industrial freezer, temperatures in this Singapore bar can range from minus-five to just above zero degrees Celsius. Resist the urge to lick the inviting cold metal surfaces.
House specialty: With lychee and blue Curacao, the Eski Blue is a winner.
Eski Bar Holland Village
46 Lorong Mambong, Singapore
tel +65 6469 6180
Thirsty for something red and sweet? The Clinic at Clarke Quay quenches your darkest medicinal desires.
