June is Pride Month, but the rainbow flag billows year-round at these best gay and LGBTQ+-friendly bars in Singapore. While the scene is not as established as in other cities, certain pockets have become the go-to spots for the LGBTQ+ community, like Neil Road in Chinatown.
To find out more, we spoke to three people involved in Singapore’s bar and nightlife scene. Fadli Rahman, who performs as Salome Blaque the drag queen, is behind several drag performances and started the drag bar, Tuckshop. Addie Low co-founded the popular Taboo club in 1997 and now runs a modelling agency. Zana Mohlmann won a global bartending competition and was behind one of Amsterdam’s buzziest cocktail bars before joining Manhattan as its head bartender in 2023.
Their recommendations range from cocktail bars to karaoke joints. Drag shows to slick rooftop watering holes. Some are brazenly queer, while others throw their doors open to anyone. “I think it’s the community and friends we make along the way that makes these places special,” Blaque said. “Everyone knows everyone on Neil Road. We’re like a big family.”
From your first time to date nights, check out these gay and LGBT-friendly bars and clubs in Singapore.
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Salome Blaque
Drag queen, founder of Tuckshop and C.U.M (Catch Us Move), and co-founder of HardThrob
A bar for someone new to the scene
“I’d recommend the drag bar, Tuckshop to experience the whole LGBTQ nightlife. Patrons range from gays to lesbians to queers to, surprisingly, straight people. And obviously for the knockout drinks.”
Where would you go on a date?
“If I like things more chill, I’d be at Tantric because you can actually hear the other person. If you like it chaotic, roam the streets of Neil Road and you’ll find plenty of spaces that cater to different things. Karaoke? You got it at Sausage Market. Drag? Tuckshop. Darker room ambience? Conversion Clinic.”
Your favourite bar for food
“Tantric. Their pizzas are divine with recipes from Jess, their in-house chef.”
Where would you go to the party?
“Depending on the sound and crowd. Younger crowd? Club Hell but dress light as it gets super busy as night goes by. For a more diverse crowd, Tuck Shop. Music is “c*nty” and the crowds favour diva tunes.”
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What bar would you go to drink alone?
“It’s 2024. Find someone on Grindr for a date. There’s heaps!”
Tuckshop, 51 Neil Rd, Singapore 088829
Tantric, 80A Neil Rd, Singapore 088842
Sausage Market, 45 Neil Rd, Singapore 088826
Conversion Clinic, 43 Neil Rd, Singapore 088825
Club Hell, 113 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068582
Addie Low
Founder of Now Model Management
A bar for someone new to the scene
“Patronising a bar can be a very personal thing, but there’s a vibrant scene along Neil Road now. For those who haven’t been to a gay bar in Singapore, I recommend that you pay a virgin trip to all and find your favourite joint to settle in. For me, I have evolved to a quieter joint or a KTV bar concept.”
Where would you go on a date?
“I would go to a straight cocktail bar. Less distractions!”
Where would you go to catch up with friends?
“A KTV bar because some friends would love to express their beautiful vocal cords while the rest can gossip while sipping their drinks.”
Your favourite bar for food
“I’m biased. I would go to FiveTen because the bar is owned by a few friends.”
FiveTen, 15 Neil Rd, Singapore 088811
Zana Mohlmann
Head bartender at Manhattan
Where would you go for cocktails?
“There are so many great bars in Singapore. I would recommend Atlas for its extravagant ambience and excellent gin and cocktail selection. For a more casual vibe, Night Hawk, Sago House, and Cat Bite Club are fantastic options. If you’re into the Japanese approach of cocktails and spot-on drinks, I recommend D.Bespoke.”
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Where would you go on a date?
“I often go on dates with my girlfriend to restaurants like Revolver, Sushi Masaaki, or Jaan. We save up to make it extra special. We usually finish the night at a cosy wine bar like RVLT or a place with a nice view like Smoke & Mirrors or Mr. Stork.”
Where would you go to catch up with friends?
“Cat Bite Club. I love the place and the staff. The drinks are spot on, and the ambience is urbane and cosy.”
Your favourite bar for food
“Puffy Bois. They have the best pizza alongside great cocktails.”
Where would you go to the party?
“Employees Only when they have an event going on. Usually, I don’t really go out to party.”
What bar would you go to drink alone?
“Puffy Bois or Cat Bite Club is where you can find me alone. I always have a great chat with the team and feel very comfortable and welcomed there.”
Atlas, 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, 188778
Night Hawk, 43 Tanjong Pagar Rd, #01-02, Singapore 088464
Sago House, 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615
Cat Bite Club, 75 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089534
D.Bespoke, 2 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089816
Revolver, 56 Tras St, Singapore 078995
Sushi Masaaki, 26 Beach Road, Beach Avenue, B1-17 South, 189768
Jaan by Kirk Westaway, 2 Stamford Rd, Level 70 Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore 178882
RVLT, 38 Carpenter St, #01-01, Singapore 059917
Smoke & Mirrors, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, 178957
Mr. Stork, 5 Fraser St, Level 39 Andaz, Singapore 189354
Puffy Bois, 20A Bali Lane, Singapore 189856
Employees Only, 112 Amoy St, Singapore 069932
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This story first appeared here.
(Hero and featured image credit: @tuckshop_sg / Instagram)
Related: The Most Romantic Bars In Singapore For The Perfect Date
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