Add these places to your list of must-try watering holes.

1. Nickeldime

Tatler Asia

The graffiti-covered walls, playful lighting and cushy seats make it look like a hipster place, but the food and drinks are anything but. The menu is a refined version of comfort food, created by Australian executive chef Tim Ashwood, who honed his skills at the Michelin-starred restaurant at Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris and Vue Du Monde in Australia.

As such, on the menu is golden brown waffles with a side of confit duck and candy bacon; spinach & kale croquettes (for the health conscious); or Croque Madame with spiced béchamel sauce.

There is a large collection of beers—16 craft varieties offered on tap. Taste-wise, it ranges from light and fruity (Stone & Wood Lager, Green Coast Lager, Lervig Orange Velvet) to more complex blends (Pirate Life Mosaic IPA and Black Butte Porter).

Nickeldime | 8 Mohamed Sultan Road, S(238958) | 6735 1035 | enquiries@hiddendoor.com.sg

(Related: Singapore’s Top 30 Bars)

2. Caffe Fernet

Tatler Asia

After launching a slew of successful bars, Jigger & Pony Group has decided to make headway into Singapore's dining landscape with this restaurant-bar that puts equal emphasis on the food and drinks. Says co-founder Indra Kantono, “We’ve always pushed ourselves to add something new to Singapore’s scene… and we are excited to bring our small-venue conviviality here.”

The tipples conceptualised by bar programme director Aki Eguchi are variations of Italian classics such as spritzes and negronis. A perfect sundowner is the Classic Aperol Spritz, which is a refreshing blend of Prosecco and Aperol; for a potent, caffeinated drink, the Caffe Boulevardier is a good choice.

As for the Italian offerings, they are injected with modern nuances so expect to be served red beetroot mole with almonds and feta cheese, or spanner crab spaghetti studded with pine nuts with a sprinkle of lemon juice.

Caffe Fernet | 01-05 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, S(049323) | 9178 1105 | info@caffefernet.sg

(Related: How To Make These Perfect #GenerationT Cocktails)

3. The Brightside

Tatler Asia

It’s named after the song, Always Look On the Bright Side of Life, by Monty Python, and co-founder Jamie Gripton says the line best describes this convivial place. “We want everyone to look at the silver lining when life gets too tough,” he quips.

It's indeed bright when you head here as you will be rewarded with reasonably priced cocktails and unpretentious food that will put a smile on your face. Only premium spirits can be found within general manager/mixologist Rahmat Choo’s collection and for first-timers, he suggests trying the Porn Star Martini, a refreshing mix of vanilla vodka, lime juice, passionfruit with a shot of prosecco.

Drinks are accompanied by competent menu of bar bites created by chef Soh Wei Da. She puts a Thai spin to her dishes with plump fishcakes, crispy spring rolls, slightly spicy Thai street chicken and hearty beef noodle soup.

The Brightside | 37 Duxton Hill, S(089615) | 8427 1232 | jg@thebrightsideduxton.com

(Related: This Bangkok Hotel's Stunning Restaurant-Bar Is A Must-See)

4. Plum & Toro

Tatler Asia

Food and drinks are of equal importance at this kappo-style restaurant and bar, which has a riverside view to boot. The kitchen is helmed by chef Hideki Ii, who cooks dishes chargrilled or on a teppan.

At the bar is mixologist Shinya Koba, and aside from your usual sake, beers and wines, he has curated 10 signature cocktails that are contemporary spins inspired by his Japanese roots. The P&T is a refreshing mix of plum wine, shiso liqueur, Cointreau and lemon, but with a kick. The Momotaro Spritz is his take on the classic Italian tipple, but perked up with peach nectar, Kinobi gin and prosecco.   

Plum & Toro | 02-07 InterContinental Robertson Quay, S(238909) | 96780027

(Related: All You Need To Know About Awamori, The Japanese Spirit)

5. Origin Bar

Tatler Asia

Its mesmering interior design fashioned after a train ticketing box warrants a visit, even more so when you try bar manager Adam Bursik’s cocktails inspired by Singapore’s key districts and historical anecdotes.

Buona Vista is a good way to immerse yourself in his world. It’s a punchy mixture of coffee, fig, distilled hazelnut, chocolate and Campari. Another drink on top of our list is the Origin, a spicy gin-based drink tempered with sugar cane honey, nutmeg and charred pineapple.

Origin Bar | Lobby Level, Tower Wing, Shangril-La, Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, S(258350) | 6213 4595 | originbar.sls@shangri-la.com

(Related: A Feast Sans The Guilt At Origin Grill)

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