6 Scenic Alfresco Bars With Unique Bar Bites Like DIY Pizza And Tapas

Chill alfresco bars in Singapore

There’s something about drinking at a bar’s alfresco area after hours that just hits the spot, especially when you have an ice-cold beer in hand. If you’re looking for TGIF or weekend locations to chill with your friends as you soak up the rush of the city over a drink or two, here are some scenic alfresco bars worth checking out. Plus point: they all offer unique bar bites, so rest assured both your appetite and thirst will be quenched.

If you’re lost on which brew to order when hanging out at these bars, try Kronenbourg 1664! This crisp wheat beer has citrus notes, so it’s a refreshing option for balmy evenings. It’s also delicate on the hops, so you don’t get an overwhelming bitterness, making it accessible to beer drinkers of all levels.

1. Octapas

Octapas is one of Clarke Quay’s household establishments, having been around for ages, and for good reason. The Spanish tapas bar offers live music, good vibes, atop a wide variety of drinks and bites with a Mediterranean twist. Their alfresco area also faces the Singapore river, which makes for a great view at sundown.

Begin your evening with a pint of Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, with some light bites to start. Octapas has a selection of toasts we highly recommend, especially the Tostadas de Cangrejo ($15++), where sweet crab meat is shredded and topped with grilled cheese. Their Mini Jamon and Cheese Platter ($24++) is another top-notch appetiser if you’re looking for something simple. When it comes to mains, the Paella Valenciana ($38++) is hard to beat. This Valencian seafood paella comes loaded with fresh seafood, including fish, squid, prawns, and mussels, all simmered in a sweet, smoky stock.

Address: Blk D Clarke Quay, #01-08, River Valley Road, Singapore 179023
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm to 2am, Fri 4pm to 3am, Sat 12pm to 3am, Sun 12pm to 2am
Tel: 6837 2938
Website

2. Stella Seaside Lounge

Image credit: Stella Seaside Lounge

Stella Seaside Lounge has us inclined to think, “east side, best side”, thanks to the immaculate vibes they offer. This alfresco restaurant and bar in Changi Village has multiple outdoor seating options, most of which face the stunning waterfront, flanked by palm trees. Make your way down in the evening to catch the sunset as you unwind over a pint of 1664 Blanc pulled from the draught.

Image credit: @soulsearing

As for bites, Stella Seaside Lounge has a wide array of small plate, grilled meats, and sharing portions to keep your stomach well-lined. Start off with the Charcuterie Platter ($38++), which comes with a medley of cured meats and three types of cheese. For mains, we highly recommend the Mussels and Frites ($21++), as well as the Birraria Beef Tacos ($22++). The former is a nod to the French staple, moules-frites, where mussels are sauteed in a white wine and garlic sauce, then served with fries. The latter is full-on beefy goodness, with corn masa tortillas loaded with slow-cooked beef short ribs, and a robust mole.

P.S: the cafe is pet-friendly too.

Address: 11 Changi Coast Walk, Singapore 499740
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 4pm to 10:30pm, Sat-Sun 12pm to 10:30pm
Website

3. Que Pasa

Emerald Hill shophouse bar Que Pasa has been in Singapore since 1995, serving up quality Spanish tapas and drinks. They’re most recognised for their cosy alfresco seating area, framed by lush greens and charming wood furnishings.

Grab a pint of 1664 Blanc and choose from the wide variety of bar bites to accompany your drink. The ultra-crispy Chicken Wings (from $15++) are a must, alongside some picks from their tapas menu. We highly recommend the spicy-sweet Chorizo Sausage in Tomato Coulis ($16++), which sees a whole chorizo oven-cooked with a rich tomato sauce. The Patatas ($15++) is also another winner, where crispy potato cubes meet an ooey-gooey cheese sauce. If you’re looking for more substantial fare, Que Pasa also has pizzas on their menu.

Address: 7 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229291
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 1:30pm to 2am, Fri-Sat 1:30pm to 3am, Sun 5:30pm to 2am
Tel: 6235 6626
Website

4. Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar

You may know Nassim Hill Bakery for their super popular bombolini doughnuts, but the multi-concept eatery also makes for a great all-hours option when you want to unwind with your fam or friends over some tipples. Their pet-friendly al fresco area is also small and homely—a nice respite from the bustle of Orchard Road.

Their menu is chock full of familiar fusion dishes that are great to pair with a crisp, cold glass of 1664 Blanc from the draught. The Chilli Crab Pasta (from $18++) is a crowd favourite, starring al dente linguine tossed in a super silky tomato chilli sauce, dressed with jumbo lump crab meat. Their Truffle Pizza ($15++) is another popular pick, beloved for its thin crust, and pronounced notes of truffle. If you’re not there for a full meal, the eatery also has a number of small bites and tapas to choose from.

Website | Full list of locations

5. Mischief

Mischief at Esplanade is all about elevating American food truck fare with an Asian twist. Swing by during cooler evenings and opt to sit at their alfresco area, which offers a glimpse of the bustling bayfront.

It is a must to order their grilled meats here, especially their one-of-a-kind Gula Melaka Char Siew ($27++). These fatty, tender cuts of meat come with a gula melaka sauce instead of the usual char siew glaze, for a caramelly sweetness. They’ve also got a lengthy menu of bar bites if you just want to nibble on stuff as you enjoy your glasses of 1664 Blanc. Definitely try their Choco Loco ($17++), which are levelled-up nachos with heaps of cheese, and their Cheesy Poppers ($13++), comprising fried popcorn chicken, a house-made cheese sauce, and pickled jalapenos for a piquant kick.

Address: 8 Raffles Ave, #01-10/12, Singapore 039802
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 5pm to 1am, Fri-Sat 5pm to 2am, Sun-Mon 5pm to 11pm
Tel: 6532 0480
Website

6. eM By The Marina

Image credit: @embtmsg

Skip the usual Sentosa suspects and head down to eM By The Marina instead if you’re in the area. The vibes are chill, the 1664 Blanc beers are delightfully cold, and you always have an excellent view of the Sentosa harbour, wherever you’re seated in this indoor-outdoor bar.

Image credit: @embtmsg

The food here offers a little bit of everything. You have all-American Cheesy Nachos (from $17++) and the Classic Hot Dog ($17++), as well as comforting Asian dishes such as Nyonya Chicken Curry ($19++), and Nasi Goreng Istemiwa ($22++). If you’re coming with friends, swap out the usual french fries appetiser with their Housemade Mutton Samosa ($16++), starring a spicy, aromatic mutton filling laced with green chilli.

Address: 1 Cove Avenue, #02-14, Sentosa Cove Arrival Plaza, Singapore 098537
Opening hours: Mon 11am to 10pm, Tue-Thurs, Sun 11am to 11:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am to 12:30am
Tel: 6271 2802
Website

Alfresco bars in Singapore

Head down to these alfresco bars in Singapore, and unwind over a glass of 1664 Blanc with your loved ones. Beyond just being great places to chill at, these alfresco bars make for ideal special occasion spots, whether it be for a birthday, anniversary, or date night.