The best bars in Singapore to go to based on your music taste

For house and disco

Fancy a drink in a Victorian-era underground railway? Let new kid on the block Rails entice you with bold drinks like Murder on the Orient Express, a concoction of absinthe, coffee liqueur, pear, pineapple and orange juice shaken with activated charcoal. Pair it up with some Nashville-style hot wings from Chix Hot Chicken if you’re itching for a munch too. Expect house and disco, downtempo and world music as the soundtrack to your night of debauchery at the steampunk-inspired bar and lounge.

For psychedelic tunes by musicians of Indian descent

This spicy new drinking hole reveals the hidden stories of Little India through modern tipples and bites that are inspired by the sights, sounds, and history of the vibrant neighbourhood. Its signature tipple Tekka is a blend of Old Monk rum with coconut and lacto-fermented bananas, and is a tribute to the food centre and wet market. The bar also introduces you to a specially curated playlist that features musicians from Indian diasporas. As you sip on your drink, look out for the feature wall which is plastered with news clippings and memorabilia that charts The Elephant Room’s history and inspiration.

For classical music and jazz

Jazz up your evening with a tipple or two and some good ol' tunes at Dempsey's live music enclave. Surrounded by lush greenery, the picturesque cocktail bar and listening lounge ropes guests in with shelves of scotch and whiskeys from all around the world, as well as wine vintages, on top of the occasional ingenious concoctions. Since its reopening, it has introduced a new cocktail menu called The Trouble Clef. It features nine music-inspired including Oblivion on Himalayan, which has a citrus, salty and sweet candy-like breath freshener made with Smokelab Vodka, citrus medley and lemon essence served with a delicious meringue.

For new and old-school hip-hop

A cool kid's cave, Cherry Discotheque is the epitome of underground parties. It first opened doors in 2016 beneath York Hotel before relocating to Cecil Street. Before the circuit breaker, you’d find Millenial and Gen Z night owls in their freshest streetwear drip flocking to the nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s known for getting wavy with the sleek spins of new and old-school hip-hop including UK grime. While the tunes remain, the dancefloor transforms into a diner serving up American comfort food like hotdogs, pizzas, and ice-cream waffles.

For techno, house and disco

Housed in a dingy space that’s set with laser lights and a cage behind which the likes of Peggy Gou, Eric Duncan, and Kaiser Souzai have spun, Headquarters by The Council is highly raved for its laid-back, no-frills vibes and tasteful mix of techno, house and disco that you'd be hard-pressed to find at other more commercial establishments. Since starting out in 2016, it has evolved to hold two spaces including Upstairs. The snack bar concept that dishes out pub grub from Argentinian Gourmet BBQ and Sidecar Handcrafted, as well as a selection of cocktails to complement a full rotation of natural wines and sakes.

For tropical tunes and Balearic beat

Due to its laid-back chill and all-around good vibes, this seaside paradise is a prime tanning spot for beach bums. But with boogie-worthy beats, it’s hard to resist a shimmy and shake, with a tropical cocktail in hand, no less. The beach club is also decked with plush daybeds and a pool by the sunkissed Tanjong Beach, and serves an all-day menu inspired by coastal cuisine from around the world, as well as some healthy options such as fruit salads and acai bowls. Pair your plate with a fresh, tropical flavoured cocktail to quench your thirst after flaunting – or checking out – that bikini bod.

For 90s dance music

This cosy café that serves brunch by day and hearty plates by night is also an unpretentious cocktail den. The décor features a couple of offbeat details like dog-shaped cushions, and speakers that amplify a fun track of ’90s dance music. And even if you aren’t after serious cocktails, there’s still plenty on offer. Offering excellent drinks, top-notch nosh, and attentive service, Tess Bar is the kind of spot where you can easily get very comfy and abandon any other bar-hopping plans for the night.