SL's Top Dive Bars - Singapore
In a country that does luxury and extravagance well, including Michelin-star restaurants, high-end hotels, and rooftop bars with incredible views and prices to match, we sometimes found ourselves gravitating to the little dive bars around the city when we wanted a more low-key, inexpensive place to throw back a beer.
Additionally, grabbing a barstool and ponying up to the bar like you would at a pub in the UK, or a sports bar in the US, is not part of Singaporean culture. They have plenty of establishments that look like the aforementioned western watering holes, with stools at the bar, but Singaporeans don’t sit at them; they typically prefer to sit at a table or a high-top. So being able to belly up once in a while like we were at a sports bar in the US gave us a quick feeling of being at home, which is important to get once in a while when living abroad for long periods of time.
“What makes it a dive bar?” The question has been debated by scholars for centuries. Okay, not exactly. More of a heated debate that probably goes on at a frat house on your average college campus – but the question remains: what makes a dive bar a dive bar? More importantly, what makes a dive bar a great dive bar?
Wikipedia’s definition of a dive bar states: “A dive bar is typically a small, unglamorous, eclectic, old-style drinking establishment with inexpensive drinks; it may feature dim lighting, shabby or dated decor, neon beer signs, packaged beer sales, cash-only service, and local clientele.”
A great dive bar for us embodies much of the Wikipedia definition, but the key lies in the feel that comes with it when you are at the establishment. The most important attributes are the setup of the bar, the people who run it, and the people who patronize the watering hole. After many deliberations and libations, all of these candidates passed the muster. They were put to the test over 3 years, acting as great escapes at times for watching sports, singing along to music on the jukebox, and occasionally buying shots for fellow patrons.
Third & Sixth Bistrobar is a little controversial to some because, as the name suggests, they do try to be a bistro bar at times. What I love about the bar is the collective choice of small details that make me feel at home in divebarlandia. The wallpaper music posters from concerts of decades past, the musicians they’ve chosen to highlight on the walls, and of course, the pirate skull and crossbones over the bar, which could be seen as kitschy, but it works. Mix in great music and a good price for a shot and a beer, and I’m in.
As the website describes it, Third & Sixth is the owners’ first-ever bistro dive bar, and it represents what the lapel guys love and stand for: great burgers (sinful and tasty), copious amounts of alcohol, and quality balls-out music (especially rock music from the ’90s).
The first time I walked into Skinny’s, I loved it. Made to feel like it’s been there for decades, this converted Chinese KTV bar at the end of Boat Quay is relatively new, but it feels so classically divey that even the musty smell knocks it out of the park.
The man responsible for Skinny’s is very familiar with American bars, and in a Balthazar NYC type of parallel (most people think Balthazar has been there for generations, and that’s kind of the point), he nailed it. The staff is great, and the beer and shot specials, mixed with the location, might be the best in all of Singapore.
One drawback for us at Skinny’s is that they don’t open until later in the night, often 7 PM during the week, so not a great HH spot. But if you’re a late-night owl, they regularly stay open until 3-4 AM in the morning.
Chevys is not only our favorite dive bar in Singapore, it’s one of my favorite locals bar anywhere. Alice, Amanda, Gordon, and Co. run this place like you’re walking into an episode of Cheers, where cold beer flows, laughing is a constant, and everybody knows your name. It’s a great place to meet locals and expats, and the later the night gets, the more fun you’re bound to have. They also have a pool table, they play great music (once in a while a raucous band performs), and serve excellent food. You can also watch sports, but be forewarned: it’s a Man U bar as the sign says. So if you root for Liverpool, like we do, best keep it down during the games. If that wasn’t enough, Chevy’s is located right next to Haji Lane in Kampong Glam, so make a night of it and let the good times roll. If you do venture to Chevy’s, say hi to Amanda. She looks a lot like Amy Winehouse, but she goes by ‘Any Housewine’.
