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In a city notorious for its eye-watering prices, finding affordable drinking spots in Singapore can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With inflation forcing many budget-friendly establishments to close their doors in recent years, the hunt for wallet-friendly watering holes has become even more challenging. However, this curated list of 10 cheap bars proves that you don’t need to sacrifice quality or atmosphere to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.

The Best Cheap Bars: Detailed Reviews

1. Drunk 醉@tipsy

Location: Sultan Plaza, 100 Jln Sultan, #01-27

This vibrant newcomer has quickly earned its reputation as one of the most affordable bars in Singapore. What sets Drunk apart is its extensive drink menu combined with genuinely cheap Happy Hour pricing, particularly on beer. The bar’s policy of allowing outside food is a game-changer for budget-conscious drinkers, letting you bring in your favorite hawker fare to pair with your drinks. The location in Sultan Plaza might not be the trendiest address, but the savings more than make up for it.

Best For: Groups looking to maximize their budget, beer lovers Price Range: Budget-friendly Happy Hour rates Atmosphere: Vibrant and casual

2. Al Capone’s

Location: Multiple locations across Singapore

Al Capone’s has cracked the code on affordable drinking with a straightforward formula: great promotions and consistent quality across multiple locations. Their “Mabuk Monday” promotion offers discounted beers that make the start of the week considerably more bearable, while the generous Happy Hour features 1-for-1 deals on beers and cocktails. With most regular beers priced under $10, you can enjoy a proper night out without the usual Singapore price shock. The addition of Italian food like pizzas and pasta makes this a solid choice for a full evening experience rather than just drinks.

Best For: Monday blues, Italian food lovers, reliable cheap drinks Price Range: Most beers under $10, excellent Happy Hour deals Atmosphere: Lively with multiple location options

3. Skinny’s Lounge

Location: Boat Quay, 82 #01-02

Skinny’s Lounge brings American dive bar charm to Singapore’s waterfront. The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for unwinding after work or catching up with friends without the pretension often found in more upscale establishments. Happy Hour runs until 9pm daily, offering house pours from $12 and cocktails at $14—prices that would be hard to beat even at hawker-adjacent coffee shops. The live music and karaoke sessions add entertainment value without additional cost, making it excellent value for money.

Best For: Cocktail lovers, karaoke enthusiasts, casual hangouts Price Range: Happy Hour cocktails from $14, house pours from $12 Atmosphere: Relaxed American dive-style with live entertainment

4. Major 99 Ang Mo Kio

Location: Broadway Plaza, 4190 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #02-02

This arcade bar proves that cheap doesn’t mean boring. Major 99 combines affordable beer promotions with gaming entertainment and karaoke facilities, creating a complete entertainment package at budget prices. While it’s located further from the city center in Ang Mo Kio, locals in the area have struck gold with this neighborhood gem. The arcade games add a nostalgic, fun element that justifies making the trip even if you’re not from the area.

Best For: Gamers, karaoke groups, neighborhood drinking Price Range: Beer promotions available Atmosphere: Fun, arcade-style entertainment venue

5. Five Tapas Bar

Location: Cuppage Terrace, 25 Cuppage Rd

Five Tapas Bar operates on a simple but effective premise: good drinks at great prices, available anytime. With beverages starting from just $5 for beers, spirits, and sake, it’s genuinely one of the cheapest options in Singapore regardless of when you visit. There’s no need to rush to beat Happy Hour deadlines here. The tapas menu, featuring crowd-pleasers like Korean Fried Chicken and Salted Egg Fries, means you can settle in for a proper dining and drinking session without watching your budget evaporate.

Best For: All-day drinking, tapas lovers, no time restrictions Price Range: Drinks from $5 anytime Atmosphere: Casual tapas bar setting

6. Chupitos Bar

Location: Clarke Quay, 3B #01-05

Singapore’s only dedicated shooters bar is a high-energy destination for those who like their nights out with a side of chaos—in the best possible way. With over 150 different shots to choose from, the variety alone is impressive, but the pricing seals the deal. Happy Hour sees house pours and beers at just $6, while the 8-10pm window offers most drinks at $10. This is where you go when you want a proper party atmosphere without the club prices. The raucous dancing and pumping music create an environment that feels expensive but costs considerably less.

Best For: Party animals, shot enthusiasts, energetic nights out Price Range: Happy Hour drinks from $6, $10 drinks 8-10pm Atmosphere: Wild, high-energy party venue

7. No.5 Emerald Hill

Location: 5 Emerald Hill Rd (off Orchard Road)

This hidden gem demonstrates that cheap can still mean classy. Tucked away from Orchard Road’s main drag, No.5 Emerald Hill occupies a beautiful space that feels far more expensive than it is. The extended Happy Hour running from noon to 8pm makes it incredibly accessible, while the international cocktail menu provides sophisticated drinking options. The standout deal—two Champagne Martinis for $30—uses top-quality champagne and represents exceptional value. This is the perfect spot when you want to impress without the matching price tag.

Best For: Date nights, sophisticated drinks, extended Happy Hour Price Range: 2 Champagne Martinis for $30, Happy Hour 12pm-8pm Atmosphere: Beautiful, upscale but affordable

8. Deadfall Cantina

Location: North Canal Road, 6 #01-01

Claiming the title of cheapest cocktail bar in Singapore is bold, but Deadfall Cantina backs it up with agave cocktails starting at just $10. The laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal for casual catch-ups rather than high-energy partying. Weekly promotions like $10 Whiskey Highballs on Wednesdays give regulars reasons to return throughout the week. The dog-friendly policy is a thoughtful touch that sets it apart from competitors and makes it perfect for pet owners who don’t want to leave their four-legged friends at home.

Best For: Cocktail lovers, dog owners, casual relaxed drinks Price Range: Cocktails from $10, weekly promotions Atmosphere: Laid-back and dog-friendly

9. Acid Bar

Location: Orchard Road, 180

Acid Bar brings gastropub energy to Orchard Road with pricing that defies the area’s typically expensive reputation. The live music creates an energetic atmosphere that elevates the experience beyond just cheap drinks. Promotions like 20% off bottles after 8pm and group shots at $5 for 12 people are perfectly designed for larger gatherings. If you’re organizing a group night out in the Orchard area and need to keep costs reasonable, Acid Bar should be at the top of your list.

Best For: Groups, live music lovers, Orchard Road location Price Range: 20% off bottles after 8pm, group shots $5/12 people Atmosphere: Energetic gastropub with live music

10. Little Saigon

Location: River Valley Road, 3E #01-02

Little Saigon closes out the list with a Vietnamese twist on the cheap bar concept. The daily Happy Hour offering 50% off Asian cocktails, wine, and draft beer is genuinely generous, bringing exotic cocktails down to $8.25 and beers to $7.50. The Vietnamese cuisine menu means you can enjoy authentic food alongside your drinks, creating a complete cultural experience. The River Valley location places it conveniently near Clarke Quay’s nightlife scene, making it an excellent starting point or alternative to pricier venues in the area.

Best For: Asian cocktail fans, Vietnamese food lovers, pre-drinks Price Range: Happy Hour brings cocktails to $8.25, beers to $7.50 Atmosphere: Vietnamese-inspired eatery with party potential

Overall Assessment

The Singapore Drinking Landscape

These ten bars represent the surviving warriors in Singapore’s brutal hospitality economy. After inflation forced many budget-friendly establishments to close, these venues have found ways to remain affordable through smart promotions, efficient operations, or simply choosing slightly off-center locations that allow for lower overhead costs.

Value Proposition

What’s impressive about this list is the variety of experiences available at budget prices. Whether you want dive bar casualness (Skinny’s Lounge), high-energy partying (Chupitos Bar), sophisticated cocktails (No.5 Emerald Hill), or entertainment alongside drinks (Major 99), there’s an affordable option. The price points range from genuinely cheap ($5 drinks at Five Tapas Bar) to moderate-but-reasonable-for-Singapore ($14 cocktails at Skinny’s Lounge).

Strategic Drinking Tips

To maximize value at these establishments, consider the following strategies. First, plan your visits around Happy Hour times, which vary significantly from bar to bar. No.5 Emerald Hill’s noon to 8pm window and Skinny’s Lounge’s before-9pm cutoff offer considerable flexibility. Second, take advantage of bars allowing outside food (Drunk) or offering cheap eats alongside drinks (Al Capone’s, Little Saigon, Five Tapas Bar) to avoid the common pitfall of spending your drink savings on expensive bar food elsewhere. Third, look for day-specific promotions like Al Capone’s Mabuk Monday or Deadfall Cantina’s Wednesday Whiskey Highballs to score even better deals.

Location Considerations

The geographic spread of these bars is notable. While several cluster in traditional nightlife zones like Clarke Quay (Chupitos Bar, Little Saigon) and Boat Quay (Skinny’s Lounge), others occupy less obvious locations like Sultan Plaza (Drunk) or Ang Mo Kio (Major 99). The trade-off between central location and price is clear—you’ll find the absolute cheapest options in areas with lower rent, but the centrally located bars still offer good value compared to their full-price neighbors.

Best Overall Value

If forced to choose, Five Tapas Bar offers the best all-around value with its $5 drinks available anytime, eliminating the stress of rushing to beat Happy Hour deadlines. For cocktail-focused drinkers, Deadfall Cantina’s $10 cocktails represent exceptional value. Groups should gravitate toward Al Capone’s for its consistent quality across locations and reliable promotions, while those seeking the full party experience will find Chupitos Bar offers the most bang for buck in terms of energy and atmosphere per dollar spent.

The Bottom Line

Yes, Singapore is expensive. Yes, many cheap bars have closed. But these ten establishments prove that affordable drinking experiences still exist for those willing to do a bit of research. The key is managing expectations—you’re not getting craft cocktails at $8.25 or premium imports at $5. But you are getting legitimate social drinking experiences, good atmospheres, and beverages that won’t require checking your bank balance the morning after.

For Singapore residents and visitors tired of $20+ cocktails and $15 beers, these bars offer a refreshing alternative. They remind us that nightlife doesn’t have to be financially ruinous to be enjoyable. In a city where everything seems designed to empty your wallet, these affordable watering holes are worth their weight in gold—or at least, in r