The Library

Chinatown is a destination known all over Singapore. It’s a magnet for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike. As one of the highlights of the area and with a historic location on Keong Saik Road, The Library is a cocktail bar that cannot be missed. Modelled after a British speakeasy, this quirky spot is not signed and no entrance is marked. Instead, guests must find The Library off their own accord. There is an ambience like nowhere else in Singapore. In here, evocative drinks meet locally-inspired comfort food, and it’s all served late into the night. Close to Outram Park MRT, The Library is a place you’ll only want to share with a select few people.

The big hitters of culinary Singapore match great food and drink with style and a lot of character. And believe us, The Library is a big hitter. It’s been making waves as one of the finest cocktail bars down the packed dining and entertainment strip of Keong Saik Road in Chinatown, yet don’t expect this cool hangout to be shouting from any rooftops. Quite the opposite, in fact. The Library takes in all the traditions of a British-style speakeasy, meaning it’s low-key, intimate and damn difficult to find. The facade is regularly taken over with installations that change every month and guests need to give the correct password to enter. Once inside, however, you’ll find a place made for staying late with curious cocktails and comforting local food.

The drinks menu at this Chinatown hotspot is done by category: strong & dangerous, sexy & tropical, crazy & sophisticated. Each drink displays craftsmanship whilst taking inspiration from the secret past of Keong Saik Road, once a notorious red light district of old Singapore. And it’s the same story with the food. Supper at The Library is made up of locally-inspired comfort food in the way of beef cheek bao, char siew spring rolls and kimchi hot dogs. It’s quick, it’s easy, yet it’s elegant. The Library is a gem of Singapore – reserve a table now.