FreshieCraft beer in Singapore
Singapore · Asia
The scene
Singapore's craft beer scene compensates for size with curation. Tax structures mean almost all craft beer is imported, but the result is well-curated taprooms with international selection that rivals much larger cities. Chinatown (Telok Ayer + Smith Street) is the densest cluster — Upward Taproom (Club Street) is the consensus best craft beer bar. Smith Street Taps is a beer stall inside the Chinatown Food Complex hawker center — a Singapore-only experience. East Coast Road, Beach Road, and Middle Road host smaller taprooms. Local Singaporean breweries (Trouble Brewing, Brewerkz) appear on most lists but the international scene dominates.
Breweries, brewpubs & taprooms
Where to drink in Singapore
Tapout Craft Beers
East Coast/Katong craft beer bar + burgers. Tuesday 2-for-S$20 burger special is a steal. Wagyu burger, fried cauliflower, skewers all praised. "False Sense of Security" beer gets specific callouts.
Daily 5pm/4pm-11pm/12am
Upward Taproom
Multiple reviewers call this the best craft beer bar in Singapore. Friendly owner Ian + chill alfresco seating + pork belly and lamb skewers + pizzeria-next-door BYO arrangement. The Singapore craft beer destination.
Daily 3pm/5pm-11pm
LeChloe04 Tap Room
Compact venue with 30+ taps — selection includes beers difficult to find in their countries of origin. Owners are friendly and know the imports. Singapore + Japanese (Kaiju) beers on tap regularly. Open every day evening-late.
Daily 5pm-12am
MALT Craft Beer Bar
Beach Road craft bar with rotating UK, Australia, Japan, and NZ taps. Untappd-verified taplist. Pizza-restaurant-next-door BYO allowed. The friendly bar-owner-knows-everyone vibe. Long-running, well-loved.
Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm/1am, closed Mon-Tue
Smith Street Taps
Craft beer stall inside Chinatown Food Complex hawker center. 12-15 rotating taps of local + international craft. Order beer, then food from surrounding hawker stalls. Singapore-only concept — order both at once.
Mon-Sat 6pm/2pm-10:30pm/11pm, closed Sun
For takeaway
Bottle shops
Hop Shop
Bukit Timah Plaza basement bottle shop. Tucked-away gem with the best bitters selection in Singapore + craft beer + unusual sodas + spirits. Owner is friendly and knowledgeable. Worth the trip out from central.
Daily 11am-8pm (Sun closes 5pm)
Beer Force
Holland Village craft beer importer + bottle shop. Wide selection of foreign craft + interesting Asian beers. Tables to drink in. Friendly staff including Emily. Ever-rotating seasonal stock.
Daily 10:30am/12pm-8pm
Practical
Getting around & local context
MRT covers everything. Beer is expensive (alcohol tax) — expect S$15-25 per pour. Most craft places open mid-afternoon. Smith Street Taps inside the hawker center is a unique experience — order beer, get food from the surrounding stalls. Hot weather means most outdoor seating has fans/AC nearby. Tipping not required but appreciated.