Watering Holes

The best places in singapore to find coffee & cocktails

Employees Only

112 Amoy Street (between Gemmill Lane and Telok Ayer Green) Singapore 069932

Employees Only Bar When you are thirsty on Amoy Street, look for a group of good-looking people congregating, but socially distanced, on the sidewalk. There is no clear sign, there is no number. You must venture, speak-easy

The Clue-less Goat Coffee House

Goldhill Plaza Mall, 89 Thomson Rd, Singapore 307631 When I find myself in the Novena area, it is usually for a medical appointment. My brain links this neighborhood with hospitals and doctors. I was glad to follow a friend’s suggestion and try the Clue-less Goat, “a humble and honest coffee house.” I was hooked! This coffee house sports no frills or graces, which is its appeal. The space has an industrial chic look with a communal table by the door, so you can check out who’s coming and going. There is normally a small queue on weekends, mainly formed by folks from the neighborhood, which is a good sign. I have to say I love the vibe of this café! The compact menu (breakfast and lunch only) matches the

Written by Silvia Fernandez

style, through a door where you’ll first find a fortune teller with a small table and chair; at this point you need to rethink your options: tarot reading or a fabulous cocktail? I would continue walking on and go for the drink made by the marvelous mixologists in the Art Deco interior. Employees Only is the Singapore branch of the renowned New York bar of the same name, established here in 2016. It’s laid out for maximum social impact. The bar has a curvaceous design that encourages you to talk to your neighbors. Their award-winning cocktails can accompany a variety of western-style dishes or Asian delights and bar bites. Book a table at the small restaurant in the back of the room for brunch, lunch or dinner. Fun detail: if you are at a table, you will find postcards. Think about a family member or a friend, pick up a card, and write to someone. Then post it at the mailbox by the door. I did, and I was happy to hear from my brother-in-law a few weeks later, wondering about a fancy postcard from this bar in Singapore! While you sip your drink, consider taking

a few minutes with the fortune teller on your way out.

Clueless Goat Coffee House place’s small size, but you can be sure you’ll find something yummy and simple to fill your tummy. The coffee beans are provided by Common Man Coffee Roasters, so quality is guaranteed. On a final note, in today’s world of short attention spans and corporate franchising, this is the place to share a coffee with friends and feel that the simple life has not entirely vanished.

Silvia is an eternal expat and global traveller. She's enjoyed exploring Singapore's hidden gems since 2017. Her husband, Mark Dixon, is her enthustiastic collaborator.