Tucked away from the hubbub of everyday life, Clarke Quay is a welcome escape, bursting at the edges with vibrancy and light. Our guide to Clarke Quay covers everything from cutesy coffee shops to authentic Korean cuisine.
Known for being the host of many a night out in Singapore, Clarke Quay is the city’s place to head to for a night of unwinding and de-stressing after a long week of hustling. By day, the neighbourhood exudes a different vibe with cafés and eateries stashed in little corners that offer up charm and delicious fare in equal parts. Just an overhead bridge away from the Hive Carpenter, a six storey coworking space in the Central Business District, you’ll find neighbourhood spots run by friendly owners who’ll make it seem impossible to ever overstay your welcome. Our comprehensive guide to Clarke Quay covers our top picks for the best cafés, restaurants, bars and hangouts to check out.
Best Coffee Shops in Clarke Quay
Ronin
A rustic, friendly café that reminds everyone of home, Ronin takes nothing more seriously than its coffee. A great place to kick the day off, they also serve up hearty homemade breakfasts of granola or bircher muesli, plus premium sandwiches to satisfy even your most discerning lunch date.
Insider tip: The only mode of payment here is cash and NETS, so don’t get caught short!
Address: 17 Hongkong St, Singapore 059660
Open From: 8 am – 6 pm
Killiney
Experience breakfast like a true Singaporean at Killiney Cafe, just a stone’s throw away from the Hive Carpenter. Specialising in local classics such as soft boiled eggs and kaya (coconut egg jam) toast, this place will help you begin your morning in the most comforting way possible.
Insider tip: Dip your warm, buttery kaya toast into your eggs as medicine for the Monday blues.
Address: 20 Hongkong St, #01-03, Singapore 059663
Open From: Mon – Fri: 7 am – 7 pm, Sat: 7 am – 5 pm, Sun: 7 am – 12 pm
IG: ronin.cafe
killiney-kopitiam.com
Best Restaurants in Clarke Quay
BK Eating House
BK Eating House is the place to go when you don’t want to squabble over what to have for lunch. Known to locals as a ‘coffee shop,’ it’s comprised of a variety of small stalls offering cheap and good eats such as bak chor mee (egg noodles with minced pork) and economical rice – a display of over 10 dishes to pair with your rice.
Insider tip: Give this one a go on a cooler day – with no air-conditioning, it can get a little on the warm side!
Address: 21 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058661
Open From: Mon – Sat: 24 hours
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Literally translated as ‘meat bone tea,’ Singapore’s famous Bak Kut Teh is a hot, peppery broth of fall-off-the-bone pork ribs simmered to perfection with various types of spices. A true local favourite housed in a traditional shophouse, this cosy Chinese restaurant features beautiful pastel porcelain tiles and mahogany tables and stools, making it a place to warm your belly and your heart.
Insider tip: Head here early to avoid a long lunchtime queue that starts gathering at noon.
Address: 11 New Bridge Rd, #01-01, Singapore 059383
Open From: Tue – Sun: 9 am – 9:15 pm
IG: @annathehungrymonster
IG: @eatandcapture
Han Pan Korean Restaurant
Get a taste of authentic Korean cuisine, complete with refillable side dishes such as kimchi, mashed potato, and thin slices of bulgogi (barbecued meat) at this traditional barbecue restaurant. Identified by the sizzling sounds and smells it sends wafting down the street, it’s a firm favourite with the Hive Team.
Insider tip: Go for their SGD 9.90 set lunch with over 15 choices, sides and free-flow tea.
Address: 22 Lor Telok, Singapore 049034
Open From: Mon – Thu: 11 am – 2:30 pm, 6 pm – 10 pm, Fri: 11 am – 2:30 pm, 6 pm – 10:30 pm, Sat: 6 pm – 10:30 pm
hanpan.sg
Vios by Blu Kouzina
Quite literally hidden in a wall, Vios is a takeaway/delivery-only DIY grain bowl place that can only be found if you know what you’re looking for. Offering large portions of salads and grains, it’s a firm favourite amongst health-conscious locals who love its heaped scoops of delicious roasted vegetables and more.
Insider tip: Their standard bowls are put together by nutritionists to aid in the strengthening of different body systems.
Address: 31 Hongkong St, #02-01, Singapore 059607
Open From: 9 am – 3 pm
Dopa Dopa Creamery
Dishing up the perfect dessert to beat Singapore’s blisteringly hot weather, Dopa Dopa is a pretty gelato store offering artisanal ice creams and coffee. Flavours vary daily, including house-roasted nut flavours such as pistachio and hazelnut. Feeling adventurous? Get your scoop of gelato in a butter croissant for that much-needed treat after a long day.
Insider tip: You can’t go wrong with their Speculoos with Lotus Biscuits ice cream, an undisputed local favourite.
Address: 29 South Bridge Rd, #01-01, Singapore 058665
Open From: Mon – Thu & Sun: 12 pm – 11 pm, Fri – Sat: 12 pm – 10 pm
IG: @viosbyblu
IG: @dopadopa.sg
Best Bars in Clarke Quay
28 HongKong Street
Listed by the World’s 50 Best Bars as one of the top joints in the world, 28 HongKong Street never fails to wow its crowd. With shelves of fine liquor stacked neck to neck as a stunning backdrop, guests are treated to fantastic displays of their bartender’s workmanship as they sip on delicious drinks and just-as-good bar snacks for a perfect end – or beginning – to their night.
Insider tip: Bar food is easy to underestimate, but bites in this place such as their Pandan Churros (made from scratch!) are delicious.
Address: 28 Hongkong St, Singapore 059667
Open From: Mon – Wed: 6 pm – 2 am, Thu – Fri: 6 pm – 3 am, Sat: 6 pm – 12 am
Hickory
With old school shutters bordering its entrance and autographed football jerseys hanging on its bright orange walls, this dimly lit bar airs football and rugby, attracting crowds of fans all looking for great beer and a good time.
Insider tip: Spoilt for choice and can’t decide on a drink? Fret not. Order a couple of mystery shots and discover a new favourite.
Address: 43 Hongkong Street, Singapore 059682
Open From: 2 pm – 12 am
IG: @shezzlle
IG: @hickory.sg
What To Do in Clarke Quay
Barre 2 Barre
Get fit quick at Barre 2 Barre thanks to their BarreAmped Bootcamp, a program that relies on high-intensity interval training or HIIT, or their decidedly fun BarreAmped BOUNCE, an exercise routine utilizing a trampoline. A great place for fast fitness, here’s a place to start your day off right.
Insider tip: Head to their boutique to find yoga gear and more.
Address: 3 Pickering Street, #03-01, Singapore 048660
Open From: Mon: 8 am – 1 pm, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Tue & Thu: 7:30 am – 1:30 pm, 6 pm – 9pm, Wed: 7:30 am – 1 pm, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Fri: 8 am – 1 pm, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Sat: 9:30 am – 12 pm, 3 pm – 5 pm, Sun: 9.30 am – 1 pm
Yoga Movement
Keep your eyes peeled for Singapore’s latest Yoga Movement studio – their biggest and best yet. With over 2 storeys and 3 practice rooms, it is the place to kickstart your day with some spiritual, mental and physical exercise.
Insider tip: More than just a place to work out at, Yoga Movement emphasizes the Eat, Pray, Love lifestyle with cosy corners around the building to chill out, read, or take classes.
Address: 1A/2A Lor Telok, Singapore 049014
Open From: 7 am – 10 pm
FB: @barre2barresg
IG: @yogamovement
