Best Places in Clarke Quay?

aster · Post by **aster** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:40 am

svenski87 wrote:Clarke Quay tends to be a tourist hotspot and there are much better places out there like the number of bars in Dempsey Rd. I recommend checking that out!

CQ is quite touristy, but there's also Robertson Quay which is ok although its dominated by expats. Plus there's several little places along the river too.

BQ is alright unless you're there just after working hours on a Friday where hordes of people flood the place. Circular Road behind BQ is better though if you can give up the river view, with classic bar "Public House" now relocated there from the Rendezvous Hotel. There's also an Archipelago Brewery pub with lots of great beers, and Mulligan's right at the end if you're into Guinness. Just watch out for the "buy me drink" girlie bars there aimed at ripping off idiots. There are also quite a few real bars there that locals go to like Cyclone - if you make the effort to reach out to people you'll be welcomed there with a smile.

Dempsey is one place I just don't get. It's in the frigging middle of nowhere and I just can't see myself frequenting that place.

If you like to combine walking with some beers then there's a great little hangout by the water in front of the Marina Bay Sands shopping mall called South Coast.

And if you're up for a great view, then the Swissotel The Stamford has a bar at the very top called the New Asia Bar. Best to go for their "Sundowner Specials" and check out the wonderful sights in both daylight and night time.

Post by **nakatago** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:40 pm

aster wrote:Dempsey is one place I just don't get. It's in the frigging middle of nowhere and I just can't see myself frequenting that place.
.

...and it's expensive.

Raul_Mel · Post by **Raul_Mel** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 6:12 pm

Dempsy???? Never heard of that place. I've only been to Clarke Quay and Boat Quay... Still prefer Clarke Quay bcz the atmosphere is so much better... although drinks at BQ are slightly cheaper... but i dont mind paying a lil more for the atmosphere

Heard great things about New Asia Bar... but i dont think they have an alfresco area right cz their like wat on the 60th floor or something.

BillyB · Post by **BillyB** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 6:14 pm

Raul_Mel wrote:Dempsy???? Never heard of that place. I've only been to Clarke Quay and Boat Quay... Still prefer Clarke Quay bcz the atmosphere is so much better... although drinks at BQ are slightly cheaper... but i dont mind paying a lil more for the atmosphere

Heard great things about New Asia Bar... but i dont think they have an alfresco area right cz their like wat on the 60th floor or something.

You haven't even scratched the surface of Singapore, and seriously need to get out more before you say CQ has atmosphere!!

JR8 · Post by **JR8** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 6:19 pm

BillyB wrote:
Raul_Mel wrote:@ BillyB - Why would the best part of clarke quay be the cab ride home
@ Calmday - I just visited Ras yesterday for lunch. Good recommendation! The food was truly amazing. And it seems they had this promotion going on where a meal is only $15? Does anyone have information on this lunch thing?
Because it bores me and is full of p*ssed-up expats and travellers trying it on with anything that moves. I'd rather sh*t myself than go drinking in that tourist trap.

Don't hold back Billy, you know, tell us what you really think

JR8 · Post by **JR8** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 6:22 pm

nakatago wrote:
aster wrote:Dempsey is one place I just don't get. It's in the frigging middle of nowhere and I just can't see myself frequenting that place.
.
...and it's expensive.

That's why it's good, no riff-raff or wannabes!

BillyB · Post by **BillyB** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 6:23 pm

JR8 wrote:
BillyB wrote:
Raul_Mel wrote:@ BillyB - Why would the best part of clarke quay be the cab ride home
@ Calmday - I just visited Ras yesterday for lunch. Good recommendation! The food was truly amazing. And it seems they had this promotion going on where a meal is only $15? Does anyone have information on this lunch thing?
Because it bores me and is full of p*ssed-up expats and travellers trying it on with anything that moves. I'd rather sh*t myself than go drinking in that tourist trap.
Don't hold back Billy, you know, tell us what you really think

It's like marmite. You either love it or you hate it. It's bearable when hammered for a quick few, but that's as far as my diplomacy goes......

JR8 · Post by **JR8** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 6:24 pm

BillyB wrote:
Raul_Mel wrote:Dempsy???? Never heard of that place. I've only been to Clarke Quay and Boat Quay... Still prefer Clarke Quay bcz the atmosphere is so much better... although drinks at BQ are slightly cheaper... but i dont mind paying a lil more for the atmosphere

Heard great things about New Asia Bar... but i dont think they have an alfresco area right cz their like wat on the 60th floor or something.
You haven't even scratched the surface of Singapore, and seriously need to get out more before you say CQ has atmosphere!!

Agreed, Clarke Quay is like Disneyland, 100% make believe.

Raul_Mel · Post by **Raul_Mel** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 6:41 pm

Where would you recommend BillyB? I've been in town about 3 months now but havent had the time to check out the other parts of Singapore

BillyB · Post by **BillyB** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 6:49 pm

Raul_Mel wrote:Where would you recommend BillyB? I've been in town about 3 months now but havent had the time to check out the other parts of Singapore

Check out places such as Cuppage Terrace, Emerald Hill, Arab Street, even Chijmes and some of the rooftop bars like Loof, Robertson Quay - M by the river, some of the bars near Suntec convention centre, Boat Quay if you have to but weekends are better in that place, even Muddy Murphy's opposite Orchard Towers. Those are just the central places, there are heaps along the East coast too etc.

There are many hidden gems around Singapore, and once you find just a few of them you won't be p*ssing your pants so much about CQ!!

aster · Post by **aster** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 7:41 pm

BillyB wrote:
Raul_Mel wrote:Where would you recommend BillyB? I've been in town about 3 months now but havent had the time to check out the other parts of Singapore
Check out places such as Cuppage Terrace, Emerald Hill, Arab Street, even Chijmes and some of the rooftop bars like Loof, Robertson Quay - M by the river, some of the bars near Suntec convention centre, Boat Quay if you have to but weekends are better in that place, even Muddy Murphy's opposite Orchard Towers. Those are just the central places, there are heaps along the East coast too etc.

There are many hidden gems around Singapore, and once you find just a few of them you won't be p*ssing your pants so much about CQ!!

Those are excellent picks as well. Cuppage, Emerald Hill, Arab Street... all great places to head out for some drinks.

For some reason I haven't been to Chijmes much in the evenings though I do admit there are a few nice places there. Not a fan of Loof though, been there once and the atmosphere was very average - I have heard that there's a good roof-top bar in the CBD/Chinatown area called Screening Room that's well worth a visit. Or the roof-top place above the Esplanade.

Club Street and the surrounding alleys are also packed with some great "boutique" bars and restaurants, the place definitely has a unique feel about it.

JR8 · Post by **JR8** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 7:56 pm

Oh hark at you youngsters

If you only knew what Emerald Hill or Cuppage were like before they got totally buggered (demolished and rebuilt 'in their image'). They used to be 'real' and really nice, now they're just plastic.

p.s. Sorry am I sounding as jaundiced as SMS yet? I must have been in the express queue, lol...

BillyB · Post by **BillyB** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 8:14 pm

aster wrote:
BillyB wrote:
Raul_Mel wrote:Where would you recommend BillyB? I've been in town about 3 months now but havent had the time to check out the other parts of Singapore
Check out places such as Cuppage Terrace, Emerald Hill, Arab Street, even Chijmes and some of the rooftop bars like Loof, Robertson Quay - M by the river, some of the bars near Suntec convention centre, Boat Quay if you have to but weekends are better in that place, even Muddy Murphy's opposite Orchard Towers. Those are just the central places, there are heaps along the East coast too etc.

There are many hidden gems around Singapore, and once you find just a few of them you won't be p*ssing your pants so much about CQ!!
Those are excellent picks as well. Cuppage, Emerald Hill, Arab Street... all great places to head out for some drinks.

For some reason I haven't been to Chijmes much in the evenings though I do admit there are a few nice places there. Not a fan of Loof though, been there once and the atmosphere was very average - I have heard that there's a good roof-top bar in the CBD/Chinatown area called Screening Room that's well worth a visit. Or the roof-top place above the Esplanade.

Club Street and the surrounding alleys are also packed with some great "boutique" bars and restaurants, the place definitely has a unique feel about it.

Chijmes is alright. It's good when sport is on as there is a large outdoor seating area with big screens, and you can usually get a seat. I agree about loof. I did a stint here about 2/3 years ago and it seemed much better and more lively. I went early this year and it was empty on a Saturday night. But it does nice lamb as snack food - even Delia (JR8) would be salivating at the herb crust!!

BillyB · Post by **BillyB** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 8:16 pm

JR8 wrote:Oh hark at you youngsters

If you only knew what Emerald Hill or Cuppage were like before they got totally buggered (demolished and rebuilt 'in their image'). They used to be 'real' and really nice, now they're just plastic.

p.s. Sorry am I sounding as jaundiced as SMS yet? I must have been in the express queue, lol...

I guess you also know all the places where they serve mild and pork scratchings??!!

JR8 · Post by **JR8** » Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:10 pm

Ooh I do like a nice herb crust.

'Let's be having you!

Edit to add:
I made two batches of choco-cornflake biscuits yesterday. Do remind me to post a pic! The second batch has special powers, the first of which is the ability to fell girls panties within a radius of 5 miles...

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