What’s better than indulging in Happy Hour deals? Not having to shell out for expensive cab rides home after. Yes, that’s possible if you live near your favourite watering holes. Say goodbye to crazy surge pricing and get home safely and quickly.
Whether you are looking to buy or rent a place in Singapore, here’s our round-up of the best pubs and bars in the east where you can relax and unwind after a hard day’s work, plus the best nearby properties to live at.
More of a foodie? Read our Where to Stay Guide in Siglap, Joo Chiat, Katong (Foodie Edition)!
5 Best Places to Drink in Paya Lebar, Dakota Area
| Popular Bars in Paya Lebar, Dakora | Ideas on Where to Stay |
| Tipsy Bird Gastrobar | Paya Lebar Residences |
| The Tuckshop | Guillemard View |
| HIBIKI Sake Bar & Dine | Park Place Residences |
| Chug Chug PLQ | Geylang East Ave 2 |
| Merdandy Bar & Cafe | The Amarelle |
Disclaimer: The opening hours and promotions of these bars may be affected by the current COVID-19 measures. For the latest updates, please refer to the bars’ respective pages.
1. Tipsy Bird Gastrobar
Located along the outdoor stretch of Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ), this lively spot offers a good selection of beers, wines and craft coffee and tea, as well as a value-for-money $16 weekday set lunch.
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Its all-day Happy Hour means you can enjoy a Hite, Frosty’s Lager or Hofbrau Weizen at any time of the day. Pair your tipple with the highly raved XO White Radish Cake, or share the Wagyu Beef Cubes or Szechuan Mala Kaarage with your mates.
- Happy Hour: Pints ($11 – $14) and towers ($58 – $75) all-day
- Address: 1 Paya Lebar Link, Paya Lebar Quarter, #01-08, Singapore 408533
- Opening hours: 12pm – 11pm daily
Where to Stay: Paya Lebar Residences, $1.5m – $1.88m
This freehold development is conveniently located across from PLQ and Paya Lebar MRT station, and close to Geylang where delicious food options from frog porridge to dim sum abound. Geylang Methodist Primary School and Tanjong Katong Secondary School are in the vicinity, making it an ideal choice for families.
2. The Tuckshop
Head south to Guillemard Road and you’ll find this long-running bar serving an extensive list of craft beers, wines, ciders, spirits and cocktails. During Happy Hour, draught Archipelago Brewery beers and Guinness go for $11 and $12 a pint respectively.
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Beat the heat with a refreshing and crisp Tropical Pale Ale or Summer IPA, and accompany your drinks with bar bites like the Kampong Pizza, Truffle Pizza and Truffle Fries—we hear they’re delicious. The atmosphere is laid-back and convivial, and if you sit outdoors, you get to take in views of the nearby park connector and river.
- Happy Hour: Draught Archipelago ($11+) and Guinness ($12+) from 4pm – 6pm daily
- Address: 403 Guillemard Road, Singapore 399795
- Opening hours: 4pm – 10.30pm daily, 10.30am – 3.30pm (Sat and Sun brunch)
Where to Stay: Guillemard View, $1.38m – $1.5m
Public transport is right at the doorstep of this freehold eight-storey condominium located within walking distance from Dakota MRT station and several bus stops. There are many eating places, supermarkets and minimarts nearby, so you’ll never lack for amenities. At the time of writing, there are three units for sale and one room for rent.
3. HIBIKI Sake Bar & Dine
Also situated at the ground level of PLQ is HIBIKI Sake Bar & Dine. True to its name, it carries a wide variety of Japan-imported sake not commonly found here, such as the Garyubai Junmai Ginjyo Murokaa Nama Genshu from Shizuoka.
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Feeling hungry? The Signature Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Steak, Signature Capellini and assorted Yakitori will fill you up nicely. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with sake — the knowledgeable staff will recommend suitable types to go with your food.
- Happy Hour: 1-for-1 on all sake, beer and wine by the glass or carafe from 5pm – 7.30pm
- Address: 2 Tanjong Katong Road, Paya Lebar Quarter PLQ3, #01-07, Singapore 437161
- Opening hours: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm daily
Where to Stay: Park Place Residences, $1.02m
Located mere minutes away from Paya Lebar MRT station, this 99-year leasehold condominium was recently completed in 2019. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments feature sleek and contemporary interiors and spacious balconies perfect for enjoying beautiful views of the sunset and city. They also come with the usual condominium amenities like a swimming pool, jacuzzi and 24/7 security.
4. Chug Chug PLQ
Just next door is Korean fusion bistro Chug Chug PLQ, an offshoot of the original Chug Chug in Tanjong Pagar. Take your pick from sharing plates like the Signature Fried Mushrooms with Curry Cream and Chef’s Fried Duck and Seafood Crepe, or opt for mains like the King Prawn Tomyam Pasta and Chug’s Wasabi Prime Beef Burger.
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Drinks run the gamut from Hite beer and Jinro soju to sake, whiskey and gin. With Happy Hour starting from opening hour to 9pm daily, there’s no excuse not to fill up on draught beers like Grolsch lager, Grolsch Weizen and Meantime London pale ale for less.
- Happy Hour: Draught pints ($8+) from opening hour till 9pm, two pints of Guinness for $21.90 and towers ($54+) all-day long
- Address: 2 Tanjong Katong Road, Paya Lebar Quarter PLQ3, #01-09, Singapore 437161
- Opening hours: 4.30pm – 10.30pm daily
Where to Stay: 129 Geylang East Avenue 2, $699,000 – $725,000
There are two units available in this HDB block, one of which is a rare corner unit. Located in a quiet neighbourhood, both five-room flats have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and spacious living rooms. While the block was completed in 1986 and only has 65 years left on the lease, the draw of these older units is their size which is hard to come by in newer flats.
5. Merdandy Bar & Cafe
A stone’s throw away is Merdandy Bar & Cafe, a neighbourhood bar with outdoor seating by the river. Half pints of Tiger, Heineken and Guinness go for $4, $5 and $6 during Happy Hour.
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Want something to munch on while downing your beer? Try the Thai Style Stuffed Chicken Wings and Cheesy Fries. If you’re craving something more substantial, mains like the Fish & Chips and Lamb Chop will satisfy your belly.
- Happy Hour: Half pint Tiger ($4), Heineken ($5) and Guinness ($6) from opening hour till 7pm
- Address: 511 Guillemard Road, Grandlink Square, #01-54, Singapore 399849
- Opening hours: 3pm – late, daily
Where to Stay: The Amarelle, $880,000 – $1.35m
With malls, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants and schools nearby, this condominium complex scores high on liveability. Most of the units have two levels and come with a modern kitchen, study, balcony and bomb shelter. Facilities include a gym, swimming pool, wading pool and BBQ area.
Living in Paya Lebar, Dakota area
With its proximity to several malls, and a plethora of shopping and dining options within walking distance of the MRT station, it’s easy to see why Paya Lebar is an attractive place to live. The many supermarkets, restaurants, bars and cafes ensure your grocery and lifestyle needs are met, while the East-West and Circle lines take you to the city in minutes. Haig Road Market and Food Centre and Geylang Serai Bazaar add vibrancy and colour to the area.
More FAQs about Paya Lebar, Dakota Area
What Are the Housing Types Available in Paya Lebar?
Paya Lebar has a mix of HDB flats, condominiums and landed property.
What Is There to Eat In Paya Lebar?
Choose from Japanese, Western and Muslim cuisine, cafe-hop among the numerous cafes, or chill out with after-work drinks at the outdoor bars and restaurants at PLQ.
Is Dakota a Good Area to Live In?
The famous Old Airport Road Food Centre, Singapore Sports Hub and Kallang River are nearby, while Dakota MRT station on the Circle Line connects to other MRT lines.
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This article was written by Audrey A.. She can’t wait to move into her own place so she can finally get a cat (or two) and an espresso machine to fuel her love for flat whites. For now, she’s saving up and dreaming of her next trip.
