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 Dakota/Paya Lebar area, where you can relax and unwind after a hard day’s work, plus the best nearby properties to live at.
4 Best Places to Drink in Paya Lebar, Dakota
| Popular bars in Paya Lebar, Dakota | Ideas on where to stay |
| Tipsy Bird Gastrobar | Paya Lebar Residences |
| The Tuckshop | Guillemard View |
| Chug Chug PLQ | Geylang East Ave 2 |
| Merdandy Bar & Cafe | The Amarelle |
More of a foodie? Read our Where to Stay Guide in Siglap, Joo Chiat, Katong (Foodie Edition)!
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 – $16) and towers ($62 – $78) all-day
- Address: 1 Paya Lebar Link, Paya Lebar Quarter, #01-08, Singapore 408533
- Opening hours: 12pm – 1am daily
Where to Stay: Paya Lebar Residences
Paya Lebar Residences 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 the property an ideal choice for families.
Where to Stay: Park Place Residences
Alternatively, you can live right above PLQ at Park Place Residences. The development was completed in 2019 and has a total of 14 floors. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom options for you to choose from.
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. The atmosphere in The Tuckshop 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 5pm – 7pm on weekdays and 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 7pm on weekends
- Address: 403 Guillemard Road, Singapore 399795
- Opening hours: 4pm – 10.30pm daily, 10.30am – 3.30pm (Sat and Sun brunch)
If The Tuckshop is too crowded, there are two equally chill options nearby: Grapevine @ Guillemard and Hippies Bar & Grill.
Where to Stay: Guillemard View
Public transport is right at the doorstep of Guillemard View’s 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 amenities. At the time of writing, there are three units for sale and one room for rent.
Where to Stay: The Sunny Spring
The Sunny Spring is a freehold condominium completed in 1998. The property faces the Geylang River canal and gives residents easy access to the Geylang Park Connector. It’s also a short walk from nearby eateries such as Swatow Bai Le Teochew Braised Duck and Sweet Hut.
3. 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 ($7+) from opening hour till 9pm, two pints of Guinness for $21.90 and towers ($63+) all-day long
- Address: 2 Tanjong Katong Road, Paya Lebar Quarter PLQ3, #01-09, Singapore 437161
- Opening hours: 5pm – 12am daily
Where to Stay: Simsville
Simsville is an older development completed in 1998. It has 522 units and is located a short walk from Paya Lebar MRT stations, giving residents easy access to the Circle Line and East West Line. The older condominium sees many expatriates leasing the units for rent.
Where to Stay: Sixteen35 Residences
If you don’t mind a bit of a walk (ten minutes, to be exact), Sixteen35 Residences is an option to look at. Having received its Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) in 2021, the 99-year leasehold property is spanking new.
Sixteen35 Residences only has 60 units and sits right beside another small-sized development, Rezi 35, so don’t have to worry about having too many neighbours.
4. 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, and $5 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) from 4pm till 9pm
- Address: 511 Guillemard Road, Grandlink Square, #01-54, Singapore 399849
- Opening hours: 4pm – late, daily
Where to Stay: The Amarelle
With malls, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants and schools nearby, The Amarelle 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.
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.
