Lately I haven't stumbled into too many low-class, cheap, sweet dive-bars. Rather I've explored a few of the upper segment dining and restaurants. I thought I'd just mention my three favorites this far.

Privé, Singapore
This place has a upper-class touch superior to any restaurant I've ever visited. I'm not gonna review the food, because that's not my expertise, but the atmosphere was everything but bad. With no windows, the indoor restaurant with seats for tops 50 (my guess), invited to a private and top-notch service dining. However, to me this whole concept was so surreal, it made me feel like in a David Lynch movie. Privé is a must if you don't mind paying a lot (and make reservation in good time) and want to experience something quite different. Don't forget to book a table outside after dinner, for a few drinks directly by the water and Singapore maybe most beautiful night view.

Basilico (The Regent Hotel), Singapore
Basilico is not just another hotel buffet restaurant in the line. The italian food and the service level is super. On the same floor of this hotel you will also find a good-old hotel bar, The Bar, with a good selection of whiskeys and live jazz band which is true ear-candy.

Greenhouse (The Ritz-Carlton (Millenia)), Singapore
If you ever heard people talking about "taking service-level to the next step", this might be just the place where they managed to implement it. Dining the buffet here is a truly nice experience, don't miss the delicious handmade ice-cream.

Lot stock and barrel is the closest I've come to a dive bar (without bar girls) in Singapore this far after one year here.

The beers aren't that cheap (any food court / coffeshop will be cheaper) but the crowd and atmosphere certainly captures the feeling of drinking at a classic U.S. dive bar.

The bars owner, Pauline, is probably the most frequent guest. You will most probably meet her there, and she along with the bartenders are friendly and nice, without giving an affected feeling.

This could just be an English sports bar like any other in Singapore. But this place has that certain something, and the regulars are (certainly not exaggerating) unique and have interesting personalities.

Also, this is the only bar I've found so far with a JUKEBOX in action! Just that fact adds a few points to the dive bar index in my view. Other musical entertainment is the laid-back cover band performing Friday and Saturday nights.

You find the bar just opposite to Raffles Hotel on Seah St, nearest MRT is City Hall on the red line. There are a few outdoor bar tables that may make it easier to spot from the street.

See you there!

Your omni-present guide to the good nightlife, to the bars where you'll never hear "I’d like a gin & tonic but use Bombay Sapphire" [TheGuyOverThere], has changed location to Singapore.

I'll keep you updated on dive bar reviews in this blog.