The best bars for first dates, from the Tatler Best Asia 100 list 2024

In contemporary courtship, first dates are delicate ecosystems requiring precise environmental conditions. Think mood lighting, dim enough to flatter yet bright enough to hold space for eye contact; acoustics that encourage intimate or even flirtatious conversations; and most crucially, bartenders that possess a sort of discretion to recognise when romance requires a gentle nudge or strategic retreat.

From Singapore’s clandestine mezcal sanctuary and Thailand’s suave martini bar to Taiwan’s intimate sake haven, Asia’s got the finest watering holes that could impress your possible significant other. Here’s to unlocking a paradise of intimate atmospheres and conversation-lubricating libations, according to the Tatler Best Asia 100 list 2024.

Read more: The best speakeasies in Asia, as featured in the Tatler Best Asia 100 list 2024

Title: The Old Man

Location: Central

The Old Man crafts daring cocktails designed for those who appreciate unusual yet bold flavours (Photo: The Old Man)

The Old Man, Hong Kong, will forever feel intimate and private (Photo: The Old Man)

Inspired by the adventurous spirit of Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man crafts daring cocktails designed for those who appreciate unusual, bold flavours. The innovative menu is constantly evolving, featuring drinks enhanced through techniques like fat-washing, infusion and cold fermentation. Ingredients such as clarified banana ghee, snail-infused tequila and uni gin push the boundaries of what a cocktail can be, with garnishes ranging from a citrus cloud to flaming steel wool, creating a sensory spectacle. The seats at the T-shaped bar are prime for those looking to witness the theatrics of mixology up close. Whether you’re sipping on a concoction built from bread wine or marvelling at the unexpected flavours, this bar offers a thrilling, avant-garde experience for the adventurous drinker

Tatler Tip: While the theatrical interventions could either ignite passion or send your date fleeing into the night, a night at The Old Man will forever feel intimate, private, and certainly good enough for first dates.

Title: Vesper

Location: Bangkok

The signature spirit-forward Vesper martini (Photo: Vesper)

A candlelit room with European-inspired decor makes up the vibe at Vesper, Bangkok (Photo: Vesper)

Vesper was established at the dawn of Bangkok’s new cocktail culture era, that is, as people realised there needed to be better places for proper cocktails than just stuffy hotel lobby bars. Taking its name from the variation on a classic martini, Vesper initially set out to be a traditional cocktail venue serving mainly those drinks and other timeless classics amid vintage European decor, simple bar snacks and a relaxing atmosphere. But as the scene rapidly developed, so did the bar. Over the past decade, under a range of talented bar managers, it has become known for pushing creative boundaries, playfulness, refreshing reinterpretations and paying innovative homage to the classics. Each launch of a new signature menu is one of the most highly anticipated events in the city’s bar scene.

Tatler Tip: Candlelit room, European-inspired decor, and spirit-forward tipples. If this particular combination excites both of you, Vesper makes the perfect grounds to test your chemistry. If all else fails, you’ve got a world-class Vesper cocktail to fall back on.

Title: Cat Bite Club

Location: Duxton

Meow Now Brown Cow is Cat Bite Club’s irreverent crowd pleaser (Photo: Cat Bite Club)

Cat Bite Club is an agave and rice spirits-focused speakeasy in Singapore (Photo: Cat Bite Club)

Agave and rice spirits take centre stage at this speakeasy, where you can savour cocktails celebrating the craftsmanship and tradition of these Mexican and Asian beverages. Founded by Gabriel Lowe and Jesse Vida, the club is easy to miss, its presence indicated by a glowing red sign with a mischievous Cheshire cat’s grin. The Cat Bite Margarita—perhaps the best margarita in Singapore—is an epic celebration of agave made with Código 1530 blanco tequila, Siete Misterios espadín mezcal, Cointreau, a fresh citrus blend, sherry and agave nectar. It is the perfect balance of floral, citrus and tangy flavours to wake the appetite. Or go with the Soju Sprint, a tribute to rice spirits made with Tokki soju, peach, honey, mint, a fresh citrus blend, sherry, absinthe and soda.

Tatler Tip: Sweeten up your date with the irreverent crowd pleaser, Meow Now Brown Cow. This sure-fire liquid icebreaker is recently updated, treating all to indulgent flavours of banana, coffee and vanilla.

Title: Chiu Xiang Sake Bar

Location: Taipei

The Saketini is perfect for slow sipping and inspired chats (Photo: Chiu Xiang Sake Bar)

Chiu Xiang Sake Bar blends the warmth of a home, the creativity of an art gallery and the comfort of a café (Photo: Chiu Xiang Sake Bar)

Chiu Xiang Sake Bar blends the warmth of a home, the creativity of an art gallery and the comfort of a café. Created by former art world professional Mengmeng and bartender Xiao Qiu, it was born from the former’s love of sake; after discovering the drink, she was captivated by its sweetness and drinkability, and decided to immerse herself in studying it. The space reflects this, filled with sake from different moments, books and keepsakes from travels. The bar offers 20 to 30 unique sakes, handpicked by the owners, as well as sake-based cocktails.

Tatler Tip: The drink menu is tucked inside a poetry book. Take time to admire the curated artworks and ask the bartender for a classic cocktail with a sake twist. Think Saketini, perfect for slow sipping and inspired chats.

In case you missed it: The best restaurants in Asia for the wine-obsessed, according to the Tatler Best Asia 100 list 2024

Title: Reka:Bar

Location: Bukit Damansara

Reka:Bar distils mixology into an art form as well as a science (Photo: Reka:Bar)

Watermelon sugar high combines sake with watermelon shrub and tarragon (Photo: Reka:Bar)

Reka:Bar distils mixology into an art form as well as a science. Since its debut in 2021, the bar has consistently championed the use of local produce and offbeat combinations in a thoughtfully developed drinks programme. Its Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat menu celebrates four foundations integral to the creation of an exceptional dish. A signature from this menu is the Pistapple Passion, crafted with pistachio distillate, brandy and clarified coconut. The Domino Effect V2 menu showcases the versatility of Asian flavours, combining sake with watermelon shrub and tarragon in its Watermelon Sugar High and infusing bourbon and rum with salted caramel and oolong milk tea in its Cloud & Clear.

Tatler Tip: The playful drinks are sure to set the scene for the ideal first encounter. Park yourselves at the bar counter that offers just the right amount of privacy, complemented by unintrusive hospitality.

Title: The Curator Coffee & Cocktails

Location: Makati

Lounge by the intimate, dimly lit bar with cheeky, meticulously crafted cocktails (Photo: The Curator)

The Curator is known to host highly anticipated guest shifts throughout the year (Photo: The Curator)

This intimate, dimly lit bar’s many regulars have come to expect cheeky, meticulously crafted cocktails, complete with flavour diagrams to help them navigate the menu. On the off-chance it’s not one of your friendly Curator mixologists tending the bar, you’ll likely find a seasoned veteran from another prestigious bar, as this haunt is known to host highly anticipated guest shifts throughout the year. Before nightfall, this neighbourhood favourite also functions as a café, specialising in expertly made coffee beverages and, more recently, matcha sourced from Japan.

Tatler Tip: When in doubt, always choose the espresso martini; The Curator’s cheeky version is a riff on Pandesal (a staple soft roll in the Philippines), promising rich creamy textures and accents of nutmeg. And if your date turns out to be a bore, trust the extremely hospitable staff to strike up a conversation.

Title: The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge

Location: Macau

The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge exudes a dark, moody charm that’s instantly warmed by the presence of a fireplace (Photo: The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge)

For something interactive, consider a flight of finest vintages where couples get to unravel different Macallan expressions (Photo: The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge)

The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge exudes a dark, moody charm that’s instantly warmed by the presence of a fireplace and the soulful sounds of a live band. Blending the essence of a traditional Scottish public house with refined elegance, the space features oak floors, leather sofas and beautifully patterned rugs. Stag antlers and a crystal chandelier add a touch of grandeur, while more than 400 malt whiskies, including rare selections from the Macallan distillery, are displayed proudly. Beyond whisky, guests can enjoy a curated selection of champagne, wine and cocktails. Whether settling in for a quiet evening or soaking up the live music, the inviting ambience and attention to detail make it a perfect destination for a refined yet relaxed night out.

Tatler Tip: Cosy up at the fireplace and let the gentle crackle warm up the amorous evening over a dram of vintage Scotch whisky. For something interactive, consider a flight of finest vintages where couples get to unravel different Macallan expressions.

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