Singapore has a habit of keeping secrets. The city’s surface — all polished marble and glass — barely hints at the subterranean pulse that moves beneath. Neon Pigeon is one of those secrets, a place that feels like it belongs in some fever dream of Tokyo street alleys and the Lower East Side at 3 a.m. It’s where the city sheds its polite exterior and gets a little wild, a little loud, and a lot electric.
Walking up to Neon Pigeon, you might catch the glow first — a flicker of neon bleeding into the humid Singapore night. You push open those discreet doors and step into a different world: graffiti-splashed walls, bass-heavy beats, bartenders moving like dancers behind the counter. You’ve landed in an izakaya that doesn’t follow the rulebook.
It’s not just a bar. It’s a place where you forget the time, lose track of plans, and start ordering another round before you’ve even finished the first.
Please describe Neon Pigeon as if you’re explaining the experience of walking through the doors and ordering your first drink.
A thrill ride from the moment you step in. You walk through those dark, discreet doors and it’s like you’ve just entered a secret underground spot where the rules are loose, the vibes are electric, and you know you’re in for one hell of a ride.
You snag a seat at the bar, right next to our bartenders who are ready to whip up your first (but definitely not your last) drink of the night. The place oozes that New York City swagger, with a touch of Tokyo charm and hip hop blasting in the background. It’s got that Japanese essence, but sprinkled with some gritty Lower East Side charm on top for good measure.
You flip open the menu and it’s a rollercoaster of flavours and ideas. From zero proof, to half proof and full proof cocktails. You spot this killer cocktail that’s got a mysterious name and ingredients you’ve never even heard of. You order it, and the bartender starts crafting a masterpiece right before your eyes. When that glass hits the bar, you take a sip, and boom, you’re hooked. It’s like your taste buds just found their new home.
And that’s Neon Pigeon for you – bold, unapologetic, and ready to take you on a ride you won’t soon forget. So, are you ready to dive in?
How would you describe Neon Pigeon in a three-word text to a friend that you’re trying to convince to join you?
No convincing needed.
Me, you, bar.
Other than Neon Pigeon, what else is happening in the neighborhood that you’re in?
Just a stone’s throw away, you’ve got the neighborhood’s hottest spots all in one. First up, our direct neighbours, Wine RVLT, a progressive gastro wine bar where you can indulge in a fantastic selection of vino paired with delectable eats. Then, there’s the legendary 28 Hong Kong Street, one of the most highly awarded bars in Asia and a true Singaporean bar institution known for its legendary cocktails. And let’s not forget Offtrack, a music-centric bar serving up hearty pan Asian food, cult classic cocktails and fun vibes. It’s a neighborhood that knows how to party and you’re right in the epicenter of the action!
Aside from Happy Hour, when is the best time to get to the bar?
Well, my friend, at Neon Pigeon, we live by the motto that every time is a damn good time to hit the bar! Whether it’s after a long day’s work, a spontaneous weekday adventure, or a wild weekend night out, our doors are always open and the party never stops. So, the best time? No time like the present, right?
Describe the average drinkers that you serve.
At Neon Pigeon, our flock of drinkers comes from all walks of life, and that’s exactly how we like it. We don’t discriminate when it comes to our patrons – you’ll find a colorful mix of city slickers, creatives, foodies, and cocktail enthusiasts all converging under our neon-lit sign. From the suits and ties to the artists with inked sleeves, everyone’s welcome in our underground izakaya. We’re the neighborhood joint that transcends neighborhoods, bringing together a diverse crowd that shares one common goal: to have a damn good time. Neon Pigeon is where individuality is celebrated, and the only dress code is being your unapologetic self.
Please tell us more about your drinks menu.
Our drinks menu at Neon Pigeon draws inspiration from the iconic film “The Seven Samurai” by Akira Kurosawa and its Western adaptation, “The Magnificent Seven” by John Sturges. This concept pays homage to the rich history of cocktails, which can be categorized into different families or styles. We’ve chosen to follow Wayne Collins’ “Magnificent 7” theory, which breaks down the evolution of cocktails into seven main categories: Punch, Milk Punch, Sling, Cocktail, Sour, Cobbler, and Highball. Collins, a prominent figure in the 1990s London cocktail scene, contributed significantly to the revival of cocktails. We honour his legacy, as he sadly passed away in February 2023.
Moreover, our concept aligns with Neon Pigeon’s identity as a venue where East meets West. While our foundation is rooted in the Japanese izakaya tradition, we seamlessly blend elements of Tokyo with the vibrant spirit and grit of New York’s Lower East Side. This amalgamation of cultures and influences is reflected not only in our menu but also in the unique and dynamic atmosphere we offer to our patrons.
What’s your signature drink—or your favorite drink currently on the menu—and why should I order it?
Japanese Drifter.
Midori, Italicus Bergamot Rosolio, Yuzushu, Roku Gin, lemon, egg white.
Our signature drink, the “Japanese Drifter,” is not just a drink; it’s a magnetic force and clear crowd favourite. We’ve got people knocking down doors to get a taste of this every day. It’s the kind of concoction that makes you feel like you’re on a wild adventure, zigzagging through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo one moment and cruising through the gritty alleys of New York City the next.
So why should you order it? Well, because it’s a damn good drink, and sometimes that’s reason enough.
How much do drinks cost?
SGD 16-25.
Is there anything to eat? If so, what’s your favorite dish on the menu?
Absolutely, we’re not just about drinks; we’ve got some mouth-watering dishes on the menu too. One of my all-time favourites is the “Moriawase.” It’s a weekly seafood medley that showcases the freshest sashimi and makis, handpicked by our chef from his best-of box. It’s always evolving and constantly on point, never misses.
What are the distinguishing features of Neon Pigeon?
The Neon Pigeon Energy
Neon Pigeon is dark and with the right amount of grit and the feeling of an underground den you choose to get lost within. Minutes turn into hours and people tend to lose themselves in the fun of it all; in the action and the energy.
The Menu – Big or Small, It’s Your Choice
Taking inspiration from Asian restaurant menus, every dish on the menu can be ordered as either Small or Large, making it equally easy to share between two or in bigger groups. Staying true to our theme, the menu starts with our Signature “Birdfeed” appetizers, before you move on to a full Vegetable section, followed by Fish, Meat and Rice sections. These two concepts combined make for a menu that is ultimately flexible and allows the diner to be in the driver’s seat of their own experience.
Graffiti Art – New York City Meets Tokyo
The space is brought to life with floor-to-ceiling murals of graffiti that are hand-sprayed in the space. Pigeons that represent the brand are the driving story, which provide and represent the edginess. Layers and complexities within the graffiti give it a different look and depth each time guests return.
Music – Born and Raised In The Concrete Jungle
Fresh off us joining the World’s 50 Best Discovery list as one of Singapore’s best bars, we’ve decided it’s time to up our game. Our new bar area is larger and more engaging for guests than before, allowing everyone the opportunity to stay longer and drink the night away.
What’s that music we hear playing on the Neon Pigeon stereo?
Born and raised in the concrete jungle, Neon Pigeon’s music is unapologetically edgy with a mix of classic and high-quality contemporary Hip Hop, Indie Rock, and Indie Pop. The guys from Run DMC are downing sake laybacks with Foster the People, while Kanye West orders another round of Edamame Hummus and Curry Chips to share with Empire of the Sun and Post Malone.
We are a mix of 90’s and early 2000’s hip hop, indie rock and “good” pop music, mixed in with about 10 to 20% Japanese hip hop. We are eclectic yet familiar.
If you’d like to try one of their cocktail’s, try the Japanese Drifter.
Practical Info
Hours
Wednesday – Saturday: 5pm – Late
Reservations
Recommended, but walk-ins always welcome.
Website
neonpigeonsg.com
Instagram
@neonpigeonsg
Address
36 Carpenter Street, #01-01, Singapore 059915
