Nost

Here’s a cocktail bar that wears its heart on its sleeve – and that sleeve happens to be an old-school one from the 90s. Nestled on the third floor of a shophouse along Ann Siang Road, Nost (short for nostalgia) is a cosy, dimly lit gastrobar that channels throwback charm with shelves of knick-knacks, comforting small plates, and a drinks list that reads like your teenage diary – sweet, complex, and just a little dramatic.

The vibe 

There’s a homely, unpretentious feel to the space, made for unhurried catch-ups and confessional heart-to-hearts over low lighting and lo-fi beats. The neon-lit Nost sign also adds a bold, photo-worthy glow to the space. And if you spot a guy in a cowboy hat slinging drinks behind the bar, that’s Keith – ask him for a recommendation and he’ll surprise you.

The food 

The menu is small but mighty. There’s the roti jagung ($12), a soft, house-made cornbread that’s super moreish. For something heavier, the gyrados ($16) features cured red snapper in a soy reduction – a spin on the classic Cantonese dish regularly seen during family dinners. But the real scene-stealer here is the brownie – fudgy, decadent, and served with the kind of reverence usually reserved for first loves. You’ll want to curl up in a corner and savour it slowly.

The drinks 

Expect carefully constructed cocktails that double as memory triggers. Take the Careless Whisper ($25), for example, a savoury-sweet sipper that channels a salad with balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and olive oil. It’s weird, but it works. For a dose of caffeine, the Bulletproof Old Fashioned ($25) is a rich, brooding number laced with brown butter rum and cold brew. Other signatures like the Good Crop, Bad Crop ($23) and Bobby Lee ($23) balance creativity with comfort in ways that feel both fresh and familiar.

Time Out tip

Reservations are recommended if you want a guaranteed seat in this snug little nook, as it fills up fast. While you’re there, check out the bar’s own merch – their graphic tees are on display and up for grabs.