Fans of casual drinks, cool cocktails and everything in between will be flitting to this new dual-concept bar, burrowed away from the hustle and bustle of Boat Quay’s riverside. The month-old Barbary Coast, occupying two storeys and three shophouse units that were formerly a hot pot restaurant, is a new drinks haven that may have quietly soft launched since last December, but has gotten lots of buzz. It’s the brainchild of bar industry veterans Celia Schoonraad and Michael Callahan, whom you may remember as the man behind 28 Hongkong Street.

So what’s the San Fran link, you ask? Barbary Coast is inspired by the district of the same name in the city back in the mid-1800s during the gold rush, a recreational wonderland where folks went for a good night out, whether it was to a bar, dance hall or concert saloons.

Fast forward to 2020 at Barbary Coast in Singapore, where the owners have taken that inspiration to the next level and injected a modern, hipster twist to it with two bars under one roof: Deadfall and Barbary Coast Ballroom, each with its own distinct flavour.

Situated on the first storey of Barbary Coast is Deadfall — deadfalls were gritty dive bars in San Francisco in the 19th century. Over here, the ambience is rustic, albeit thoughtfully and purposefully so — it’s decked out with upcycled shipping pallets, original kopitiam bar chairs, and the like. It’s all very casual — there’s no dress code — and is probably the sort of place you’d chill for laidback drinks after work, or just a casual hang with the gang on weekends.

Cheap and cheerful is the name of the (bar) game here, with a beer going for $6 nett, and easy-on-the-wallet cocktails going for $14++ each. Bar bites are available at $12-15 nett.

Upstairs on the second level, Barbary Coast Ballroom teleports you into a whole new world (enter via a non-descript door facing North Canal Rd). At first blush, Ballroom, with its intricately ornate wallpaper and lush furnishings, may look like a totally different bar. But here’s a history fun fact: While deadfalls were the watering holes of choice of down-and-out miners during the gold rush, ballrooms and parlours were frequented by the upper class who’d made a fortune for themselves.

These sultry surrounds hold a few surprises of their own. As you enter the more intimate space upstairs, you’ll be torn to where to look first. The lavish bar? The plush vintage-inspired couches and lounges? The nine different wallpapers that dress the space?

Or the opulent VIP booths (pictured above) at the back where you can order a $100++ bottle of Billecart champagne with a push of a button? You don’t have to don a ball gown here, but note that there’s a dress code — no beachwear and flip flops allowed.

If you love fancy concoctions, you’ll have a field day here with its plethora of classy, creative cocktails. Fans of smoky cocktails will love the Tommy Tomate ($22++, above), a mix of tomato-infused mescal, kaffir agave and lime. Feeling peckish? Nibble from impressive cheese and charcuterie boards (from $50++ for a petite board).

Barbary Coast is at 16 North Canal Rd, S048828. Deadfall is open from 4pm to late, Mon to Sat (closed Sun); Barbary Coast Ballroom is open 6pm till 1am (Mon), 6pm-2am (Tue-Wed), 6pm-3am (Thur-Sat); closed Sun. More info at www.barbarycoastsg.com.

Photos: Barbary Coast