In Japan, the word nomikai (drinking party) is practically a sacred corporate ritual. It is the exact moment the salaryman unbuttons his collar, sheds the crushing weight of the workday, and retreats into a cramped, neon-lit alleyway to down endless highballs, share unvarnished truths with colleagues, and forge unbreakable bonds.

You do not need to book a flight to Tokyo to experience this unique subculture. Tucked away within the retro, weathered corridors of Orchard Plaza is Singapore’s truest slice of authentic salaryman life. It is an interconnected ecosystem of hole-in-the-wall izakayas, karaoke lounges, and many other hidden gems where evenings flow organically from one room to the next.

If you are ready to plan an authentic, multi-stage nomikai night that moves far beyond standard commercial pubs, here is your definitive itinerary.

Stage 1: The First Pour & Small Bites

A proper nomikai always begins with a lively, high-energy environment to break the ice and shake off the day’s residual stress.

Apollon

Located on the first floor, Apollon (and its adjacent sister space, AM Bar) sets the perfect opening tone with its unapologetically raw, frantic Tokyo energy.

• The Vibe: Walk past the threshold and you are greeted by a tight 10-seater counter with a front-row view of the cook stations. Behind it, a mix of Japanese and Singaporean staff frantically take orders and mix highballs like clockwork, creating proper, bustling izakaya vibes.
• The Bites: This is an a la carte haven specialising in oden, agemono, and comforting savouries. Order their famous Oden—renowned for its exceptionally light, savoury broth—either a la carte or as a 6-piece combo featuring daikon, sausage, tamago, tsukune, beef, and seafood stick. Pair it with their melt-in-your-mouth Negitoro and kimi (egg yolk) maki, and the rich Beef Tendon Stew, which is an absolute hit among customers at around $10 a plate.
• The Rules: Drinking is strictly mandatory here; each guest must order at least one drink or alternatively agree to a shorter seating time. If you are a sake connoisseur, go for a glass of their barrel-tapped sake for excellent value.

Apollon
Location: 150 Orchard Rd, #01-29 Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 5 PM – 11:30 PM | Closed on Sundays & Mondays

Bisco Sakaba

If your group prefers something a bit more contemporary and hip, head over to Bisco Sakaba (which stands for Bistro, Disco, Drinking Place) to feel instantly hip just by being there.

• The Vibe: While compact, this modern izakaya features a live DJ tucked into the corner mixing music, interacting with guests, and adjusting the volume to lift the room’s energy. The open kitchen lets you watch all the action, particularly how meticulously the chef—who brings extensive experience in French cuisine—grills seasonal Japanese fish over glowing charcoal.
• The Bites: The food menu is beautifully minimalist, listing just eight appetisers and eight hot dishes on a single sheet of paper. The undisputed conversation-starter is the Dashi Egg: hard-boiled eggs where the yolk is sieved through a wire mesh into fine ribbons and sprinkled over whites stuffed with rich tartare sauce. Follow it up with their crisp Sweet Potato Tempura, the perfectly fried Aniko Karaage (served with a bright green mango salad to cut through the oil), or a plate of Japanese Mussels in a well-executed cream sauce. If you have a little room left, order the Arabiki Sausages, which use delicate sheep casing to deliver a satisfying, smoky paripari snap alongside homemade mustard.
• The Rules: They enforce a strict one-drink policy per guest or a bottle for the table. Interestingly, they only carry one brand of sake, choosing instead to focus on a globally curated wine list highlighting Japanese bottles alongside selections from France, Australia, and Portugal. Non-alcoholic options like homemade lemonade and kombucha are also available.

Bisco Sakaba
Location: 150 Orchard Rd, #01-24/25 Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 6 PM – 11 PM | Closed on Mondays

Stage 2: Settling In for the Main Event

As the evening matures and the conversation deepens, it is time to move to a space that rewards slow, appreciative dining and intimate counter interaction.

Kakiin Oyster Bar

This absolute hole-in-the-wall is a masterclass in legendary Japanese space planning. Within a square footage that could barely accommodate a single bed, the owner has somehow packed a full working kitchen, a long storage shelf for alcohol, and a counter seating up to eight diners.

• The Vibe: Expect satisfying, clockwork cooking and brilliantly characterful service. You will be hard-pressed to tell if the boss man is happy or annoyed at his place’s popularity, but what he lacks in a happy disposition he makes up for in execution. He swiftly flashes a genial, passionate side when explaining the exact regional origins of his seafood.
• The Bites: Oysters every which way are the undisputed specialty here. When an order lands, the chef snaps into action, swiftly shucking and washing a selection of Japanese, Irish, and American oysters served dramatically on a platter swirling with dry ice. They are incredibly fresh: fleshy and minerally for the Irish, creamy for the Japanese, and middle-of-the-road for the American ones. Next, try the cooked options grilled in a tiny toaster oven, emerging plump and bathed in sake (pick the sake) or garlic butter. Round things out with garlic oyster fried rice, crab croquettes, buttery-peppery chicken soft bone, or the creamy, sweet chicken livers tossed in a tangy ponzu sauce.

Kakiin Oyster Bar
Location: 150 Orchard Rd, #01-37, Singapore 238841
Opening Hours: Open Daily 5:30 PM – 11 PM

Al Solito Japanese Italian Izakaya

For a more nostalgic, slow-paced main meal, track down Al Solito. Despite the meteoric rise in popularity of Orchard Plaza, this absolute stalwart remains a beloved, low-key “third place” predominantly filled with Japanese expatriates and regulars.

• The Vibe: No unnecessary flourish—just plain wooden tables, simple walls adorned with handwritten notes left by past happy customers, and an intimate, almost cramped setting where conversations flow freely between guests and the friendly Japanese proprietors.
• The Bites: Originally intended purely as a wine bar, the owners evolved the casual space after guests repeatedly requested food to pair with their wine and sake. The menu features western influences, led by their signature masterpiece: the Cold Angel-Hair Pasta, beautifully crowned with luxurious accoutrements of uni, ikura, and caviar. For something deeply traditional, order the hamachi kama nitsuke (simmered yellowtail cheek) or their thick, succulently juicy homemade baked hamburg slab of beef.

Al Solito Japanese Italian Izakaya
Location: 150 Orchard Rd, #03-49, Singapore 238841
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 6 PM – 10 PM | Closed on Sundays

Stage 3: The After-Party (Nijikai)

No authentic nomikai ends after dinner. The late-night phase—or nijikai—demands specialized alcohol, storytelling, and elevated hospitality.

GOBU-GOBU

GOBU-GOBU is a rare, soul-stirring Japanese bar where every single pour tells a vivid story, leaving a lasting impression long after your first visit.

• The Vibe: This specialized sanctuary focuses entirely on artisanal Okinawan spirits—ranging from boutique rums and gins to rare whiskies, sake, and traditional Awamori that you simply will not find in standard local bars.
• The Experience: The true heart of the bar is Rado, the exceptionally warm and knowledgeable boss. Sitting at the counter means enjoying his unforgettable hospitality as he shares his passion for sake and its rich history. If you prefer a quieter moment with your crew, grab the outside seats to soak in the soft, chill music. Pair your drinks with their limited but meticulously prepared izakaya bites; do not miss the edamame beans to keep your taste buds happy.

GOBU-GOBU
Location: 150 Orchard Rd, #01-45, Singapore 238841
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 5 PM – 11:30 PM | Closed on Sundays & Mondays

Bar Lounge Toriko

To conclude the night in the ultimate salaryman fashion, slip into Bar Lounge Toriko, a beautiful destination that perfectly marries a relaxed lounge with a karaoke bar.

• The Vibe: This space is entirely anchored on a “just-right” sense of comfort, allowing guests to wind down completely at their own natural, relaxed pace. The staff’s attentiveness and exceptional service ensure every single customer feels entirely looked after throughout their stay.
• The Draw: Beyond the welcoming atmosphere—ideal even for solo guests looking to belt out a tune—Toriko boasts a rare, highly curated selection of Islay whiskies that you don’t often see in other shops. It is the sort of captivating den where you casually drop in for one final drink and effortlessly find yourself staying longer than expected.

Bar Lounge Toriko
Location: 150 Orchard Rd, #03-21 Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9 PM – 3 AM | Closed on Sundays

Final Thoughts

An authentic nomikai night is successful when you completely lose track of time, space, and the corporate hierarchy. By bypassing the sterile, cookie-cutter bars of modern town and navigating the intimate, counter-led labyrinths of Orchard Plaza, you get to experience the true soul of Japanese hospitality. From sieved dashi eggs and sake-bathed oysters to Okinawan spirits and late-night karaoke, this retro monolith proves that the best nights out are always found in the tightest corners.