Singapore's top restaurant and entertainment destination closed permanently after 86 years

Ninh Phương |

1939 Singapore, a famous bar restaurant complex, will close, extending the list of stop- performing dining addresses in the second most expensive city in the world.

The reason for the closure has not been announced.

1939 was not just a bar, a kitchen or a terrace. It is a place to preserve memories, a place to enjoy delicious Burgers, a cup of celebratory cocktails and countless unforgettable nights - all thanks to you, this place wrote in a farewell on Instagram.

The restaurant is encouraging diners to visit during the final days, and at the same time sent a message: Thank you for being a part of our story. Let's make this last month a legend."

The prime dining complex includes four separate areas: Three Buns on the ground floor, The Restaurant on the second floor, Studio 1939 cocktail bar on the third floor, and The Rooftop Bar on the terrace. Photo: 1939 Singapore

1939 Singapore is located at 36 Keong Saik Street. Keong Saik Street is located in Chinatown, in the central area of Singapore. This is a place with high cultural and historical values, known for its ancient shophouse-style shops, attracting international visitors as well as local people who love cuisine and nightlife.

This building is a multi-concept culinary location located in an Art Deco shophouse built in 1939. Initially, Tong Ah Eating House, a famous coffee shop, was located here, serving traditional Singaporean dishes from 1939 to 2013.

In 2014, this space was converted into Potato Head Singapore, a multi-storey restaurant and bar operated by PTT Family Group from Bali. Potato Head stands out with a unique interior design by Australian artist David Bromley, including the burger Three Buns on the ground floor, the Studio 1939 cocktail bar on the third floor and the rooftop bar.

In November, 2024, this location was changed to 1939 Singapore, in order to honor the historic heritage of the building. With the new name, 1939 continues to maintain four culinary and entertainment areas: Three Buns on the first floor, The Restaurant on the second floor, Studio 1939 Cocktail Bar on the third floor and The Rooftop Bar on the rooftop.

However, after less than a year of operation under the new brand, 1939 Singapore officially closed on May 31.

The Singaporean food industry has seen a wave of closures at a series of dining addresses over the past year, from affordable food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants.

According to Reuters, increased operating costs and declining consumer spending are the two main reasons.

Data from the Singapore government shows that the average number of food and beverage establishments that have stopped operating is 307 per month in 2025, up from 254 in 2024 and about 230 in 2023 and 2022.

According to the cost of living survey published by the US consulting firm Mercer last year, Singapore is ranked as the second most expensive city in the world for foreigners, after Hong Kong (China).

Ninh Phương
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