Sometimes you just need a different kind of date night. With my husband away this week, I decided there was no reason to skip it altogether — after all, date night is about connection, not just romance. So I swapped him for my cousin (best stand-in ever) and we turned it into a mate date night. The plan? Mexican food, sunset views and maybe even a little dip at one of Singapore’s most colourful rooftop pool bars — El Chido.
Family in Singapore is something I feel incredibly lucky for, especially with my sister-in-law also here. It might not count as a “date” in the classic sense, but good food, great views and even better company? I say it still qualifies.
Where?
📍 El Chido, Pullman Hotel, 81 Anson Road, Singapore
What?
If you’re looking for somewhere that feels like a quick tropical escape without leaving the city, El Chido is it. Perched on the rooftop of the Pullman Hotel, this poolside Mexican bar has serious wow factor — neon lights, bold Day of the Dead murals, strings of colourful bulbs, and the kind of panoramic skyline view that makes you stop mid-sentence.
We arrived just after happy hour (4–6pm) — frustratingly a few minutes late, but it didn’t matter once we settled into our bright colourful and comfy chairs overlooking the pool. The whole space had this laid-back, playful energy: upbeat Latin tunes, sunset colours reflecting off the water and staff who seemed genuinely happy to be there. It felt more like we were on holiday than in downtown Singapore.
We skipped the cocktails this time — I went for a pineapple daiquiri mocktail, tropical and tangy but not too sweet, while my cousin opted for a Diet Coke (always a classic). Both were ice-cold and refreshing in the warm evening air.
For food, we decided to share a spread of dishes that hit all the right notes:
🌯 Chicken rice chimichangas – Only in Singapore would you find chicken rice stuffed into a Mexican chimichanga. Crispy on the outside, fragrant and satisfying inside — an unexpected fusion that just worked.
🌽 Elotes (Mexican street corn) – Juicy, smoky corn on the cob slathered with cheese and spice. Messy, delicious, and gone in seconds.
🧀 Beef mince nachos – A mountain of melted cheese, seasoned beef, beans, guacamole, and salsa. Proper sharing food, ideal for long catch-ups and laughter.
🌮 Shrimp & chorizo tacos – The standout of the night. The prawns were plump and juicy, the chorizo perfectly spiced. A flavour bomb in every bite.
Altogether, it came to about $110 for two — not bad for a rooftop with that kind of view, and everything was quick, hot and flavourful. The vibe was easy-going and fun, and even though it’s technically a pool bar, the food didn’t feel like an afterthought — it was genuinely great.
Once we’d eaten (and resisted ordering dessert) we decided it would be rude not to make use of the pool. A quick dip floating under string lights with the city skyline in the background was a nice way to end the night. The water was cool but refreshing, and it definitely added to that holiday feel.
By the time we left, the sky was deep blue, the city lights glowing all around, and we both agreed El Chido is one of those places you could happily linger for hours.
WOW Tips
⭐ Happy Hour runs 4–6pm—get there early for great deals on drinks
⭐ From 6pm, it’s adults-only—perfect for a calmer evening vibe
⭐ Try the shrimp and chorizo tacos—they’re the star of the menu
⭐ Mocktails are surprisingly excellent if you’re going alcohol-free
⭐ The open-air setting – prepare a Plan B if the weather turns
⭐ Go before sunset to catch the skyline at its prettiest
Worth it?
8/10
It was such a lovely night—great food, unbeatable views, and even better company! I loved the colourful décor and laid-back rooftop vibe. The mocktail was a hit, the tacos were delicious, and it was just so nice to catch up properly. Definitely a spot I’d come back to for sunset drinks—or to finally make happy hour
What SHE said
8.5/10 – (she doesn’t know we don’t do halves! Hahaha.)
‘Can’t beat a Mexican on a rooftop on a Wednesday evening 🍤 🌮’
Wrap-Up
El Chido might not have been a traditional date night, but it ticked all the right boxes — great conversation, laughter, food, and something a little bit different. Plus, it reminded me that sometimes the point of date night isn’t just romance — it’s connection. Whether that’s with your partner, your cousin, or even yourself, taking time to step away from routine and do something fun always feels worth it.
So, even if your partner isn’t in town, don’t skip the night. Switch things up—mate dates, family dates, solo indulgence—all count. It’s about carving out time to slow down, enjoy the moment, and leave the evening feeling lighter, happier and connected.
Would I go back? Absolutely. El Chido is now on my rotation for casual rooftop nights, whether romantic or just fun social catch-ups.
Have you done a “mate date” before? Or found a rooftop spot that makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of the city chaos for a couple of hours? Drop me your recommendations—I’m always looking for new views and vibes.
Wanna see?
📸 For photos from the night, check out Instagram.
