Singapore's 1939 restaurant to close late this month

By Hoang Vu May 23, 2025 | 08:00 pm PT

1939 Singapore restaurant in Singapore. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

1939 Singapore, a multi-concept restaurant and bar located on Keong Saik Road, will cease operations on May 31, adding to a growing list of eatery closures in the world's second most expensive city.

"1939 has been more than a bar, a kitchen, or a rooftop. It's been memories made, burgers devoured, cocktails clinked, and countless nights we'll never forget—all because of you," the venue wrote in a farewell message on Instagram.

The establishment is encouraging patrons to visit as it counts down to its final day, adding: "Thank you for being part of our story. Let's make this last month legendary."

Opened in November last year, 1939 took over the space previously occupied by Potato Head Singapore at 36 Keong Saik Road. It features four distinct areas: Three Buns on the ground floor, The Restaurant on level two, Studio 1939 cocktail bar on level three, and The Rooftop Bar on the top floor, Mothership reported.

The reason for the closure has not been disclosed.

Singapore's celebrated food scene has seen a wave of shutdowns over the past year, affecting establishments from budget-friendly hawker stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Rising operational costs and declining consumer spending have been cited as key factors, according to Reuters.

Government data shows that food and beverage business closures averaged 307 per month in 2025, up from 254 in 2024 and around 230 in both 2023 and 2022.

Singapore was named the second most expensive city in the world for foreigners after Hong Kong in last year's Cost of Living Survey, released by American consulting firm Mercer.