Popular Maxi Coffee Bar reopens after surprise June closure — still at Ann Siang Hill and now a full-fledged cafe

On June 13, many Singapore coffee lovers were blindsided by a surprise announcement on Maxi Coffee Bar’s Instagram page.

It was to be the coffeehouse’s last weekend at its intimate little nook, nestled on the junction of Ann Siang Hill and Club Street.

This wasn’t the first time Maxi Coffee Bar had shifted locations — it was previously situated in a smaller hole-in-the-wall further down Club Street — but this time, it came out like a bolt out of the blue.

It had a strong base of regulars, so it was puzzling for the business to close, especially on such short notice and without a new store in the pipeline.

Based on comments by Maxi on its social media posts, it seems that there were unforeseen issues with its tenancy, rather than operational difficulties.

But there’s always a silver lining. Four months on, Maxi Coffee Bar has reopened, and good news: It’s staying in the Ann Siang Hill area.

The new Maxi Coffee Bar is just a quick two minutes walk from its old digs, beside hidden basement bar The Coup, and it’s now a full-fledged cafe with much more space and indoor seating — something the previous location lacked.

With this new chapter, the cafe has traded in its initially rustic, no-frills decor and gone for a more sophisticated aesthetic, with wood accents and warm lights.

While guests can still easily grab-and-go just as before, those who want to sit and chill can now also opt to sip on their cuppas in the cosy filter-bar area.

Outside sitting is also available, for those who find joy in people watching.

Maxi Coffee Bar 3.0

What can regulars expect with Maxi Coffee Bar 3.0?

Besides its signature caffeinated beverage options and bakes, guests can also look forward to a more fleshed-out array of savoury dishes, mainly sandwiches and toasts.

This includes the tuna Melt (secret tuna mix, kewpie mayo, cheddar, S$15) and roast chicken (chicken Caesar, parmesan, lettuce, S$15).

As far as coffee goes, though, the team hasn’t lost a beat.

Every visit should include an order of Maxi Coffee Bar’s iconic iced cereal milk latte (S$8).

For this signature drink, Maxi uses a cereal milk that’s infused with cornflakes for that toasty, malty flavour — very unique and comforting.

Those who consider themselves coffee purists, or are just more traditional, will also be delighted with the milk espresso (from S$5 for 3oz).

At present, Maxi Coffee Bar uses an Ethiopian bean for the milk espresso — it’s incredibly smooth, while tasting clean and fruity, and finishes with a satisfying chocolate note.

While it was too early in the morning for the heartier savouries, we had to order Maxi Coffee Bar’s modern, cafe-style take on kaya butter (S$7.50) toast.

Don’t worry: At that price point, you’re not paying for an ordinary, Ya Kun-style toast. 

You get a slab of chewy and crusty bread that’s spread with fragrant kaya, and paired with an egg butter, which jazzes things up with a tinge of salinity and eggy richness — we couldn’t get enough of this fancy kaya toast.

Those who prefer sweeter bakes can also peruse Maxi Coffee Bar’s pastries menu, with items such as the salted choc and tahini cookie (S$5.50), Canterbury apple tart (S$7), and key lime pie (S$7) on our visit.

Being burnt cheesecake fans, though, we were enticed by the burnt cheesecake with PX sherry honey (S$10).

The cake itself was solid — creamy and rich, though it could be silkier in texture — but the aromatic and indulgent sherry honey really elevated the pastry.

Even if they were gone for a few months, we are pleased to say that Maxi Coffee Bar is still as solid as always. In fact, it might even be better now, with its larger new space!

For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on the viral new foccaccia spot and the enticing bottomless steaks and fries promo at Hathaway!