Go West! American restos in Singapore
Besides giving us Netflix and solid craft beers, America is home to some seriously soul-satisfying food scattered through its 50 states, from Maryland’s crab cakes to Philadelphia’s cheesesteak sandwiches. Thankfully, with the ever-growing pool of American restaurants in Singapore, we have plenty of places to chow down on burgers, mac and cheese, sticky ribs and more. Here are our favourite spots – you might need a Grand Canyon-sized appetite to get through all of ’em.
Overeasy
Loved equally for its kitschy vibe and dressed-up yet unpretentious grub, this all-American restaurant now has two spots to visit: the waterfront One Fullerton outlet with killer views of Marina Bay’s skyline, and a spankin’ new Orchard Road outpost that’s great for people-watching. Star dishes on the menu include the truffle burger (with a wagyu beef mince patty, truffle-infused mayonnaise, three different cheeses, sauteed onions and mushrooms in a grilled brioche bun), the Mac and Cheeks – crammed with beautifully braised beef cheeks, and the bourbon donut holes with homemade fudge. To wash down all that hearty grub, we suggest ordering their alcohol-spiked milkshakes and slushies.
Overeasy, #01-06, One Fullerton,1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213, e. fullerton@overeasy.com.sg; and #01-01, Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Road, Singapore 238881, e. orchard@overeasy.com.sg.
Fordham & Grand
Hidden behind a non-descript door, this narrow, speakeasy-style restaurant dishes out top-notch steak and fries ($20), oyster fritters ($8) and BBQ pulled pork sliders ($12) until the wee hours of the morning – 2am, to be exact. Classic American fare aside, they also do elegant cocktails and excellent mix-and-match highball drinks.
Fordham & Grand, 43 Craig Road, Singapore 089681, p. 6221 3088.
Manhattan Bar
Manhattan
Evoking the swanky watering holes of New York City’s Great Gatsby era, Manhattan is the first bar in the world with an in-hotel rickhouse, which is used to age bitters and single-cask cocktails, as well as store exquisite spirits. A special ingredients room also houses heaps of intriguing flavour enhancers, such as smoked sea salt and wild cherry bark. While most flock to the bar for their NYC-inspired cocktail menu, designed to represent the iconic ‘hoods, their modern bites are also worth a shout – think street-style hot dogs ($15), beef sliders ($20) and deconstructed lobster rolls ($26). Swing by their Sunday cocktail brunch ($150++) for homemade pancakes and bagels, freshly-shucked oysters, smoked foies gras and a build-your-own Bloody Mary station.
Manhattan, Level 2, Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715, p. 6725 3377.
Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chophouse
For your fill of seafood from the East Coast, head to this classy spot on the fringe of Chinatown’s trendy enclave. As its name bluntly implies, their selection of fresh, raw oysters ($48 for six, $96 for a dozen) are not to be missed, along with the thick, creamy clam chowder ($18), lobster pot pie ($110) and crab cakes ($47). Meanwhile, meat lovers can dive into their tender chops ($65-$90), ranging from Kurobuta pork to prime ribeye beef. For dessert, find comfort in timeless treats like key lime pie and ($16) and a double chocolate fudge brownie served with a scoop of peanut butter ice cream. Delish!
Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House, 20 Gemmil Lane, Singapore 069256, p. 6221 4468.
Humpback’s Manila clams with pork belly and edamame in kombu broth
Humpback
Opened by the folks behind Jigger and Pony, this Seattle-style joint serves up plump, fresh oysters flown in from Hama Hama and small plates like fried kale, pecan nuts and pear slices in an addictive buttermilk sauce ($14), prawns with smoked paprika, fennel and cerignola olives ($20), and beef short rib with broccolini and carrot puree ($23). Fancy a tipple? Ex-Sugarhall barkeep Long Yishu mixes enticing concoctions like the jasmine and pear gin & tonic, and the savoury Red Snapper – vodka, clamato juice and pickled prawns.
Humpback, 18 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834, p. 6750 4461.
MeatSmith
This lively modern smokehouse specialises in thrillingly tender, juicy meats prepared on site using smokers specially flown in from the States. Their beef brisket ($25) hits the spot with just enough charred and fatty bits, while their fried chicken ($22 for half, $40 for whole) is battered to perfection. If you’re going in a group, load up on comforting sides like rich, piping hot bacon mac and cheese ($8) and mustard potato salad ($5). Drinks-wise, they have a range of craft beers, classic cocktails and bourbon; we encourage you to down the famous pickleback (a whisky shot chased with pickle brine) at least once.
MeatSmith, 167 & 169 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068620, p. 6221 2262.
Sacha & Sons
Sacha & Sons
Taking cues from New York’s many delicatessens, Sacha & Sons’s serves authentic Jewish fare like potato and onion latkes with smoked salmon ($16), toasted brioche with chopped liver ($16), and a reuben sandwich ($18) stuffed with thickly-sliced pastrami, sauerkraut and sliced cheese. All meats, fish and pickles are cured in-house, and coffee is brewed from Common Man’s roasts.
Sacha & Sons, #03-02 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897, p. 6735 6961.
Clinton Street Baking Company
A trip to New York City isn’t complete without visiting this brekkie mecca, which has practically perfected its fluffy pancake stack. If you aren’t visiting the Big Apple, you can now get your fix at the cafe’s new Southeast Asian branch here. The aforementioned pancakes come in three mouthwatering flavours – blueberry, chocolate chip and banana walnut. Other highlights include the crispy potato pancakes with house-smoked salmon and creme freche, and their hot fudge sundae topped with a generous mound of whipped cream.
Clinton Street Baking Company, 31 Purvis Street, Singapore 188608, p. 6684 4845.
Sear’s sexy interior
Sear
Steak served with a stunning view of Marina Bay – what’s not to like? Perched atop Singapore Land Tower, Sear prides itself in richly marbled cuts of meat – Kobe rib eye, Australian Jack’s Creek wagyu and more – cooked to a tee in their European charcoal ovens. Each steak (from $65 to $340) can be paired with one of seven signature sauces, from salsa verde to bordelaise with soft bone marrow.
Sear, #45-01/02 Singapore Land Tower, 50 Raffles Place, Singapore 048623, p. 6221 9555.
Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar
Roosevelt’s is the place to be for true-blue, casual American grub in a relaxed, trendy setting. Get your fingers messy with their lip-smacking BBQ baby back ribs (half portion $22, full portion $28) and candied bacon beef burger ($20), and round off your meal with sweet offerings like the apple forest berries crumble ($8).
Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar, #01-02 Dorsett Residences, 331 New Bridge Road, Singapore 088764, p. 6538 3518.
The Beast’s Chicken & Waffles
The Beast
Inspired by the deep South’s bold flavours, this bourbon-focused bar has greasy-good chow like buttermilk chicken and waffles ($20) with bourbon maple butter sauce and country fried steak ($24). Those seeking to challenge their tums can take on the ginormous, heart-stropping Beast burger ($125); crammed with 1.6 pounds of beef, a pound of buttermilk chicken and a pound of slow-cooked pork, it’s enough to feed four decently-hungry adults.
The Beast, 17 Jalan Klapa, Singapore 199329, p. 6285 0017.
The Market Grill
This snazzy, industrial-chic restaurant has us salivating after its sizzling meats and naturally flavourful seafood. The buttery chargrilled lobster is a top choice, as is their sinful burgers – for a unique take, try the Bleu Cheese ($25 for 150g, $34 for 200g). The complex beef patty burger comes with bleu cheese, sweet burnt onion marmalade, and bacon sandwiched in a walnut raisin bun.
The Market Grill, 208 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068642, p. 6221 3323.
Suprette’s Heart Attack burger
Suprette
Taking up the ground floor of Kam Leng Hotel, Suprette is a worthy stop for its signature burger ($25). Think a thick, perfectly cooked beef patty wrapped in melted gruyere cheese, soft sesame-speckled buns and an avalanche of fries on the side. Drop by in the day to try their brunch line-up, which includes the duck hash ($14) served with sunny side-ups, pickled veggies and mesclun salad and The Besar Breakfast ($21), which comes with eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, roasted potatoes, mushrooms and homemade baked beans.
Suprette, Kam Leng Hotel, 383 Jalan Besar, Singapore 209001, p. 6298 8962.
Smokey’s BBQ
Firing up an authentic barbecue experience, Smokey’s slow-roasts and smokes all its meaty mains with a secret blend of seasoning and wood chips carted in straight from the USA. Feast on ribs seasoned in special dry rub and doused in BBQ sauce, burgers, jalapeño poppers and hush puppies.
Smokey’s BBQ, 73 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427790, p. 6345 6914.
Redbank Bar & Grill
Redbank Bar & Grill
A new player in Singapore’s dining scene, Redbank’s wallet-friendly menu boasts steaks, seafood and ribs tossed on a Josper grill to lock in flavour, as well as pizzas, pastas and salad. East Coast cuisine is also abound here, with dishes like Virginia-style oyster biscuits and Maryland soft shell crab.
Redbank Bar & Grill, #01-02 Claymore Connect, 442 Orchard Road, Singapore 238879, p. 6694 5376.
Little Diner
Is mac and cheese the way to your heart? This charming eatery has two superb versions: Old School Baked Mac & Cheese ($16.50) in a delectable cheese sauce, and the fancier Version 2 Mac & Cheese Royale ($20.50) gussied up with truffle oil and wild mushrooms. Elsewhere on the menu, they also do a mean XXX Baconator beef burger ($21.50) topped with melted swiss cheese, bacon strips, bacon aioli and espresso bacon jam, and a homemade apple crumble served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Little Diner, 789 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269763, p. 6466 4088.
Mischief’s BBQ chicken quesadillas
Mischief
Inspired by the food truck frenzy in the States, Mischief serves American street food with a twist. Gather your posse to share playful bites like Naughty Fries ($14) slathered in good ol’ chili and cheese and fried fish tacos ($8), apple sauce chops ($30) and the salacious-sounding Deep Fried S&M ($14) – fried, beer-battered Snickers and Mars bars with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and berry compote. If you’re here to pre-game, check out their tidy list of craft beers and cheeky cocktails.
Mischief, #01-12 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802, p. 6532 0481.
Morganfield’s
Self-proclaimed as the “home of sticky bones”, it’s no surprise that Morganfield’s signature dish is fork-tender, rustic pork ribs – their classic, hickory wood-smoked version is coated in an addictive, cider-infused barbecue sauce. Char-grilled chicken, succulent pork chops, steaks and seafood round out the menu.
Morganfield’s, #02-23 The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 1386187, p. 6694 3635.
Spruce in Phoenix Park
Spruce
Comforting Italian-American nosh is the main game at both of Spruce’s breezy outlets, with scrummy dishes like ahi tuna tartare served with ciabatta ($24), beer-braised lamb shank ($33) and beef and spinach ravioli.
Spruce, Phoenix Park, 320 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247980, p. 6836 5528; and #01-01 Bukit Timah Fire Station, 260 Upper Bukit Timah Road, p. 6466 5582.
Jerry’s Barbecue & Grill
For a reliable bounty of barbecued goodness, Jerry’s Barbecue and Grill won’t disappoint. Expect flame-licked ribs, chicken, burgers, sandwiches and more, as well as their famous deep-fried mushrooms and buffalo wings.
Jerry’s Barbecue & Grill, 92 Club Street, Singapore 069460, p. 6323 4550.
Tony’s Pizza
Tony’s Pizza
For slices of The Big Apple’s trademark floppy pizzas, look no further than this cosy pizzeria. Executive Chef Elvin Chew mastered the art of tossing pizzas through Tony Varvara, the head honcho of lauded pizzeria Elegante in Brooklyn, New York. Aside from ordering universally-loved flavours like plain ‘n’ simple cheese ($4.90 per slice), hawaiian and spicy buffalo chicken (both $7 a slice), you can also custom make your own slice of the pie with ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, ham and more ($1.20 for each extra topping per slice).
Tony’s Pizza, 397 River Valley Road, Singapore 248292, p. 6777 3992; and #01-68 Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street, Singapore 188021, p. 6737 4992.
Roadhouse
This laidback, rustic restaurant doles out American diner-style cuisine for the soul. With boldly-named dishes like Big Ass Onion Rings ($10) accompanied by honey mustard mayonnaise, and the Hot Mama burger ($24) topped with jalapeno, guacamole, salsa, cheddar and sour cream, you can safely expect big flavour here. Plus, you can build the burger of your fantasies with three different kinds of meats – wagyu beef, chunky pork belly and cajun chicken – and a smorgasbord of toppings and sauces.
Roadhouse, 13 Dempsey Road, Singapore 239674, p. 6476 2922.
Handlebar Singapore
Handlebar
Hidden in a far-flung corner of Sembawang, this gritty biker’s bar whips up unfussy, fare with brow-raising names like the Beer Butt Chicken ($45) and Slap Yo Mamma Pork Chop ($25). Want to prove you’re tough as nails? Try your best to finish a platter of their gnarly, tongue-scorching Sudden Death Wings ($16).
Handlebar, 57 Jalan Mempurong, Singapore 759057, p. 6475 9571.
Hard Rock Cafe
A long-standing haunt for folks who like their food with a side of classic rock ‘n’ roll, Hard Rock Cafe’s extensive menu plies hungry stomachs with addictive snacks, New York-style strip steaks, burgers, smokehouse sandwiches, and more.
Hard Rock Cafe, #02/03-01 HPL House, 50 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249724, p. 6235 5232.