Employees Only, known for its fun and frivolous vibes harkening back to the ’20s and ’30s, finally makes its debut in Singapore. The NYC-based speakeasy has won multiple accolades over the years, including spots on ‘best bars’ lists. Expect a similar aesthetic in the restaurant and cocktail bar’s Singapore outpost, with art deco-inspired details, retro decor, Prohibition era jazz tunes filtering through the speakers, and even a mysterious fortune teller tucked away in the corner to add a quirky touch.
The bar’s award-winning principal bartender Steve Schneider will be on hand to lead the apprenticeship program for the team of Singaporean bartenders, teaching them cocktail making techniques like speed bartending. Look out for highlights like Ready Fire Aim of mezcal, fresh lime juice and house-made honey pineapple syrup with Hellfire Bitters, EO’s Manhatten with rye whiskey and Italian vermouth, orange curaçao and Angostura Bitters, as well as EO Gimlet featuring Perry’s Tot Navy Strength gin shaken with EO lime cordial.
On the menu are signature modern American and European offerings by executive chef Julia Jaksic, with specialties like hand-cut beef tartare, bacon-wrapped lamb chops, bone marrow poppers, and roasted trout with browned butter sauce. There’ll also be seafood dishes, salads and homemade pastas. For night owls, the late night items available till 2am include truffled grilled cheese with parmesan fries, EO dry aged burger and The Employees Only Staff Meal, a Singaporean special adapted from the staff’s family meal. And in honour of EO’s NYC ritual, warm cups of chicken soup will be served to the last few stragglers before closing time.
Employees Only is at 112 Amoy St, 6221-7357. Sun-Thurs 5pm-2am, Fri & Sat 5pm-3am.
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