It’s a little after midnight. Ridiculously beautiful thirty-somethings discuss finance and fashion in a vivid setting of raw brickwork and lofty ceilings. Welcome to The Dempsey Brasserie. A bit of New York dropped in the heart of Dempsey Hill, where you can savour a selection of American and French comfort classics. Grab some delicious mini Angus burgers alongside a pot of mussels, then visit the massive island bar that dominates the industrial space for some of the best martinis we’ve had outside the Pegu.
"DB", as those in-the-know call it, is a pedigreed entrant on the block. Owner, Terence Tan, who is responsible for the legendary Hu’u Bar (some of the Chope Team’s fondest memories), indulges us once more with his signature luxury-chic. Great food, delicious drinks and a distinctly New York vibe.
"Casual enough for a first date or just a catch-up session with friends, there’s also a good selection of booze to help ease any jitters (from $10); we suggest the Dempsey Pimms and blackberry Champagne mojito (don’t be fooled by its name, it’s one hell of a strong drink)." -I-S Asia-City
"Ideal for sipping on the brasserie’s cocktail coolers and taking in slow weekend brunches." -Time Out Singapore
We love that there’s finally a place to have savoury crepes for brunch! Bite into a classic crepe monsieur (shaved ham, béchamel sauce, and gruyere cheese) or just trip out with the "magic mushroom" (herb butter, forest mushrooms, cream, and gruyere).
For seafood lovers, dive into a pot of mussels that comes served with a heap of skinny fries. Choose between the Mariniere, Vin Blanc, Rouge or the Bouillabasse. Our favourite? The Mariniere hits the spot with white wine, fennel and shallots and cream. It's a real crowd pleaser.
Make sure you hang around after dinner to go wild with the bar's wide selection – we particularly loved the coolers. "Honey & ginger" (cachaca, honey syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer) is perfect for a warm evening, but don’t be afraid to experiment with a Dempsey punch, pineapple-basil margarita or Patron fizz. It’s all about the journey, baby.
"This high-ceilinged retro-industrial space at Tanglin Village's Block 7 offers European and American grub – four types of mussels and fries ($20-$36), steak frites served with skinny fries ($36-$40) and a 200-gram Angus beef cheeseburger ($24). Former Nautilus Project and PS. Café chef Danny Ong heads up the kitchen at this 130-seater indoor/outdoor space that looks out onto the tropical surrounds of an 1860s colonial barracks area. The drinks list is extensive: the honey & ginger ($15) packs a kick, while the Pineapple-Basil Margarita (Jose Cuervo Reposado, pineapple chunks, fresh basil, sugar, salt, sprite, $16) is a happy mix – excellent starters for the well thought out The Big Hangover brunch (eggs, bacon, sausages and mushrooms on a plate with a Dempsey Bloody Mary and a glass of Berocca, $35)."
-Time Out Singapore
