Offshoot of acclaimed NYC bar and restaurant features speakeasy vibe and accomplished cocktails
September 20th, 2016
Acclaimed New York cocktail establishment Employees Only has recently opened its first outpost – in Singapore. Routinely recognised as one of the world’s best bars – including taking out the Best Bar in The World 2011 award at the respected Tales of the Cocktail industry event in New Orleans, and in 2015 ranked at #4 in Drinks International World’s 50 Best bars – Employees Only has been at the forefront of New York’s sophisticated and ultra-competitive bar scene since its launch in 2004. Located in the West Village precinct of NYC, the partners at the speakeasy-inspired bar have created a cocktail haven with their hallmark brisk, free pouring bartending style, meticulously executed drinks and unpretentious hospitality. Complementing their celebrated cocktails, the EO kitchen has garnered its own formidable reputation with its all-night dining menu of New American fare. Prior to the opening in June, several of the NYC founding partners relocated to Singapore to lead the opening team and train local staff. EO Singapore can be found discretely nestled along the burgeoning Amoy Street dining and bar enclave within Chinatown.
Design For EO’s Singapore home, a city-fringe shophouse space has been fastidiously refurbished to recreate the Art Deco design aesthetic of the original NYC bar. Design elements such as the long curving bar counter, marble flooring, rich timber panelling and pressed tine ceilings faithfully replicate the speakeasy vibe of the NYC bar. At the street facade, a small “psychic” neon sign in the window hints at what lies behind the dark curtained doorway. Extending beyond the main front bar section, the dining space features an understated utilitarian decor of aluminium chairs, laminated cafe tables, and high-backed bench seating.
Cocktails Heading up the bar program, Steve Schneider, former principal bartender at EO NYC, ensures the quality and consistency of the cocktails and service in Singapore. Classic cocktails are reinterpreted with EO’s signature style – melding traditional bartending technique with contemporary ingredients and flavour influences to create simple yet elevated cocktails. Signature cocktails of EO feature their house recipes of homemade syrups and spirit infusions, while the impressive spirits selection includes a strong representation of North American labels including premium tequilas, aged rums, bourbons and rye whiskeys. Cocktail highlights on the bar menu include NYC favourites like the EO Gimlet; Fraise Sauvage; and Ready Fire Aim.
Cuisine Diners at EO Singapore can expect the same New American dishes created by EO Executive Chef and Partner Julia Jaksic for the New York bar. Her culinary style emphasises uncomplicated dishes made with top quality seasonal ingredients, with a focus on meats. In addition to the bistro-style dinner menu, EO Singapore offers a late night menu with satisfying dishes such as the Bone Marrow Poppers; and Truffled Grilled Cheese with Parmesan Fries.
Employees Only Singapore opens Monday to Friday from 5pm (6pm on Sunday), with late 1am closing (2am on Saturdays). Consistent with the EO NYC tradition, remaining guests at the bar at closing time are served complimentary cups of chicken soup.
Employees Only Interior
Employees Only Cocktails
Employees Only Cuisine
(food images courtesy Employees Only)
