Beyond a pink neon sign that flickers 'Psychic', you'll find a bar that will take you back to the Prohibition days of the US. Choose to have your fortune read or squeeze through the mingling crowd to the back of Employees Only for a table – like the original New York cocktail institution of the same name, this local off-shoot is a favourite among F&B folks to gather and unwind.
It's easy to see why. Led by Igor Hadzismajlovic, one of the five founding partners of Employees Only New York, the team at EO Singapore have an infectious energy. The bar team demonstrate a showy free-pouring style that Employees Only is famed for, and they easily and charmingly engage after-work revellers even while banging out drink after drink. Swing by even on a Tuesday night and you'll find the bar thronging.
The vibrant atmosphere is one thing, but EO has consistently strong tipples to back it up. Employees Only Singapore is a regular on the Asia's 50 Best Bars list, with it most recently charting at No.30 in 2023's rankings. The menu is divided into EO Classics (time-tested tipples from EO New York, $25 each), EO Singapore Signatures (showing local twists and flavours), and Fancy Cocktails (using premium ingredients and more refined techniques).
Regulars keep coming back for classics like the Fraise Sauvage ($25), a gin-based tipple made with wild strawberries, vanilla and prosecco and Ready Aim Fire ($25), a doozy made with mezcal, lime juice, honey-pineapple syrup, and bitters. Other favourites include the EO Gimlet and Mr. Big.
It's easy to forget that Employees Only has a fantastic kitchen tucked in the back too. The hand-cut steak tartare ($29) is raved about from New York to Singapore; the bone marrow toast ($16) is a must-try; and for an Asian twist, go for the EO "Ramly" Burger ($28) or Tom Kha Mussels ($32).
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