Let’s get the basics out of the way: this is a no-frills craft beer bar along Haji Lane that’s dark, dingy and about the size of a janitor’s storeroom. In other words, it’s a great spot to while away hours. Come evening, there are tables set up on the narrow street, so you’ll be able to quaff al fresco if that’s your thing.
Opened late last year, Good Luck Beerhouse replaced Koi on the first level of a shophouse along Haji Lane. It’s set up by the same folks behind Shin Gi Tai, a cocktail joint hidden on the floor above it, but don’t come expecting a bowtied bartender whisking up fancy negronis in classy digs. You’re here because you’re a beer fiend. Or you’re in the area and are in desperate need of a cold one.
On typical nights, you’ll have eight beers on draft with which to acquaint yourself. On my visit, the taps repped the US (Stone Brewing), New Zealand (Zeffer Cider) and Singapore (Innocence Brewing and Crossroads Brewing), with styles ranging from IPAs to wheat beers to the more esoteric sour ales. Curiously, most suds are only sold by the pint ($15-$18), with half pours only available, according to the beer-tender, for brews ‘with high ABV’.
Bottled beers ($12-$18) include labels like Yeastie Boys, 8 Wired Brewing, Founders Brewing, Orval and Anderson Valley that, given Singapore’s taking to craft beer, won’t sound too exotic to the experienced guzzler. But given a neon sign above the bar that reads ‘liang cha’, I ask about plans on stocking hyped-up Asian craft pours. ‘Err, in my opinion, they’re not as good,’ comes the barman’s hesitant reply. Take it any way you want – at least these guys are discerning about what they stock.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t carry over into the food. A paper-thin menu of dim sum lists morsels such as char siew pau ($2), siew mai ($4.50) and chicken legs ($4), but you’d best avoid them. They’re rubbery, bland and taste like the insides of a microwave. Stick to the beer.
Time Out Singapore reviews anonymously and pays for all meals.