Nope, this ATM won’t be spitting out cash on withdrawal. Instead, it makes for a quirky entrance to a hidden burger bar modelled after an 80s-inspired American diner. Slide open the doors and you’ll find yourself in The Bank where the walls are plastered with vintage movie posters and film memorabilia while 80s disco pop music pulsates in the background.
Run by the same guys from the defunct Burger Bar New York in the back alley of Amoy Street, The Bank is known for its greasy stacks of hand-butchered Angus Prime beef patties. Keeping it fuss-free, the menu has only three burger options: the signature cheeseburger (from $18.80), the extra-large fried chicken sandwich (from $18), and the grilled portobello burger (from $18). There is also a decent selection of sides and milkshakes too.
Flame-grilled to a perfect medium rare, the thick beefy patty manages to retain all of its juicy goodness. It is then slapped between a soft bun together with the works of melted American cheese, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, pickles, and a tangy homemade sauce. Though we think the patty could definitely use a bit more crust on the exterior. Otherwise, a near-faultless take on a classic American cheeseburger. Go for the double patty if you’re looking to properly indulge.
On the flip side, the fried chicken sandwich arrives ginormous. It scored high points with the shattering crunch and liberally seasoned exterior but fell a tad short in the tenderness department. For the sides, the fully loaded spicy bacon cheese fries ($14) won us over with crispy sriracha-doused spuds topped with heaps of fiery jalapenos and a heavy blanket of cheddar cheese.
Wash the grub down with creamy milkshakes ($12) made exclusively from Häagen-Dazs ice creams. From classic flavours such as vanilla to Oreo, these shakes can be amped with the addition of Reese’s peanut butter cups ($2). For imbibers, the bar also stocks an impressive 12-beer tap list, pouring esoteric hopbomb IPAs, sour-salty goses and proper heavy stouts.
And to truly transport yourself back to an 80s diner, head over to the back where the retro arcade gaming machines are located to challenge yourself over a game or two.
Time Out Singapore reviews anonymously and pays for all meals. Read our restaurant review policy here.
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