Joo Bar is a sleek and inviting venue inside a heritage three-storey shophouse along the historic Quee Lan Street. Although it's technically a bar, their modern Korean bites are top notch with things like tender Grilled Pork Belly ($26) and the Seafood Rapokki ($22), a rich spicy stew of ramyeon, rice cake, shrimp, mussels, and Korean fishcake blanketed in melted mozarella. Burppler C A had his first makgeolli experience here, "great ambience, food and of course makgeolli!"
Photo by Burppler Sg Nomster
Note this one down for dinner and drinks with your mates. To go with your jug of Makgeolli ($28), order their tender Grilled Pork Belly ($26) that comes with kimchi and a side salad drenched in a creamy anchovy-filled dressing. Another crowd favourite is the Seafood Rapokki ($22) that sees a rich and slightly spicy stew of ramyeon, topokki, shrimp mussels, squid and Korean fishcake blanketed in melted mozzarella.
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo
Wishlist this contemporary joint along Tan Quee Lan street for a laidback date night. The menu offers tapas-style plates made for sharing, such as the juicy bone-in L.A Style Black Angus Kalbi ($26), deliciously tender Grilled Pork Belly ($26) and the spicy-sweet glazed Dak Kang Jung (crispy chicken tenders, $18). On mains, the cheesy Seafood Rapokki ($22) is a good choice as well, best paired with a refreshing Yuzu Makgeoli ($22).
Photo by Burppler Emma Fangs
Unwind at this cosy, casual bar over their housemade Yuzu Makgeolli ($22) and quintessentially Korean anju (bar snacks)! Expect modern but spot-on flavours. Community favourites include the Honey Butter Chick ($18), Joo Bossam ($26) and Seafood Rappoki ($22).
Photo by Burppler Casey Tan
Located away from the hustle and bustle of Bugis, Joo Bar is a modern Korean restaurant cum gastrobar perfect for a girls' night out. The three-storey industrial-chic space on Tan Quee Lan Street brews its own makgeolli (rice wine), so it is a must to start your night with the Makgeolli Sampler ($35 for five) — flavours include strawberry, peach, yuzu, lychee and original. Don’t be fooled by its milky Yakult-like appearance — the drink contains six to eight percent alcohol, so pace yourself! Order some anju, Korean dishes that go well with alcohol. Both the Tofu Chips with Guacamole and Kimchi Salsa ($14) and the Warm Kimchi with Tofu and Spam ($14) are great options. If you'd like something more substantial, order the Seafood Gochujang Risotto ($24) — it comes with generous portions of plump, juicy seafood like mussels, clams and prawns, and the spicy pepper paste cuts through the creaminess of the risotto perfectly. Keep the drinks flowing with the Yucha Sojurita ($28, enough for up to four people). The frozen concoction of soju, yucha, Cointreau and lemon juice comes with an overturned bottle of Hite beer plugged in the centre! Pro tip: For more privacy, ask to have the sliding doors shut around your table to create your own private room!
Ambience: Sexy and playful
Price: Avg $100 per couple, with drinks
