A no-fuss, utilitarian-styled American restaurant sets up shop in one of Singapore’s hippest neighbourhoods, and carnivores are wiping out their tasty barbecued meats
They say good things take time, and Red Eye Smokehouse sure knows not to skimp on that. The restaurant, which has recently found home within the hip Jalan Besar neighbourhood in Singapore, spends up to 12 hours smoking their meats, and the result you have on your rustic table is worth making return visits for.
But we’re not saying you’ll be able to find the same meats that you had on your previous visit. Red Eye Smokehouse takes other cuts just as seriously as the usual brisket, offering a slew of seasonal meats on its chalkboard menu. On our recent tasting call, there were the US Angus beef brisket, beef short rib, pork jowl, pork belly, smoked duck and locally sourced chicken wings. By the time we arrived, the gourmet sausages were sold out, and we were told that lamb shanks made their appearance not too long ago, too. (Oh well, never mind, next time.)
Here, you order your meats like how you would at a butcher: by weight. Prices range from $8 to $16 per 100g, or $8 to $38 for single-piece portions, and your carnivorous, unornamented meal comes complete with some pretty awesome Southern-style sides like mash, burnt-end beans, and honeyed sweet potatoes ($8 per portion). Though the meats are fine on their own, we suggest giving their homemade spicy chipotle and sweet and tangy barbecue sauces a go.
Drink-wise, there are rotating craft brews like Mikkeller on tap, as well as bottled cult labels such as Brewdog and Kona Brewing Company. Artisanal spirits, ciders and sodas are also on the list, but this is a smokehouse, so the beers definitely stole the show.
Hungry and ready to feast? Well, here’s the thing: Red Eye doesn’t do reservations, and meats are served on a first-come, first-served basis. This means even if you’re headed to the restaurant way ahead of closing time – especially on a buzzing weekend – there’s a chance you might leave empty-stomached. On the bright side, there is no service charge (though tips are appreciated). You’ve been warned!
Red Eye Smokehouse, 1 Cavan Road, Singapore 209842, p. 6291 0218. Open Wed-Fri 5pm-10.30pm; Sat 12pm-10.30pm; Sun 12pm-9pm.