Atlas Bar
Location: 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
Years ago, I visited Parkview Museum and that was when I chanced upon Atlas Bar. I have always wanted to try dining at what seemed like a really posh bar but did not get to it because of death calls (funeral director woes).
Jeremy booked the place for dinner months back, even before he met me.. so I am still highly suspicious if the meal was meant to be with me.. but I’ll let this slide.. for once 🙂
Whatever the case is, it gave me an opportunity to experience for myself if Atlas was really as good as it was raved to be. Apparently, Atlas Bar ranked the 5th on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars List in 2019.
Atlas Bar is located on the first level of Parkview Square (if you’re taking public transport, stop at Bugis MRT station and walk over). Atlas Bar fits the design of Parkview Square by taking on a 1920s “Jazz Age” vibe. The brass finish of most structures coupled with the marble tabletops are evidence of that.
We were greeted with pleasant smiles from the staff as they led us to the bar countertop while they prepared our table. Once at the countertop, each of us were served a glass of champagne. The champagne was alright but the sweet potato chips that came along with it was irresistible. Either I was feeling peckish or the chips was so good that I couldn’t keep my hands from them.
I ordered the Atlas Martini while Jeremy got himself a Atlas Gimlet.
The Atlas Martini is made from London dry gin, ambrato vermouth (a type of wine), orange bitters, champagne vinegar (a floral vinegar made from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes). I personally find it a bit too heavy and hence swapped my drink with Jeremy’s (perks of having a bf). If you like your alcohol strong, perhaps this drink is for you.
The Atlas Gimlet is made from Scottish gin, fino sherry (white wine), citrus cordial, lime and salt. This drink is a little more to the salty side and leaves a fruity aftertaste.
We were then led up a small flight of stairs to the second level. We were told by the staff that the second level is the best since we get to view the entire restaurant. However, the high chairs and tables were not the best for dining in and we requested to be shifted back to level one where we could dine more comfortably.
Fortunately, there was a vacant table downstairs (I have to count my stars as it seems that Atlas Bar was close to full house when we first arrived and it was not easy to get an empty table). Not surprising since we went on a Saturday.
I am a person who eats multiple meals a day but in small quantum. As such, Jeremy had to share a main course with me. We picked the steak frites – black angus sirloin as our main course. We both enjoyed the beef. It was cooked, in my opinion close to perfection where the exterior is crisp while the meat still retains its tenderness and juice. By the way, we chose to eat the beef medium rare. I also like the fact that a block of butter was placed on top of the beef and slightly spread out as it adds to the flavour of the dish (I mean, who doesn’t like butter?).
If you are there, do take a look at the book of Atlas Collections where gin from different parts of the world categorised in many ways possible are being presented. You can also order a drink from that book if something catches your eye! Atlas Bar has the entire collection of gin found in that book and it is no surprise that the bar is thus known for having one of the world’s largest collections of gin! The bottles of gin are showcased on a 1.5m gin tower at the centre of the bar and are placed in a way where the higher you go, the rarer and more expensive the spirit!
I got myself another drink, Baroque Pearl after the steak. This drink is made from Scottish gin, mango, clarified milk, cucumber and basil oil. If I were to go back to Atlas Bar, it would be to savour this drink again. The sweet aftertaste lingers on in my mind even when it has been days since I visited the bar. It is a light drink with a familiar taste. I reckon it is because of the clarified milk which causes the drink to be smoother, fuller and sweeter.
Girls always have a separate stomach for desserts right.. so I ordered from the menu “elements of tiramisu” for dessert. It is like a deconstructed tiramisu where you get to taste the different layers of tiramisu but all laid out bare for you on the plate. This dessert comes with espresso gelato which was super rich and creamy – I like! The tiramisu-ish dessert was very satisfying especially with the gelato.
Would I visit Atlas Bar a second time? Definitely for the Baroque Pearl, which is by far one of the most unique concoction of a drink. I would visit again also probably to try the wide array of gin available and for the ambience but not so much for the food as I can get food of better quality at a tighter budget elsewhere. The total damage for this meal was $155 for 1 main dish and 3 drinks.
Food ♥♥♥♡♡
Service ♥♥♥♥♡
Ambience ♥♥♥♥♡
Value for money ♥♥♥♡♡
Till then,
Harmony Tee