BLooiE’s Roadhouse
Primarily Cajun-style food in relaxed Western-themed surroundings, though the burgers are a speciality that keep people coming back. If BLooiE’s were a roadhouse, it would be one of those ones with a carpark full of trucks out the front. There are two outlets and the one at Science Park offers a more extensive menu than the East Coast.

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BLooiE’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill, 21 Science Park Road,#01-01 The Aquarius, Science Park 2 +65 6775-0446
BLooiE’s Roadhouse Restaurant & Pub 49 Jalan Tua Kong, +65 6442-0030

Bobby’s Taproom Grill & Ribs
The former Bobby Rubino’s, now Bobby’s Taproom Grill & Ribs, offers some new menu items, but generally more of the same. If you don’t know, that means a full-on American joint which serves ribs, steaks and then more ribs. Think baby back ribs, special cut ribs, barbecued shrimp with – you guessed it – ribs, or the house special slow roasted prime ribs.

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Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, #B1-03, +65 6337-5477

Brazil Churrascaria
When a restaurant is named Churrascaria (Portuguese for barbecue), you can expect quite a feast. At this festive neighbourhood restaurant you are served an ongoing meal featuring 12 different meats, all marinated and barbecued in their juices, and many hot and cold salads. Go with an appetite.

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14-16 Sixth Avenue, +65 6463-1923

Brewerkz
Award-winning, boutique beers and American food that is finger-lickin’ good. Enjoy BBQ specials, burgers and homecooked pasta in a super-sized, microbrewery setting. The food is super-sized too. There is alfresco seating by the river. Hugely popular and for a good reason.

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Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road, #01-05/06, +65 6438-7438

Café Iguana
Very unpretentious, authentic Mexican food. It is run by Brewerkz so expect some of their beers to accompany your meal, or a range of tequilas. Nachos are a winner, as is the location with alfresco seating on the riverside or benches inside. Be warned – it’s popular with the Friday after-work crowd making it necessary to book in advance.

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Riverside Point, #01-03, 30 Merchant Road, +65 6236-1275

Dan Ryan’s Chicago Grill
All-American fare served in all-American portions. A great place to go if you’re seriously hungry. Thumbs up for the slabs of ribs, burgers and steaks. The fisherman’s platter is popular, and the kids love this place too.

Hard Rock Café
What is there to say about the Hard Rock that people don’t already know? Worth a visit if you’re craving American-style café food. The burgers are well made, tasty and offer a variety of fixings. Great for kids as
well as dessert lovers – the HRC brownies and the mud pie are rich and decadent.

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HPL House, #05-01, 50 Cuscaden Road +65 6235-5232

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Harry’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar
Formerly Chico’s & Charlie’s, this addition to the Harry’s bar chain offers the expected nachos and fajitas, as well as some more imaginative Mexican fare in a relaxed, Western-themed setting. Recent menu additions include fried calamari and Buffalo wings. Most of the seating is indoors, though there a few tables outside. A huge range of margaritas.

Jerry’s BBQ and Grill
Something of an institution for nearly 10 years, Jerry first started up on Jalan Kayu near Seletar offering home-style American food. The Buffalo wings, ribs, steaks and margaritas had a mighty fine reputation but, really, not many were going to schlepp all the way out there unless they were on a road trip. With the new outlets that opened first in Club Street and then at Tanglin Shopping Centre, tasty barbecue cookin’ is now much more accessible.

Lawry’s The Prime Rib
Famous for their roasted prime beef ribs and American fine dining service. Anyone expecting USA -sized portions, however, may get a healthy surprise. Those familiar with the spinning bowl salad and choice of four meat cuts will not be disappointed. If you don’t go for red meat choose the lobster tails. Worth the trip for the Buck Rogers serving trolleys and National Health nurse waitress uniforms alone.

Long Bar Steakhouse
One of our favourite spots for a slap-up feed, particularly when visitors
are in town. They love the nostalgia-laden plantation feel of the restaurant and the attentive Raffles service; we just love the food they serve up, which is predominantly old world grill style with Asian influences. The seafood platter is a must and if you’ve worked up an appetite try the Steakhouse Grill for two; a waist-defying offering of hoisin pork ribs, pandan chicken and filet mignon. Steaks are served with a dizzying array of sauces and there is also a great collection of chutneys and other spicy condiments.

Margarita’s
Frequently described as the most authentic Mexican restaurant in Singapore, Margarita’s was always a bit of a schlepp for any non-West Coasters. Well now things are looking up as they have recently ventured into the centre of things and opened a second outlet at Dempsey. Snack on a basket of tortilla chips and salsa as you drink your first, scarily-addictive jug of margarita, and cast your eye over the extensive menu that includes all the old favourites (fajitas, enchiladas, burritos… you know the drill) and a few rarely found (well in Singapore anyway) dishes such as ceviche and mole. If you know you’re going to sink more than a few margaritas, try the ‘kitchen sink’ burrito…need we say more?

Morton’s of Chicago
Morton’s oozes the charm of a genteel gentleman’s club. Come armed with an appetite and an expense account if possible. The portions are legendary and the prices only slightly less so. Tuck into the likes of jumbo prawn cocktail for appetisers (are you sure you’re that hungry?), then sit back and admire a 24-oz porterhouse or maybe an14-oz double-cut filet mignon.

North Border
The cuisine is South-Western comfort food, so although you will find Buffalo wings and chimichanga on the menu, there are also other gems like stuffed jalapenos, breaded crab cakes, and chicken and bean stew. The Best of the Border appetiser platter is a must-try, but be warned, the jalapenos pack a punch. We prefer the appetisers to the mains, which can be bland, but the chocolate torte is highly recommended to finish. The Rochester Park location is charming, if enormous. Warm, friendly service.