Handlebar

Handlebar is a biker-themed bar and grill at 10 Lock Road in Gillman Barracks, Singapore. It calls itself the country's first biker bar. The food is hearty and American in style, with burgers, grilled meats, wings and fried sides to go with a beer.

A group of local bikers opened the first Handlebar in 1999 at Gillman Village. When that site was sold, the bar moved to a seaside spot in Sembawang in 2011. It later moved back to Gillman Barracks, where it now trades as Handlebar Original. You do not need to ride a motorbike to eat or drink here.

What to order

The blossom onion is the long-standing favourite. It is a whole giant onion, coated in a peppery beer batter and deep-fried, and it is made for sharing. Chicken wings are the other signature and come in several heat levels. The main menu also covers flame-grilled burgers, steaks, ribs and pizza.

From midday into the afternoon there is also a brunch menu. Choices include:

• Big breakfast: eggs, bacon, pork sausages, hash brown, mushrooms and sourdough.
• Salmon avocado toast and eggs Benedict for a lighter start.
• Seafood laksa tagliatelle: pasta in a house laksa gravy with clams and prawns.
• Ayam panggang: Indonesian-style grilled chicken thigh with rice, sambal belacan and achar.
• Grandma's chicken curry: a Nyonya-style curry with potatoes, served with bread or rice.
• Fluffy toast: thick French toast with maple syrup and berries, which the menu says children love.

The setting

Handlebar is set up like a biker den, with motorbike parts and riding memorabilia around the room. The mood is friendly and casual. The bar has also hosted motorbike events, such as Harley-Davidson swap meets.

Gillman Barracks is a former military camp that now holds contemporary art galleries. It makes a relaxed stop for a drink after an afternoon of looking at art.

Good to know before you go

• Pets welcome: there is a separate pet menu with fresh bowls of salmon, beef, chicken or pork, plus a puppuccino.
• Bookings: you can reserve a table online. For a party of more than 20, email the bar first.
• Private events: food packages are offered for groups of more than 20 people.

Getting there

Labrador Park MRT station on the Circle Line is the closest station. From there, it is about a 10 to 15 minute walk to Gillman Barracks. Taxis and ride-hailing cars can drop you at Lock Road.

Nearby

Spend some time at the Gillman Barracks art galleries before you eat. Walkers can join the Southern Ridges and Henderson Waves trail, which links green spaces and hills in this part of the city. If you want to stay close by, Momentus Hotel Alexandra is in the same area.

For more ideas, see all restaurants in Tiong Bahru and Alexandra and our list of burgers, Mexican and more.