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Time Out: Happy Hour Drinks For Different Occasions

Have them at Wolfgang's Steakhouse

Alcoholic beverages are hideously expensive in Singapore — a city often ranked as one of the most expensive in the world — so our ears perked up when we were invited to experience Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Happy Hour menu, inspired by the drinking culture of the Big Apple.

Hailing from New York, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse was founded 14 years ago in Manhattan by Wolfgang Zwiener, who had clocked more than 40 years experience with Peter Luger, the iconic steakhouse in Brooklyn. It has expanded to more than 19 locations worldwide including Tokyo, Beijing, Manila, Seoul, Hong Kong and now Singapore. It is best known for its tender sub-primal cuts of prime USDA Black Angus, which are dry-aged onsite for 28 days.

The Happy Hour menu is available from 3PM to 6PM in the bar area adjacent to the main dining room. Boasting a solid mahogany bar parked in a cosy space decked out with American walnut floors, imported Italian chandeliers hanging from the mosaic-tiled ceiling, the bar has just a sprinkling of small tables and vintage-style leather-bound booths enclosed by shelves lined with bottles of liquor.

Ahead, drinks from Wolfgang's Steakhouse that you can enjoy no matter your reason for drinking.

For a chill night out with friends

You’ll find a selection of popular draught beers (SGD10 each) and house pour wines by the glass from Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks (SGD15 each). The well-chilled Chardonnay was refreshing with a just bare hint of oak, while the fruity Cabernet Sauvignon was rather drinkable.

For hot days (or nights)

(Left: Wolfgang Sling; Right: Orchard Road)

Of worthy mention are the speciality drinks, two of which are given a Singapore spin: the Wolfgang Sling (SGD15) is concocted with Bombay Sapphire, Kirschwasser, Dom Benedict, fresh lemon juice and sparkling water, while the Orchard Road (SGD15) features Bombay Sapphire, honey syrup and fresh lemon juice. Both cocktails are similar in taste — zesty and not too sweet, dominated by the citrus notes of the lemon.

If you are looking for a stiffer drink, hit the French Water (which comes with an equally stiff price of SGD25). A dry and intoxicating mixture of Grey Goose, La Quintinye Vermouth Rough, Angostura, and orange bitters, it’s the perfect prescription for a bad day at the office.

Perfect partners for happy hour selections

(Left: Fin de Claire Oysters; Right: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail)

Fear not if you need to line your stomach. The happy hours are complemented by a respectable selection of premium bar snacks, including Fin de Claire Oysters (SGD10 for two pieces) that are small but fresh and intense in taste, and the quintessential American appetiser of Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (SGD28). Not surprisingly, the standouts were the USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Crostinis (SGD20) served medium rare on slices of toast, topped with horseradish that delivered a mild kick, and the Classic Wolfgang Burger (SGD22) starring a flavoursome beef patty of ground Black Angus.

USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Crostinis

Prices are still at a premium notwithstanding the happy hours rates, but the combination of stylish beverages, gourmet bar bites and a vibrant neo-classical New-York style ambience — not to mention the restaurant being housed within the swanky and spanking-new InterContinental Singapore Quay Side —makes for a good draw, especially to the office crowd in the city seeking liquid relief from the daily grind.

22 Mar, 2018 by Roger Yuen