After years of tranquillity and mundanity, Tiong Bahru welcomes a new watering hole to the scene. Launched in October 2012, Coq & Balls offers a friendly and laidback venue that caters to the restless night owls living in the vicinity, who are seeking for a nightspot to hang out or unwind after a stressful day at work.

Exposed ceiling beams, rustic brick walls and brushed metal stools set the scene for this casual and unpretentious bar.

Immerse in acid jazz, folk music, alternative, rock and indie music playing in the background. Michael, one of the owners who toured Europe twice as a Metal guitarist, puts the playlist expertly together with his great taste in music.

Kwak (330ml/8%/Belgium) ($18)

With its vast offerings of over 30 different kinds of beers (draught and bottled), sourced from all over the world, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The beer menu includes craft beers from Japan (Hitachino, Suntory), Britain (Wynchwood, Fullers), Belgium (Leffe blonde, Wittekerke, Pannepot, Chimay Red, Duvel, Kwak), USA (Samuel Adams), Australia (Little Creatures), Ireland (Guinness) and Switzerland (Calvinus Blanche, Quollfrisch).

Brothers Toffee Apple ($14)

Over a dozen ciders can be found on the menu. Amongst them, the Brothers Toffee Apple Cider is a personal favourite. Its smouldering brew of toffee, cloves, cinnamon and cream soda makes for a light and sweet alternative, perfect for the ladies.

Coq Eye ($21)

Coq & Balls’ signature cocktails, specially created by their expert mixologist, include the Coq Eye (a wicked version of espresso martini encompassing Absinthe, Kahlua, Amaretto, pomegranate and lime juice) and Chuck Norris (encompassing 3 different kinds of absinthe, set aflame).

Something Green? ($19)

‘Something Green?’ is a lethal combination of Greygoose Le poire, Midori, JD’s, Absinthe, apples and egg white. A time-consuming drink to prepare, that takes just seconds to intoxicate. It is potent.

Harakiri (Passion Fruit Sake) ($18)

The Harakiri is a light and refreshing drink that is highly recommended to start the night with. It comprises sake, Greygoose Le poire, and passionfruit. The potency level is just enough to calm your nerves without getting you drunk.

Brainwash ($21)

‘Brainwash’ is a twisted version of Baileys and chocolate ice cream, Galliano Ristretto, Absinthe Black and cherries. When I saw ‘chocolate ice cream’ in the menu description, I knew I had to order this. Not surprisingly, this is a personal favourite. The creaminess and chocolaty flavour mask the smell and taste of alcohol –very deceiving but delicious for a non-alcohol lover like me.

Luncheon Meat and Potato Fries ($6)

Delightful bar bites are specially created to complement the alcohol.

All dishes come with one free house-made dip of your choice, but feel free to top up $1 for every additional dip. The house-made dips include: Herbed Chilli Mayo, Wasabi Mayo, Tangy Sauce and Tartar Sauce.

Coq & Balls Hot Wings ($7)

The Coq & Balls Hot Wings is highly recommended. Tender, juicy perfection it is. Heed the warning on the menu description –it is spicy.

Chicken Karage ($6)

The Chicken Karage pales in comparison with the Coq & Balls Hot Wings. The poultry, in this case, turned out a tad stringy and lacks that coveted juiciness that we had in the hot wings. Still, we managed to finish every piece, for the crispness and crunch is addictive.

Bacon Cherry Bombs ($6)

Yakitori options include the Bacon Cherry Bombs and Glazed Teriyaki Chicken.

Glazed Teriyaki Chicken ($6)

The Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Yakitori didn’t disappoint. I like!

Braised Pork Belly with Teriyaki (Ciabatta) ($15)

Sandwiches are served with fries and choice of dip. You can choose between Ciabatta and Focaccia bread.

Braised Pork Belly with Teriyaki (Focaccia) ($15)

I tried the Braised Pork Belly with Teriyaki sandwich with both the ciabatta and focaccia bread, and the foccaccia wins my vote.

The braised pork belly is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and ambrosial in flavour.

Braised Beef Brisket Burger (Yakiniku Style) ($15)

Tempura Fish and Chips ($15)

Fish is a must-order for me wherever I go. Coq & Balls does a decent tempura fish, with succulent tender meat embraced in a thin, crisp batter.

Brazen Beef Steak ($23)

Coq & Balls uses a 170gm-190gm Australian Ribeye for their Brazen Beef Steak. It is served with fries and a choice of dip. The beefy flavour is mild and may not sit well with the beef lovers. What I really enjoyed was the tenderness of the meat (at medium rare). It goes well with the herbed chilli mayo dip too.

Curry Chicken Banzai served with either bread or Japanese rice ($12.50)

Another appetising incarnation is the Curry Chicken Banzai. The curry carries a subtle sweetness with a mild hint of spice.

Black Pepper Beef Udon ($12.50)

The Black Pepper Beef Udon is a highlight. It stood out the most amongst the mains. Unassuming it seems, but the flavour is spectacular.

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Coq & Balls

Tel:
Website: www.coqnballs.com

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 5pm – 12am
Saturday – Sunday: 9am – 12am