Another addition to the Tras Street F&B ranks (including establishments like Café Gavroche, Fleur de Sel and, of course, Jekyll & Hyde), House of Dandy cuts a handsome figure on the stretch, standing out against the seedier KTVs on the block. With its throwback name, the décor is like the stylish pad of a modern, worldly-wise bachelor, with wood-panelled walls, leather loungers and painted replicas of Interview magazine covers – tattooed men and Stormtroopers in suits.
There’s an impressively extensive booklet of spirits to choose from, or you can request a classically-inclined bespoke cocktail ($24) – just let them know what you’re in the mood for. Asking for something smoky yielded a play on a Perfect Manhattan with an audacious addition of some peaty, sea salt-laced Ardbeg 10 (instead of a more typical blended whiskey) which was surprisingly addictive and more successful than another request for a fruity drink (a pulpy strawberry vodka long drink) as well as functional, if a bit uninspired rendition of the rum sour.
If you’re more into slowly knocking back a straight pour, Dandy’s manly collection of big brand and boutique spirits by the glass are definitely worth getting acquainted with. We spied a token of kitschy drinks like fungi-infused VIP Truffle vodka ($23) and some Mozart dark and white chocolate liqueurs from Austria ($17), plus a selection of American rye whiskies and bourbons by makers like Willet and Hudson ($14-$45), tequila and mezcal including brands like Ocho and Illegal ($16-$24) and rums like Diplomatico and Ron Zacapa ($12-$16) – all evidence of Dandy’s commitment to good, serious drinks. Natasha Hong
Drinks $12-$480.