There’s no missing Potato Head’s facade along the streets of Keong Saik – keep an eye out for a captivating red-and-white structure gracefully following the curve of the road, and you will have reached your destination.
First opened in 2014, Potato Head is a stack of vibrant partners in crime: burger joint Three Buns occupies the first two floors, cocktail bar Studio 1939 on the third, and a charming open-air rooftop bar takes level 4.
The third-floor bar, Studio 1939, is the highlight of this lovingly restored shophouse. Located halfway up a winding chequered staircase decked out with vintage knick-knacks and slightly sinister motifs of sailor boys and fairytale figures, its fantastical concept is inspired by the Boy’s Own series from Australian artist and the Folks’ design consultant David Bromley. Inside, plush Chesterfield sofas, vintage rattan furnishings, and wooden flooring lend easy, effortless style to the dimly lit, high-ceilinged room, and the semi-circular marble bar gives a sense of both space and intimacy.
The bar’s new menu is an interesting mesh of art, music and mixology. Aptly named Palette of Sounds, the entire menu exudes a distinct ambience – from its well-thought design to the musical names of each beverage. Find cocktails named after iconic songs or bands – transforming the act of selecting your drink into an entertaining experience that playfully blurs the line between choosing your poison for the night and curating your next soundtrack.
Crafted by the bar team at Studio 1939, the menu presents a selection guaranteed to suit every sort of palate. If you lean towards citrus, the highball-style concoction Rhythm and Vase ($23) is tailor-made for you. This low-ABV marvel features a blend of vermouth, watermelon, yuzu, citrus, Perrier, and Aer. For those veering towards less citrus and a touch more fruitiness, the Imagine Dragons ($23) beckons – a harmonious blend of gin, peach, pineapple, calamansi, and lemongrass awaits your discerning taste.
For the daring ones seeking a more robust in-mouth experience, indulge in the Sun Won’t Set ($26) – a beverage inspired by Indian flavours. The mix features chaat masala, mango citrus, mace and curry leaf, blended with mezcal and tequila. And if nothing on the menu quite strikes the right chord, surrender and opt for Trust Your Bartender ($28). In this option, simply share your preferences, and wait for the bartenders to blow your mind.
