Communal

Myself and a group of friends recently dined at Communal, and we all agreed that it was one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Singapore. The food, the ambience and the service were all on point — a trifecta that can be hard to find! The place itself is a bit small, we took up the whole street-​side window which was about the only tables available (the rest was booths and the bar), but had a nice vibe. Casual, but a bit modern. We came in a group of 10, mostly Americans and looking forward to good taste of home.
Drinks
I started off with a couple of cocktails, the Green Lantern in particular was delicious! It’s hard to go wrong with Midori and lychees. I tried the Golden Monkey beer, which I’ve never had before, and loved it! My friends tried it as well and they decided to order it too. It was somewhat akin to a Blue Moon, and even though I’m not a big beer drinker, that’s one of my favorites, so I was happy to find a close alternative.
Starters
Cornbread with Honey Butter — very good! Not as «gritty» with cornmeal as a typical cornbread, and this one was a bit sweeter than I’m used to (our Aussie friend thought it was supposed to be a dessert bread, lol), but still tasty and served in nice crescent pieces.
Chicken wings: They have both Bourbon BBQ and Hot Sauce wings, I opted for the Hot Sauce. It wasn’t overly spicy, but definitely had a good kick! Fried to perfection, nice coating on the outside, but only 6 pieces for $ 16…a bit on the expensive side. Still, very good. A forewarning though: they don’t have ranch! (Or any other dressings, really.) So if you’re looking for a dipping sauce, you’re out of luck.
Parmesan & Parsley Fries: Nicely cooked fries — not too crisp, not too soft. AND served with proper ketchup! :)
Biscuits & Gravy: Not the typical B&G we’re used to back home. The biscuits were nice, but it was more sausage than gravy on top. The sausage was well seasoned, but definitely needed some more of the «gravy» to be considered authentic.
Mains
Everyone in our group was super pleased with their entrees! I had the Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Burger, the pork was tender and had that almost-​melts-​in-​your-​mouth texture that makes pulled pork so good. I had to ask for extra BBQ though, as there was only a paltry amount served on the burger. I also asked for a side of pickles, which $ 2 but totally worth it — just cut up the spears myself and added them on top. Came with coleslaw and lots of fries!
A few standouts from my friends were the Fried Chicken, which was cooked *amazingly* well. Tender, juicy meat on the inside with just enough crispiness on the outside. The serving size of potatoes it came with was rather small, but I think they were too excited about the chicken to care lol. Another great dish was the Braised Short Ribs — my friend, who has lived in Singapore for 4 years now — said this was one of the few dishes she’s had that was truly worth the price ($ 36). She loved the seasoning and sauce and serving size was decent.
Desserts
It’s hard to go wrong with desserts, but I’ll recap it anyway. I had the Oreo cheesecake, which was super rich — as cheesecake should be. Could’ve used more chocolate sauce on top, and I expected there to be in Oreo inside the cheesecake, but in the end the Oreo crust was enough to suit my chocolate needs :) My friends ordered the Banana Split, which had very smooth, rich ice cream on top, and the Monkey Bread, which had a nice bit of crisp to the outside and a positively *mouth-​watering* cinnamon aroma. We also had milkshakes, which lived up to every old-​school American diner standard in the book!
ON TOP OF ALL THAT, we had *incredible* service. Since moving to Singapore I have resigned myself to the fact that you have go out of your way to get a server’s attention at most restaurants, and that you better not be in a hurry because the serving times vary so greatly. BUT, not here! We all actually got our drinks at the same time! Same with the starters, mains and desserts. The servers were extremely attentive and assisted us with everything we needed.
OH — and, we said at the beginning of the meal that we’d like to have separate checks for all 10 of us, and at the end we got our checks quickly, everything was correct, and they ran them right away. Couldn’t believe it! :)
We all agreed that this place was a hidden gem and one restaurant that we will definitely recommend and come back to. Thank you, Communal, for a great experience! Couldn’t have asked for a better celebratory dinner!!!
*A quick note on reservations: I did my reservation online through their website, but it would only let me book for up to 7 people. So, I did two separate reservations, one at 7:30pm and one at 7:45pm with a note saying I’d like to have it booked as one large table. We showed up and everything was laid out perfectly, ready for our group, no hassle at all! Very impressed!

Came here for lunch and I think the food deserves a 4-​star. Very American and you’ll find burgers as the main draw here.
We tried two types: the blackened fish burger and the pulled pork.
Love love love the blackened fish burger. Fresh red snapper, beautifully blackened. Slurp. I am never a pulled pork person as they usually taste too sweet and only of BBQ sauce. This is one that is better than most to me.
The burgers are served with a good serving of double-​fried fries. Yummmmm. As if you didn’t get enough calories with the burger, but who’s complaining.
The only gripe is that they do not have any lunch special. Over $ 20 lunch cannot be a regular affair. It is too painful for the pocket.

Food is fabulous. Ambience is cozy. Décor is no frills. Service can definitely be better.
We booked for a party of 20. I wish they told us before hand that they really cannot accommodate such a large group comfortably. We were given the tables along the front window (fitting 14, of which 2 will be at either end of the «long» table), as well as 2 cocktail tables at the side to fit the remaining 6 (3 each). Logically, you will know it will be hard for the group to converse or dine.
Be warned it is not meant for big groups at all.
Service was hit and miss. At times they would come round to refill water glasses without being asked, and at other times you would have to ask a couple of times for a glass of water. Food was served promptly though.
Food wise, I loved it. Almost all the dishes we ordered to share were good, reminiscent of what you would get in North America. Alas what I really wanted was a burger but we did not order that. Maybe next time.
What we did have:
1. cornbread with honey butter — moreish small bites of cornbread
2. cream of celeriac — light creamy celery soup with foam on top
3. caesar salad soup — smokey bacon-​y green soup which is quite good. interesting taste with the aloe vera in it.
4. pumpkin soup — very typical
5. fried chicken with baby potatoes and spinach — my favorite dish. crispy skin kept the meat tender and moist. the meat was still hot despite sitting on my plate for about 15 minutes.
6. braised beef cheeks with smoked potato purée and brussel sprouts — i loved the brussel sprouts as they were done very nicely, i.e. not bitter. the beef cheek started off tough before melting in the mouth. Smoked potato purée was alright.
7. biscuits and sausage gravy — i liked this. i missed having a good biscuit though it still could not compare to Red Lobster biscuits.
8. parmesan and parsley french fries — super delicious and addictive. just so fresh and crispy and hot.
9. Boston lobster mac and cheese — nice creamy pasta but not too rich that you would feel sick after a while.
10. hot chocolate soufflé with strawberry ice cream — i guessed i was expecting a rich dark chocolate, so the hot chocolate paled though it was unmistakably a hot chocolate drink taste.
11. lemon tart — this was oh so good… not too sour, just tangy enough to wake you up from the food coma induced by the good food.
12. monkey bread — not my favorite, it was a bit on the hard side but those who love cinnamon will like this.
13. strawberry shortcake on scone (off the menu) — similar to the ones served in Bubba Gump except that was on biscuit, not a fan of it. found the scone a bit too dry even though it was served with chantilly cream.
Will I go back again? Most likely, especially if I am in the area. I still want to try the burger!
Oh there is no service charge, so you can tip accordingly.

decently good modern-​americana at this slip of a restaurant in the central business district. this place has slight hipster aspirations — but so schmexy-​cool with its dark speakeasy atmosphere that it’s easily forgiven; plus the food was pretty good.
smallish-​but-​not-​terribly-​so portions, decent flavors, and a good atmosphere — it’s contemporary portlandish american eating. while it’s not quite the classic steakhouse, you can get classics like burgers and ‘wiches — both of which I eschewed for the more interesting plates.
I started with the cute little crescent wedges of cornbread came in, lightly sweetened and warm. though I wish they had stuck with more rustic cubes — less waste from cutting (and more for me to eat). those tiny nibblets of charred corn were delicious.
the salad of butter lettuce hid pieces of kiwi and macadamias tossed in a vinegary vinaigrette — I really liked this actually. as I did the barramundi with its frothy mussel jus, well-​seared with a distinct brown crust. firm white fish — still moist, though I think it could have done with just a little less cooking for enhnanced flakiness.
the dessert menu is pretty paltry here — and no, ice-​cream is not a proper dessert. only five items, most of which could be euphemistically termed classic american — I rather consign them to boring; a place like this has the potential for so much more. I suggest you stop after the main course, grab the bill, and head to chinatown for a spot of chinese sweets: bigger bang for your buck, and more expert dessert preparation.
good meal in all, and the place certainly lends itself to cozy chatting. there’s a pleasant hum of noise that lubricates conversation, service is both attentive and polite — and the dark interior of the place invites lingering past dinner (though pity about the boring desserts).

Three girls — all Singaporeans, all America-​educated. We had major WHOOP WHOOP moments whilst perusing the menu.
Sausage and gravy?! Green beans and bacon? OH MY GOOD LORD. The menu is an interesting modern home-​cookin’ all-​American, but my grievance is that it is limited. I definitely hope that the repertoire of food will increase eventually.
Now, on to the quality of food. Taste-​wise, it is good. Not great, not excellent. It is easy to swallow and you won’t feel disgusted in any way. That said, despite the menu being reminiscent of what we got back in the states, the outcome was certainly different. Simple example would be the type of green beans used — perhaps it is more cost-​effective to procure the «chinese» sort, rather than the canned green beans used in the states, but the taste just isn’t the same.
I would come back if I was in the area, but am doubtful that I would make a trip specifically to dine.

Had a quick lunch at Communal with my friend before we both had to head back to our respective offices.
He had the CBD burger, a double patty burger with bacon, I had the grilled ham and cheese sandwich as a set (so it came with an iced tea and the soup of the day, a cream of celeriac).
We also shared the biscuits with sausage gravy. For my set, at around $ 15++, it was good value. The sandwich was tasty, though I prefer cured ham to cooked ham, the fries though, were top-​notch. Crisp, light, airy, and delicious. I also thoroughly enjoyed the biscuits and gravy, though the portion of two biscuits left me wanting more. A good thing, I suppose.
Overall service was efficient, and it was a good, enjoyable meal. Nothing to complain about and I’d definitely be back!

I’m a man of simple tastes. (Usually.) If you can cook up an excellent burger and offer give me some craft beers to choose from I will walk away happy. Communal has this in spades. The burger is great! Not fancy, but simple and high-​quality. And they carry plenty of American craft beers from BeerStyles (Rogue, Anderson Valley, Stone). A solid 5 stars from a burger/​beer lover.

I hate to break a restaurant and it has never been my uttermost intent. My purpose of reviewing is to serve as a reminder to those who has a bigger group to fill at Communal. This shall serve as a tip-​off.
I am not rating it against the quality of their food because I didn’t have a chance for that. Instead, the review is on the service level rendered last Saturday.
The episode took off this manner: The reservation was made 1 month ahead of the actual day via Facebook. Since it was meant for a birthday occasion for 2 folks, I specially requested for a communal table to fit the 8 of us. Basic reasoning — candle blowing made easier — it would be silly to sit 2 groups separately unless its side by side. It went well quite promptly with confirmation on my request via FB. A few messages went on with special orders — Boston Lobster — ordered 2 days in advance as required. The possibility of getting in-​house cakes but of course paying for it though ultimately I decided to get one outside as they failed to respond until I triggered another message. Everything seems going on well, followed by a phone call the day before to confirm my booking. Nothing amiss and no one told me any thing. Then they dropped the bomb on me — on the ACTUAL day itself at 12.45pm, when I was heading to the restaurant.
” Miss xx, I’m sorry to inform you that we don’t have a long table for you. Instead, can we sit the 8 of u on 2 separate tables? I was getting annoyed because:
1) you broke the bad news to me at the eleventh hour!
2) you told me it has been given away to another group of 13s. (so, I am outnumbered or was it any kind of prejudice?)
I keep my cool while trying to figure if I should continue my journey, but I am already inches away. and I said, «…alright, I will make do with a side-​by-​side table, given that I have no choice.»
When I reached the restaurant, few of my friends were there. Disastrous moment… U have no idea how they have arranged to fit us in their «pathetic-​unit-​space». It wasn’t a side-​by-​side BUT a back-​to-​back booth seats! People with the slightest common sense will never fit us there, to crowd around the table, with half of the group standing at one table witnessing the celebrants to blew out their candle? Everyone was upset and as I have to walk to the staff and voice my unhappiness but in a less perturbed manner. Still in my pleasant voice, I asked if there’s other alternative and they offer me the bar counter seat. hmm. that would mean lining everyone up, 2 will have to blow the candles with 6 of us, tilting our heads laterally to view the «ritual»? Strange suggestion.
It irked me further when I told them I had my reservation made 1 month ahead but was told that it was handled by the HQ (which I don’t know why the head office didn’t channel the message to the restaurant but replied with a confirmation???) and the restaurant received my request only later after the group of 13s has made their booking. Without arguing with them, I told my friends to move out of the restaurant while I seek another impromptu booking on my phone. I am still trying to keep my discontent while making phone calls at its doorstep when another staff ran out to ask to settle the bill for a cranberry drink consumed by one of friend. This time, she has indeed pull the trigger and I was totally pissed (I am sorry but it was too bitter to swollen now) saying, «I am NOT gonna pay for that drink! If your manager demands an answer for it, ask him/​her to call me. U have my mobile number to reach!» And we took off to Robertson Quay.
I returned home to send them a message via FB and they replied the next day, sounded apologetic, telling me they will looked into the matter. Hmm… it’s Tuesday without a closure. Anyway, it wasn’t critical anymore.
In fact, I was quite fumed by the the way they handled my reservation and up to this day, I still think that the service is utmost graceless. No one has gotten back to me and I simply couldn’t figured the need to take this long to investigate.
So, please have your reservation made in verbal and double confirm your request days before. It has never happened to me in my entire dining experience and Communal has made exception to it. The other thing that makes us remember — we shall never step into the restaurant again.

It will not be substantial to write just about desserts for Communal, but I shall do so. The fact that it is the only place i know that does a decent Monkey Bread is enough for me to go back for more. Soft and buttery in the inside, with caramelized crisp crust, along with a cold dollop of vanilla ice cream. It sends me back straight back to the States again, only hoping for a good cup of black coffee to accompany it.
Their Lemon Curd Tart is simply divine. It’s slightly salty pine nut crust gives the sweet tart curd a balance flavor. The soft creamy light curd sits lovely on the crunchy textures, enhancing the nutty aroma.
Chef Ryan and his crew are a great team. They are well-​organized and friendly. We were a group of 9 and had a great time. Other must tries are fried chicken wings and foie gras. Go with a group of great friends who are willing to try and share.

‘Hoos + Fridays’ after Five + Communal = Awesome
This review is primarily about the drinks at Communal, which is an important component of the Communal experience because it is called a «Diner. BAR. New American Restaurant».
Last Friday, I booked a corner of the bar for 10 people and 8 of us showed up. Some were not quite into the orange & blue, but we welcomed them into the fold with open arms. The bartender who’s name I will eventually recall, was awesome. He made us some pretty great Manhattans, Sweet Dreams, drinks with a citrus base overlaid with coffee… all with pretty good & generous liquor and fresh orange/​lemon juice and zests. I am pretty sure we were the first table to arrive that evening, the last to leave and by far the most profitable check. That’s how much fun we had.
Food-​wise, I tried the fried chicken and mac & cheese. Fried chicken breasts crackling on the outside, juicy within, like Voldemort on a binge. The fingerling potatoes were delicious too and juice nicely boiled to be crushed and eaten with a fork. The mac & cheese was well, not gratin-​ed and rich but still very tasty. The slipper lobster chunks added a good saltiness to the mac and I really enjoyed the dish overall, though I would still lean on Martha’s 3 cheese recipe for my regular fix.
All of us really enjoyed our evening at Communal. The décor and menu didn’t break any new ground but put together, we felt like we had stepped into a different country. The bartender was great but service was a tad uneven. Our food orders took a really long time to arrive and the waitresses were kinda snappy rather than professional. Chef Ryan for some reason also didn’t walk to our end of the bar to say hello, despite the kitchen being set up for precisely this sort of interaction and I for one would have loved to ask him what it was like to work at French Laundry. I’m guessing he was more busy and introverted than intentionally strange so it’s not a big deal. All round, we had a great evening.

I have been passing by this hip new restaurant for a couple of weeks now, and I find myself intrigued by the menu. American craft beer! American burger, foie gras torchon, caesar salad soup and lobster mac n cheese! It was really hard to find the address and contact number for this place (not sure why they are so secretive!). I finally got to try it this week, and I have to say I like this place. The chef Ryan is super earnest, and they give you a small amuse bouche of their cornbread which is pretty good. I had the lobster mac and cheese which is pretty good. Not as heavy as I was afraid it will be, and I like the cheese blend used. The lobster chunks are tender and flavorful. It’s a solid dish, but not like super impressive. A good one to have if you are wanting something rich, but not like super heavy. I liked the caesar salad soup, and if you see how they prepare it (right in front of you if you sit at the bar), you’ll like it too. They blend a whole head of lettuce, with bacon and slow cook it, and top it off with parmesan foam. If you like green vegetables like me, you should love it. Tastes super healthy. The sea bass, I love. Cooked perfectly, moist on the inside with a slab of crispy skin, and the saffron sauce was heavenly. Yums! For a complete review on it, visit my blog (address under my profile). Thanks!
Update: I have decided to up my review to a 5 stars rating based on my latest visit. Their soups are really good, and the smoked potato purée is a must-​have. Smokey, buttery and smooth, it’s similar to that served in Joel Robuchon but prolly with less butter. Their food is consistently good, still loving the fish and mac n cheese, and their fried chicken looks phenomenal.
AND I think they are well-​priced for the quality of the food.