Cuscaden @ CHIJMES

This is a review covering my general impression of multiple visits to Cuscaden in Chijmes.
I’ve been here five or six times.
This is a pretty small place but it does have quite a few outdoor seats. During my visits, it has never been super busy.
They have a very small food menu but I have never tried their food. On my most recent visit, my friend had some wings but I am not really sure what he thought of them.
The staff is relatively attentive but they are not overly friendly. They tend to stand around and talk while keeping an eye out on customers tables. When they spot a need for a drink, they come over.
Cuscaden is a pretty decent spot to stop in for a drink or two. I like there al fresco seating. For smokers, there are quite a few seats and these are covered.

I grew up hanging out at ye old Cuscaden Patio in Ming Arcade, so imagine my delight when they opened an outlet in CHIJMES. Drink prices here are a little higher than at the other outlet but I guess that comes with the territory.
I come here once a week for beer and bites. 2 jugs and a serving of any snack hardly cost $ 50. Try their chicken wings.
Usually, a live band serenades the crowd with contemporary & classic rock. The crowd is a motley crew given CHIJMES’ location. You’ll find everyone from students to business professionals here, letting their hair down for a good cold mug.
Walking into CHIJMES from the exit opposite the Carlton hotel, take the path leftward and follow it till you find the pub.

Cuscaden is a great place to chill in CHIJMES, firstly because it’s tucked into its very own corner and you’re away from all the other places that are not as casual and certainly not as much. There’s live music most nights, and the band usually rocks pretty hard. What’s also great is the service; I have lots of fun teasing the bartenders and waitresses and most of them are always up for a bit of banter.
Weekday nights are great for checking Cuscaden out, but if you want the best of it, Friday and Saturday nights see the place packed full of people. There’s usually drunken groups of friends (probably yours) singing loudly along with the band, and everyone joins in. If you’re into that sort of thing.
Prices are okay, my friends and I shared 2 jugs of beer and some nachos for about $ 45, which really is more than reasonable for this part of the city. There are more food options, but I’d recommend sticking to the snacks and beer at Cuscaden; it’s not really an ideal place for a quiet meal.
The music is really good, and if you feel like dancing, there’s a little bit of space in front of the band: P