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Have you ever passed an odd ATM that looked out-of-place while walking around Craig Road? Well, that’s because it’s not really an ATM, but the entrance to The Bank. No, not a literal bank, but a burger bar hidden behind an inconspicuous sliding door.
Though this burger bar’s storefront is easy to miss, with the only notification of its existence being the neon sign stuck on its plain white walls, stepping into this literal hidden gem unveils a super aesthetic 80s-themed diner.
When you step in, you’ll be greeted by a quaint space reminiscent of an old-timey American diner, complete with framed retro portraits and posters on the wall.
Stepping in through a curtained section of the restaurant, however, unveils a neon-washed bar area with stunning multi-coloured lights and an aesthetic retro-futuristic vibe.
What I tried at The Bank
The Bank’s menu contains 3 types of burgers, with the first being the Signature Cheeseburger (S$18.80++ for single, S$26.80++ for double).
This good ol’ American creation is filled with a hand-butchered and pressed 100% prime angus beef patty, melted American cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and house-made sauce. I opted to try the double version, and was greeted by a gigantic burger sandwiching two thick, medium-rare patties.
The juiciness of the Signature Cheeseburger blew me away with the meat bleeding tantalisingly when I sliced it open. The burger buns were soft and pillowy while the beef patties were tender with a bit of chewiness. I loved the melty cheese, which coated the surface of the beef patties nicely, and the sides of pickles provided the dish with a bit of added saltiness and crunch.
The Bank’s Signature Cheeseburger tasted like a classic beef cheeseburger with all the meatiness and cheesiness. Given how thick the beef patties were, especially since I’d gotten a double, I thought that it could have used a little more sauce to better balance out the flavours.
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When I ordered the Double Chicken Burger, I was warned by the staff that it would be huge. However, even that did not prepare me for the behemoth of a burger that would soon be presented to our table.
The Chicken Burger, which costs S$18++ for a single and S$26++ for a double, consisting of fried secret herb blend buttermilk chicken, melted American cheese and a choice of either spicy coleslaw or bacon and herb aoili for the topping. We opted for the latter, and were amazed by the generous amount of sauce dripping off the sides.
If we thought that the Double Signature Cheeseburger was huge, the Double Chicken Burger made us do a double take. The fried chicken pieces within were already huge on their own, with an impressive crispy skin and super juicy meat. The addition of bacon made the already indulgent burger even more sinful, while the creamy aoili added a pop of savouriness to the dish.
The only downside was that leaving the burger to sit for too long would cause the undersides of the chicken to become a tad soggy, but that did not take away from its overall flavour.
The Bank offers diners with a few classic American sides, such as the Chicken Bites (S$14), which were pieces of crispy fried chicken served with a side of ranch. I loved how the chicken bites managed to stay crispy even after sitting out for a long while. The juicy, tender chicken meat was also a pleasure to consume, especially when paired with the creamy dip.
The Bank’s Spicy Bacon Cheesefries (S$14) were a little less impressive, as I found them a tad too salty for my liking. They were drizzled with sriracha, mayonnaise, jalapenos, bacon bits and melted cheese, though I thought that the sriracha element was a little overpowering.
Finally, we enjoyed a glass of The Bank’s Reeses Milkshake (S$14.50++), which had been blended with Reeses, such that every sip I took contained small bits of peanut butter and chocolate. As a huge lover of peanut butter cups, I really enjoyed the nutty milkshake, which was thick, creamy and sweet enough to curb my sugar cravings.
Final thoughts
The Bank’s burgers were definitely worth the praise, given their huge sizes and generous amount of fillings. Plus, the hidden element of this burger bar made the whole experience feel all the more elusive, like I had entered some sort of secret club.
Definitely give their Chicken Burger a try if you’re unsure of what to order when you visit. They tend to get a little crowded towards dinnertime, so be sure to make a reservation or pay a visit during non-peak hours.
Expected damage: S$18 – S$50 per pax
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