Parliament

Parliament is a self-proclaimed all-American dive bar in a shophouse, sporting retro and music-inspired motifs plus electric red neon lights. The casual neighbourhood joint is an approachable, friendly place for gatherings, with a straightforward cocktail menu and wallet-friendly drinks from $14. Ask the team what their monthly signatures are, knock back quick and easy pours of vodka cranberry or rum coke, or stick to the basics, which are 11 reliable options under the Bulletproof Classics section, ranging from good ol’ palomas to timeless negronis.

Come for the drinks and stay for the food – the bar whips up some bangin’ fried chicken stacks. The original fried chicken burger does the job well with a colossal buttermilk-marinated chicken thigh, deep-fried to crisp perfection and paired with chipotle aioli. But it’s the buffalo fried chicken burger that has us singing praises. It’s got just the right amount of vinegary kick, dialled down with a creamy blue cheese sauce. The bar is mighty proud of its dedicated hot sauce station stocked with bottles sourced directly from New York, though frankly you won’t be needing any additional dressings here.