O’Leary’s Sports Bar & Grill

We were given a Granton promotional card which offers one-for-one main courses at the Singapore Flyer outlet. Decided to give it a try one hazy evening.

Definitely a sports-bar going by the decor of sports memorabilia. The restaurant was depressingly empty on the evening that we visited, with fewer than six tables occupied. We were shown to a table at the front near the stage (luckily no band was playing).

We ordered the Tenderloin Steak ($33) Ribeye Steak ($29) Rack of Lamb ($29) Mixed Grill ($35), all meats to be cooked to medium doneness. All mains are served with baked potato, corn-on-the-cob and grilled tomato.

The tenderloin came well-done, was tough and hard to cut. We brought this to the attention of the very pleasant male manager and he immediately brought it back to be replaced. He was most apologetic and promised to serve the portion within ten minutes. True to his word, he replaced the tenderloin quickly, and checked back with us again to ensure it was done to our liking. However, this time, the cut of tenderloin was very sinewy and fibrous, and hard to chew. It was however, cooked to the specified medium doneness. We decided to give up trying.

The ribeye was very thinly-cut, so while it was medium-done, the thinness of the portion resulted in doneness throughout the whole piece. Dry and tough and not appetising.

The mixed grill comprised a thin slice of chicken, a few pieces of nice crispy bacon, one lamb shop, one prawn and small piece of striploin. The chicken and strip were dry, the lamb was very rare and bleeding (although we had specified medium doneness).

The rack of lamb was nice, with the correct doneness, tender and flavourful. The accompanying mint sauce (you have to specifically ask for it!) added a nice foil to the saltiness of the lamb.

Generally, the portions were small compared to the prices they were charging. Even with the one-for-one promotion, all four main courses were a little over-priced. The small portion sizes may also have resulted in difficulty in controlling the doneness of the meat.

Our disappointing experience at the restaurant was salvaged only by the professionalism, courtesy and empathy of the male manager. However, we doubt if we would come back anytime soon for a revisit.

(Our O'Leary's receipt was valid for a $2 discount off coffee at Robert's Coffee@Popeye's, just opposite O'Leary's. Coffee was quite good, and the ice-cream is now on promotion 2 scoops for $2.)