Great hole in the wall restaurants near me

"He also cut down a live oak in our front lawn and did it in a timely manner. He also hauled it all away. He stands behind his work. He never questioned anything I asked that I'd like addressed. He simply came in and did what was asked. No questions asked. I appreciate the honestly and dedication to keeping me, the customer happy. I'd use them again for sure."

"Well, looks like I made my way to Flavortown! It's not a diner, although we dined, it's not a drive in, although it's accessed via a huge garage door, and it's not a dive, although it is in a little food court off of an alleyway blocks from Skid Row. Whatever you want to call it, I call it exceptional. The depth of flavor, the freshness of ingredients, the quality of the preparation were magnificent. The stand out for me was the green curry, as it had the perfect amount of spice, herbs that burst through every bite, vegetables in peak ripeness, and big chunks of chicken right off the farm. The curry was the star, but the wings were the supporting actor, right there next to it. Unique sauce, refreshing slaw, they were so good!! Love the packaging, too. I like this part of town."

My favorite restaurant of all time is not exactly the most glamorous place. Phoenix Garden, a tiny restaurant on the ground floor of an apartment in midtown Manhattan, has just enough room for eight parties to eat at a time. The exposed brick walls are not very appealing, but the sizzling beef and crunchy noodles served are as authentic and rich in flavor as any five-star Chinese restaurant out there.

A photo posted by Bao Bao Geek (@qmbaobao) on Mar 17, 2015 at 3:52pm PDT

Hole-in-the-wall restaurants are simply the best: they offer amazing food along with a unique experience often steeped in history. St. Louis's own U-City Grill, which still only takes cash, is considered to be one of the best least-known restaurants in the country.

Even though you may be tempted to eat at the most blogged about restaurant, or the place that has a trendy interior and a huge waitlist, here are five reasons why you should seriously consider trying out some off-the-grid eats.

1. No one else knows about it

Perhaps the best part about eating at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant is that it's your own little place. It is not overhyped or where everyone else has eaten, so you can ensure that the quality of food or service doesn't drop with over-popularity. Eating at this little hidden gem will feel as if you are in on a huge secret that is (almost) too good to share.

2. The thrill of finding a good unknown restaurant

There's nothing better than knowing you found a delicious restaurant without any help from Yelp or an Instagram food account. At first glance, you may have second guessed where you decided to eat lunch, but after one heavenly bite, you know you have hit jackpot. 

3. It's not too expensive

Another huge plus of lesser-known restaurants is that the price is usually pretty low because there is not a huge demand for the food. Also, because the inside is often not the most appealing architecturally or design-wise, the prices would not be so justifiable if they matched or exceeded those of a trendier restaurant nearby.

4. It ups your cool factor instantly

Telling someone about your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant makes you feel like an instant in-the-know foodie. It takes an exceptional palate to recognize good food without a Zagat rating, of course.

When you bring friends to your favorite up-and-coming restaurant, they will most definitely be impressed by your ability to know what to order. 

5. The food is consistently good

Because hole-in-the-wall restaurants don't have huge demand, they must be consistent in the caliber of their food. They must be able to please their small but loyal following whenever they come, because this is what makes them so good. You can always count on a good meal, and that keeps you coming back for more regardless of the restaurant's general lack of notoriety.

If by now you aren't convinced that the best place to eat is the restaurant in the sketchy-looking building on your way to work, then you're missing out. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants represent the democracy of the food world—it doesn't matter if the restaurant is in the trendiest neighborhood or has the most lavish decor.

What matters most is simply how good the food is. So go out and be adventurous... who knows, maybe you'll find the next best place just around the corner where you least expected it.

Tucked away in nooks and crannies, these hidden restaurants in Singapore serve up a little mystery with their mains.

Now that we’ve rolled out our guide to secret bars in the city, it’s only natural for us to suss out hidden restaurants and cafes in Singapore that serve up tasty grub. Sometimes, you just want something different from your usual brunch hotspots and popular hawker fare, and we’re here to help you hunt down the most enigmatic of eateries. Join us on a gastronomical food hunt as we sniff out these hidden gems.

Best hidden restaurants in Singapore

1. Hub & Spoke Cafe

Don’t be fooled by the address. It’s not located inside Changi Airport. Instead, you’ll find it next to Terminal 2 along the scenic Changi Airport Connector amidst lush greenery. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to the concrete structures. The cafe is outfitted in a glasshouse, filtering in an abundance of natural light through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Unwind over a cup of local coffee like kopi o and kopi c. The local theme also extends to the food menu with options like nasi lemak, laksa and mee siam. But if you’re hankering for cafe grub, try the wagyu beef burger, truffle mushroom pasta or The Big Brekkie: buttermilk pancakes, brioche toast, streaky bacon and honey baked ham.
Hub & Spoke Cafe, #01-T2S-02, Singapore Changi Airport, 60 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819643

2. Gardenasia

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and make your way to the Kranji farm countryside. Essentially a getaway villa of colonial houses, Gardenasia also houses a bistro. Offering a unique farm-to-table dining experience (ingredients are sourced from nearby farms), the menu features dishes like assam fish chowder, pan-seared red snapper fillet, grilled rosemary chicken and more. For a full-on holiday, we recommend a staycation so you can soak in the rustic landscape.
Gardenasia, 240 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718898

3. Corduroy Palace

This swanky restaurant by the team behind Lucali BYGB is a hidden gem, to say the least. Find the entrance (that’s shared by Proper Slice) in the back alley of Gemmil Lane. Step inside to find a dining space featuring hand-stitched antique rugs, high-gloss burlwood tables, contemporary art pieces and neon-lit wine coolers (the highlight). But before swigging vino, pad your stomach with luxurious dishes like caviar-topped xiao long bao, the signature prime rib, fresh oysters and chicken cordon bleu.
Corduroy Palace, 110 Amoy Street, Singapore 069930 (entrance at the back of Gemmill Lane)

4. La Ristrettos

Masked in an unassuming location on the eighth floor of a medical centre in Novena, this kitsch cafe is a treasure. With its cosy atmosphere and wooden interiors, it just makes you want to huddle up in one of the nooks with a hot cuppa and a good novel. Be sure to try the French toast and crab cakes!
La Ristrettos, #08-37, Novena Medical Centre, 10 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307506

5. Burger Bar New York

If you’re hanging out on Amoy Street and you find yourself craving a divine burger, head to the back alley of Gemmill Lane where you’ll stumble upon a neon-lit burger sign. Go through the door and velvet curtains and follow the aroma of grilled meats and deep-fried chips. It’s all about simplicity here. Choose how you want your burger done, add your toppings (iceberg lettuce, tomato or onion) and pick your sauce.
Burger Bar New York, #03-01, 115 Amoy Street, Singapore 069935

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6. Kabuke

Despite being located in the bustling ‘hood of Telok Year, Kabuke manages to stay under the radar. Hidden on the second floor of a heritage shophouse, the gastrobar invites you for an evening of good food and sake amidst a cosy ambience. The menu spotlights bar bites, rice bowls and seafood but the piece de resistance has to be the A4 Kagoshima wagyu striploin. Wash it all down with a selection of sake: glass, carafe or bottle. No judgement here.
Kabuke, 200A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068638

7. Riders Cafe

Get away from the busyness of the city and head to Riders Cafe. In our opinion, it’s the best thing you can get if you’re thinking of a short country-style escape. Tucked away in the lush greenery of Bukit Timah Saddle Club (yes, there are adorable horses all around), this peaceful spot is idyllic for any meal of the day.
Riders Cafe, 51 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286965

8. Coexist Coffee Co.

This cafe takes things up a notch – it’s hidden on the rooftop of an unassuming industrial building in Hillview. Apart from boasting peak views of the vicinity, the space stands out for its aesthetic. Think symmetrical sections split into two polarising colours: red and white. On the menu, you’ve got hearty breakfast plates and locally-inspired dishes like rendang wagyu beef burger and sambal fish and chips.
Coexist Coffee Co., #08-00, 48 Hillview Terrace, Singapore 669269

9. Bincho

In the mood for yakitori skewers in a speakeasy (especially after watching Blade Runner)? Bincho has you covered. Hidden behind a 70-year-old mee pok stall – which opens in the day – this grungy open-concept yakitori restaurant in Singapore is run by chef Asai Masashi, who whips up stellar grilled chicken sticks. If you’re here after the hawker has closed for the day, enter the establishment via its easy-to-miss entrance (look out for its gold-lettered sign) at the open-air carpark.
Bincho, #01-19, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, Singapore 162078

10. The Flying Squirrel

Squirrel your way through the side alley of Amoy Street and you’ll stumble upon an eatery serving Japanese food. Nosh on sushi, sashimi, gyozas and rice bowls, and if you happen to be playing hooky from work, happy hour starts from 4pm!
Flying Squirrel, #01-02, 92 Amoy Street, Singapore 069911

11. The Dragon Chamber

Located at an ordinary-looking kopitiam, this Chinese resto hides behind a beer fridge. It’s like a modern version of Narnia, except the interiors and dim lighting give off total secret society vibes. The food is somewhat peculiar, with dishes such as the Dragon Claw of braised crocodile foot with Chinese herbs served in a bowl with a ring of fire (so extra!). If you want something familiar, the wagyu truffle hor fun will hit the spot. Either way, it’s worth a visit, even if it’s just to say you’ve been here.
The Dragon Chamber, 2 Circular Road, Singapore 049358

So, who’s up for a little adventure hunting down these hidden restaurants and cafes in Singapore?

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