The first sight that greets you as you enter Harry’s Bar, the Singapore import, is the overwhelming young crowd jumping up and down in tune with the loud music. We spent the entire evening standing by the end of the sole bar that was closest to the door. This was only because we could not make it any further. At the end of a long day, we needed a drink pronto and called for a Harry’s Old Fashion and a Long Island iced tea. The former was a nice take on the original of scotch on ice – with a dash of caramel and a fragment of an orange peel. The former added smoothness to the alcohol while the fruit skin lent a quirky touch to this traditional drink. The booze laden Long Island Iced Tea was well prepared and a put us in a happy mood right away.

Our order of starters consisted of a portion each of the crispy chilli potatoes and Sichuan BBQ Chicken. The potatoes were an utter disappointment, entirely lacking crispiness and chilli. What we were served was basically a portion of French fries doused in some spicy red sauce. Luckily, the Sichuan BBQ chicken provided some salvation. The meat was tender and the smoky barbecue flavour went well with it, though we could not find the promised lemony hints in it.

Having polished off the starters, we ordered our next round, which was a margarita and a Dirty Harry. The former, a classic concoction of tequila, triple sec and lemon juice, was quite satisfactory. As for the other drink, it was something of an acquired taste, which mixes mint-flavoured vodka with demerara sugar and lychee juice with chunky bits of the fruit. At first, we found the taste of lychee to be overpowering, but grew to like it as we sipped on the potent tipple.

When it came to the main course, there wasn’t much to choose from which is probably for the best. Getting confused over what to order after knocking down a few drinks is not a well advised practice. From the sparse menu, we settled for the Jazz burger and the Harry’s club sandwich. The burger was a clear winner consisting of a juicy mutton patty, fried eggs and mushrooms. The well-cooked meat's quantity was impressive. The sandwich wasn't too disappointing, especially with its delicious chicken coleslaw. All in all, the “large plates”, as they call it, were a satiating bite.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, it is only fair to say that the experience at Harry’s bar was was just alright. 

THE BILL

Harry’s Bar 1st Floor, 103, Ventura Park, IT Building, Hiranandani Gardens, Opposite D Mart, Central Avenue Road ().
Daily 12 noon – 1.30 p.m. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two R2,500.