Mark Tjhung hits the raucous side street in the heart of TST East

The Hair of the Dog
What better place to begin a hangover recovery bar hop than this dim little pub – if, that is, your ideal day after includes a jukebox full of classics, Polaroids on the wall, an optical illusion of a floor and Guinness-based cocktails (try the Black and Berry – Guinness and Ribena; $67). Take up a prime seat out front and feel that hangover being numbed away. G/F, Shop 4, Supreme House, 2A Hart Ave, 2311 1248.

AT Pub
Sleek and shiny, the two-storey AT Pub is one of the few karaoke dens on this boozy stretch attracting a cashed up crowd. Beyond the Chivas-revering entrance, the ground floor glows with glossy black and illuminated tables; in stark contrast, upstairs goes 80s, with white, marble-topped tables and plenty of ballad belting. 19-23 Hart Ave, 2301 3201.

Tequila Jack’s
The home of the great Tuesday tradition that is $10 tacos, this homage to all things ‘south of the border’ features piñatas, Orozco copies, Mexican flags, and decent Tex-Mex bites. Get in before 9pm, install yourself on the airy deck out front, and indulge in the $29 happy hour margaritas while taking in the scenic Hart Ave passersby. G/F, 33-35 Chatham Rd South, 3428 5133

Nexus
One of our favourite little bars in TST, this eclectic, arty haven fills with chilled beats and the hot and hip cool kids. Rustic, cosy, and inspired by a bit of surrealism (check out the organically sprouting chandeliers and curving bar), there’s no finer place on this street to chill. G/F, 25 Hart Ave, 2668 8798.

Roadside Square
Narrow, sexy and with a touch of the gothic mansion about it, this is a skinny jeans and cool haircuts type hang out. Anorexically thin, with plenty of seats at the bar, Roadside Square nurtures a casual, conversational feel where chat, picking up, or getting the night started could all be on the agenda. Don’t get it confused with its decidedly less cool sister establishment Road Side Bar down the road – it’s far more hip to be square. Shop 6, G/F, Union Bldg, 33-35 Chatham Rd South, 2311 2821.

Robertson Fast Food Shop
Once the boozing is over, you’re probably looking for cheap, fast, and greasy rather than classy. This little hole in the wall serves up perfect antidotes for that drink, with super cheap eats from burgers ($9) to fish’n’chips ($20) and chicken curry and rice ($23). G/F, 19-23C Hart Ave, 2366 9021