After more than a decade since Billy Bombers started its franchise in Singapore, a new American offspring has been born!

Taking over the space that was formerly occupied by Kentucky Fried Chicken(KFC) at level one of Cathay Cineleisure, Hip Diner U.S.A. offers all that you need to enjoy a meal with your buddies. As you step into the restaurant, you are greeted zestfully by their service staff who warmly welcome you inside.

Next to Billy Bombers’, this 2-month-old joint’s menu, offering the standards from finger food to mocktails, is shorter at just 4 pages, simpler but just as enticing, possibly because there’s some common ground, such as the “Create Your Own Burger” selection and the milkshake flavours. However, with prices starting from $4.90 for sides and drinks as compared to $6.90 and up at Billy Bombers, your pocket remains relatively safe.

Today’s tech-savvy youths will feel at home as orders are no longer taken through the traditional scribble-as-fast-as-you-can on notepads, but rather, with a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). And it isn’t just the team leaders and supervisors who’re armed with PDAs, all the service staff are. How cool is that!

Speaking of coolness, the décor surely deserves praise. Unless you’re totally oblivious to your surroundings, you shouldn’t have much difficulty noticing how they’ve chosen to decorate their bar with neon blue lights. Of course, there are also many other distinctively American icons, like the suspended American flag just above the bar that seems to fit in with the chilled out, modern concept of the place.

Grub wise, if you’re planning to go easy on the carbohydrates and fat level, try the wraps – healthy, light and value for money at just $9. Served with nachos by the side, the choice wrap comes with either chicken or beef.

But if you’d like to land your teeth into what you’d consider true-blue American food, a Jumbo Frank will do that job. True to its name, the frank is 25 cm long, and the hotdog is juicy, crunchy and plump. You’re not likely to want to upsize this.

Still hungry? Don’t worry. There’s still a scoop of mashed potato on its side, topped with a rich, creamy black-pepper sauce! Definitely worth the $11.90 you are forking out for.

For big eaters or people who like to share food, opt for the Jumbo Combo. At $15, you’ll get 3 perfectly seasoned drumsticks, baked mussels, crispy fried potato skins as well as lightly salted nachos; a perfect mixture of finger food! Are you hungry yet?

Another cause for joy is that the diner does serve free iced water but that shouldn’t stop you from considering their beverages. The shakes are undoubtedly a must-try, especially the chocolate flavoured one. No disappointment there with its rich texture, you could even skip its highly recommended American brownie ($5.90). If you’re not a chocolate lover, there’s always vanilla.

On the whole, Hip Diner U.S.A. scores high on UrbanWire’s card. The ultra-friendly staff are quick and efficient. Add that to the superb ambience that’s cosy and laid back, perfect for chilling out, comfy vinyl upholstered seats and smooth R&B hits reverberating from its stereo speakers and finger-licking food, the experience is definitely worth the money.

Hip Diner U.S.A. is located at #01-06, Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, and it is open every day from 11.30am to 11 pm on weekdays, and from 11.30am to 3am on weekends.

UrbanWire rates it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

For more enquires, please call 6333 8832.