Surry Hills-Darlinghurst
www.chingalings.com
Level 1/133 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
The quintessential inner-city small bar, Ching-a-lings is decked out with basic brick, dim lighting, random art and graffitied toilets. You may be mistaken for thinking that it is also an Indian restaurant as the aromas float up from the nearby diner. If you find you are getting a bit peckish, you'll have to be content with pizza - and have it delivered. Check with the bar staff first.
Drinks are kept fairly basic with spirits, champagne, beers of all sorts, including long necks, plus a few wines. The limited choices at the bar means that the turnover is quick, even when Ching-a-lings packs out: and this will happen. As the crowd grows, expect a number of people to start dancing in front of the DJ area at the end of the bar. Yes, it is a small bar with a dance area.
Finding Ching-a-lings used to be a little tricky, but probably due a lot of other small bars popping up in the area, they now have a hanging black and white sign. Start at the Columbian on the corner of Crown St and walk a few doors up. Look out for the sign and a small door: take the stairs up into the darkness on level 1. Later in the evening, there will be a bouncer on the door, often sitting on a bar stool.
Best things: Beer in long-necks, a place to dance
Don't miss: Evening on the back deck (starts closing at 10:45pm)
Ideal for: Dates, small groups, catch-ups with friends
Date tip: Out on the back deck before 9:30pm or front couches closest to Oxford Street.
Gripes: Inconsistent door policy may mean you get turned away when it gets busier, or if the doorman/woman doesn't think you'll fit the crowd expected that night (be prepared for the 'members only tonight' line).
Rating: 8/10
Last updated: August 2017
You are here: Ching-a-lings, Darlinghurst review and address. The quintessential inner-city small bar, Ching-a-lings is decked out with basic brick, dim lighting, random art and graffitied toilets.