Doctor Pong Review

Review By Jules Shiells

Tucked in behind the extravagant bars of Oxford Street and the less than salubrious backpacker haunts, is something a little bit different. Doctor Pong is not a bar filled with suits, or tank-topped men, or sandal-wearing students. Instead, it is filled with fairly normal looking people looking for something a little bit different.

Arriving on a Friday evening, Doctor Pong and its clientele look lively and welcoming. Tables in the courtyard are crowded and the front windows of the building have been opened to allow those inside to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere.

Inside, the bar is busy and the wait to be served is dependant on the amount of cocktails being purchased by the person in front. The wine and cocktail list is averagely priced and substantial, if not mind-blowing. The black-shirted bar tenders are friendly, and on that Friday night, were all men.

So far: so normal.

What makes Doctor Pong different to your average Sydney bar is the eclectic mix of, for want of a better word, stuff. For those whose only experience of an American frat bar is from the movies, Doctor Pong is a good approximation.

The light-fittings, chairs, tables and lounges are mismatched. Beer is served in those red, plastic cups seemingly always found at American parties. The walls are covered with Americana, while Transformers, toys and cacti line the bar. Yahtzee and other games are available for those with a childish streak, and of course, there is a great, big ping pong table.

Much of the back wall is taken up by the DJ and his decks. The music is interesting, unassuming and thankfully devoid of cheese.

Strangely enough, one highlight of visiting Doctor Pong is a trip to the toilet. It is like a visit to the world of Alice in Wonderland through the Hall of Mirrors. Be warned: after a couple of mojitos, it may be unwise to walk too quickly in one direction or you may end up with a flat face.

Doctor Pong is friendly, attention-grabbing and well-priced. The music is interesting but not forced upon the ears. It's a bar with activities for those nostalgic for childhood but who also enjoy a drink. If you are bored of the average Sydney bar and you don't mind the occasional ping pong ball flying at your head, then a visit to Doctor Pong is well worthwhile.