The Dock Review

Review by Olga Andreev

An ex-shop front with peeling paint and exposed bricks is what the Dock looks like from the first glance. When we come in, the feel is that of a sauna - as the airconditioning has yet to kick in properly. Despite the sweltering conditions, or perhaps because of their perfect counterparts – (Tuesday) $10 cocktails, the place is lively and the crowd is varied. From dainty university girls sipping mojitos to serious hospitality drinkers to well-dressed older gentlemen, it seems like an unlikely mix, but somehow the space makes it work.

Though tiny, the bar has plenty to look at in terms of décor. There are vintage grog posters (it’s ladies night every night!), overflowing giant candles and funky old-fashioned lampshades. A stop sign under a table is cute and almost speaks aloud – no drinking under the table, yourself or anyone else for that matter. A piano and some high armchairs complete the atmosphere of disjointed charm, reminiscent of some Berlin bars.

The prices are more than reasonable for a small quirky bar, with beers and wines starting at about 5 dollars. What is interesting is that all the wines on the chalk-board menu are available by the glass, meaning you can try the entire list without having to fork out the cash for a bottle. The cocktail list (also written with chalk on the wall) is not terribly adventurous, but that doesn’t mean that it is not good. From benchmarks like Long Beach and Old-fashioned to something slightly different like a Pisco Sour or a Negroni with Aperol, it is a comprehensive affair that has something for everyone. At $15.50 on a normal night, these concoctions are more than worth their price, and tonight, at $10 a pop, it may be an occasion to have a very good time indeed.

Alongside the chalkboard list and all the classics, the experienced staff are more than capable of improvising something on the spot. Tonight, Dan’s Tuesday Night Cocktail consists of white rum and frozen coconut blended with cranberry and pineapple juices. It is a tropical heaven of supreme cooling power and packs a serious punch at that; try stopping at one. Props to Dan – the frozen coconut removes the need for ice and, therefore, dilution; something we can all get behind in search of more flavour.

Aside from their fantastic mixing skills, the staff are perfectly on the ball. Attentive, friendly and helpful, these guys will go out of their way to find you the ideal drink and make your visit enjoyable. The place itself may look a little dodgy, what with the aircon and issues with bathroom lightbulbs, but the staff make up for that in spades. Smiles and banter go a long way, ladies and gentlemen, and there’s plenty of that here.

It’s a weird, peculiar sort of place, but it possesses tons of character. If you give it a chance, the Dock will grow on you and its fragmented allure and delicious drinks will hold you back just a little while longer.



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