Hunky Dory Social Club

Review by Marissa Wilford

Having only opened almost a year ago now, it's fair to say that Hunky Dory Social Club, a.k.a. HDSC, is up there with the rest of the small bar regalia. The almost unnoticeable entrance, friendly bouncers, steep stairs and fashionable creatures meandering about cheerfully seems to be a consistent theme with the Darlinghurst bar scene, and it ain't bad.

Once found it's clear to see why this place has continued to remain popular amongst the thirsties. Split up into three levels like a triple decker fun house, you could easily spend a whole night here in the same way you would your last dying day on earth.

Satisfy your insatiable hunger with your disciples by starting in Bruno's, the restaurant below and check out the impressive menu with impressive food which includes the pizzas (around $15) that are pretty rad and is made up of a great thin base topped with interesting ingredients. In terms of design, the raw looking brick wall contrasts the decadent layout of the furniture and has some romantic Jesus-and-friends paintings hanging decoratively, just before you notice that the ceiling is covered in some powerfully nice cow hide - legit.

From there take the Golden Books cocktail menu (the books you read as a kid minus the extensive alcohol list) to the unsuspectingly scary stairs up to the second level. Embrace the sounds of Jurassic Five setting the vibe alive bellowing out from the speakers and order the Highland Swig (cocktails around $16 -$20). Prepare for a summer fruit party in your mouth; and tequila! This is actually good and suits a summer time breeze, topped with some Lychees and loaded with ice, it’s guaranteed to do you up right and make you feel fine. If that doesn’t float your boat so much, beers here are between $6 - $9 and spirit mixers are approximately $8.

The bartenders here are attentive, super friendly and knowledgeable with a knack for that flaring groove. The bathrooms on this level are a little bit smoke and mirrors. What appears to be a chill lounge area is actually where you... Yeah. The cool thing too – it’s decorated in a mosaic pattern of mirrors.

Climbing the stairs (again) and literally landing at another bar, the bartender greets you happily before you walk out on to the rooftop balcony.

"Oh you pretty things" is scribed on the wall amongst all the plants and random bike and things that reaches meters into the air like the hanging garden walls of Babylon. The seating arrangement consists of old furniture and the layout sporadic. The vibe up there is chill and super happy as you recline with your buddies amongst the nature and plants, concealed from the colourful concrete surrounds of Oxford St. The crowd is pretty diverse, from their early 20's to the old tanned dude with crocodile skin shoes on. But he's okay and everyone else seems fine.

Honestly though, just do it. You'll have a ball.



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