Hinky Dinks

Hinky Dinks has yummy cocktails and nice staff, but for me personally it feels like something is missing. Being a 1950’s fan, I have been 5 or 6 times with my friends and each time it feels like the buzzing vibe that should be there, isn’t. It might be the low lounges, and the way it is spaced out — But I just find it hard to really relax and feel comfortable.

Had a early Sunday lunch with friends, went for the share plates. Had jalapeño croquettes, pulled pork tostadas, and chicken wings. Also one of our group had the haloumi burger, which was apparently very juicy. All the share plates were very tasty, particularly liked the wings and pulled pork.
Stupidly didn’t try the cocktails, so will need to have a return visit.
Very quiet at 1pm on a Sunday, but seemed the sort of place to while a way the hours.

Not the best place. No music per say and we know a place is not exciting when my virgin 40 year old friend can’t get off Tinder.

I like this place. Everything about it is just so friendly. The bartender greeted me as soon as I walked in, and told me to sit wherever I wanted to — such freedom!
The other patrons smiled at me as I took a seat by the window. I explained to the bar man (table service!) that I would be low maintenance, and was just looking for a couple of beers before dinner. He suggested the rogue chocolate stout to match the freezing wind outside, and I agreed.
I had entered Hinky Dinks after a crap day, and that place could not have done more to turn my day around. The atmosphere was calming, the patrons were friendly (and mostly on a first name basis with the bar keep), and the beer was strong.
I’ll have to venture back one day to try the sliders and hot dogs on offer (but not the polenta, seriously, what’s with that stuff?)

This place is a little hidden gem in Kings Cross. Definitely trendy, definitely hipster, definitely in a very non-​annoying but rather feel good kind of way.
You are greeted with mini popcorn boxes upon arrival, and if you’re lucky enough to go on a non-​busy night like my friend and I were, you will experience excellent customer service: the waiter literally hung out with us for several minutes and took time to go over all the items on the menu, as well as the cocktails.
The cocktails are really good and the food certainly ain’t cheap, but it’s yummy — we both left with happy tummies.
The place is pretty tiny so I wouldn’t recommend it for a big group, but it’s a great choice for a catch up with a friend mid-​week.

Staying in Potts Point in Sydney with a friend, we were looking for places to try in the area. Long days of walking around exploring Sydney made us very tired, so proximity was a big factor. Searching Unilocal and other recommendations, we came across Hinky Dinks.
It fit the bill: Not a tap house, close to Potts Point, and a little quirky.
The staff were very friendly upon arrival, inviting us to take a seat in the corner on some stools. It was a little cramped in this corner but one of the sofa benches freed up soon enough and we decided to steal it before anyone else did.
The drink selection, whilst not huge, was suitable and each seemed to be carefully chosen. Whilst perusing the menu for a second drink the Bartender suggested a daiquiri. He was very knowledgeable on the subject, and upon quizzing him he revealed he’d been to a seminar on the very topic earlier in the week.
The atmosphere was great very enjoyable (though I’m sure the drinks helped!). A little like a diner, but with a tiki vibe added in. Very much apart of the 50s visions of the future in terms of aesthetics. The lights lightly dimmed, and the music not too loud so you can still have a conversation. The music choices were also well picked as well ranging from Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly to Creedence Clearwater Revival.
If all of this sounds like you then Hinky Dinks is for you, and it certainly will be for me next time I get a chance to visit Sydney again!

Hinky Dinks is a must stop if you’re in the Darlinghurst area or for a pre-​drink before starting your night in Kings Cross.
This place is tiny, so don’t try and bring a group of about 4 or more with you. The theme to this joint is 50’s inspired with a twist. All cocktails are handcrafted by a master mixologist and are top notch. Many great options to choose from depending on what you’re in the mood for. My favorites include the Bourbon Milkshake, Cowboys Last Ride, and if you’re looking to add quickly to your buzz, The Zombie (only 2 allowed per night)!
Cocktail mastery takes time at Hinky Dinks but it’s well worth the wait. Drinks are between $ 17 — $ 20. Since the place is so small it’s not a place you’ll spend your whole night, but certainly not one to be missed.

When you move to a new city and stumble into a random bar, with very few people in it, you never know what you’ll find. This wasn’t the case with hinky dinks, this was just a general statement.:-)I ended up in this bar with a bartender i met who told me that this was the place to go for some amazing cocktails made by a cool dude. Who am i to turn down a solid cocktail??? If you’ve read my other reviews you ‘ll understand that it ain’t ever gonna happen. HInky’s is another hidden gem on darlinghurst rd. If you haven’t had james (the bartender/​gen manager) make you a drink, or you haven’t tried his home barrelled aged rum, then you have not lived a full life. «amazing» is an understatement. They run specials nightly throughout the week and if you have any taste buds that you consider foodie-​like or gourmet, then avail yourself of their thai wings and polenta chips, it will change your outlook on life… for the better.
get involved and get out there!!!
enjoy

Very cool little bar. The retro wooden tables, bench seating, and bar stools are flash, if a bit forced. The cocktails are thoughtful and delish (I went on Bastille Day and they had French-​themed food and drink on for cheaper prices than their regular menu!).
Staff are very attentive, friendly, and professional, not too laid-​back. They do increase the hipster ratio, though.
Not a big place, so get in early.
Now open on Sunday arvos from 1pm.
Drink specials every day, and a good munching menu.
A trendy, but quality, bar.

Hinky Dinks have their tractor beam set to stun.
It’s hard not to be sucked inside when you drift past on the pavement on your way to get a slurpee at the corner store or buy drugs at Kings Cross. (Or sell them. Yay capitalism).
The old school jukebox jams, high-​stooled bar and low-​slung party booths are more inviting than a nightclub promoter. Once inside there’s just a, I don’t know, a feelgood vibe thing they got going on. It’s welcoming, like your favourite pair of tracksuit pants. Easy to hang out in.
I turned up on Wing Wednesday, when chicken wings with ranch dressing are slashed down to a buck each. They were on the small & crispy side, but tasty nonetheless. And ay $ 1 each, who’s complaining. What I really dug though was the complimentary mini-​tub of spiced popcorn they give you when you sit down. A few places in town do this, but these guys house-​spice theirs with smokey paprika and rosemary oil, and the result is sex for your mouth.
I’m bringing friends to hit the cocktails next time. Oh yes, there shall be a next time.

I love this place because it is a small intimate space, retro fittings & background music that actually allows you to hear your conversations. Interesting cocktails.
Recently spent over 3 hours there (being an agony aunt for a GF) & there was no pressure for us to move. We were even offered better seating when it was available.
FYI this was a Friday night & they were busy. The gum ball machine was shuffled constantly, in joke if you’ve been there :)
Service was not instantaneous, drinks arrived with reasonable speed. And the service was wonderful. All very relaxed & fun place to have a drink.

Cocktails were pretty, but not particularly potent. About $ 17-​$ 20 per drink.
A mini dish of complimentary popcorn is provided, but after having experienced the epic free popcorn generosity of places lie Tio’s and The Little Guy, the gesture at Hinky Dinks seems a little contrived.
Also — I can’t believe this place is forced to close at midnight on a Friday… It’s King’s Cross!

What a great little find. They serve popcorn with your drinks, but I’d have to say its def a cocktail hang out, which should suit a lot of people that love happy hours etc. I went and they has happy hour on thursday night! Will be back, as the service is great! Good vibe good times.