Redfern-Chippendale
thechipofftheoldblock.com.au
3 Little Queen Street, Chippendale
It's a nice surprise to walk into a small bar that seems comfortable with itself. At Chip Of The Old Block, there is no gimmickry, no zany theme. It's just a well decorated small bar that does a lot of things right. Its decor sits perfectly with the Chippendale area as it rises out it's industrial heritage. Close seating, bar stools and compact couches manage to hold a lot of people in a tiny space. Balanced lighting, bare bricks and a few nods to the industrial history of the site make you wonder why more bars don't follow this approach. The site is located up a narrow road, well back from the main street with very little else nearby. And yet even on a cold Friday night you can expect the place to be packed.
There is a lot jammed into this space, including a kitchen that pumps out a decent menu. Free nuts are served at every table, but there's a catch - you have to shell them yourself. The peanuts are a breeze but even with the nutcrackers, expect to do a bit of work on the walnuts, brazil nuts and almonds. While seated, a friendly staff member will circulate, taking orders, offering good advice and just being friendly. This should be a wake-up call to other bars - if you want to run a profitable venue, be nice to your customers, not just the ones you are trying to sleep with.
Large boards of food are bound to go past (Ploughman’s Supper, $18) with chips that are designed for adults, none of these McDonald's-style shoestring fries, just decent size chips ($7) cooked until crispy outside and fluffy inside. If they are not to your liking, the mid-sized menu - which includes half a dozen vegetarian options - should keep you satisfied for choice.
It may be a little tricky to reach but the bar offers cocktails including in-house specialties and classics $16-$18. Some looked like they could do with a bit of tweaking. The Old Fashioned had a few too many dashes of bitters in it, while the Full Monty ($16, Aperol, Strawberry Liqueur & Lime, sparking wine) was topped up so it was level with the rim. In a crowded bar this just resulted in spilling part of it down the side of the glass and on the floor. A handful of beers are on offer with the cheapest, James Squire, coming it at $7.50. Wines start at $7.50 for a reasonable red or white, but most are in the $10-$12 range.
Best things: Friendly service, decent food, great buzz.
Ideal for: Small groups, catch-ups with friends, after work drinks, dates
Date tip: Back area or side tables on the left as you enter. Friday night is not the best time as it's way too crowded for a date.
Gripes:Some tweaks are needed with the cocktails as they miss a few finer points. A structual pole just off from the main bar area makes it tricky to get served, particularly when people are sitting at the bar.
Rating: 7/10
Last updated: August 2017
You are here: The Chip Off The Old Block, Chippendale review and address. There is no gimmickry, no zany theme here: just a well decorated small bar that does a lot of things right.