Have your heard of Dat Place? It’s that relatively new place that has popped up down the university end of hindley street. You might have noticed the particularly enticing aroma of wood oven wafting around street level and wondered where it was coming from. Located upstairs, across from those two seemingly abandoned buildings is this place.

The venue is larger than expected with brightly painted blue, red and white walls. There is a room dedicated to the woodoven where patrons can relax on couches. There is also a more traditional dining area which turns into a dance floor at night. For those wanting something more private there is a curtained Versace themed VIP room. A small balcony is located next to the bar, perfect for enjoying golden hour or a breath of fresh evening air.

The food offered at Dat Place covers the pub classics. We tried their pretty impressive schnitzel boards, onion rings, sweet potato fries, cheese and mushroom doorstops and pizza. For those after a challenge, the kitchen also pumps out an amazing GIANT burger. The 8 plus kilograms of meat, sauce, cheese and potato is usually tackled by a team.

Cushdy might have moved on but the outstanding cocktails remain the staple of this building. Owner and mixologist Johnny is well versed in pleasing people’s pallets. The first option on the cocktail menu is the ‘custom made’. With three questions the bar staff are able to curate something bespoke for you; what’s your favourite spirit, do you prefer sweet or bitter and what colour do you like? After going through this process, the result was perfect for both my taste and the atmosphere of the time. The rest of the cocktail menu covered all of the regulars as well as some unique creations. Dramatic accents such as glitter, flaming rinds, changing liquid colours, rose petals and fairy floss added an extra dash of excitement to the mix!

If you’re keen for a great cocktail, outside of the small bar/ side street vibe, then this might be the place for you!

Words by Vanessa De Chellis

WHERE: 279A Hindley St, Adelaide