Donny’s, Dumplings, Dad & Dave’s – an alliterative combo

Back in the early days of Back of the Ferry, we wrote about a cool new bar in Manly. Almost four years later, as a symbol of Manly’s growth as a bar district, we are now writing about another new bar in Manly, except that it has taken over the space occupied by the old one. The Space Bar was a mezzanine bar above a beautician. Donny’s Bar has taken over the whole space and offers two stories of small barness.

If it isn’t tacos, then dumplings appear to a de rigeur small bar menu item. Donny’s offers 5 varieties. My vegetarian daughter accompanied me and she gave the thumbs up to her “King Organic Vegetable” dumplings. My crispy Chicken & Shitake dumplings were fine also. The burgers look well priced and there’s also the obligatory slider item as well.

Donny’s Bar might have a size issue on the keg front and it’s cocktail menu is far more extensive that the beer menu. When I visited there was one beer on tap – Monteiths Pale Ale – and there were pouring issues. Dad & Dave’s #1 Pale Ale is available in stubbies along with a couple of Murray’s varieties. It looks like Donny’s is a night time venue with an emphasis on live music.

It’s good to see another option in Manly. Donny’s isn’t bringing anything new to the table (so far as I could see), but the fit-out’s cool. Yes – the cocktails are served in jars, the barman looks hipster and the food menu is straightforward – but if they do it well, no-one will be complaining.