Ding Dong Lounge: A Hidden Gem for Music & Booze

Isn’t it a bit of an oxymoron for a hurricane to be named Sandy? Hurricanes are supposed to be wet tropical storms. Meanwhile, the name Sandy evokes images of sand and things that end with the letter “Y,” like the word lousy. That’s exactly how this hurricane has made the residents most affected by Sandy feel—lousy.

Whatever.

I took advice from my fellow broke-ass, May S., and I went on an adventure to drink more at a bar I have never ventured into before. I showered, threw on some clothes and found myself around the Columbia University campus. I chose to stay uptown because I didn’t feel like making a ten hour trip back home, so I decided to inspect a few bars and found myself inside of the Ding Dong Lounge.

I admit I was apprehensive upon entering the Ding Dong Lounge due to its name. I don’t know about you, but to me it just sounds like a pseudonym for a bar you might find in a gay porno. Thankfully, my uncertainties were put at ease once I stepped inside and discovered that the Ding Dong Lounge is far from a haven for swinging dicks. In fact, this hidden gem is a cozy dive bar filled with dim lights, a vintage Ms. Pac-Man arcade game, a pool table, a couple of hula hoops and a small stage for musicians.

The draft beer selection includes Lagunitas IPA, Guinness, Sixpoint and few others for six bucks. Bottle and cans range anywhere from $3-$5 for beers such as Genesse Cream Ale and Miller High Life to Heineken and Coronas. Cocktails are a bit expensive but I don’t particularly think this is a place accustomed to dishing out margaritas and such, at least, that’s what the old school hard rock blaring through the speakers hinted at.

I was fortunate enough to come in on a night where there were a few indie bands playing, including Running Thoughts, Bill Popp & The Tapes and the Slut Junkies. It was all a part of show promoter Frankie Wood’s Eight Days of Wood, the anti-CMJ festival, where there will be eight shows in ten days at 5 different clubs with over 60 different bands. I chopped it up with Frankie and Bill Popp at the bar and received a shot on the house from the Yellow Dog’s lead singer and guitarist, Obash.

So with a nice collection of beers, a cozy atmosphere and some dope indie rock music, I could say that the Ding Dong Lounge was not a bad experience at all. I discovered a new place that’s close to home where I can play some pool, drink and listen to music.

See what happens when you try something new.

Ding Dong Lounge
Open Everyday from 4pm-4am
Happy Hour: 4pm-8pm
$2 Can, $4 Tap Beer, $5 Well Drinks
929 Columbus Ave. (between 105th & 106th St.)
[Manhattan Valley]

Photo Credit: yelp.com