As if Tuol Tum Poung needed any more great venues to eat, drink and carouse, the lively Phnom Penh neighborhood has upped its nightlife game still further with the launch of bar/restaurant/music venue Motodop.
Motodop on Street 460 is a brand-new bar, restaurant, and music venue.
This cool new Street 460 hangout finally celebrated its official opening in early May, after the softest of launches over a few months. All the better to get things spot on, and the team behind Motodop have certainly done that.
It’s clear that a lot of thought — and not a little expense — has gone into the imaginative design and quietly classy fit-out. Bamboo is much-used, to striking effect. An undulating, black-topped statement bar snakes down one side of the spacious venue. There’s lush planting, plenty of seats and tables, room to dance when the live music demands it, and a quieter, comfy area by the entrance to lounge in.
Part of Motodop’s mission is to provide a purpose-created space for live music and it
achieves this expertly, with a good-sized stage and professional sound system. The quartet of expat owners clearly know what they’re doing. One of their number is a member of the (excellent – check them out!) TTP-based band, Japan Guitar Shop, a fact that can only help the venue’s reputation. There’s a charge on evenings with live music of generally $5, a small price, well worth paying to see some of the best local and visiting bands in surroundings like these, and to keep the city’s music scene alive and vibrant.
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The bar is well-stocked with the usual fare, plus quirky cocktails, a decent wine selection, and assorted specials. Food-wise, there’s a bijou, Cambodian/Vietnamese-influenced menu of very tasty, nicely-presented small plates. Bao buns with assorted fillings are a specialty and vegetarians and vegans amply catered for. The service team is abundant and attentive and the vibe relaxed and friendly.
Motodop opens from 4 p.m. to midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekends and is closed all day Wednesday unless there’s a special event on. While I’ve not been there during daylight hours, I can imagine it’s a great place for a peaceful light lunch or coffee too.
Motodop
8c Street 460, Tuol Tom Poung, Phnom Penh
Motodop on Facebook
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