Cruise Bar

The Verdict

When you’re totally keen to ditch the vibes of the big smoke, make Cruise Bar your go-to so that you can cruise-on straight out of that concrete jungle. Seriously.

Decked out with complete island and nautical vibes, this waterfront gem boasts a number of cool spaces for any and every occasion. We’re talking about the downtown buzz of the bar, Junk Lounge—so that cocktails and Asian-inspired eats are always within reach—and the epic rooftop, home to allllll of the antics and open-air live music (obvs). If you're still not convinced, did we mention it has one of the best views in Sydney?

You’re guaranteed top drops wherever you are, with all the vino, bubbles and brews you could ever dream of but if you’re up for it, the team sure do know how to whip up a mean cocktail jug (can confirm), so order one (or three) and never leave.

There’s a whole heap of feeds for all your grazing and feasting needs, like salt and chilli squid with garlic aioli (winning combo) and some of the juiciest Portuguese chicken wings in the whole damn CBD. Yes, they’re addictive and no, you shouldn’t share them.

On top of this, the kitchen here nails feeds of the larger kind, with finger-licking good pulled pork sliders and tasty seafood dishes, like the prosciutto-wrapped rainbow trout with potato and lemon (droooool). Up at Junk Lounge, you’re in for rock oysters with spicy yuzu mayo, shaved pork steam buns and fried chicken momo dumplings but no matter where you seat yourself, it’s basically a one-way ticket to absolute foodie happiness.

FYI as part of Thank Funk, aka rotating DJs every Friday night, Cruise Bar serves up espresso martinis for only 10 bucks (from 5pm to 7pm). See you there.

Image credit: Federica Portentoso