Bungalow 8

Bungalow 8 has been on quite the ride since it opened in 2003. Like neighbouring venue Cargo Bar, this waterfront party spot is infamous for loose nights and next-day hangxiety. And while its recent $3 million overhaul isn’t the first, it’s certainly the flashiest. Now there’s a tropical theme across both levels – think al fresco seating, reservable cabanas and a general celeb-on-vacay vibe.

A new menu runs from lunch ’til late, steered by executive chef Jason Roberson of acclaimed Sydney steakhouse Kingsleys. Highlights include spicy Thai chicken wings with lime crème fraiche; a grazing boards of hot salami cotto and mortadella; and a focaccia club sandwich layered with grilled chicken, bacon, iceberg lettuce and Swiss cheese.

Don’t sleep on Bungalow’s new cocktails, either. The Lamington Negroni is a sweet little number, mixing coconut rum, Campari, vermouth and cacao. Sandy’s Big Night Out On Kings Street Wharf is a mouthful in more ways than one – mixing citron vodka, coconut cream, citrus and mint.

Punters can lounge in the ground-level courtyard, or head upstairs to a bar with adjoining balcony. On weekend nights the site hosts a rotation of DJs and musicians. Sundays sessions involve live saxophone in the afternoon.