If you have lived in Sydney for frankly any time at all, you should be familiar with King Street Wharf mainstay Cargo. Its fairly central location means that on any given night you're likely to find an eclectic mix of groups on the after-work wind-down (or wind-up), hen parties, travellers and general party-starters. It's the place that you inevitably end up when, already a few drinks down, someone in the group (occasionally you) suggests finding a dance floor to tear up.
But the appeal of Cargo stretches beyond after-dark dancing. A recent overhaul has brought a funky metropolitan buzz to the venue with a new palette of concrete, glass blocks and pops of royal blue. Combined with its prime real estate overlooking Darling Harbour and this pretty appealing package, Cargo is also a good spot to get your day drink on.
On the subject of drinks, Cargo has a handful of appealing offers including $6 happy hour every weekday between 4-7pm on all drinks and then $12 cocktails from 7-9pm in the upstairs bar from Wednesday through Sunday. A perusal of the food menu reveals a selection of communal eats from pizzas to seafood platters, but if you're not the sharing type, there's also burgers, pasta and schnitzels to feast on.
Images: Anna Kucera and Trent van der Jagt.