Cargo Bar & Lounge

Tried the $ 10 steak for lunch today.
Nice spot but the steak is horrible and my knife can’t even go through it, left over half of it in the plate. What you really get for $ 10 is chips, a bit of salad and a view on darling harbour.
NOT recommended.

Rude welcoming and unfriendly staff. One was smoking just inside from the patio and came to us including toddler. Complained to them and they were not helpful. Food was ok.

Massive restaurant/​bar at King’s Wharf. It caters to large crowds of people or tourists. Sit, in the massive continuous indoor/​outdoor area and order whatever you like from the massive menu, guaranteed to have something for everyone.
Full bar, decent wine list. Good for groups. An easy place to meet people if you’re in Darling Harbour, as cabs can get here and it’s the first restaurant on the south end. But nothing magical, nothing special.
I do have to say that I had a pretty good fish ‘n’ chips here, though. The fish was grilled, not battered and fried. I paid $ 19 for it, though, so it should have been good.

Mark it zero, Dude!
I could end the review right there and you are going to be as enlightened as you ever need to be about the Cargo Bar.
But as I sit here, sipping casually on a caucasian, it strikes me that you can’t actually «do a donut» on Unilocal.
So how exactly do you polish a turd? I will need to conjure up some sort of miracle in the vein of Gandalf-​smiting-​the-​balrogs-​ruin-​upon-​the-​mountainside to explain why the Cargo Bar is worthy of even 1-​star, when it is truly a 0.
Is Cargo really that bad? Yup. The Cargo is suckage on a grandiose scale.
If they were awarding Golden «suck» Globes then Cargo would be the big winner on the night taking home suckiest venue; suckiest staff; suckiest vibe; and the nights most dubious honour, the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked.
If you went here for thanksgiving I hope you had the Tursucken! Yup, THAT just happened!
Last month we had our Melbourne Cup party here, and boy did it suck!
They overbooked which became patently obvious to anyone that tried to go to the bar, and had to Fosbury flop over multiple tables and stick the landing! The queue, once reached, was 1-​peep-​deep by 600-​peeps-​wide.
Cue expensive spilled liquids; expletive laden rants; and epic dummy spits. Now we know where that «sticky floor that reeks of stale beer» observation stems from.
Now we get to the unforgiveable failing of the night, which is still wedged firmly in my craw — and Unilocaler’s @ UYE last week should appreciate this:
They overcooked the steak…
Let that sink in for a bit…
Now let me repeat (adding gravitas):
They overcooked the steak… 30 times!
By overcooked I don’t mean «a shade over medium», and I don’t mean «well done». Heck either of those would’ve been absolute heaven compared to what was eventually placed in front of me. The charred carcass on my plate had the consistency of neoprene. I prefer my steak medium-​rare and tender, not blundstone!
The beef, if you could call it that since it was entirely unrecognisable, was better suited to Webber’s ferrari than it was to my plate. That our entire table had the same «quality» (and later I found out so did every other table) is not just inexcusable it is out-​and-​out unforgiveable. You are talking about 30-​odd destroyed steaks!
To add a shaker-​full of salt to the already grievous wound, they refused to let someone from our company in who arrived late. Despite us paying some gargantuan upfront cost for the day. This really irritated me because I was forced to run halfway down King St Wharf to fetch my colleague only to be told upon our mutual return that he couldn’t come in.
If I wasn’t wearing my trendy pink wristband to signify my Cargo douche canoeness, I doubt they would’ve let me back in either. I was only wearing the damn thing because it was supposed to give us access to the company bar tab, but drinks must’ve been charged at double the price because it is the first time I’ve ever been in Cargo and *wasn’t* drunk before they declared the tab was done and dusted. What the?
There was also dozens of staff standing around «looking busy» but doing nothing. One presumes that they were being paid by how many layers of makeup they could manage to apply to their faces. The quantities used would’ve made Bozo cringe.
As a Melbourne Cup venue, this place is a certified zero-​stars. Any other time it’s probably 1-​star.
In closing:
— Ultra supersonic expensive.
— Dumb dress code.
— Dumber bouncers.
— Clueless staff in clown makeup.
— Stinks like stale beer.
— Filthy smelly toilets.
— Long lines (bar and toilets)
You’ve been warned, and I never give out 1’s (it’s my first one in 20 reviews) and Cargo is really a 0!

The only star this gets is if you’re waiting for a boat around pier 8 at king street and want to avoid the heat or rain then you can duck in here for a quick drink (albeit an expensive one). The crowd is very pretentious on a Friday and Saturday night before they all get wasted and it’s just a dirty and trashy venue to avoid. The bouncers definitely have a chip on their shoulder’s here! Due to the location, it will remain a busy place for tourists and such but most people I know aren’t repeat clients to this establishment.

Great for lunch in the sun but the King St favourites’ food is decidedly ordinary now. Lack lustre pumpkin & Gorgonzola salad with over cooked pumpkin (read almost mash) & a main of salt & pepper calamari that only differs from the entrée in price & with the addition of fries. I expect a little more from you Cargo.

No thongs. No one likes it here. At 5pm we were stopped at the door by a 12 year old who tried to question my thong wearing companion’s choice of Australian formal wear.
It is everything I despise in a Sydney venue.
It may be just the thing for young and careless, don’t know any better backpackers from overseas.
But being a part of the below mentioned «older crowd» I have one thing to add. You can never be over dressed or over educated. All of which is lacking in the clientele here.
No bloody Marys on the menu? Who are you kidding? Disgraceful. $ 8.90 for a coffee mug of Apple juice and vodka? Tell em they’re dreamin’
Only came here to meet a friend, because everyone knows of the place and not in a good way.
I could write more, but somewhere there’s a tree that this place should apologise to, for stealing it’s oxygen.

After my brother spent six months studying in Sydney ten years back, I decided to follow his lead and come to Australia for my exchange experience. Though studying in Sydney wasn’t an option for me, I’ve never regretted the decision to relocate myself in Melbourne. My first trip to Sydney was a disappointment but I wont lie I clearly just hadn’t gone to the right places.
Just walking up to the harbour was eye opening, I remember it clearly (yes it was only last week) the view was so beautiful and I simply screamed, I LOVE SYDNEY.
Since I had never made it to the harbour on my first trip to Sydney I was in a state of shock. This area must be why everyone loves Sydney as much as they do.
Cargo Bar was right on the water with great ambiance. There was a dj spinning and a bongo player who incorporated his own beats into the set.
I can’t remember how much drinks cost but the bathroom was as dirty as can be and the line was way too long. Upon arrival I couldn’t be bothered waiting for the Ladies line so I just made my way into the males toilet which was surprisingly cleaner than the females.
Though I’m not often bothered by an older crowd, it was interesting to see how it ranged from kids my age (around 21) to 35 year olds. Hey, everyone was happy to be there and enjoying themselves and it was free to get in so no complaints from me.
Boys beware, NO SNEAKERS!

I can’t help but feel that no one should ever go here.
I think if you picked this place up and dropped it somewhere other than it’s current location maybe it would attract a different crowd. Then we could be looking at three stars. I’d say it’s located in a pretty touristy spot… not the same fun/​busy touristy like The Rocks or even Opera Bar area. Just bad and tacky sorta feeling.
Good things about Cargo Bar? Lots of space for groups… I don’t think there’s a cover charge.

Cargo bar is ok… its just any place that smells like stale beer and serves drinks in plastic cups instantly gets a two star.
I guess its not really my scene, but I’m not sure what sort of scene it is, maybe its the compelte lack of it having a scne which spins me out.
Its so middle of the road and generic that I get confused order wedges with Sour Cream and Sweet Chilli sauce a few CCNDs (in plastic tumblers FFS) and enjoy the seagulls.
Its a good spot to people watch King Street Wharf from I guess.
You can see the Harbour
There’s a Submarine opposite…
Ok I’m out.

Somewhat of a mix of bankers and the reject list of Jersey Shore (look it up if you don’t know what I’m talking about), this place brings together Sydney’s finest. Drinks are a tad pricey for the mixer to booze ratio, but you are in Darling Harbour so what do you expect.
I will say this, it does make for a pretty fun venue for a Christmas party for a work social club. Especially since you do not really care if the booze is paid for and you can order a double each time.

Cargo Bar isn’t really my sort of place at night — too much of the show-​offy crowd who think they rule the roost, when in fact they’re just w*nkers — but during the day I’m quite fond of the downstairs bar area. Having a quiet drink with the view of Darling Harbour just across the promenade can make for a pleasant afternoon. And they do a half decent pizza here too, as long as you’re a fan of the big toppings style, although they’re not particularly cheap, with a large one (which isn’t overly large) setting you back a tidy $ 23.50, but then again, you’re in Darling Harbour, you have to expect these things!
Also on the negative side, being a «swanky» bar, they believe in the use of shmiddies (not quite schooners, not quite middies), but charge them at expensive schooner prices. Oh well! Still a nice enough setting for a couple summer beverages, just don’t expect too much money left in your wallet at the end of it!

Here is where the beautiful people go, there is a chance you will not be let given the privilege to tread over the threshold of this nightclub if you don’t meet with standards. There is usually an entry fee here, and the bar staff are cute and perky, ready for a good time and are part of the entertainment. I had a good time, dancing is encourgaged quite a lot and it is also a bit of pick up joint, meaning that people are interested if you give off the right vibe there may be opportunity to get to know the strangers around you a little better. You don’t have to stay at arms-​length at this bar. However, it is not a strip club or sex club, just a bar for hot people to go out and have a great time.

Yes, it’s a douchebaggery, I won’t deny that. But being a girl at Cargo Bar (which is all I’ve ever been at Cargo Bar), at least has its perks.
I guess I’ve always arrived early enough and always been dressed dressy enough to get in to the top level. I have heard tales of ambiguous upstairs /​downstairs sorting based on appearance, but haven’t really experienced this. The bouncer has actually been quite nice to me every time I’ve gone because he’s from California as well. Go figure.
The Cargo patrons aren’t necessarily my type on the whole, but I did meet one of my really good guy friends here, so I can’t stereotype. It’s true that it’s a little dirty and a little sweaty and a little sleazy, but it’s also a pretty rockin’ place to dance. Early on Friday nights they play some classic old school hip hop jams circa 1995 that will make even the shiest dancer bounce at the knees. Later in the evening it turns into house and techno which isn’t really my cuppa tea, so that’s usually when I escort myself on out of there.
The other thing worth nothing about Cargo is it’s amazing view. Come after work or early on a weekend for a more chilled out vibe. There is comfy seating lining the outside veranda for you and your friends to sit and sip a vodka lime soda. Their cocktails aren’t amazing, but hey, if you’re going to Cargo you’re watching your figure anyway. Right?

While Cargo Lounge upstairs is a more exclusive night time spot, Cargo Bar is a much larger venue that’s pumping throughout the day, too.
I stopped by for a work lunch one day and was very impressed with the quality of the food, not to mention my surprise at how much classier it all seemed during the day — the views of Darling Harbour are barely visible in the dark if you’re inside by the bar. I had a substantially sized beetroot salad with goat’s cheese and walnuts mixed through rocket and watercress, while pretty much all the males in our group opted for either the beef or chicken burgers, both of which looked really good.
Being so close to the city, the crowd was a bit of a mix, but it seemed everyone was keen to kick back in the sunshine this Friday afternoon. The atmosphere here is reliably busy, so if you are coming with a group then it’s a good idea to call ahead and book a table.

If you love sleaze and you don’t mind getting other peoples sweat on you as you move about the dance floor with a pulsating beat in your heart and a pulsating heart in your chest, then Cargo Bar’s probably for you.
I’ve been to Cargo Bar on numerous occasions and each time I go, I tell myself and anyone who will listen, that I am never going back.
It’s a hotbed of libido and alcohol fuelled advances, none at me, and perhaps that’s why I’m so bitter about the place, or it could be the expensive drinks, the VIP room that isn’t actually for VIP’s, but rather an upstairs area that you can only get into if you’re in a party where the ratio of girls to guys is 3:1. I’ve been there a few times and it’s hard to imagine that everyone in there is a very important person. (Maybe to someone they are)
It could be the fact that I sat on gum one time in their outside area and my jacket is still stained, that drinks are spilt all over the place and it’s a grotesque kind of sticky club, it could be that the bouncers always treat you like a douche bag when you’re trying to get in, but because you know that if they don’t like you your night is ruined, which is fine, but it affects your friends as well. (A funny thing this bouncer thing, in most cases an employee is supposed to treat the customer with respect.)
I’m not a fan of Cargo Bar, it’s not near anything good, (except the water), it’s sleazy, expensive and I’ve seldom enjoyed it. I will say this though, it’s not a bad dance floor if you’re into busting a move.

Everyone has that one jerk friend, that one dude who is a really thorough jackass. But, you like them for some reason. Partly, it’s because if you realise that they’re the jerk, then you’re probably not a jerk and it’s also partly because you get to live vicariously through them and all the incredibly crass and thoughtless things they do.
Cargo Bar is that jerk friend. I know that the door policy is almost so oppressive as to inspire a sequel to 1984, I know that vetting a crowd based on attractiveness alone is probably not going to ensure the most sparkling conversationalists, and I know that the bar service is, at best, non-​committal. But despite this. .. I like it. The upstairs bar is notoriously difficult to enter on a weekend, but good luck, good timing, and well-​chosen companions have made the process far easier. By someone’s good graces, I have managed to spend more time upstairs than down, and despite what someone might say after being bounced from the upper bar, it’s a good thing. The downstairs bar area gets packed out and the unfair selection process kind of creates a bad vibe. It’s no fun to be somewhere when you know you could be somewhere else.
Given the tight population control, the upstairs bar is generally not too full of people and you have a few options, either at waist-​high tables in the middle of the main bar area, small stools on the patio or sitting in a throne in a shadowy section up the back. I would be remiss to admit that a large portion of my fondness for Cargo comes from the ability to sit in a throne and hold court. I’m just shallow like that.

Bar/​boîte très sympa car ouvert sur l’extérieur! La musique est dans l’air du temps, mais quand c’est plein, vous êtes un peu collé les uns aux autres!

If you’ve done your fair share of strutting up and about King Street Wharf, I’m guessing you’ve been to this place. Personally, I prefer having a few drinks with the girls on a Thursday night then slipping downstairs for those yummy, convenient $ 5 pizzas when we get the munchies. Friday nights and weekends are another story. As crowded as a night club should be, sometimes it can get to the ridiculous point of things i.e. when push comes to shove. If you can’t keep your cool, there are always the seats outside looking out onto the water. Yakking into all hours of the morning means you’re probably used to shivering to death but in this case the heaters outside are a real godsend. Upstairs seems to be the hot spot — I was astounded at the number of good looking, well-​dressed ladies and gents chatting it up on the lounges and the bar.
The one annoying thing is there’s no cloakroom so holding onto your stuff is the only option. Of course, this is what happened to me (my friend and I lost our coats). The manager was considerate but there was really nothing I could do besides calling up the next day to see if they had it or not. So the staff here are pretty decent, except perhaps this one bouncer who was so rude it’s incredible he has a job working near people.

A mediocre experience. The crowd is snooty and douchey in equal measure. As are the bouncers. Coincidence? I think not.
The rooms are waaay too crowded, and frankly, there’s only so much male body odour I can take, before I start to get paranoid about it seeping into my hair and clothes.
While, visually, it’s a nice venue, the bad attitudes of the bouncers just set you up for a bad night. You don’t want to start your big night off being admonished harshly by a bouncer for not standing strictly in single file. I mean, come on.
Also, I find any place with a dress code stricter than «No t-​shirts, shorts, or thongs» to be highly pretentious. I also find it a little bit sexist when guys are denied entry simply for being guys. Really, bouncer-​man. Your desire to see only firm, nubile female bodies is utterly transparent.
I’ll think long and hard before accepting an invitation for a night out there again.

From relaxed lunches to dynamic night parties, laid-​back alfresco or sophisticated booth-​style seating, Cargo Bar overlooking Sydney Harbour never fails to satisfy their guests.
I love Cargo Bar for the fantastic dining experience they offer. I occasionally drop by for some smooth cocktails after a long day of work. Their Watermelon & Rose Sling and Berry Berry Nice are very, very nice! And with a fine drink, I hang around to witness the majestic sunset. Some life.
Other guests enjoy staying their late with music from some of the finest artists and DJs while sports enthusiasts have their share of entertainment as wide plasma screens throughout the venue broadcast sporting events live.
So whether you’re up for an easy afternoon chill or for an upbeat party with your friends, Cargo Bar has something great for you! Go ahead and check them out — they’re open seven days a week til late every night.