Cabana Bar and Lounge

LOCATION
Close to St Leonards train station, bus stops and on-street parking. Two levels of off-street, covered car parking is also available beneath the club.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Cabana Bar and Lounge offers a sun-filled oasis perfect for drinking, dining and socialising in the heart of St Leonards. Its timber-wrapped alfresco area buzzes every day and night of the week, when local workers gather to share an after-work drink and tasty morsels. The bar dominates proceedings inside, where those after a hearty meal from the a la carte menu can dine in quieter surrounds. Owned and operated by the Northern Suburbs Rugby Club, Cabana underwent extensive renovations in 2005, which was followed by the unveiling of a second-level cocktail lounge and function space in late 2007. Friday afternoon drinks at Cabana has become a local institution, with revellers spilling out into the expansive courtyard and navigating the good selection of wine, cocktails, and beers on tap. Find the perfect tipple accompaniment in Cabana’s mezze plate – a platter of crisp bread, dips, fetta, olives and vegetables – or the moreish salt and lemon pepper calamari.

Take a seat inside for a hearty modern Australian meal, with culinary influences spanning the continents. Cast an eye over the weekly specials and a la carte menus, offering a selection of pizzas, mains and kid-sized meals. Crispy, battered fish and chips prove irresistible with a mountain of shoestring fries and a very dippable tartar sauce, or fill up on the grilled grain-fed federation sirloin, served with salad and sweet potato chips. Pop in for lunch or dinner any day of the week, or check out Cabana’s events calendar for drink specials, live music and family days. Its function facilities, pokies room, capacious interior and semi-sheltered courtyard cater for all occasions.

Lauren Barker