Caught somewhere between being a trendy, open plan beach bar and a reasonably priced cantina style eatery, the Bucket List definitely handles the trendy beach bar aspect of things better.
The alcohol selection is more than adequate (any muppet can shoot tonic into a glass of ice and Gordons) and the staff seem very pleasant and, not surprisingly, very easy on the eye. So too, in fact, are the majority of the clientèle – this is Bondi after all – so expect plenty of short skirts and muscle T’s on warm evenings in the outdoor al fresco area.
The grub: The food is good, without being spectacular. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, and yet it all seems to look better than it tastes. Presentation is important though, I guess. The lamb rib starter (while a bit heavy for an entree) is tasty at $18, while the crispy skin barramundi is almost worth the $28.
Behind the bar: Good selection of beers and spirits. The $15 red and white wine sangria jugs are hard to pass by.
Bill please: Sangria Jugs $15; although beer from $9 stings the wallet a tad.
Verdict: Good place to start a night out in Bondi, nice relaxed atmosphere. A little bit soulless perhaps, but still a bucket of fun… Get it?
Three plastic pails out of five
Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Pavillion. thebucketlist.com
