Fat Rupert's

It’s hard to miss the brightly tattooed skull and rose exterior with the large scale Bondi Beach sign boldly painted along the side of the affectionately named Fat Rupert’s (after the owner Aaron’s beloved canine friend); this bar is one you’ll be sure to remember.

Bondi- it is the trademark Sydney destination for international and domestic patrons alike, a landscape that postcards never do justice for, with a vibe and style that has been cultivated right here on the sand. But amongst the cafes and bars paying homage to this iconic beach scape, sometimes it’s nice to feel at home and not on someone else’s holiday.

And there IS a feeling of coming home at Fat Rupert's- with a warmth and comfort that transcends from the menu to the service, to the simplistic décor throughout. Small tables and window seats, exposed side boards of cutlery and glasses line the dining area in a rich dark timber style.

Starting with one of the many crafted cocktails is a good intro to start any Fat Rupert's meal, with the Sunday Sessions (3pm - 5pm) offering $10 cocktails, $5 tinnies and live tunes. The atmosphere is laid back with a buzz of relaxed ‘take your time and chill’.

If it is a meal in a glass that you are after, The Bloody Mary’s are exactly that. Thick in their tomato richness, with just the right kick of spice served with a fashionable slither of celery. The range of cocktails are diverse and creative with botanicals and fruits making several appearances.

Firstly A) pack your appetite and B) select fellow diner pals that you don’t mind sharing a plate with as the menu is divided with small plates and big plates ( great to share), finishing with desserts. There are pronounced American influences from the talented chef work of Eli Challenger that gives diners a more refined, modern States menu.

Start off with smalls, and keeping in with the American theme go the Rupert’s Reuben ($17), a light, succulent combination of quality and quantity. A mix of Eli’s pastrami, cornichon’s, manchego cheese, sauerkraut, mustards and toasted rye, this small is essentially a deconstructed classic Reuben sandwich in a fine form.

Channelling and reinventing the flavours of Caesar salad is the Grilled baby cos ($17), a cleverly designed menu item which features two baby cos lettuces lightly grilled, topped with crispy dried pork neck, curried egg yolk, delicate sprinklings of pecorino, fried breadcrumb and a dressing of anchovy buttermilk.

But one cannot visit without trying the bestselling, mouth watering Pepe Saya Buttermilk fried chicken ($24), a signature dish that kicks certain other fried chicken retailers to the curb. The care and craftsmanship that goes into this meal is evident in the flavours and textures with the vivacious crunch of the skin, the smoothness from the fennel puree and creamy freshness from the coleslaw.

The dessert menu features a Chocolate Brownie and Cheesecake, and on the weekends a wicked fried chicken with waffles.

Great for a catch up with mates on a Sunday afternoon or a romantic dinner with the significant other, Fat Rupert’s has an air of friendliness and fun, and just as importantly, the most fabulous fried chicken.