We love Bondi for its pristine beach, perfectly bronzed tanners, and polished restaurants with ocean views. But there’s been something missing for the scoundrels amongst us, the ones wanting to go straight from the surf to schooner and that something has a little grunge, a touch of debauchery, and a whole lotta style, and it’s heading to Bondi full throttle.
Chuck Trailer’s is the new dive with a difference offering dollar wings, 90s disco drinks and an array of top-shelf bourbon all served with an ocean view. Opening just off Campbell Parade, only steps from Bondi Beach, Chuck’s is set to start slinging schooners, bourbons, and to-die-for chicken from Friday, December 10th.
Behind Chuck Trailer’s are Brendan Darcy and Ben Campbell, two Brits who met over 10 years ago and the co-owners behind local favourite, Neighbourhood Bondi. For the past two years, they’ve put their spin on the popular tiki bar, but they couldn’t kick the itch to create their next venue.
“Neighbourhood is a great Bondi staple, and we are very proud parents, but we’re just at that point in our ten-year relationship that we want to raise a baby of our own from the ground up, and so Chuck Trailer’s is born,” tells Campbell.
Chuck Trailer’s is here to carry on the torch lit by Sydney’s best dive bars, bringing the Inner West underground scene to Bondi along with an everything goes, late-night party to the locals.
“There are many great venues in Bondi, some old and some new, but in our opinion, there are too many “shiny” ones. We’re just not that “shiny.” We like sculling a cold one with our Reeboks on and our tops off – so it only made sense to create a venue for others like us,” Darcy says.
Chuck Trailer’s doesn’t mess around with its food offering, from twists on American classics, like BBQ wings (served with their house Dr. Pepper sauce) to the more adventurous “Ring Sting Idiot Wing” (served alongside a well-needed glass of milk). For those not partial to wings, there’s the “Thunderbird Chicken” inspired by Nashville buttermilk-style chicken or even the “No Chook Yoself” beef burger for those swerving the Chook completely.
Chuck’s back bar is heavily laden with Bourbon but another American whiskey, The Boilermaker (whiskey mixed with beer) is king here. There’s even a list of “Baller-Makers” with pairings from the top shelf, like the limited-release Woodford Baccarat bourbon, alongside American craft beers from their 6-foot, beer-laden fridge.
The fit-out at Chuck Trailer’s is undoubtedly eclectic. During the day, the bar spills out onto Roscoe Street with outdoor seating in the sun but come night, the windows close, curtains are drawn, and the “anything goes” vibe comes into its own. Around the bar, you’ll spot skateboards pinned between rock ‘n’ roll posters, neons hanging from scaffolding, taxidermy toads … you can even smash out a game of Pro Skater at the bar while you wait for your wings.
Chuck Trailer’s Launch Party on December 10th is open to the public, with the opportunity for those of us “who don’t give a Chuck” to get a loyalty card like you’ve never seen – a tattoo of their mascot!
Chuck Trailer’s
Shop 7/152 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
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The new Bondi Bar flying the flag for fried chicken, bourbon, and good times
