Multitasking for the masses - this CBD lounge checks more than one 'box'.
Part bar, part restaurant, Box Deli balances the two with ease. If you head right, there is a dedicated lounge bar; if you head left or upstairs, the layout is more restaurant-style. Appealing to both markets, Box may catch you off-guard if you only came for a drink.
Box Deli can be found at the business end of the CBD and the alfresco seating area is a prime location for suit-watching. The predominately white and stainless steel bar heralds modernity, while the expected classy bathrooms finish the package.
Cocktails and premium beers are the norm, as is the moderately priced Australian wine list, which ranges from Pitchfork to Penfolds to Pierro. The friendly bar staff are more than happy to make a recommendation, their helpful nature recognised by the Australian Hotels Association which gave Box Deli kudos with the 2005 award for bar presentation and service.
Although the bar is compact (it is named Box after all), the two levels make it seem bigger than it is. The cleverly placed DJ booth, located under the mezzanine steps, gets a workout on Friday and Saturday nights when low-key house and funk accommodates the tastes of both the after-work crew and the cool inner-city crowd.
Aaron Kovalik
