About Glory Days Bondi
Glory Days Bondi is a vibrant beachfront café and bar located in the newly restored heritage-listed Bondi Pavilion on Queen Elizabeth Drive (www.broadsheet.com.au ). It’s a key part of the Pavilion’s A$48-million restoration project (completed 2021) and brings a laid-back Californian beach-club vibe to Sydney’s most famous surf break (www.broadsheet.com.au ) (thespaces.com ). The interior design uses warm terracotta and natural wood tones that echo the Spanish-inspired architecture of the Pavilion (thespaces.com ), with an open layout that floods with golden Bondi sunlight. With about 80 seats spread across indoor and outdoor areas (www.broadsheet.com.au ) and colourful umbrella-shaded tables on the promenade, the café offers stunning ocean views and a relaxed local ambience. This all-day diner (sibling to North Sydney’s Glory Days Coffee and Redfern’s Woolpack) serves breakfast and lunch classics with a fresh New York/California twist, making it notable as a social hub beside the iconic Bondi Beach (www.broadsheet.com.au ) (wanderlog.com ). (Patrons often describe it as feeling like an eternal “vacay” by the surf.)
Events and Programming
While Glory Days is primarily a daytime café, its upstairs rooftop bar has recently hosted pop-up events and DJ parties, especially during peak seasons. For instance, summer weekends saw the “Upstairs x Glory Days” tequila parties on the Pavilion rooftop, featuring local DJs spinning beach-friendly house music and serving margaritas and tacos with prime beach views (www.timeout.com ) (www.timeout.com ). Other local promoters (such as Joel & Friends) have run day parties and house-music takeovers in the sharing rooftop bar space (ra.co ). Such events tend to be one-offs or seasonal specials rather than nightly entertainment. Most programming revolves around daytime social gatherings – think brunches, live DJs on holiday weekends, or special-lunch sessions – rather than formal concerts. Notable past events include Joel Cantone’s house music nights (“Joel & Friends x Glory Days Upstairs”) and occasional themed pop-ups branded with local surf culture. Generally, events at this venue are low-key (often with no cover charge) and aimed at locals rather than big-ticket national acts. Ticket prices (when events are ticketed at all) are typically modest or free, reflecting the casual community focus (ra.co ) (www.timeout.com ).
Tickets and Booking
As an open-access café/bar, Glory Days Bondi does not require tickets for entry. Guests can simply walk in during opening hours and enjoy the menu. There is no box office or formal admission fee – you pay only for what you order. Reservations are only needed if you intend to book the upstairs bar for a private event or large group (for example, a birthday party or corporate function). When special events do take place (e.g. a DJ night), any tickets or door sales are handled by the event organizer – typically publicized on social media or via local listings. For large bookings or events, patrons usually contact the venue’s events team well in advance to reserve space, but the day-to-day dining is first-come, first-served. As with popular weekend brunch spots, it’s wise to arrive early on busy days or call ahead to check peak times, but in general no advance ticket purchase is necessary for visiting Glory Days Bondi.
Seating and Layout
Glory Days Bondi occupies shop 3 of the Bondi Pavilion, with an open-plan layout. There are roughly 80 covers combined between indoor seating and the outdoor promenade tables (www.broadsheet.com.au ). Indoors, design features include terracotta tiled floors, a sculpted red travertine service counter, cane-backed chairs and plush banquettes (complete with fringed pendant lights) that echo a warm coastal palette (thespaces.com ). The outdoor patio faces the beach, with top-tier views of the surf; umbrella-shaded wooden tables on the promenade offer some protection from the sun. Because of this layout, the best vantage points are generally the front-row tables by the rail or the wide windows – these seats put you closest to Bondi Beach’s famous scenery (wanderlog.com ). In fair weather the patio is usually preferred; inside, pick a corner table near a window for good ocean views. There is also a walk-up takeaway window on the side (useful if you just want coffee to go) (www.broadsheet.com.au ). In terms of acoustics, the airy open space and outdoor tables mean you don’t have to worry about echoing crowds – sound is kept to a relaxed soundtrack level. (If the venue is set up for a DJ event upstairs, freshly installed audio systems in the Pavilion ensure good coverage, though the café itself does not host loud live music nightly.) Overall, the space is casual and flexible: expect communal seating and communal tables without assigned seats or VIP sections. For special events or group bookings, the combined indoor/outdoor area can accommodate up to about 95 seated in a “boardroom” setup or around 150 people standing (www.headbox.com ), but under normal operations you’ll find it arranged much like any spacious brunch café. (www.broadsheet.com.au ) (www.headbox.com ).
Getting There and Parking
Glory Days Bondi is easy to reach from Sydney’s CBD and eastern suburbs. It sits on Queen Elizabeth Drive at Bondi Beach (postcode 2026), right in front of the sand. By public transport, you can take the Eastern Suburbs train line (T4) to Bondi Junction, then switch to a bus (such as the 333 or 380) that runs along Campbell Parade right by the Pavilion. In fact, buses #333 (to Wynyard/Newtown) and #380 (to Watsons Bay) stop at North Bondi Beach near the Pavilion (moovitapp.com ). The journey from Central Sydney usually takes under 30 minutes. Ridesharing or taxis can drop passengers at the front entrance on Queen Elizabeth Drive. If driving, there is metered parking on adjacent streets: about 503 bays are available on Queen Elizabeth Drive (7 am–7 pm daily) and 124 bays on Park Drive South (www.bondipavilion.com.au ). Both areas require coin or credit-card payment at meters (or via the PayStay app) (www.bondipavilion.com.au ). Several marked disability parking spaces are provided near the Pavilion entrance. Arrival tip: when the beach is busy, allow extra time for parking; alternatively, arrive early on weekends or use a combo of train-plus-bus to avoid the hunt for a spot. Rideshare dropoff is convenient on the wide forecourt by the Pav, and several bus routes service Bondi Beach at all hours. Finally, if walking in from Campbell Parade, the walkway is flat — you’ll see the café’s outdoor seating immediately upon entering the Pavilion area.
Inside the Venue
Upon entering Glory Days Bondi, you’ll find a bright, friendly café atmosphere. There’s typically a short queue at the order counter (just like any popular brunch spot), after which friendly staff direct you to a table. The service style is casual – pay at the counter for your food and coffee, then wait to be served. The general vibe is fun and laid-back, with a soundtrack of indie and surf-rock tracks playing in the background. Expect to see pastel linoleum and vintage décor touches inside (e.g. retro tiles and surf-themed art). The menu features an all-day breakfast and lunch offering: think smoothies, egg bowls, fluffy pancakes and creative toasties. Coffee is by Stitch (with smooth milk coffees), and there are fresh juices and cocktails when licensed. If the upstairs bar is active, its cocktail menu (think margaritas or Aperol spritzes at sunset) may be available. The café is well-lit by natural sunshine; in cooler weather, windows can be closed or heaters used, but outside dining under shade is popular year-round. The Pavilion has public bathrooms (including a fully equipped Changing Places facility on the ground floor (www.bondipavilion.com.au )) — patrons of the café have access to these. There is no coat check (bring what you need), and Wi-Fi may not be guaranteed (Bondi Wi-Fi reception is patchy by the ocean). Merchandising: you might notice Glory Days T-shirts or hats for sale, reflecting its surf-culture brand. In short, inside Glory Days Bondi you’ll find a fuss-free beach-café experience: casual seating, AV outlets and maverick artwork, plus nearby restroom facilities. Staff are generally laid-back and friendly (often in board shorts and tees), fitting the message of “no shoes, no shirt, no problem”. The restroom stations include accessible toilets and even a baby-change area (Pavilion standard), ensuring comfort for all visitors (www.bondipavilion.com.au ). The whole place is pet-friendly on the patio, so you’ll often see well-behaved dogs at adjacent tables (though they do ask owners to keep pets on a leash and off the seating). Overall, expect quick self-service, surf-and-sand décor, and a modern casual-eatery feel – the loading zone is guitars, surfboards, and a laid-back staff greeting.
Nearby Amenities
The Bondi Pavilion is at the center of the beachside precinct, so a wealth of dining and lodging options are within walking distance. Directly above Glory Days is the new Promenade Bondi Beach restaurant (a large sit-down seafood/steakhouse), and next door is Frankie’s Pizza – a vibrant pizza bar. Along Campbell Parade you’ll find Iconic venues like Icebergs Dining Room & Bar (upmarket, beach-view dining), swimming clubs, and casual takeaway fish-and-chips stands. For pre- or post-café drinks, the Bondi Beach area has bars like Bucket List or Bondi Hardware within a few blocks east. The Pavilion itself houses arts venues and gift shops, so there are nearby restrooms and a helpful Welcome Centre. As for hotels, there is no big hotel immediately on the sand (since Bondi is mostly a beach park), but plenty of accommodations are a short ride away: Bondi Junction has hotels and many Bondi Airbnbs/backpackers, and even the CBD hotel district (40 min by transit) is an easy option. If you plan to stay near Bondi, try boutique places like Bondi Beach House or The Clovelly Hotel (just south of Bondi). For those driving in, note there are also underground parking garages near Bondi Junction station. When heading out for dinner before a show, keep in mind most of the Pavilion restaurants (e.g. Promenade and Frankie’s) take reservations via phone; local tapas bars and gelato carts line the street to add options. Late at night, the area can be quiet (many shops close when sun goes down), so it’s safest to arrange a ride or car pickup in advance. Public transport home is very late (buses and overnight trains on nearby routes), but taxis and rideshares are readily available along Campbell Parade even after sundown. The Pavilion sits next to the main bus loop, so catch the 380/333 bus at the corner if needed. In short: great eateries (ranging from gourmet to casual), cafe-outlets, surf shops, and overnight stays all cluster around Bondi Pavilion — perfect for a complete beach-day plan. As a tip, if you aim to combine your café visit with other sightseeing, don’t miss the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk that starts just by the café (past North Bondi sculpture) – it offers spectacular cliff-ocean views before re-entering the Bondi Cafe area.
What Makes This Venue Special
Glory Days Bondi stands out for blending modern café comfort with Bondi’s storied surf culture. Its flagship location in the heritage Bondi Pavilion connects it to a century of beachside community life. The crisp renovation by Cox Architecture preserved the Pavilion’s iconic Spanish-tiled arches and breezeway, while carving out a light-filled, retro-modern dining space – as one design write-up noted, “shades of sand and terracotta lend the café an earthy palette… respecting the heritage of the building” which just reopened after renovation (thespaces.com ). Inside, dramatic touches like a sculpted marble bar, arcade-patterned floor tiles and fringed pendant lamps give the café a nostalgic glamour that appeals to both beach-goers and Instagrammers. Its unique charm comes from this seaside-meets-NewYork fusion: you might spot surfers in wetsuits mixing with brunching families and digital nomads, all while Bondi’s surf rolls in view. Local lore embraces the concept of “vacay all day” here – even without an ocean towel, sitting at a Glory Days table feels like being on holiday. Culturally, Glory Days has quickly become a gathering point in Bondi, linking generations and subcultures. It’s kid-friendly (with a colorful children’s play area nearby) and pet-friendly (dogs welcome outside) (wanderlog.com ), yet it also hosts trendy dance parties upstairs that draw young adults. This cross-generational appeal is special. The venue is often cited as one of the reasons the Pavilion’s reopening has been a hit – it’s not just a café but a symbol of Bondi’s rejuvenated cultural hub. In sum, its seaside setting, seaside-themed architecture, and all-day menu make Glory Days feel like “summer vacation on repeat” – a laid-back spot where every day feels like a beach holiday, right in the middle of Sydney (www.broadsheet.com.au ) (thespaces.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Bondi Pavilion is fully accessible. There are ramps leading to the café entrance and a lift to all floors (www.bondipavilion.com.au ). The facility includes designated disability parking nearby, and accessible toilets (including a Changing Places room with hoists on the ground floor (www.bondipavilion.com.au )). Hearing aids users can take comfort in knowing the main Pavilion theatre is fitted with hearing loops (www.bondipavilion.com.au ), though the café itself plays only ambient music. Overall, seniors and strollers get in easily.
What to Bring/Not Bring: Dress casually (beachwear is fine – you’ll see plenty of swimmers and barefoot children). Sunscreen and hats are wise for sunny outdoor seating. Cameras are welcome – the ocean backdrop is picture-perfect (feel free to snap selfies or surf shots). Leave bulky coolers or outside food at home; all food and drink must be purchased inside (BYO alcohol is not permitted, as the venue has its own beverage service). Pets are allowed only in outdoor areas (dogs on leash ok on the patio) (wanderlog.com ). If attending an evening event upstairs, be sure to bring valid photo ID (18+) for drink service. The café enforces a no-smoking policy inside; you can smoke on the street outside if needed. Children are welcome day or night (though courier events upstairs are 18+). There’s no locker or coat check – keep valuables with you. Transactions: credit/debit cards are accepted in all areas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t assume Glory Days is open late – it typically closes by 2–4pm (check current hours) so plan for a morning visit. Likewise, don’t be surprised by the lunchtime crowd on weekends; arriving before 10 am or on weekday mornings will help you snag a table with a view. If driving, don’t expect to find free parking instantly – use the paid bays on Campbell Parade and Queen Elizabeth Dr (www.bondipavilion.com.au ) or the Bondi Beach parking app. When calling about bookings, know that walk-ins are normally fine, as they don’t hold tables for casual drop-ins. Finally, remember to check weather conditions: in wet weather the Pavilion will still have cover, but high winds might close the front parasols."
Insider Tips: Order the “Goodness Bowl” or banana pancakes – these signature dishes get rave reviews. Aim for a seat near the beach-facing windows to catch Bondi’s famed surf drama (www.broadsheet.com.au ) (wanderlog.com ). Plan to arrive early on sunny days (the outdoor patio fills up fast with sunbathers-on-arvo). Consider pairing a morning swim with a morning Glory Days coffee; the venue is practically designed for post-swim brunch. If it’s busy, try the takeaway hatch: you can grab a flat white and enjoy it on nearby Pavilion gardens. Finally, if the upstairs pop-up is happening, know it’s worth pre-booking or arriving at start time, as events there can sell out. And remember – “Glory Days” isn’t just a café, it’s the kind of place where locals exchange a casual “G’day, mate” and surfers discuss waves over avo toast. Embrace that friendly local vibe to enhance your visit.
Is there a cover charge or ticket needed to visit Glory Days Bondi?
No – there is no entry fee or cover charge for the café. Glory Days is a public restaurant/bar, so anyone can walk in during opening hours without a ticket. You pay only for what you order. (Special events upstairs might sell tickets, but the café itself is always free to enter.)
How do I book a table or buy tickets for an event at Glory Days Bondi?
For everyday dining, no reservation is needed – it’s walk-in seating. For large private bookings (e.g. birthdays or group events), you would normally contact the venue in advance to check availability. When public events (like DJ nights) are announced, tickets (if any) are sold through the event promoter’s usual channels. There is no on-site ticket office – check local event listings or the venue’s announcements for presale info.
What is the capacity of Glory Days Bondi?
As a café, it offers about 80 seats both indoors and out (www.broadsheet.com.au ). For hired events, the combined indoor/outdoor space can handle up to around 95 seated (boardroom style) or about 150 standing (www.headbox.com ). In short, expect space for roughly 80 guests on a normal day, or up to 150 people if reconfigured for a large event.
Where is Glory Days Bondi located, and how do I get there?
Glory Days Bondi is on Queen Elizabeth Drive at the historic Bondi Pavilion (Bondi Beach, NSW 2026). The easiest way is by bus or train: take Sydney’s T4 Eastern Suburbs train to Bondi Junction and then a local bus (for example, routes 333 or 380) that stops at Bondi Beach by the Pavilion (moovitapp.com ). If driving, use metered parking on Campbell Parade/Queen Elizabeth Drive (coins or the PayStay app) (www.bondipavilion.com.au ). There are also disability parking bays right at the Pavilion.
Is Glory Days Bondi wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Bondi Pavilion (housing Glory Days) is fully accessible – there are ramps to the entrance and a lift to all floors (www.bondipavilion.com.au ). The ground floor (where Glory Days is) has level access from the sidewalk. Accessible restrooms (including a Changing Places facility) are available on site (www.bondipavilion.com.au ).
Can I bring children or pets to Glory Days Bondi?
Daytime dining is family-friendly. Well-behaved children are welcome (high chairs are often available). As for pets, outdoor seating is pet-friendly – many visitors report a “pet-friendly environment” at the café (wanderlog.com ). Dogs on leash are allowed at the beachside patio tables. Late evening events may be restricted to 18+ depending on licensing.
What are the best seats for the ocean view at Glory Days Bondi?
Grab a table on the outdoor terrace or near the big windows facing the beach. These seating areas give you panoramic views of Bondi Beach and the surf. Guests rave about “stunning sea views from the promenade” (wanderlog.com ), so front-row patio spots or window tables are ideal for sightseeing while you eat.
Does Glory Days Bondi serve alcohol?
Yes – Glory Days Bondi now holds a liquor licence. You can buy cocktails, beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks there (especially in the upstairs bar/pop-ups). During event nights or in the evening hours, expect a full bar menu. In daytime you will mostly find coffee, juices and soft drinks, but they do serve cocktails like margaritas when open late (www.timeout.com ).
Are there noise or dress policies at Glory Days Bondi?
The venue has a casual dress code – beach casual is fine (board shorts, swimwear, sandals, etc.). There is no formal uniform policy. For noise, the café plays background music at a moderate level; loud party music only happens during special event nights upstairs. Standard pub/café rules apply: no brawling, no undue disturbance. Beach towels or surfboards should be kept on the sand outside (the café is small).
What are the café’s opening hours?
As of 2024, Glory Days Bondi is open morning to mid-afternoon. Typical hours are around 6:00 am until 2:00 pm on weekdays, and 6:00 am until 4:00 pm on weekends (glorydaysbondi.com.au ). (Check directly with the venue for any recent changes.) Most of the day’s trade is focused on breakfast and lunch; it closes before dinnertime.
Is there a coat check or Wi-Fi at Glory Days Bondi?
There is no formal coat-check at the café; space is limited and it’s a casual beach venue. Bring only what you need. As for Wi-Fi, it may not be guaranteed for patrons (the venue focuses on social dining rather than café office use). Many customers rely on mobile data or the Pavilion’s public Wi-Fi network, if available. In practice, people tend to come here for the view and food rather than to plug in for long work sessions.
Which nearby train station is closest to Glory Days Bondi?
The nearest major train station is Bondi Junction (on the T4 Eastern Suburbs line). From Bondi Junction it’s just a short bus ride (333 or 380) or a 25-minute walk to Bondi Beach. “Bondi Pavilion” is not directly next to a train line, so most visitors alight at Bondi Junction then transfer to a bus or taxi (moovitapp.com ).
Where can I buy Glory Days Bondi merchandise?
The café occasionally offers branded merch (hats, shirts, etc.) in-store or online as part of special releases. If anything is available, the staff can point you to it. Otherwise, the main “Good Atelier” or Glory Days Coffee sites handle merchandise for all venues. Merch is not the main focus, but keep an eye on the logo items around the counter or ask staff for any swag.
What should I not bring to Glory Days Bondi?
Don’t bring outside alcoholic beverages (it’s fully licensed) or large picnic setups – all food and drink must be purchased on-site. Water bottles are fine. Also, avoid bringing large beach coolers or excessive gear; space is limited. Aside from that, follow normal beach etiquette: no littering, and keep personal music or noise to a reasonable level so others can enjoy the relaxed vibe.
