A glamorous new Port Douglas nightlife era

WORDS by Jamie Jansen
Photos by Leandro Furlanetto (@_leanvisuals)

A bold new venue has arrived in Port Douglas, blending glamour, fun, and a feel-good atmosphere all in one. Cosmos, a cocktail and tapas bar on Grant Street, officially opened its doors in July and is already becoming a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Expect next-level cocktails, great energy, and an experience that’s anything but ordinary. It’s the kind of place where you can dress up, play a round of interactive darts, and enjoy a night that feels a little extra.

Cosmos is the latest venture from Port Douglas local Angela Whittaker who, together with partner Ady, are well-known for their two successful local trade businesses.

Taking things in a completely new direction, Cosmos is Angela’s passion project, born from a simple but powerful vision: to create a space where people can feel great, look great, and savour the joy of a proper night out.

“Port Douglas has beautiful boutiques where you can find the perfect outfit, and amazing hairdressers to match,” Angela says.

“I wanted to create somewhere people could glam up and feel amazing.”

And that vision certainly comes to life in every detail of Cosmos. The vibe strikes a perfect balance: polished yet playful, elegant yet energetic.

From the golden accents and beautiful green tones to the mix of seating - high-top stools, plush booths, cosy lounge corners, and relaxed outdoor spots - Cosmos has been designed to suit any mood.

Bringing something a little different to the Port Douglas scene, Cosmos also features interactive social darts - a hint of which is revealed by the giant golden dart handle on the front door of the venue.

Think tenpin bowling, but with darts. Guests can enter their names and photos via an iPad to join a live leaderboard, with a range of fun dart games to choose from. A camera captures the action, and players receive video highlights and game results by email.

By day, it’s the ideal spot for catching up over cocktails and small plates in the comfort of the lounge or out in the fresh air. As the sun sets, the venue shifts into night mode; think moody lighting and perfect vibe for a special night out.

On weekends, there will be live DJ sets and afternoon sparkling high-teas with scones, finger sandwiches, and bubbles, perfect for catching up in style.

“I’m big on making people feel special,” Angela says. “If you’ve taken the time to get your hair and makeup done, you deserve somewhere that feels just as considered. You want beautiful bathrooms, air-con, somewhere nice, that’s what Cosmos is all about.”

As for the name? It started with Angela’s love of the classic cosmopolitan cocktail, or “cosmo”.

The nickname felt fun, feminine, and instantly recognisable. The best part? Finding out that the building’s official name is The Cosmopolitan. “We had no idea,” Angela laughs. “It was just meant to be.”

The name suits the vibe and perfectly matches the cocktail-first concept, joining the ranks of great bars named after iconic drinks.

Craft cocktails and tasty tapas

Bringing the cocktail vision to life is mixologist Alex Karimnia, whose charisma, thoughtful approach, and theatrical flair help set the tone for the entire venue.

With over a decade of experience - including seven years focused on craft cocktails - Alex combines creativity and precision, shaped by his time in top U.S. restaurants, including James Beard Award-winning venues.

At Cosmos, he’s shaking things up with frozen margaritas, smoked old fashioneds, and of course the highlight; his own spin on the classic cosmo - all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

But for Alex, it’s never just about what’s in the glass.

“The moment someone walks into Cosmos, I want them to feel seen,” he says. “It’s not just about the drink, it’s the whole experience. The welcome, the vibe, the way everything flows together.”

That attention to detail flows through the entire venue. Owners Angela and Ady have considered everything, even installing a machine that sanitises and chills glassware on the spot, so every cocktail is served crisp and ice-cold.

And while cocktails are the star of the show, Cosmos also offers a selection of beer, and importantly, the prices are fair. “We didn’t want it to feel exclusive or overpriced,” Angela says. “It’s a place for everyone.”

On the food side, Spanish chef Alberto and former Zinc head chef Justina Crotta bring a fresh take on tapas-style dining, with small plates crafted to complement the drinks and encourage sharing.
The menu will evolve with the seasons, but one thing’s for sure: there’ll always be something tasty available, even after hours, filling a much-needed gap in town.

The kitchen wraps up tapas service around 9pm, but from then until 11pm, guests can tuck into thin-crust flatbread pizzas - light, crisp, and perfect for sharing.

“It’s exactly what I’d want to eat myself and if it were my bar - oh wait, it is - this is exactly how I’d do it,” Angela says with a laugh.

“There’s room in Port Douglas for laid-back beach bars. But there’s also room for something bold, stylish, and fun, and that’s what Cosmos is all about.”

It’s this attention to detail that makes it more than a bar, it’s a destination, and a new reason to dress up in Port Douglas. So next time you’re looking for somewhere that’s chic, cool, and a little bit different, you know where to go.

To learn more or to book a table, click here.