16 places to meet your BFF’s: Marg & Rita
16 places to meet your BFF’s: Marg & Rita

Feeling hungry? Science proves that you might in fact be thirsty and what better remedy exists than the holy grail of liquid love, the margarita. This rings especially true on International Margarita Day on Sunday 22nd February which, side note, may just be the greatest day ever created.
Here’s our roundup of THE places to sip THE drink famous for making us go weak at the knees (quite literally….). We’re mixing things up and listing them South to North.

With some of the most exotic and creative margi’s we’ve ever seen (and, umm, sunk), rita-lovers unite at Siblings. Their expansive cocktail menu is the real McCoy, but in our humble opinion, the ‘Margarita Obsession’ section is pure Pegasus-material. Combined with the heritage-listed beachfront location, 1950’s Miami beach vibe fit-out, and a menu to dine for, marg our words – just go.
Getting hot in here – Olmeca Altos Plata 100% agave tequila, Wild Turkey American Honey Sting, fresh chilli, dash of Tabasco, fresh lime juice, Pink Himalayan salt rim.
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra
Margi’s land different here so don’t walk, run. With immersive panoramic views of Kirra Beach, a Mediterranean-style grazing menu, and an exceptional selection of world-class cocktails perfection mode is activated.
Our pick: Kirra Beach House Coconut Margarita – tequila, agave, fresh lime, & coastal salt.
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

The crew behind Tommy’s Italian have gone full Mexi-mode with Tommy’s Taco Bar, bringing bold flavours and good vibes to Currumbin. With top-notch tacos, a killer drinks list, and a laid-back, vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to sip, snack, and settle in for a fiesta.
Our pick: Cilantro Margi, coriander infused Arette Blanco, chilli, agave and lime.
Where: 140 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Bringing the bold flavours of Mexico straight to the GC, Costa Taco is all about authentic eats made with top-notch local ingredients. What started as a humble market stall is now a three-location sensation, with their newest (and largest) spot in Burleigh dishing up next-level tacos, tostadas, and chilaquiles. The laidback, beachy vibe makes it the perfect spot to roll in, grab a bite, and pretend you’re in Baja.
Our pick: Try the ever-changing Margarita Special.
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach, 1718 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh and 20 Jonson St, Byron Bay

Burleigh Heads’ Malibu Racquet Club is all about chic summer energy, think sunset sips, breezy outdoor seating, and booths that make you want to linger. Their margarita menu is a tropical playground with flavours like coconut, chilli, chilli coconut, watermelon, tommys, passionfruit and classic. Whether you’re kicking back pre-dinner or chasing the last rays of the day, this is your go-to for a double-parked margarita moment.
Our pick: Cherry Margarita.
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Palm Springs Burleigh is a Southern Californian-inspired café, eats and drinks heaven on earth. With All.The.Things you’d expect from somewhere with Palm Springs in the name, you’ll find arches, cacti, Slim Aarons, plenty of green, mint and white hues and of course, M.A.R.G.I.S! A tried and tested Burleigh fave, extra points awarded for the get-in-my-belly-good nosh.
Our pick: Chilli Margarita – chilli infused 1800 silver tequila, Cointreau & fresh lime juice.
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Tucked down a James Street laneway, this pink-hued gem is as good to look at as it is to eat at. Fresh, flavour-packed Mexican eats pair perfectly with a margarita (or three) while you soak up the coastal vibes. Daily lunch specials like two tacos plus a beer, wine, or soft drink for $20 basically make it a crime not to visit.
Our pick: Chilli Cucumber Margarita – chilli, cucumber, tequila, lime juice… a little spicy, a lot delicious
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Think Mexico City colour explosion meets laid-back hacienda vibes – that’s El Ranchero. The cocktail garden deck is perfect for anything from pre-show sips at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse to a long, lazy Friday sesh. Spanish Girl Food Co. is dishing up Mexican, Spanish, and tapas-style bites, while the bar keeps it spicy with bold cocktails and a margarita menu that’s all Beudi Agave goodness. Sunshine, cocktails, chatter… it’s basically a mini holiday on the GC.
Our pick: Classic margarita – bold, boozy, and basically made for backyard vibes.
Where: Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh Heads

This joint can do no wrong. Delivering more than just a carb coma with their iconic mouthwatering pizzas, this cult fave also whips up a mean – and strong – frozen margi. And believe you me, nothing says happiness like a ten-outta-ten pizza washed down with an icy take on ‘Me-hi-co’s’ national treasure. No frills here but that’s part of the charm and bonus, you can sink one on the footpath while you’re waiting for your takeaway.
Our pick: Frozen margarita
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
Sueño is a rooftop escape with fresh air, fresh flavours, and all the bright, vibrant energy you could ask for. The menu leans into shareable plates – ceviches, skewers, handmade tortillas – perfect for pairing with their signature spins on classic cocktails from across the Americas. Whether it’s an afternoon aperitif, a sundowner, or a long night under the stars, this is the spot to soak up the rooftop vibes.
Our pick: Lychee Margarita with Blanco tequila, lychee liqueur, lychee juice & lime.
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

It’s always margarita mania at Nobby’s Mexicali! Served on the rocks and made using fresh fruit and house infused tequilas, all margis are crafted using 100% Blue Agave tequila or mezcal, freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave syrup. Choose from classic, watermelon, strawberry, passionfruit, chilli, cucumber & jalapeno, mezcal, and coconut. And we’ll take the lot #thx.
Our pick: Passionfruit Margarita
Where: Level 1/2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
As you’d expect from one of the most loved Mexi-venues around, Bonita Bonita’s margarita list is off the chain good. As is the chow and the vibe, hence why it continues to pull a sizeable crowd year after year. If you’re going to line your belly coz #tequila, go with the banquet and get the best of everything this GC fave has to offer.
Our pick: Tom-Yum Margarita – 1800 coconut tequila, fresh lime, habanero, lemon grass & ginger syrup, grapefruit juice, & a salt rim.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Level up your nights at JuJu, the hotspot in Nobby Beach that brings upscale dining and a European-inspired after-party vibe. JuJu is all about keeping the energy high, even after dinner. Expect playful decor, delicious dishes like Pollo Ballotina and a 1kg wagyu tomahawk (yep, named after the one and only Tom Tate), plus cocktails that will have you partying like you’re in Mykonos. So whether you’re here for the food or the late-night fun, JuJu is your new fave spot for both.
Our pick: Jalapeno Kiss, 1800 tequila, triple sec, jalapeno, cucumber and fresh lime juice.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
We can tell you first-hand (far too many times over) that the resident Margi at Exhibitionist Bar (unpacked below) is one of the best. Sitting high atop the striking HOTA Gallery, this artsy watering hole delivers great flavours and explosions of tastes you won’t forget in a hurry…both in edible and drinkable varieties. Whether you want a light lunch with friends, a cocktail at sundown or a nightcap, this is where it’s at.
Our pick: House Hot Marg – Herradura Blanco tequila, marionette orange, lime & house made hot sauce
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, Top Level, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Big, bold, and brimming with tequila-fuelled fun, El Camino Cantina is serving up legendary margaritas with a side of Tex-Mex goodness. Their famous Rita Paddles let you sample four flavours in one go, or level up with a Cadillac Margarita for the ultimate upgrade. Pair it with tacos, wings, or sizzling fajitas, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a fiesta.
Our pick: Blueberry Margi
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Nested in Sanctuary Cove, you’ll find this intimate quintessential modern Mexican cantina with a slight Caribbean influence and srsly, what more could one ask for?! Think terracotta, venetian walls, exposed concrete, Virgin Mary statues, and a cactus at every turn. The house tequila is made with wild agave and they only use organic, freshly squeezed lime in all their cocktails…including their iconic ritas. Gimme gimme!
Our pick: Watermelon & Mint Margarita, Tequila Blanco, house-made watermelon syrup, mint syrup and fresh organic lime juice.
Where: Sanctuary Cove, 39 Masthead Way, Hope Island
Words by Bianca Trathen
