Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?

All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more doing! (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!

The all-in-ones

The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie boards, to Cardamom Pod, bring those ‘gram-worthy acai bowls and a brunch menu that will have you coming back for more.

Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway, so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from The Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.

Now, did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot, along with our biggest vice Kmart, on the store list, say goodbye to your savings, but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped till you dropped, it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.

For Bakery Treats

No man is left behind at Made With Love who delivers on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries– because you know what they say, a doughnut a day keeps the doctor away…or something like that. And why should our vegans not be part of the action?!

Keeping the Euro-bakery vibes rolling is 5B2F Ciabatta, the Southport spin-off from the cult-fave Chirn Park bakehouse, slinging everything from flaky croissants and glossy danishes to ciabatta sandwiches stuffed with all the good things (hello truffle ham and cheese toastie). It’s a grab-and-go carb paradise where sourdough, dreamy pastries and show-stopping cakes are baked fresh daily – basically your daily bread, but make it boujee.

For A Coffee

Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.

For the more traditional café vibe, Humble Café might be humble by name, but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.

Joining the caffeine crew, but with a twist, is Yellow & Butter. Tucked neatly inside Cloud 9 Car Wash, they’ve officially upgraded your car washing experience with a side of brunch. Our advice is to start with the cheesecake!

Cheek Café serves up wholesome bites, knockout coffee and top-tier banter, all wrapped in a peachy-pink, personality-packed space. While Broadwater Café is a local fave for its stellar brews and arguably the most scenic sip spot in Southport. Coffee with a side of waterfront wow.

If you prefer your coffee topped with cold foam, or paired with a sweet treat on the side (hello, Dubai Mochi Cookie) Milestone should be at the top of your hit list.

For A Drink

You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day, but if you’re after a side of live music with that, then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice-cold brew all in one.

Just across the tram line, nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch till your heart’s content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game, and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.

Also at Southport Sharks, Kaktus Bar is your go-to for a vibrant cocktail. Yep, this place delivers a thirst-quenching margarita as you’ve never tasted. One of those (or a few), paired with live music and a lineup of tacos, and you have yourself a fiesta!

Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices, plus a unique menu of sharing boards.

For Good Eats

Hello foodies, thought we forgot about you? We could never! Kicking us off is the Japanese eatery, KatsuCo which churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.

For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get you fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.

River House brings waterfront dining to the table with relaxed Broadwater views and a modern menu that works just as well for long lunches as it does for sunset dinners.

A bit of a two-in-one is Fire Baby & Ember. Upstairs, Fire Baby serves up comfort by the slice; wood-fired pizzas crafted from premium ingredients. Downstairs, Ember is where you can get flame-licked steaks and charcoal-grilled seafood.

Since we’re on a food journey around the world, you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.

Local Attractions

So, you’ve got your coffee fix and tum full- now you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone, whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.

Fancy a bit more adventure, we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water, then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic-length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.

If you’re keen to try something a little different, the Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre and The Shooting Centre both deliver a high-adrenaline experience with a strong focus on safety and guidance, making them approachable for first-timers and seasoned shooters alike.

If switching off and resetting is more your vibe, Vikasati Bathhouse is Southport’s answer to full-body bliss, offering hot and cold pools, saunas and spa-style experiences designed to melt stress away without ever leaving the city.

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

Let’s be real – the best deals are done over a delicious meal and a glass of vino…or, ahem, a bottle…or 2, or…. (you get the gist).

Here is a list of local places we think fit the bill as must-do Friday biz lunch destinations, for you to chew the fat with your clients and colleagues, and finish the week off on the right note!

Let’s unpack this, from north to south….

Mr P.P.’s Deli and Rooftop
Anyone who works in or around Southport will tell you this little rooftop gem is a bona fide crowd-pleaser and client woo-er (we just made up a word!). A gourmet pizza from here is legendary, and their delicious drinks menu will have you asking “but do we really need to go back to the office this afternoon?”. We’ll answer that one for you, no, no you don’t….
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

Glass Dining and Lounge Bar
With a no-expense-spared fit-out and a priceless view overlooking the water at Marina Mirage, Glass is a no-brainer for your Friday business pow-wow…with just the right amount of fancy. It delivers a five-star feed every time with quality produce, meats, fresh seafood, and an equally showstopping wine and cocktail list. Scoring an A+ for service, it’s another home run for The Gennari Group.
Where: Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Edgewater Dining
If you haven’t experienced an end-of-week business lunch at Edgewater Dining, drop everything and book a table! The stunning water views are good for the soul and the modern Australian cuisine menu infused with Italian goodness is off the richter. If a liquid lunch is more your jam (same) the drinks menu is lit, and we’re drinking Edgy Lychee Martinis all arvo long.
Where: Shop 3, Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri

Miss Moneypenny’s
I mean, who doesn’t love this joint! Miss Moneypenny’s has become quite the local fave, always filled with Gold Coasters seeking their hit of fresh seafood and creative cocktails (yes please…and yes please). Perfect for your Friday meeting-come-cocktails sesh, make it an extra loooong lunch and experience Oysters and Spritzers from 3pm, with $2.50 oysters and a refreshing seasonal spritzer!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Mamasan Kitchen + Bar
If it’s modern Asian flavour you and the team are after, Masaman Kitchen + Bar is where it’s at. With a focus on the share food philosophy, encompassing small intimate bites and banquet-style dining, renowned Chef Ray Choi delivers! Mixed with a zesty, Asian inspired cocktail list, international beers, wines, spirits and sake (obvi), this multi-award winner is a Friday afternoon fave.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar
It’s difficult to go past a multi-award winner like this. Sitting the benchmark (REALLY) high, Social Eating House + Bar is the logical choice for your next end-of-week wind-down treat. With an extensive international tapas and sharesies menu, all meticulously curated by Head Chef YK get stuck into the likes of Roast Quail and the mind-blowing Lamb Shoulder. Wash it down with cocktails-a-plenty and you’ve got yourself a biz lunch to remember.
Where: Shop 137-138 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Nineteen at The Star
Experience Nineteen at The Star’s stunning new menu for your next Friday business lunch (kudos from your colleagues for this one!), or sip cocktail after cocktail with a view of the glittering Gold Coast in the uber-chic lounge bar. Combining sublime sophistication with a cool coastal flair and the freshest seasonal produce, let Chef Uday Huja’s exquisite dishes from his signature a la carte and set menus wow one and all!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach

Rick Shores
Want to impress a client? Two words; Rick Shores. A meal here will woo the pants off anyone (hopefully not literally…), as you take in the sea breeze with 180-degree ocean views in one of the GC’s most iconic locations. The Pan-Asian flavours and fresh, locally sourced produce, the share-friendly meals are always next level and sorry, we can’t even pick a fave dish to highlight because they’re all our faves. The cocktails are equally on point, as is the service. Pure magic.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

The Tropic
Friday lunches at Burleigh Pavilion’s The Tropic are something we could get used to. Surrounded by sun and sea-spray, this relaxed but premium dining experience manifests a fresh Mediterranean and Modern Australian menu and OMG, you just have to try the Goldband Snapper. Soak up the on-trend pastel interior, uninterrupted ocean views and impressive drinks menu, and enjoy the transition into weekend mode.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Siblings Kirra
The newest luxe restaurant to open on the Goldy has turned heads since it opened in January and is guaranteed to please you and those you take there. (Not only with the scenery that surrounds you but with their drool-worthy share-style menu too!) Oh, and if your client (or client-to-be) are partial to a tipple or two, you are in good hands with the Sibling’s crew. You have endless choices as part of their ‘Liquid Journey’ menu. (Yep, what a name right?!) Cheers to wheeling and dealing!
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Thirsty after a long day of emails, meetings, and pretending to be productive? Don’t worry, we’ve got your post-5pm plans sorted. Whether you’re into cocktails that slay, craft beers that cheer, or wines that simply whine down your day, the Gold Coast is brimming with top-notch spots to sip, swirl and savour.

From rooftop vibes to secret hideaways, this list of 13 go-to venues will have you raising a glass to good times and even better company. So, ditch the desk and clock out early – your first round is calling and it’s got happy hours (yes, plural) written all over it!

The Island Rooftop
Why settle for a regular drink when you can take it sky-high? The Island Rooftop is the epitome of Gold Coast chill with balmy breezes, a beachy fit-out, and good vibes on tap. Perfect for knocking back a cocktail (or three) after work, this lush oasis has everything you need: tasty bites, live beats, and even a dancefloor if the mood strikes (which we know it always does).
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Justin Lane Rooftop
When it comes to rooftop revelry, Justin Lane takes the cake (or should we say, the pizza). Perched in beautiful Burleigh, this spot is all about good times, great views, and even better carbs. Sip on your fave cocktails while soaking in ocean vistas and the cheerful chirps of Burleigh’s famous Rainbow Lorikeets. Whether you’re toasting the day or diving into their legendary pizza and pasta, Justin Lane is a slice of after-work heaven.
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Garden Kitchen & Bar
Why settle for one vibe when you can have all the vibes! At Garden Kitchen & Bar, you can sip and snack indoors surrounded by lush greenery or take it outside to the lawn, where the sunset and evening stars put on one helluva show. Perfect for unwinding after work, this gem (amongst many gems) at The Star Gold Coast has been a GC institution for many a moon for good reason.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Granddad Jacks
Looking for a distillery that’s equal parts charm and chill and has received over 100 international awards? Granddad Jack’s has you covered with their top-shelf gin, whisky, and unbeatable vibes. This family-run hotspot is where expertly crafted cocktails meet weekend tunes and good company. Pull up a chair, swap stories with the friendly crew, and sip your way through some of the Gold Coast’s finest spirits.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Burleigh Brewing Co.
If craft beer is your love language, Burleigh Brewing Co. speaks fluently. This local fave serves up an impressive range of brews, from crisp lagers to bold ales, all best enjoyed in their sprawling outdoor space. With regular events, live entertainment, and a welcoming vibe, it’s the ultimate spot to kick back after work. Round up the crew, claim a big table, and let the schooner stacks do the talking.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Rosella’s
Rosella’s is the ultimate blend of laid-back vibes and top-notch drinks where every hour feels like happy hour. With its charming interior, lush outdoor space, and a menu that’ll have your tastebuds singing like a, well, Rosella, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day in the office or on the tools. Down a cocktail, share a craft beer with friends and line your belly with delicious bites. You’ll be tweeting about it for days.
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Pavilion
If you’re channelling a picture-perfect post-work drink with a side of stunning views, it’s Burleigh Pav for the win. With the ocean as your backdrop, sip cocktails at the Beach Bar while nibbling on delicious bites, or head over to The Tropic for a more indulgent feast paired with Prosecco and good vibes. Unwind, catch the sunset and the latest goss, check out the eye candy, and let your work woes float away.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Exhibitionist Bar
Vibing a post-work drink with a dash of culture and a splash of style? Look no further than the Exhibitionist Bar at HOTA. Set in the heart of Bundall’s much-loved arts precinct, this chic spot serves up a fine selection of cocktails, wines, and brews, all paired with jaw-dropping views. Whether you’re toasting the end of your workday or enjoying some live music, it’s the perfect place to drink in the atmosphere – literally and figuratively!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Roji Cat
On the hunt for a meow-vellous Japanese-inspired after-work drink spot? Roji Cat in Miami sees you. We’re talking 12 brews on tap, a sake bar boasting 24 varieties, and the signature Japanese Rice Lager. The vibrant, neon-lit vibe, complete with a karaoke room and electric darts, sets the perfect stage for post-work fun. Pair your drinks with delicious street food and you’ve got yourself a night to remember.
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami

Local
Ah Local – it’s quite literally the local’s local and the perf after-work hangout. With a lush beer garden, 10 taps of craft beer, and a menu that serves everything from brekkie to late-night bites, it’s the ultimate spot to shake (or sip) off your workday hangover. Sip a Local Anaesthetic cocktail, devour a Prawn Roll, and soak in the coastal-chic vibes. Whether it’s drinks, snacks, or a feast, this Burleigh based beer-lover’s paradise is the shiz.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Lulu Rooftop Bar
Rooftop? Tick. Cocktails for dayz? Tick. Killer atmosphere and a touch of Miami flair? Tickety tick tick! Lulu Rooftop & Bar in Surfers Paradise is your new after-work haven. With boozy frosé (#ded), a DIY candy station (more #ded), and a menu that will make your taste buds dance, Lulu’s got it all. Pair all of that with stunning views and live tunes, and you’ve got the perfect spot to sip, snack, and party the night away!
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bridges
Calling all northerners! For a bev (or many-a-bev) to bid farewell to your weekday, the gang at Bridges never disappoint. This funky little pizza and tapas bar is always packed with bums on seats and is the first port of call for locals craving a cocktail and hand-made pizza. Good luck popping in for a quiet drink coz you can betcha bottom dollar you’ll run into at least five people you know – another reason why we love it.
Where: 36 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Moustache
Moustache at The Oxley 1823 is the Gold Coast’s newest hotspot for after-work drinks, and it’s making a serious stache-ing impression. This cozy, Euro-inspired spot serves up divine cocktails, artisanal espresso, and a wine list that’s been handpicked with serious finesse. Sip at a street-side table or nestled away in a vibey laneway and raise a glass to toast the end of your daily grind!
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Words by Bianca Trathen