Midweek bites that won’t bite your wallet.
Midweek bites that won’t bite your wallet.
Tuesday sits in a funny spot. The grind of Monday has worn off, but the weekend still feels a lifetime away. Motivation is… questionable. Energy levels? Also questionable. Appetite? Present, but not for the meals we just spent Sunday prepping…
The good news is that Tuesday is pulling its weight with a lineup of cheap eats across the Gold Coast that make getting through the week a whole lot more enjoyable. We’re talking tacos, parmis, pizzas, schnitties and everything in between, all at prices that feel like a small win in today’s world.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Because the best weekends begin with brunch.
Ahh, the blessed ritual of brunch. Leisurely feasts of eggs every which way you can imagine, sticky, syrup-drenched French toast stacks, and smoked salmon for days – what’s not to love? Plus, it gives us the excuse to sleep in, and our taste buds are rewarded pretty handsomely for the trouble.
Couple it with a little concept known as bottomless cocktails, and life doesn’t get much better. So universally beloved is the sip-happy cousin of this mid-morning rendezvous, we’ve rustled up an entire list of the best places on the GC to get your boozy brunch-fest fix (say that five times fast after two hours of free-flowing mimosas).
From north to south, gather your mates, don your stretchy pants and jump on the brunch bandwagon!
Suppose you consider yourself a brunch connoisseur. In that case, Main Beach’s resident egg-slinging specialist, Winey Cow, is a must-try for several reasons. Reason numero uno, is that they live and breathe this brekkie business. After all, the much-lauded namesake Melbourne location has the boasting rights to accolades like Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant. And when you’re in the mood to take the Chilli Scramble Croissant up a notch, they also throw a particularly spectacular bottomless brunch any ‘ole day of the week. For $55 per person, you can grab a main with endless mimosas for an hour, with Cranberry & Lime and Pineapple, Passionfruit & Lime options if you wanna switch it up from the Classic OJ. And ‘wine’ not, we say?
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
Breathtaking views and bottomless vino? Of course. La Calabrese’s Dine & Sip Italiano brunch serves up a three-course Italian feast alongside two hours of drinks with two dreamy packages to choose from. The $79 Wine Lover Pack offers self-serve bubbles, wine, and Peroni, while the $99 Cocktail Lover Pack brings the fun with Margs, Mimosas and Aperol Spritz. Menu-wise, it’s all about calamari, burrata, bolognese, woodfired pizza and sweet scoops of gelati. We really don’t know what to say except, bellissimo!
Where: Level 1, Meriton Surfers Paradise, 86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
COAST’s rooftop terrace is home to one of the most stylish weekend sessions in town. Their $99pp Long Lunch runs Friday to Sunday from 12–3pm and brings together chilled cocktails (think spritz, daiquiris, Coast lager and rosé) and share plates like Pork Tostadas and Chicken Satay. Classy, yet an absolute vibe- just how we like it.
Where: Level 1, Ocean by Meriton, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
It’s the ultimate beachside brunch overlooking the ocean, and yeah, we had you at beachside. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-2pm, tuck into an all-out, four-course feast of Mediterranean-inspired mixed tapas, including delightful bites like Eggs Benny Hash made with truffle honey hollandaise. But ‘bottomless’ we promised, and bottomless ye shall receive – here you can pick your poison with two-hour sip packages such as Aperol Spritz, Bellini Spritz & Limoncello Spritz, Chandon Brut & Chandon Rosé, or perhaps the Veuve Clicquot upgrade will be more your speed. A minimum of 2 people is required.
Where: Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Up for a rooftop rendezvous? Lulu Rooftop in Surfers is doing Sunday justice with their Bottomless Brunch package. For $79pp, indulge in a spread of colourful share plates (Popcorn Chicken Tacos, anyone?) and 2 hours of drinks- we’re talking spritz, wine and ever-changing froze flavours. Yes, you heard right- there’s a whole section dedicated to Bottomless Froze. We’ll be there from 1pm, and not a minute later.
Where: Level 2, 4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Island says Saturday afternoons are for gathering, grazing, and good times. Who are we to disagree? And yes, technically speaking, this one is classified as a ‘lavishly long lunch’ – but when it comes with two hours of tantalising eats, arrival mimosa and cocktail and spritz carafes – does anyone really mind? Spend your Saturday nibbling your way through Charcuterie and share-style bites of Karaage Chicken, Lamb kofta and Woodfired pizzas, alternated with jugs of Passionfruit and Vanilla Mojito, Watermelon Margarita Spritz and Mimosa. $79 per person, two sittings (from 11:30am or 1:30pm) available.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Broady gem Elk is another superb spot popping the cork on bottomless brunch daily. And bonus, it’s walk-ins only – so grab the gang, rock up from 10am and purchase any dish to partake in sixty whole minutes of mimosa action! And nope, we sure as heck ain’t driving. Pick your fave between the Classic, Strawberry lime and Tropical mimosa varieties, then ‘sip’ back and marvel as your flute magically refills itself. You certainly don’t have to tell us twice! $49 per head.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre (opposite the beach), Broadbeach
They call it ‘Spritz Saturdays’ at Nineteen, and it’s every bit as glam as you’d expect. From 4–7pm, sip fancy spritzes (Strawberry, Elderflower & Mint, Aperol) while slurping oysters and nibbling on cheese plates, charcuterie and garlic fries on the luxe rooftop terrace. At $89pp, this high-end soiree is a must for anyone who likes their brunch with a side of skyline views. Minimum two people, bookings essential.
Where: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
You haven’t really done a bougie brunch until you’ve bottomless’d at Cora. Their $89pp Saturday sessions are a three-course Mediterranean-style share lunch served with 2 hours of cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine– not to mention a live DJ spinning as you sip. The kicker? Every week brings a new signature cocktail lineup: Malfy Gin, Aperol and Chandon Garden Spritz, Absolut Vodka, Olmeca Altos Tequila… it’s a rotating roster of boozy fun. Enjoy the people’s favourite, Peach Burrata, Gold Band Snapper and Wild King Prawns! Bookings for two or more required.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Bottomless mimosas by the beach- say less! Sunnyboy’s breezy Mermaid Beach location means you can roll straight from the sand to your seat, where $49 scores you a meal of your choice plus one gloriously boozy hour of bottomless mimosas. No bookings are needed- just arrive between 10am and 1pm, round up the gang (because we know that more is merrier), and tuck into a seasonally rotating menu of brunchy faves. Chorizo Truffle Scramble? Yes, please. Fig & Mascarpone Hotcakes? Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
One of the GC’s very favourite ocean-view venues, The Tropic offers a solid ten bottomless brunch and absolutely nobody is surprised to hear this. Taking place exclusively on the terrace on the last Saturday of every month, not only will you be privy to multi-million-dollar views and DJ beats but also a delicious Mediterranean-inspired menu. Think Fig and Persian Feta, Steamed Barramundi, Puffed Spiced Bread, Mixed Berry Panna Cotta and more, but no need cuz we’re already #sold. Veuve, Rosé and Bellini Cocktail packages are available from $59 per person (ya kidding). Don’t mind if we do!
Where: 3b/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Latin flair meets bottomless bubbles at Las Palmas’ $79pp weekend brunch. Every Saturday and Sunday, dive into 2 hours of sangria, rosé, tap beer and more, or upgrade for $20 and make it Margarita Time with Tommy’s Margs. Food-wise, expect chips and guac, crispy squid, tacos and more, with the option to elevate with grilled corn and slow-cooked beef short rib. Pro tip: upgrade it all. Life’s short. Live large.
Where: Level 1, 1097 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Why wait for the weekend? Refinery Coffee reckons any day is a good day to bust out the boozy OJ for this beloved mid-morning ritual, and we wholeheartedly agree. Available from 10am daily, gather your celebratory crew and report to Currumbins light-filled converted warehouse for the Bottomless Brunch option. Here, you can tuck into your pick from the all-day eats menu, such as the Turkish Style Poached Eggs or Eggs Benny, while throwing back Classic & Watermelon mimosas for 1.5 blissful hours. The only caveat is that your whole crew must be partaking (is that even a question), with a non-alc option also available. For just $62 pp, we’ll say bottoms up!
Where: 37 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters
Pan Asian coastal dining, bottomless rosé and Sunday banquets? Say less. Billy Chow brings you Bottomless Blush Sundays- a curated chef’s banquet accompanied by free-flowing Maison AIX Rosé and sparkling rosé in the dreamy beachside setting of Kirra. This is the kind of Sunday sesh worth putting pants on for. $125 per person.
Where: 76 Musgrave St, Coolangatta
Boozy brunch, but make it a random Tuesday. Kefi Café is dishing up 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas – classic, pineapple or sunrise – for $60pp every day (like, Monday-Sunday) from 10am. Pair your fizz with a main like the lemon-curd loaded Hotcake or their beet-hummus-and-harissa-nut topped Avo Toast, and soak up all the feel-good Gold Coast vibes. Bottomless brunch before noon? We approve.
Where: Corner of Griffith & McDonald Street, Coolangatta
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Let’s get quizzical!
So it’s the end of the day, and you’re spent. All you want to do is chill on the couch with a chardy and some reality TV, until you realise it’s Trivia Night at your local. Suddenly, you’re rounding up the crew and heading out the door to prove you’re the smartest one in the group.
Not only is trivia next-level entertaining, but it’s cheap as chips (if not free), and you get to think of a hilariously inappropriate name for your team. Here are 16 local spots to test your knowledge and expand your useless facts repertoire across the Gold Coast (from North to South):
This is no ordinary trivia, folks- it’s one of the most interactive and exciting trivia experiences on the GC! Infusion Gameshow combines all your favourite TV game shows and high-tech alert – you use your smartphone to answer the questions. Happening every Wednesday and great for families, be there at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Don’t forget to ask about your exclusive team membership card with a host of cracking good deals. Online registration is essential.
Where: Shop MM7 Westfield Coomera, Level 2/103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera
Put your knowledge to the test at Parkwood Village’s Tuesday Night Trivia, kicking off from 6:30pm each week. Gather the smartest of your friends and family (teams of 3–8) and settle in for six fun rounds covering everything from Aussie trivia and TV & Movies to Sports, Around the World and more. There are plenty of prizes up for grabs, including club cash, venue vouchers, meat trays and even Titans tickets. Arrive early to grab a bite and make the most of the members-only two-for-one pizza and pasta special before the questions start.
Where: 76-104 Napper Road, Parkwood
Trivia night gets a high-tech upgrade at Sharks, where QuizzaMe brings a game show-style twist to your weekly brain workout. Ditch the paper and pencils and get ready to buzz in with wireless buzzers, making every question feel like you’re on your own TV quiz show. It’s free to play every Wednesday, with registration from 6:30pm for a 7pm start, and plenty of exciting prizes up for grabs. If you’ve ever watched a quiz show and thought, “I could win that,” now’s your chance to prove it.
Where: Corner Olsen & Musgrave Ave, Southport
Put your thinking caps on for Monday Night Trivia at SOPO, kicking off from 7pm each week. Hosted by the professional quizmasters from Peppers Entertainment, this fast-paced trivia night is completely free to play and perfect for anyone keen to test their wits. Gather your team, settle in with a drink and see if you can outsmart the competition, with bragging rights and great prizes up for grabs for first, second and third place.
Where: 36 Scarborough St. Southport
Round up your brainiest mates for Trivia Night at Gold Coast Tavern, kicking off every Tuesday. Registration opens at 6pm with a 6:30pm start, giving you plenty of time to grab a bite before the questions begin. Entry is free, there are great prizes up for grabs, and you can fuel the team with $18 pizzas while you play. Book a table online to lock in your spot and get ready to test your knowledge.
Where: 150 Bundall Rd, Bundall
Every Tuesday night, the Sports Bar at The Star Gold Coast is also turning up the trivia action. Hosted by the team from Think Trivia, this free-to-play quiz night kicks off with registration from 6pm and a 6:30pm start on the Casino Level. Rally a team of up to six players, grab a drink and settle in for a night of brainteasers, banter and friendly competition. There are some solid prizes on the line, too, including a $300 The Star gift card for first place, $150 for second and $100 for third- not a bad reward for knowing your stuff.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Gather your crew, grab a feed and a cold one, and settle in for a fun evening of brain teasers and friendly competition. Every Tuesday at 7pm- it’s on! With prizes up for grabs and a relaxed midweek vibe, it’s the perfect excuse to get the gang together and see who really knows their stuff. Dining bookings are welcome for groups of six or more, but if you’re coming for trivia, there’s no need to book, just rock up and play!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Round up the crew for Thursday Trivia at Club Mermaid, kicking off every week from 7pm. It’s free to play, so gather a big or small team and get ready to battle it out for prizes in a fun, competitive night of brain teasers. While you’re there, settle in for a bite from D’Agostino’s Bistro, serving up family-friendly meals to keep you fuelled while you quiz.
Where: 2418 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bring your brain and your appetite for Taco Trivia Tuesdays with Lisa. Kicking off weekly from 7pm (arrive 15 minutes early to get settled), this lively quiz night pairs brain teasers with $5 tacos all night long. Gather a team of up to six people and test your knowledge for $15 per team. Bookings are essential, so lock in your spot and get ready for a fun night of trivia, tacos and friendly competition.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Mermaid Beach
With a name like Tipsy Trivia, sign us up! Hosted by the infamous Marty, this cheeky quiz night kicks off every Tuesday from 7pm at Precinct Brewing. Gather a team of up to eight people and put your knowledge to the test for just $15 per team, while tucking into $20 pizzas available all night long. It’s the perfect midweek combo of brainpower, banter and brews — just be sure to book your spot each week as bookings don’t roll over.
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
The Sporting Globe keeps the game show vibes going with QuizzaMe Trivia’s wireless buzzer setup, turning the night into a fast-paced, interactive quiz featuring video, picture and audio questions across a range of fun categories. Registration opens at 6pm for a 6:30pm start, so arrive early, grab a bite and settle in for a lively night of trivia, games and great prizes.
They also host special themed trivia nights, and this month it’s all about Disney Classics. Expect questions covering iconic characters, unforgettable songs and legendary movie moments from across the Disney universe. Rally your fellow Disney superfans, brush up on those lyrics and get ready to buzz in for your shot at the prizes and ultimate bragging rights.
Where: Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
Find more interactive trivia fun at North Burleigh Surf Club with Hard Fizz Tuesday Trivia, hosted by the legends at QuizzaMe. It’s free to enter, with registration from 6:30pm and a 7pm start, and teams of 2–6 players ready to battle it out for more than $200 worth of Hard Fizz prizes. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited, so lock in your table and get ready for a lively night of brain teasers and friendly competition.
Where: The Green Room (Level 1 North), North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Supporters Club, Burleigh Heads.
Round up your crew for Wednesday Night Trivia at Après Surf, kicking off weekly from 7pm. Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test for just $15 per team, with great prizes up for grabs each week. It’s the perfect midweek excuse to grab a drink, have a laugh and see who in your group really knows their stuff. Book your team in via the link in their bio to secure your spot.
Where: 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Don your thinking caps and head down to Burleigh Town Hotel for Tuesday Trivia featuring the Funky Bunch, kicking off from 6:30pm each week. Entry is free, there are epic prizes up for grabs, and it’s the perfect excuse to round up your smartest mates and see who really knows their stuff. Grab a drink, lock in your team and get ready for a lively night of brain teasers and banter.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Kickstart your week with Monday Night Trivia at Tallebudgera Surf Club, kicking off every Monday at 7pm. Entry is just $5 per person, and teams of any size are welcome, so gather your crew and settle in for a fun night of brain teasers. Expect rounds covering general knowledge, music, puzzles, current events, and a special-themed round, with over $200 in cash and prizes up for grabs each week. Plus, every eight weeks there’s a $250 Jackpot Round where one lucky team takes home the big win. No bookings required, just head down to the deck and join the fun.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
If themed trivia is more your style, Currumbin RSL regularly hosts special pop-culture quiz nights that are perfect for superfans. Keep an eye out for events like Shrek Trivia and “The One With All The Questions” Friends Trivia, where you can test your knowledge of iconic quotes, characters and moments while battling other fans for prizes. Grab your crew, brush up on your favourite episodes and movies, and get ready for a night of nostalgic questions and plenty of laughs. Tickets are required and can be booked online.
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Sobah Brewery & Cafe is a game changer.
Here on the GC, some of our favourite pastimes are at complete odds with one another. Often all semblance of the ‘my body is a temple’ mentality we painstakingly spend all week carving out in the yoga studio goes out the window once #frothyfriday rolls around.
We’ve got somewhat of a bevolution on our hands, with the rise of the non-alcoholic beverage going from (mid)strength to strength and we’ve got a suspicion it’s thanks in part to the fact that these days, the non-alcoholic options are every bit as tasty as the traditional brewski.
One such poster child for the momentum behind the low and no alcohol bevvy moment, Sobah Beverage has been generating a whole lot of buzz (figuratively speaking) on the scene since its launch in 2017. The proudly First Nations owned and led biz set about on their mission to revolutionise our sips with their suite of bush-tucker infused no-alc craft brews – and our R&R game hasn’t looked back since.
Sobah Beverage owners Clinton Schultz and Lozen McDiarmid have changed the game yet again, recently levelling up their multimillion dollar franchise to expand into a Burleigh HQ that’s the first of its kind in Australia, a non-alcoholic craft beer brewery – Sobah Brewery & Cafe.
Clinton and Lozen have long shared their drive to change up our local food and bev scene, with the duo formerly operating a native food truck called Clinto’s Kupmurri “bringing bush tucker to the streets” before going full circle to tackle their latest and most aspirational challenge to date – shaking up the craft beer industry.
The new 650-sqm brewing facility with a cafe attached will certainly do just that. The multi-level HQ boasts a studio on the mezzanine level (so much room for activities) while downstairs, the cafe seats 70 between the indoor and outdoor areas with plenty of space to savour some brew-tiful brews and bask in the Burleigh sunshine (don’t ask us why, it just hits different).
As you might expect, with native Australian ingredients being so central to the brew, incorporating natural local elements have formed the direction of the interior influences for the space as well. The brief was ‘Aussie nature x industrial luxe’ with upcycled timber, matte black metal, polished concrete floors and gum leaf green tiles framing the space.
Bringing on Head Chef Iesha Elia (formerly of Mr Hizola’s fame) will surely guarantee that their food offering is every bit as #gamechanging as their beverage offering. The menu complements their suite of bush tucker-infused craft beers, with a selection of all-day faves and modern Australian cafe fare.
And what could be more Australian than wrapping the laughing gear around a Crocodile Burger, with Crocodile (or chicken, for the less adventurous) bacon, avocado, pineapple and leafy greens, which would go down a treat with either the Lemon Aspen Pilsner or Finger Lime Cerveza, no doubt. The Black wattle hot smoked kangaroo fillet, béarnaise, beans and green leaves, perhaps?
Those who prefer to play it safe will still be rewarded with dishes that pack a flavour punch, with the Barramundi wrapped in paperbark coconut, finger lime, seasonal vegetables, and even the humble B&E roll receiving the native ingredient glow up, with bush tomato relish providing a gourmet spin on a tried and true classic.
Going sober has never looked (and tasted) so good, so get on down to Sobah Brewery and Cafe to experience modern Australian eats and craft brewing like you’ve never seen it before.
When: Monday – Saturday 7am – 3pm
Where: Unit 1, 314 Burleigh Connection Road, Burleigh Heads
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
