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.

NORTH GC

• Pimpama Pavilion: A parmi and a pint for $30 keeps things simple in the best way. It’s a classic combo that does exactly what it needs to do – push us through to Wednesday.
  Where: 5 Dixon Dr, Pimpama
• Boathouse Tavern: If your word is reliable, then Tuesdays at Boathouse Tavern is where you should be. Pizzas for $15 – a simple crowd pleaser saving wallets and family arguments since… well, forever.
  Where: 101 Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
• Reds Kitchen & Bar: This is no ordinary Tuesday special; it’s a 50% off your food bill special! Yep, you read that correctly. All you have to do is book a table of 2 or more (up to 14) and choose 3 courses from the Super Tuesday Menu, and you will score 50% off your bill! And this is no average nosh – they’re offering pan-fried barramundi, 250g Angus Rib Eye of the Fillet MB5+, oysters, Matcha Panna Cotta and more! Surely you don’t need convincing.
  Where: Sanctuary Cove Village, 46E/4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
• Paradise Point Bowls Club: Grab a drink at the Paradise Point Bowls Club bar and unlock a stacked meal deal – $17 for members and $19 for non-members – with everything from schnitzels and burgers to curries, pastas and prawns on offer. It’s got variety, it’s got value and it’s available from 5:30pm–8pm every Tuesday (and Monday, just FYI).
  Where: Cnr Sunbird & Thrush Ave, Paradise Point
• Crafty’s: Parmageddon is in full swing at Crafty’s on a Tuesday with $25 classic parmi and house beer or wine from 5pm. It’s flavoursome, filling and ticks all the boxes for a solid midweek feed.
  Where: 147/189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
• The Club at Parkwood: Two-for-one pizza and pasta is the kind of deal that makes Tuesday instantly more appealing. Mix and match your favourites and bring someone along to share, because this one is better enjoyed together. Available for both lunch (11:30am-2:30pm) and dinner (5:30pm-8:30pm). Bonus! Where: Parkwood Village, 76/76-122 Napper Rd, Parkwood

MID GC

• Waxy’s Irish Pub: $15 Irish meals mean hearty plates without the hefty price tag. Think comfort food with a side of good value lunch and dinner every Tuesday.
  Where: 3206 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
• The Cavill Hotel: $19 gets you pasta and garlic bread from 5pm at Cavill Hotel, which feels like stealing. We love carbs, and on Tuesdays, apparently, carbs love us too. Where: 46 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
• House of Brews: $15 nachos that are built for sharing, or not, depending on how the day’s gone. Either way, it’s a win. Think: crispy corn chips with melted mozzarella cheese, tomato-onion salsa, jalapenos, beans, sour cream, and guacamole. Make it better with pulled pork, chicken, pulled beef or BBQ jackfruit. Where: 17 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
• The Sporting Globe: Half-price rump steaks take centre stage (served with beer-battered steak fries and a selection of sauces), with kids eating free alongside every full-priced main. A solid option, whether it’s a family dinner or a catch-up with friends. Where: Cnr Cavill Ave & Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise and Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
• The Island: Parmi and schnitty night?! Try passing that one up without a fight. A $20 schnitzel or a $22 parmigiana keeps things firmly in comfort-food territory. Which one’s better?! No one can ever decide. Both come with a Parmesan and herb crumb, slaw and fries. Every Tuesday, 5-9pm. Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

MID GC CONTINUED

• Gold Coast Tavern: $18 pizzas keep things affordable and easy to share ($20 for non-members). It’s a no-fuss option that delivers exactly how it needs to. From 5:30pm every Tuesday.
  Where: 150 Bundall Rd, Bundall
• Lucky Squire: $3 tenders keep things light on the wallet and easy to keep ordering. You need to order a minimum of four, which we have absolutely no issue with. We’ll be just getting started.
  Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
• Beach Hotel Broadbeach: $20 schnitzels keep it classic. No overcomplication, just a well-priced meal that does the job every time. Served with chips and a house garden salad, available all day! Add a Classic Parmi topper for only $2. Option to swap to a plant-based schnitzel too! Where: 50 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
• Mermaid Beach SLSC: Steak night at $19 is a strong contender for best value of the week. It’s a 200g Steak served with chips, salad, and a choice of gravy. Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
• Mermaid Beach Tavern: Another $20 schnitzel situation, and honestly, we’re here for it. For an Aussie, there will never be enough pub snitty specials. Ever. Where: 2500 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

MID GC CONTINUED

• Bonita Bonita: $6 tacos and $20 jugs of sangria are a combination that shouldn’t be ignored. Perfect for rounding up a group, because who doesn’t love tacos and sangria?!   Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
• MexiCali: For those in Nobby’s, Mexicali has an amazing $6 taco special going on. It’s an easy midweek go-to. Get in before they sell out! Where: Level 1/2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
• Bine Beer Bar: You’re not just bringing your appetite for this special, but your brains as well. Bine’s Taco Trivia Tuesdays offers $6 tacos (five options to choose from). Weekly from 7pm, bookings essential. Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach
• Hail Mary: From 5pm, find $6 tacos in many a flavour; choose from fish, chicken, beef, haloumi, cauliflower, pork or just plain ol’ beans. You can’t go wrong with tacos baby. Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads

SOUTH GC

• Frida Sol: Classic tacos for $6, washed down with a jug of sangria for just $20. ​The only answer is yes. Bookings are essential. 12pm until late. Dine in only.
  Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
• Currumbin RSL: A lil’ members-only special here: $15 tacos from 5pm. Get 2 x tacos (beef, chicken, fish or cauliflower) plus $16 margaritas (classic, coconut or spicy) and/or $10 Coronas. It might be time to get a membership if you don’t already have one. Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin
• Tommy’s Taco: $8 tacos that hit the mark when you’re after something quick and satisfying. And Tommy’s tacos never disappoint.Where: 140 Duringan St, Currumbin
• Tugun Tavern: Get 50% off seafood mains with any drink purchase from 5pm. Choose from dishes like Atlantic salmon, Chilli Prawn Linguine, whiting and chips and more! Perfect for those chasing something different from your usual specials.Where: Corner of Toolona St & Golden Four Dr, Tugun

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

CLOSED JUNE 2023

Besides the Pnau banger (now stuck in our heads on repeat), what do you think of when you hear the word “Chameleon”? If you answered the inclusive venue in Broadbeach, samesies, and you can totally sit with us #OnWednesdaysWeWearPink. But, what you may not know is that in 2023, there’s a whole lot more to Chameleon Lounge Bar & Restaurant than drag queens. Undergoing quite the transition in recent times, it’s the MVP of Gold Coast good times. Catering to the entire community, it’s serving up all the genres of unique FREE entertainment, captivating cocktails, and first-class food like a bougie boss.

Opening in September 2021, Chameleon has proved worthy of its namesake and become the epitome of local entertainment. With indoor / outdoor dining and something different on each night, whatever tickles your fancy or floats your boat there’s a darn good chance you’ll find it here.

Let’s start with Mondays, the newest addition to the Chameleon calendar. Coming soon you and your crew can enjoy Martini Mondays, with smooth lounge singers and more old Hollywood glamour that you can poke an olive-topped toothpick at.

Tuesday nights you can experience the OG Chameleon with free Drag Trivia and $4 tacos. Seriously, what else would one eat on a Tuesday? Grab your mates and put your heads together to win prizes.

If live music is your style, on Wednesdays, Chameleon & ‘Events by Lanz’, hosts an open mic night with an array talented local artists…. and nom your way through a full rack of Sticky Pork Ribs for $22.

Comedy heads, step right up on Thursday nights for free comedy night with the Gold Coast’s own Candy Comedy, where you can laugh till your heart’s content. With the added benefit of $5 Bao Buns.

Friday evenings you’ll find $15 pizzas, drag shows, musicians and DJs – what a time to be alive! Moving into weekend mode, drag bingo and Production drag shows headline on Saturdays and for those partial to a Sunday sesh (us!), Chameleon is a vibe. Think DJs from midday, lunch specials, free pool and if ever there was a reason to chuck a Monday sickie…

Now you may think this can’t possibly get any better but spoiler alert; it does. Chameleon has recruited sought-after Asian Fusion Chef Woody as Head Chef, bringing experience from iconic GC restaurants like Rick Shores, Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, and Miss Mee. The extensive menu features the perfect combination of unexpected flavours to wow your taste buds. For a little preview, think Japanese Fried Chicken, Twice Crumbed Sriracha Fish Tacos, Moreton Bay Bug Sliders, Chinese Spiced Grilled beef and a Chameleon Korean Chicken Burger with kimchi, mayo, cheese, and chips *wipes drool from chin*.

A visit to Chameleon would not be complete without a cocktail  from the bar and the options are endless. Our vote goes to the signature Coconut & Chilli Margarita or if you’re in the mood for another, the iconic Chameleon Espresso Martini is equally dreamy.

But wait, there’s still more to unpack here as the venue also boasts a large functions section with the option of cocktail making classes (#TeachUsYourWizardry), karaoke with a drag queen and Hens Parties etc. Check out their website for more. Further supporting the whole ‘something for everyone’ caper, the venue also acts as an external agency inviting you to book DJs or drag queens for your event, with musicians and dancers coming soon!

Discover why Chameleon Lounge Bar & Restaurant is the ultimate location for high quality free entertainment, sips, feeds, and all-in fun.

Where: 1/17 – 19 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach
When: 5pm – 10pm Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm – midnight Friday, 12pm – midnight Saturday & Sunday. Opening Mondays soon.

STORY SPONSORED BY CHAMELEON LOUNGE BAR & RESTAURANT

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!

Winey Cow

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

La Calabrese

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

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 

Hyde Paradiso

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

Lulu Rooftop

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 Gold Coast

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

Elk Espresso

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

Nineteen at The Star

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

Cora

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

Sunnyboy

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

The Tropic

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

Las Palmas

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

Refinery Coffee

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

Billy Chow

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

Kefi Café

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