Stop, guac and roll

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when tacos and toasties collide, you’ll find the answer at Burleigh’s newest hangout, ConKaBar.

Just a sandy-footed stroll from the beach, this family-run gem is serving up a fiesta of flavours that prove Mexico and Australia have more in common than you think. Sun, surf and… smashed avo? Si por favor!

The family behind ConKaBar has more skills than you can fit in a tortilla wrap. On one side, there’s Dianne and Michael Myers — a historian and a former rugby great — a seasoned duo who’ve run pubs and poured pints like pros. On the other, their son Jett brings a filmmaker’s creativity, while his partner, Michelle Ramirez Achar, adds world-class flavour as a Mexican-born patisserie chef, restaurant owner and barista. Each has a role to play at ConKaBar, and the result is hotter than a jalapeño.

When the family spotted an old cafe in Burleigh up for grabs, they didn’t just see its as a new business venture, they saw it as a place where the whole community could come together. With a dash of determination and a whole lot of heart, Dianne, Michael, Jett and Michelle all rolled up their sleeves and transformed the space to create something that feels like you’re being welcomed into their family home.

And it’s a large home at that. The space seats 100 hungry amigos, framed by deep green awnings outside with retro posters and light fittings inside. The laid-back decor nods to both Mexico City and the GC, with a warmth that comes not just from the sun but from the people behind the counter.

Then there’s the menu and it’s a fiesta in itself. They call it Brexican (that’s Breakfast + Mexican), and it’s got locals lining up faster than you can say the word.

Get your mitts around a Mexa Burrito loaded with scrambled eggs, chorizo, guac, pico de  gallo, secret ConKa salsa, all wrapped in a toasted flour tortilla. It’s the kind of fuel you want post-surf, post-run or post-sleep-in.

To really spice things up, the Jalapeño Benny is sure to please, a flaky croissant stacked with two poached eggs, spinach and jalapeño hollandaise with your choice of bacon, ham, halloumi or smoked salmon.

Complement the party in your mouth with a sweet, sticky Cajeta Latte that’s basically a hug in a mug. Merlo coffee is the bean of choice and Michelle’s Mexi-style caramel sweetens the deal.

As summer comes in, you’ll want to cool down with a refreshing juice such as the El Fav de Mamá Pineapple and Mint or get frothy with Cajeta or Strawberry cold foam creations.

For the family behind it, ConKaBar is just the beginning. They’ve got big plans, they’ve got big passion and they’ve got plenty of beans (literally and metaphorically) to keep things cooking.

Where: 2/3 37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
When: Daily, 6:30am – 1:00pm

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby