If your chook cravings are cluckin’ and you’re searching for a spot that takes fried chicken to the next level, Fricken is nothing short of peck-tacular. Nestled in the heart of Broadbeach (where 5 Boroughs used to roost, right next to Starbucks), this fast-casual chook stop has officially hatched and is already the wind beneath our (chicken) wings.

Fricken is more than just a catchy name – it’s a passion project. Starting as a humble food truck side hustle in Canberra powered by “mum’s’ homemade fried chicken”, Fricken has followed the sun to our local shores in bricks-and-mortar style. And we can confirm that every step of the journey has been soaked in family pride…and a crispy coating that’s equally delish and ‘hensome’.

Behind the bird is a small flock of geniuses, including Mo Saad. Mo is an ex-hospitality manager with a background in computer science, who traded software for seasoning to bring this dream to life. Working around the cluck, Mo combined his natural entrepreneurial smarts, a whole lot of heart, and his team’s enthusiasm to create a space that’s more than just finger-lickin’- it’s im-peckable.

The interiors and build, championed by Owen J Thompson, nailed the ‘surf shack meets street-style diner’ brief. Think laidback vibes, bold colours, a cheeky attitude, and a big dose of personality, just like their food. There’s a retro colour palette of reds and sandy neutrals, grid-tiled tabletops, quirky rooster art, and even a statement pillar wrapped in pixel-perfect red-and-white tile. It’s a cool, casual spot where you can kick back, hang with mates, and enjoy some seriously good chicken.

Seating options are clucking versatile too. Whether you’re perched inside soaking up the action, chilling alfresco in the sea breeze, or grabbing takeaway for a beachside feast, you can ruffle some feathers in style (and taste).

So, what’s on the menu? A lot but in short: the Fricken Box. It’s a glorious medley of crispy chicken tenders, golden fries, thick-cut toast and a generous cup of their signature dipping sauce – a tried and tested recipe inspired by US fried chicken heavyweight, Raising Cane’s (yep, that viral sensation). It’s crunchy, salty, savoury, sweet, and impossibly addictive. One dip and your eggs-pectations will be blown. And bonus points for being one of the rare fried food joints that actually cater to gluten-free folks without making it a second-thought side dish.

But the plot ‘chickens’ because it’s not just the eats at the top of the pecking order, the beverages are equally clucking good. Fricken’s House-made Lemonade is the perfect zesty sidekick to your chicken fix to keep you feeling clucky, lucky, and peckin’ perky.

What makes Fricken really strut ahead of the flock is the quality. We’re talking premium cuts, everything made fresh, and sauces that are designed to dunk, drizzle, or drench. It’s too elevated to be called “fast food,” but far too craveable to be fine dining, landing somewhere deliciously in-between. Plus, Mo and the team are already making moves to connect with the community (and no doubt converting local fried chicken fans one Fricken Box at a time), proving that this newcomer is far more than a one-chick-pony.

So, if you’re keen for a cheeky feed that packs some serious crunch, follow the scent of golden, juicy goodness. Fricken is here and ready to serve up some deep-fried deliciousness – with zero clucks given.

Where: 89-91 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: 11am – 9pm, Monday to Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Mathilde Bouby

Classic cheeseburgers, Californian Smash-style patties, succulent Southern-style buttermilk chicken stuffed inside pillowy buns – you have to hand it to them, nobody quite does burgers like America does. If you’re a sucker for USA-style eats and the untold levels of deliciousness that can be found between two buns, the arrival of The Yankee’s Restaurant and Bar is really gonna tickle your pickle.

Bursting outta South Australia and into Surfers and packing a whole lot of NYC-inspired deliciousness; American eats devotees will agree the 8-strong franchise has absolutely smashed with their first ever Sunshine State venture out of the park. Slinging juicy ribs, burgers, hot dogs, wings and sips from 11am till late, Orchid Ave’s new patty purveyor offers ravenous punters plenty to sink their teeth into. Sitting smack bang in the heart of Surfers this all-rounder is leaning into its locale, with an assortment of classic crafted cocktails.

Offering a moody yet modern take on the classic Steakhouse style ambience, The Yankee’s Restaurant and Bar encompasses that specific laidback vibe you crave while devouring wings and loaded burgers (and attempting to retain a modicum of grace while doing so). Punters can pick between tables or opt to perch at high top seating – just begging for a pit stop to share a round of margs and American Nachos, if you ask us!

If you’re in the mood for more you’re in the right place. After all, this is an all-American establishment we’re talking – big appetites are kind of their specialty! Sure, you could acquaint yourself with the worthy selection of appetisers, but with a menu that encompasses American Hotdogs, Loaded Fries, Pizzas, Steaks, Wings and Ribs, Nachos and Tacos – some strategy may be required.

In fact, there’s so much to mull over, we suggest you grab a pre-dinner aperitif from the classic Cocktails selection while you do so. Not a generally a Cosmo, Mojito or otherwise fruity-libation inclined individual? Perhaps a beer paddle or tower while you ponder will be more your speed.

Boasting a burger selection as stacked as the dishes themselves, connoisseurs of bun-based American style cuisine are spoilt for choice here. Choose from carb and cheese-a-licious stalwarts like Southern Fried Chicken, pulled pork and slaw style The Ultimate Piggy, or if you truly can’t decide, why not take on The Hulk? Stuffed with several different proteins including (but not limited to) a slow cooked beef patty, crispy fried chicken, pulled pork and bacon, this would have to be the final boss of burgers.

If you’re not quite feeling the urge to unhinge your jaw reptile-style to tackle your main, there are slightly more manageable handheld bites to opt between, like Buffalo Wings, Beef Ribs, Chilli Dogs and Margherita Pizza.

Finish with dessert cornerstones like sauce-laden Caramel Sticky Date or Belgian Choc Waffles served with ice cream… for those who haven’t tapped out by this point, that is.

Who’s hungry?

Where: 4 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday–Thursday & Saturday 11am–12am, Friday 11am–1am, Sunday 11am–10pm.

Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Mathilde Bouby

We’ve never met a burger we didn’t like. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but we’ve never met a burger from this list that we didn’t love. The humble burger has reached new heights thanks to these Gold Coast hospo legends putting new twists of the classic favourite. And what’s not to love? They’re reliable, damn tasty and the ultimate all-rounder.

Think you’re not a burger lover? Well, we challenge you not to be after eating your way through this epicness. Already converted? Thank us later because your tastebuds will never be the same after these bad boys. To us, every day is burger day – so we’ve pulled together a list of the 13 best burger joints for you to eat your way through. So cheers to the GOAT dish and one of our favourite menu items and prepare to loosen those belts people!

Paloma Wine Bar
It’s one of Burleigh’s favourite local haunts for their huge wine range, next-level cocktails and steak frites, but have you tried the Paloma Cheeseburger? The burger itself is pretty large and in charge for a humble cheeseburger, plus it’s paired with their signature fries – name a more iconic duo. They’re available exclusively on Wednesdays to help you wine-down on hump day and for $14, you’d be losing money not treating yourself #girlmath.
Where: 1/12 James St, Burleigh Heads

Two Yolks
Burgers and Burleigh apparently go hand in hand! Two Yolks are home to potentially one of the broadest burger ranges, you can literally treat yourself to a toasty bun for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Triple B is a solid (literally) starter to your day with Bangalow free range bacon, pork sausage plus a heap more with… wait for it… tater tots as a sneaky side. Feeling like something a little more classic? Well the options are (almost) endless with spicy fried chicken all the way through to a Mexican moment.
Where: 13 Connor St, Burleigh Heads

Betty’s Burgers
We don’t make this claim lightly, but there is quite literally a burger for everyone here. Vegan? No problem. Don’t make friends with gluten? Say less. These guys clearly take their burgers seriously because Betty’s have a huge 15 different burgers to choose from, your biggest problem will be narrowing it down to just one. The best problem to have if we do say so ourselves. Need some inspo? We can’t go past the Betty’s Deluxe or Shroom Burger. Perfect for refuelling post retail therapy.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Robina Town Centre and Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre

Burgster
With a name like Burgster, it’s only natural they deliver the goods in the burger department. It’s absolutely one of the best burger joints on the Gold Coast so it’s well worth returning to eat your way through each and every options. Now, while you might’ve come for the burgers you seriously need to stay for the tempura oyster, brie bites and margs. A match made in burger heaven.
Where: Shop 2 & 3, 4-10 Philippine Parade, Palm Beach

Wahlburgers
Our favourite movie star Mark Wahlburg and his brothers certainly know what’s up when it comes down to a burger of great proportions. Wahlburgers first Queensland store located at the beach end of the newly renovated Paradise Centre always deliver on big burgers with big flavour. Rock up with the crew after some time on the beach and tuck into a BBQ Bacon Burger (which is brother Donnie’s choice) with a beef patty, tasty cheese, bacon, fresh jalapenos, BBQ sauce and avo spread – the perfect combo with all of your favourites on one delicious burger.  Pro tip: level it up with the famous Fried Pickles to start with and thank us later.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Ze Pickle
This Burleigh Heads corner spot is the very essence of lazy, street-side eating. Swing in when you clock off on Friday, grab one of their 12 craft beers on tap — and relax. Next, seize a menu and struggle to decide which of the next-level burgers you’re set on. The imagination that goes into their selection of burgers is top-notch, with examples like the Baja Fish Taco Burger and Southern Hick Chicken Burger; you’ll not just be wowed with flavour but the menu names also!
Where: 37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Palm Springs
You’ve seen it all over your ‘gram, so if you haven’t been to Palm Springs then where have you been? It’s one of our fav spots to sit back and soak up the Gold Coast vibes, pat all of the pups and of course, tuck into a delish burger. They’ve got four mouth-watering options all served on a classic milk bun, from your classic Bacon & Egg or Fried Hot Chicken Burger choices or if you’re a bit fancy, the Truffle Burger is an all-round favourite.
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

TGI Fridays
Looking for a place where it’s always Friday and if this isn’t a rhetorical question…?! Add all American juicy handcrafted burgers, plenty of beer on tap and drinks that are always a’flowin and you’ve just described TGI FRIDAYS!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina and Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Apres Surf
It’s become an institution for a reason. They’ve got sweet deals on the menu pretty much every day, but there’s pretty much no better way to finish your Monday with a cheesy b – am I right? The crew at Apres Surf are serving up their iconic cheeseburgers each and every Monday for just $6.50, so you can afford to treat yourself to more than one or a cheeky beer if you’re in the mood. The definition of cheap AND cheerful.
Where: Shop 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Eddie’s Grub House
This rock and roll infused dive bar delivers teenage kicks and appealing burger action unapologetically to Coolangatta. As far south as you can go before stepping over the street and into New South Wales, the venue is a ‘pull up a stool and sink a few bevvies’ kind of hangout. Ideal if you find yourself needing a refreshment between happenings at Cooly Rocks On. In the realm of burgers, these guys bring out revolving weekly specials with all the best music genre names you can think of. Delicious and always a good time. We strongly suggest you swing by Eddie’s and let your hair down!
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta 

Luckie’s Diner – The Collective
It’s always cheat day at Luckie’s Diner, one of The Collective’s fave eats offerings! Their American-style menu with an edge never disappoints and their Royale with Cheese Burger featuring beef, cheese, special sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickles served with fries and ketchup will have you coming back for more. We love that there’s an Aussie Aussie Aussie Burger with grilled pineapple, beetroot and egg, because we don’t see this on menus enough these days. Also an honourable mention to the Pork Belly Nuggets served with maple dipping sauce too, a real winner at this local’s haunt.
Where: The Collective, 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar
If you happen to bring your very best hunger game with you to Longboards, you won’t be disappointed. Seventeen handcrafted burgers on offer, including Beach Cheeseburger, the Vegetarian G-Banger, and the Mona Lisa, which arrives towering with wagyu beef patty, crispy bacon, melted brie cheese, garlic-butter mushrooms, caramelised onion, lettuce, tomato, and truffle aioli. Over the top? Maybe just a bit – but we aren’t judging! One of the best burger joints on the Gold Coast? Absolutely!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton Avenue &, Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise