You'll be stoked with the new location!
You'll be stoked with the new location!
It’s a fairly sad time when you notice things you love disappear from your life. We’re not talking about that illustrious Tinder match or the awesome pair of shoes which worked with everything: we’re talking about those unforgettable hospitality haunts where you’re always guaranteed to have a great time.
One such institution which falls perfectly into this category was Mermaid Beach’s laidback, no-frills lounge room style bar, Après Surf. For those who may have frequented the venue, you’ll know all too well the ambiance was as laid back as they come (nearly horizontal, in fact). Backed by a slew of interesting and moreish cocktails, frosty beers, and a finely put-together ensemble of all the best American diner-style eats you could imagine.
Unfortunately, the building they were situated in was designated for demolition. Meaning the guys were forced to pack up their stuff and let the contagious party demeanour of Après Surf go dormant for a while — until now, that is.
Nothing much has changed for the crew behind this fun time venture, apart from their new location in the centre of Burleigh Heads, just off the highway. Prime position, no less, for you to wander in off the beach or to hide away after a tough day at the office and forget the world for a little while.
This space isn’t an entirely new version. In fact, almost all of the fittings such as chairs, tables, and wooden panels have been repurposed from the old venue. Cast your eyes around the vintage paraphernalia and quirky Australiana antiquities; for the keen-eyed amongst you, you may recognise a few touches from their Mermaid Beach bar.
Now shacked up in Burleigh, the bar is a little more extensive as they aim to satisfy a steady league of thirsty and hungry souls with their unique easy-going and be-yourself atmosphere!
To satisfy a Queensland style of thirst, the guys have an array of the frostiest beers on tap from the likes of Balter and Young Henry’s. Should you be in the mood for a cocktail of some description, then their small selection of adapted signatures such as a Negroni Blanc and Après Zombie will undoubtedly catch your eye (may we strongly suggest the Caramello Limencello, it’s an Inside Gold Coast favourite). And should you feel like something in particular, keep in the bar tenders’ good books and strike up a conversation about how your favourite cocktail of all time isn’t on their menu — they’ll have you covered!
There’s a variety of tasty eats available across a sizeable menu which find itself split into the sections of Small Bites, Mains, Burgers, and Desserts. Smaller plates like the Truffle Fries and Classic Buffalo Wings are the perfect accompaniment to an ice-cold beer, whereas the house-made Nasi Goreng, Fish Burger, Pork Katsu Sando and Après Beef & Bacon Burger are all great reasons to skip kitchen duties at home.
After having only just opened, the venue is still finding its feet a little. Specials, specific event nights etc., are still in the pipeline but shouldn’t take the gang long to figure out, so keep your eyes peeled for more info as it comes up.
Whether you’ve been for a surf or not, if you find yourself with sand between your toes and a hankering for some great drinks and sensational food, Après Surf is the calling you cannot ignore.
Hours: Open every day (except Tuesday) 5pm – late
Where: Shop 1, 1837, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
It’s impossible to pick one favourite dish at Apres Surf, quality and deliciousness run through everything. Good vibes and good eats!
Alright Alright Alright (with your best McConaughey impression please).
Mermaid Beach is takin’ it back to the old school with the new bar Apres Surf!
Although owners James and Richard have told us there is no theme at Apres Surf, just good food, good music and good times, we got a total 70’s vibe.
Walking past the giant David Bowie (R.I.P) mural on the front patio, I had a feeling that like Bowie, this place was going to rock!
Correct! Vintage decor, laid back staff and a ridiculously tasty fish burger to make you feel right at home.
I walked in to Apres Surf and the first thing I thought was, YES, BARSTOOLS! As I made my way over the checkered floor and past the vintage art hanging on timber panelled walls, I was happy to plop down on a barstool. Only a small handful of bar/restaurants on the coast give me that “at home” feeling where I would feel totally comfortable bellying up to the bar, alone. Apres is one of those bars. It’s cozy and gives off good vibes. Just your friendly neighbourhood bar thats always got a cold drink and a good meal.
Speaking of cold drinks and good meals, lets get to the good stuff.
I had their drink special, THE Apple Crumble Martini. Talk about a 2-for-1! This baby tasted exactly like a delicious apple crumble made with love by your mum, but had vanilla vodka in it 😉 Maybe I should call it a 3-for-1 because there is no way you would want to order a dessert instead of this. I mean, I’m sure the dessert is great, but that Martini……ooooh I’m in love!
As it was, I had “dessert” before my meal…I’m an adult I can do that 🙂 So after my martini, came Mini Cheese Kransy Dagwood dogs. Similar to a corn dog, tiny weenies were battered, fried and put on a stick.
These little dogs were divine! The outside was drizzled in smoky homemade tomato sauce, from there you bit into the soft, yet crunchy batter, then POP, the skin to the dog was crispy and the inside was juicy! Somewhere in the mix was the cheese hugging all those flavours together. Little bits of heaven on a stick! Can I have these every day?!
For my main I was served the Asahi Beer Battered Cod Burger. Big ole bun slathered with citrus mayo, coleslaw and tomato topped with a cod fillet that was so large it spilled over the sides of the bun. The cod was hot and crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside, the coleslaw was cool and chunky, and the citrus mayo bun perfectly wrapped it all together. This monster two-hander burger is one that you cant pass up! It was accompanied by chips flavoured with “secret seasoning” I tried to guess what was on them, but couldn’t get it. You’ll just have to try these for yourself to understand.
At Apres Surf it’s impossible to pick a favourite dish, quality and deliciousness run through everything! Good vibes and good eats are plenty! Head over ASAP and give it a try, I cant recommend it enough!
Burleigh’s buzzing, and it’s not hard to guess why.
Let’s be real: coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a lifestyle. Without that first cup of liquid gold, productivity would probably collapse faster than a popped balloon. Honestly, how do people function without coffee? Because we couldn’t tell you.
In Burleigh, the rich aroma of fresh brews flows with the sea breeze, creating the ultimate feel-good combo. We’ve taken one for the team (you’re welcome) and hit the streets to track down the very best coffee Burleigh has to offer.
Needing no introduction, word has got around that Tarte is the place to be in Burleigh. The coffee is Parallel Roasters Exclusive Tarte House Blend so you know it’s going to be goooood. You can order it however you like to sip, from velvety flat whites to a rich filter. Pair your caffeine fix with a loaded bagel (the Bullseye Bang is a cult fave) or go light and sweet with a strawberry muffin top. Whether you’re a morning regular or just passing through, skipping a visit to Tarte is practically a crime.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
When it comes to coffee culture in Burleigh, Commune is the OG. This laid-back cafe has been fuelling locals with smooth, strong brews since day dot, and under the Blackboard crew, the espresso game is as sharp as ever. Grab a quick latte on the run or linger over a long black with friends, Commune’s coffee is the kind that keeps you coming back. Pair it with their famous rosti-stacked Eggs Florentine or a chorizo burrito if you’re hungry, and stay for the community vibes.
Where: 1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
If you’ve cruised the GC Highway, you’ve definitely spotted Palm Springs, the pastel-hued cafe serving up serious Cali desert vibes. But behind the breezy facade is a coffee club that locals rave about. Smooth espresso, perfectly poured lattes and iced coffees made for sunny mornings. The Therefore Coffee Roasters brew feels right at home under the Burleigh palms. Of course, the eats are on point too. Breakfast tacos, anyone?
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Next Door Espresso in Burleigh is a coffee lover’s dream tucked inside the stylish St Barts space. With crisp white Besser block walls, timber tables and a sleek concrete bar, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to linger. The coffee? Organic, roasted by Federal brewers Moonshine. Want to treat yourself? Try a speciality bev like a Banana Pudding Matcha or Dirty Chai Cloud. Pair your cup with wholesome brunch bites or a sweet treat, then browse St Barts’ dreamy homewares. Shopping, sipping, smiling – your day in Burleigh is sorted.
Where: 24 Junction Road, Burleigh
Social Espresso has been fuelling the Gold Coast caffeine scene for over a decade, roasting beans that power many of your favourite cafes. Their Burleigh HQ is a sleek space in the industrial area of Burleigh where the coffee truly shines with three signature blends, rotating single origins and smooth cold brew. Owners Mitch and Hayley have built a hub for coffee lovers and locals alike. Whether it’s a takeaway or a sit-down sip, this is specialty coffee done right.
Factory 1/9-11 Fremantle St, Burleigh Heads
Tucked inside the Big B Arcade, Social Brew is where Burleigh’s coffee culture comes alive. From early morning espressos to mid-morning cappuccinos, this buzzing cafe is fuel for brekky dates, work catch-ups and everything in between. The people-watching is as good as their signature house blend, and the vibe makes it easy to linger as breakfast drifts into lunch. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a little oasis in the heart of James Street.
Where: 34-36 James Street, Burleigh Heads
When it comes to cafes locals love, Canteen is the name on everyone’s lips. Crowned Best Coffee in Burleigh in last year’s Love My Cafe awards, their brews have earned a true cult following. Perched on the Park Ave side of the Burleigh buzz, the timber fit-out adds rustic charm, while friendly smiles greet you from kitchen to counter. Serving their signature Cleanskin Coffee Co. roast, Canteen feels like the perfect pause in busy Burleigh.
Where: 23 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads
Re-firing the coffee machine last year, Pretty Handsome has made a pretty epic comeback. Pouring Allpress beans, every shot is carefully weighed and extracted for consistently smooth, rich flavour, from your morning flat white to a cheeky espresso martini in the afternoon. Pair your cup with a breaky wrap, tacos, or ribs, and you’ll be fuelled up for the rest of the day..
Where: 18 Christine Avenue, Burleigh Heads
At LiTO, coffee takes centre stage in true Italian style, beginning with smooth Allpress brews that pair perfectly with breakfast favourites like Sicilian Poached Eggs or Spiced Avocado Bruschetta. Mondrian Gold Coast’s all-day eatery is the kind of spot where a quiet morning espresso naturally stretches into lunch and beyond, with every cup keeping the la dolce vita flowing. From that first sip post-surf to a final flourish of Tiramisu with coffee mascarpone cream and syrup, LiTO proves life really is better with coffee.
Where: Ground Level, 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Coffee is at the heart of Common Ground, with Burleigh locals raving about their expertly poured Social Espresso brews. Whether you’re after a silky flat white, a refreshing cold brew or something a little spiced like their chai, every sip is designed to complement the sunlit garden setting. The sleek machine on the counter hums from morning to afternoon, fuelling long brunches and catch-ups. Pair your cup with one of their seasonal plates and you’ve found your new daily ritual.
2/2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh.
If you’ve seen a classic red Jeep humming around town, you might have seen Willy’s Beans delivering signature roasts to many of your favourite caffeine hubs on the GC. Willy’s Beans takes you on a coffee journey from crop to cup. The warehouse cafe is decked with nods to Colombian coffee culture which captured the heart of owner Jayson to open Willy’s Beans. On the menu, you’ll find an impressive lineup of single-origin beans and rare specialties like the Summer Gesha, crafted for those chasing something extra. For an even deeper dive, Willy’s Beans hosts private tastings, giving coffee lovers an immersive experience that goes far beyond the everyday brew.
Where: 1/4 Ramly Drive, Burleigh Heads
Tucked just off Reedy Creek Road, Dover’s Drop is the kind of pit stop that turns into a daily ritual. Serving up fantastic brews from carbon-neutral roasters Locale Espresso, every cup is smooth, rich, and full of flavour that’ll keep you powering through the day. Swing by for locally sourced baked goods, fresh sandwiches and healthy bites that pair perfectly with your caffeine fix. Industrial district coffee never looked (or tasted) so good.
Where: 9 Dover Drive, Burleigh Heads
Paddock may have first won us over with donuts and sweet treats, but it’s their coffee that keeps locals lining up day after day. Tucked inside the charming weatherboard cottage, the team pours smooth, perfectly balanced brews that pair effortlessly with their fresh-baked goods. Whether you’re grabbing a latte to go, sipping a flat white in the garden, or settling in for a long breakfast, the coffee is always flowing. And yes, you should take home their signature sourdough or that Almond Croissant Cookie for later.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Just steps from the beach, Memento is the perfect spot to grab your morning flat white before a seaside stroll or settle in with friends (and furry companions) over a leisurely breakfast. The Supreme Coffee brews are smooth, the space is warm, and the vibe is carefree. But the best thing? It’s open at 5am, making it the ultimate pit stop for a pre-surf caffeine hit or a post-run club refuel.
Where: 16 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
At MC’s Sandwich House, the coffee is as carefully considered as the sangas. They’ve teamed up with Coffee Supreme, ensuring every cup is bold, balanced and smooth enough to stand alongside their globally inspired creations. Grab a flat white to go with a Hot Chicken sanga or sip a long black while you people-watch from the front window, MC’s keeps your sandwich game and your caffeine levels strong.
Where: 83 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
Long before Burleigh became a cafe hub, Nook Espresso was already shaping the Coast’s coffee culture. Now the beloved local keeps serving the smooth, perfectly balanced brews that built its cult following. Using the same Byron Bay beans for over a decade, Nook proves consistency is key and every cup hits just right. With friendly faces behind the counter and a breezy, plant-filled setting, it’s the perfect stop for your daily caffeine hit.
Where: Stockland Burleigh Heads, West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads
Words by Lisette Drew
A new Aussie-inspired bar for Burleigh Heads.
They say Australia is the lucky country and in particular those of us who call the Gold Coast home (made that bit up, but look around friends). Well, in the last week the lucky country got even luckier and (again) in particular a little place on the south east coast of Queensland, we like to call Burleigh Heads.
The latest little pot of gold comes to us in the form of a brand new bar but not just any brand new bar friends, it’s the kind that dreams are made of.
Rosella’s Bar flew into town just last week ahead of the Australia Day long weekend and it is the refined Aussie-inspired bar you never knew you needed in your life. But need it you do and, as usual, we’re here to tell you why.
It’s the work of local lads Jon Debeere (next-level wine connoisseur) and Jack Connor (ex-Aloha cocktail creator extraordinaire) who are both passionate about all-Aussie adventures and wanted to showcase the work of local wine and craft beer makers, plus do a little making of their own.
It’s an intimate space found on the highway in Burleigh, where a little hairdressing salon once lived, and streuth is it a beauty. Louvered windows open out into the street so you can perch yourself up there and watch the (unfairly good looking) world go by while a couple of booths and high tables line one wall and, of course, you can perch at the bar and have a chat with the boys (or talk their ears off if you’re us).
Brightly coloured, Aussie-inspired artwork is hung throughout, vintage, stained glass light shades hang overhead and Ken Done cloths line the bar. It’s beautifully put together, refined with a side of tongue in cheek and we are absolutely here for it.
Let’s chat drinks though because they are, of course the star of the show. The cocktail menu is unlike anything you’ve seen before with over 10 signature cocktails plus all your old faves. Each one is made with Australian spirits and each one is way more epic than the last.
The Ironman, for example, is made with Beenleigh white rum, Bundaberg small batch rum, lime, banana and a Nutri Grain Orgeat (a housemade syrup type situation) and topped with, you guessed it, our beloved Nutri Grain. It’s a gamechanger and our new go-to tipple.
The Rosella is made with White Light Vodka, rosella jam, Australian bitter, lemon and lilly pilly and served in a rosella shaped glass, all delightful and refreshing. Honestly, they’re all some of the best we’ve ever sampled so do yourself a favour and get there ASAP.
The wine list is equally as impressive, filled with natural, Australian-produced wine made with minimal intervention, many of which you won’t find anywhere else on the Gold Coast (or Queensland for that matter).
Rosella’s are all about showcasing Pet Nat wines (Pétillant-naturel) which refers to sparkling wines produced in the ancient way where the wine is bottled before primary fermentation and finished without the addition of secondary yeasts or sugars.
Sounds fancy, is amazing. We taste-tested quite a few and, let it be known, they are some of the most flavour-filled, clean tasting wines we’ve ever come across. And we’ve come across a lot.
Oh and there’s also Fosters. In a can. Not to mention MANY other Aussie beers you’ve probably never seen before. We’re in love.
Now to the food.
The menu has been designed with a nostalgic nod to the Aussie eats you know and love but minus the throw-it-on-the-barbie-and-hope-for-the-best attitude your Dad was all about.
Think Vegemite Beef Jerky, Bug Sambos, Raw Aussie Beef Burgers and Prawn Cocktails but all made with a refined, sophistication to match the exceptional drinks menus.
Last but not least, there are jaffles. The very best jaffles at that. How does Vegemite, Cheddar and Wattleseed butter sound? Yep. There’s also Onepot Lamb with soft herb cheese and spiced chutney.
Okay we’re done. Seriously just go. Right now. We’ll seeya there.
Love you ‘Straya.
LOCATION: 6/1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 4pm until late weekdays and 12pm until late weekends
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
