Lols, lagers and lush eats at The Star Gold Coast’s Atrium Bar.
Lols, lagers and lush eats at The Star Gold Coast’s Atrium Bar.
What do you all do Wednesday nights besides flick on the idiot box and high five yourself for surviving the first half of the week? Maybe reapply your Bondi Sands, slap on a face mask, flick through you socials for the 1045th time that day…and soz, we’ve lost interest. We can all admit that there’s a whole lotta vanilla flavoured diddly squat on our mid-week agendas….until now. Our friends at The Star Gold Coast’s Atrium Bar are about to change hump day hangs as we know them, and make TGIW the new catch cry! Ladies and Gents, without further ado we introduce Wednesday night Comedy Club at the Atrium, your new mid-week must. So fun your Wednesday will feel like Saturday, and so funny your tear-resistant mascara just doesn’t stand a chance.
Presented by Based Comedy, IYKYK that this company is the Coast’s pin-up for lols. Bringing stand-up comedy and entertainment to venues GC-wide as well as performances for corporate events, functions and fundraisers, this mob put the fun in funny. The laugh in laughter. The ROF in ROFL and to quote Mark in Love Actually, “enough…enough now”.
To inject a bit of cool into the equation, this side-splittingly funny FREE series is bought to you by Byron Bay Brewery. Imagine sinking a boutique amber ale whilst laughing your leg off (figuratively, not literally pls) at a brand-spanking new line up of local and national comedians every week on repeat. Settle into a comfy-as bean bag for the long-haul, coz nothing says mid-week vibez like beanz and lolz and srsly, ending everything in z is strangely satisfying.
Let’s get down to business and talk food, coz eating equals happiness every day of the week – especially on Wednesdays. Available from 6pm till 10pm, wrap your laughing gear around the eternal people pleasing snack, Fries with Aioli. If you prefer chunkier chats, then trade up to a serve of Seasoned Wedges with Sour Cream and Sweet Chilli.
Because you can, add a serve of Onion Rings with BBQ Sauce and stuff it, some Salt and Pepper Calamari with Aioli coz…just, coz… and also coz who can say no to $7.50 nibbles? But wait, we just realised they do epic pizzas for just $10 and we KNEAD to taste test them all. Possibly twice to be sure. We heart the Roasted Pumpkin, Mushroom, Capsicum and Olives, and the Chicken, Red Onion, Mushroom and Aioli. For the traditionalists, you can’t beat Ham, Pineapple and Napoli Sauce, or a Pepperoni with Napoli Sauce, Red Onion and Oregano.
Whilst there’s no such thing as a free dinner, entry is free and although you’re at The Comedy Club this is no joke. It really will cost nix to attend so the milky bars are on you. Walk-ins are available, however bookings are recommended for groups of four or more.
So the moral of the story is Wednesday nights just went from zero to hero with unparalleled laughs, lagers and luscious eats courtesy of The Comedy Club at Atrium. For more information or to make a booking, go here.
Where: Atrium Bar, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: 7.30pm – 9.30pm Wednesdays
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.
There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Comedy is a sort of defence against the universe. A way for us to escape our everyday and remember, after all, none of us get out of here alive. Plus, is there any better midweek excuse to get out of the house and enjoy great company than a comedy night in one of our many great venues around the Coast?
The Gold Coast has a simmering comedy scene, and if you’ve never been the type to indulge, we think it’s about time you did so! And for those of you who already like to get amongst it and laugh regularly, this will be a brilliant guide on where you can ROFL next.
Fat Freddy’s
Broadbeach’s hotbed of delicious Americana-style eats and guaranteed good times wants you to swing in on Thursday and laugh yourself happy. And why wouldn’t you when you can score a full rack of bbq pork ribs and fries for only $24? Comedy entry is $20 for members (sign up for free at the door), and with this, you’ll be gifted a drink of either Young Henry’s beer or a house wine of your choice. You’re laughing!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Precinct Brewing
If brilliantly fresh-made beer in a brewery within the artsy precinct of Miami wasn’t already a drawcard in itself, then an evening of laughs will only sweeten the deal further. Things kick off every Monday from 7pm with tickets costing $10 per person for your seats to happiness.
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
The Avenue
There is always something happening here, which makes this one of the Gold Coast’s best places to head if you’re feeling sociable. It also happens to be a premier comedy destination, with some of Australia’s most prominent and funniest acts lighting up their backroom every Wednesday evening. The cost is $20 and will get you a drink of your choice to boot.
Where: 3/15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Last Night on Earth
Southport’s fun-filled dive bar has a reputation as a place for high jinks and plenty of moreish drinks — so comedy is right at home here. Every Thursday, the crew from Based Comedy take over the space and make every effort to have you falling off your chair in merriment. Things get going from 7pm, with entry $20 per head.
Where: 50B Nerang Street, Southport
Duke’s Parlour
Right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the Duke’s Parlour is a late-night hideaway at The Island where you’ll find great cocktails and friendly ambiance aplenty. Mixed bag of LOLs is their weekly comedy night held every Thursday from 7pm and costs $10 per person. A good time guaranteed.
Where: The Island, 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Scottish Prince
The one and only Scottish Prince is the place to escape the summer heat and have some serious fun. It’s also the place to head if you feel like lifting your mood; as every Tuesday from 7.30pm, three to four comedy acts are lined up to turn those Tuesday blues around. Tickets cost $20 per person and include a drink of beer or wine.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Ground & Sound
For you folks, up in the northern end of town, Chirn Park’s Ground and Sound is not only a great place to grab some great food and coffee during the day, but it’s also a hive of entertainment come the evenings. The first Friday of every month they hold their free (yes, free – not joking!) comedy evening from 6.30pm — 9.30pm.
Where: 6/23 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park
HOTA
One of the biggest entertainment venues on the Gold Coast and the very heart of our cultural identity has such a smorgasbord of regular comedy it isn’t even funny. Weekly comedy is back in the Basement at 7pm every Saturday night! You can also supersize the comedy underground by adding the 9pm session to your booking. Huge acts regularly find their way to the main auditorium of HOTA too, so if you’re a fan of laughter, you need to get yourself involved.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
The Arc
This Nobby Beach institution has been drawing those midweek revellers for some time with little effort; after all, frosty drinks with good company is the best way to get over the office ‘Karen’. Every Wednesday, let your worries subside as your flamboyant host Dusty Rich gets the whole crowd roaring with hilarity. The show kicks off from 7.30pm and costs $20 per person — and is worth every cent!
Where: 3/28 Chairlift Avenue, Miami
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
For more than three decades, the Atrium Bar at The Star Gold Coast has been the city’s go-to venue for fun nights on the dancefloor, the keeper of many stories and the creator of many lasting memories over its fun-filled history. Most notable is its undeniable flair for playing cupid, with the bar sparking the beginning of countless love stories, relationships and marriages.
The current Atrium Bar, which has been a cherished part of The Star Gold Coast property since initially opening as a piano bar in 1986, will close shortly in mid-July — with the lively new Atrium Bar to open within the casino flooring area at the end of August!
It is the ambiance and the Atrium Bar’s affinity for bringing merrymakers together that The Star Gold Coast anticipates will carry through. After 35 incredible, memorable years, The Star Gold Coast again turns the page on an exciting new chapter that will honour the fun, playful energy synonymous with the bar.
Best get those dancing shoes ready as the live music venue promises to have partygoers feeling lively whatever the occasion, with live DJs Thursday through Sunday playing everyone’s favourite classic anthems, much loved top 100, and epic mashups.
The revamped and reworked bar will capture your attention with a bright, bold, colourful, and new design. The comfy lounge booths will be perfect for having chilled moments, accompanied by a classic and exciting cocktail menu, and of course, a dancefloor complete with disco mirror ball to cut shapes long into the night. Trust us; this facelift will deliver fresh, party vibes. All while injecting a little extra colour and spice: perfect for shirking those winter blues!
But will this new space hold a candle to our beloved Atrium Bar? We have no doubt it will and neither does The Star Gold Coast Chief Operating Officer, Jess Mellor. “There’s little doubt the Atrium Bar has been much-loved – people are always sharing their stories about meeting their husband or wife there, or times their dinner ‘kicked on’ and they woke up with sore feet, but a big smile on their face. I promise all those loyal revellers the new Atrium Bar will deliver the same warm welcome and lively, carefree party vibes they remember.”
Just like the original bar, the newly relocated Atrium Bar will be the textbook go-to for post-work drinks, birthday merriments, fun nights out with the girls (or the guys), and with special parties planned year-round, it will still be the same place to meet new people and dance the night away. Who needs Bumble these days, anyway?
The brand spanking new Atrium Bar is set to open in its fresh setting at the end of August 2021. Serving drinks and good times from 4pm till late seven nights a week, with live entertainment weekly from Thursday – Sunday.
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
