BOB’s Beer is almost too good to be brew.
BOB’s Beer is almost too good to be brew.
Oh, Surfers. Sometimes classy, never boring – between the beaches, the nightlife, our unofficial HQ of fun is the Gold Coast’s worst kept secret for good reason. Locals and tourists alike have long known the magic all wrapped up in this one iconic mecca that boasts everything you could ever need for a damn good time. Or, so we thought.
That is, right up until Surfers officially got its very own brewery, aaaand now it truly does have everything we could ever need.
Just a hops, skip and a jump from the pint-er perfect Surfers Paradise beachfront, a big ol’ brewery by the name of BOB taking up residence in the bustling Surfer’s strip was ale we ever needed – putting the froth in our ‘frothy Fridays’ – and every other day ending in ‘y’, ever since.
Way more stunning than the name BOB, or the word ‘brewery’ would lead you to believe, even the most beer averse among us should add BOB’s Beer to their ‘must visit’ list because the surrounds are a 10/10 (oh and also the cocktail menu slaps). Step inside and you’re greeted with a swanky monochrome fit-out, airy high ceilings aglow with growlers-turned-pendant-lights and would ya cop a load of #thosepipes. Plumbing has never looked so good thanks to the glistening copper pipes delivering that expertly brewed amber nectar straight to our glasses.
Head chef Jerome Estoesta also works closely with the brewing team to deliver a menu that goes against the grain of your usual pub fare. An un-XPA-ctedly zesty line up of ceviche, oysters and sticky pork belly for entrees, and grilled steaks, fresh fish and creamy prawn pasta for mains are all on the menu.
And while Surfers Paradise might indeed be the GC’s worst kept secret, we’ve got the hop tip on a $20 lunch special so lit everyone needs to know about it. None of this mid-week business, BOB’s is dishing lunch noms up every TGIF and well into our #Sundayfundays. From 12 to 3.30 every Friday-Sunday, have your pick of the mid-day bites and a pot of BOB’s beer for the grand total of a lobster. The Beef (secret sauce) or Chicken Burger (Kewpie mayo & tonkatsu sauce) with chips offer bun-believable value, but never fear if this option is not the bun for you. Why just drink your beer when you can eat it too, the – the Tim Tam Tom Beef Cheeks – slow cooked in Tim Tam Tom beer will be hard to beat on these winter days, and we’re cauli’n it, the Spiced cauliflower in tofu cream dressing will keep everyone satisfied no matter their vego status.
With a name that literally means Best of Beers, of course BOB’s Beer takes their craft v seriously. There are no less than 13 different brews on tap – eight of which are lovingly made on site, with a focus on quality and locally sourced ingredients. Basically, for beer enthusiasts, there are about to be some ruthless decisions to be made. Now, if the deja brew starts to set in (we won’t tell) there’s also a top-notch Winter cocktail menu to take you on a sip around the world.
There are some old faves like the Singapore Sling Gin Sherry, Benedictine, Pineapple, Lime, Bitters that you already know will go down a treat, but if you’re in the mood to mix it up New Delhi Fashion certainly puts the ‘warm’ in winter warmer with Bourbon, Chai Spice, Bitters.
And we dare you to order a Putins Nuts – Peanut Butter Whisky, Kahlua, Milk with a straight face.
A couple of burgs, some sneaky beachside brewski’s and BOB’s your uncle, you’ve got an ale-round good time for all. Whether you’re brand brew to the world of beer, or a long-time frothy fanatic, there’s delightfully good bits and BOB’s on offer here for everyone.
When: Monday & Thursday 5pm – 9pm, Friday, Saturday & Sunday – 12pm – 10pm
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY BOB’S BEER.
Making midday eats great again.
Who can go past a good lunch deal? Not us. It’s the closest we can get to a mini-vaycay during the work week. Meal prep? Not here. Because nothing says treat yo’ self like ghosting the soggy 3-day old leftovers in the fridge in favour of a feast for one – because who doesn’t want a reason to escape their desk jail for just an hour – or two.
Whether it’s a Friday long lunch with cocktails or a weekday steal, the Gold Coast has mastered the art of the set lunch. From bottomless brunches to two-course indulgences, these midday menus prove that the best lunches aren’t packed in Tupperware.
We’ve done the hard, and hungry, work to find the most irresistible lunch deals to get you through every single day. We got you!
Starting strong, we have Norté with their bold new $55 lunch set menu, created by Chef Rudy Malinverni, which blends Latin American flair with fresh, local produce. The three-course spread features Scallop and Kiwi Ceviche, tacos filled with crispy pork or braised cabbage, and a choice of roasted barramundi or crispy braised beef, served with rice and a Currumbin herb salad. Available Friday to Sunday from 12pm, it’s a sun-soaked long lunch best paired with a cocktail or bottomless package, and maybe a sunset drink upstairs at Sueño.
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Here to make weekdays decadent with their new two-course lunch menu for $75 per person. Choose entrée and main or main and dessert, with indulgent dishes like sashimi with soy dressing and yuzu gel, Moreton Bay Bug rolls, wagyu steak tasting boards, NZ King Ora salmon with truffle and crème fraîche, or calamari fritti with sobrasada garlic mayo. Finish with a kalamansi crème brûlée or a decadent cheese selection. This is Broadbeach sophistication at its finest.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
There’s only one way to end the week right, and that’s with Glenelg Public House’s ‘Thank F**k It’s Friday’ spread! Think hearty pub favourites like grilled local prawns and rib fillet wagyu – there’s even roasted bone marrow with onion jam and mustard on toast. All for $70 per person. It’s the perfect excuse to sneak out for a cheeky early weekend meal.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Still serving one of the best value lunches on the Coast is Kin in Burleigh. For $25 per person, you’ll get your pick of Pan-Asian favourites – teriyaki chicken, bao, squid karaage, salmon sashimi, or chargrilled salmon with house furikake. Pair it with a cheeky drink and you’re laughing, plus their epic happy hour runs from 12–5.30pm. Ooh, cheeky!
Where: 5/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Our fave weekend ritual, The Island’s Rooftop Graze Lunch. Gather the crew for a lavish three-course meal with a two-hour drinks package for $79 per person, available Saturdays and Sundays. It kicks off with a mimosa on arrival, followed by a spread of charcuterie, karaage chicken, lamb kofta, arancini, wood-fired pizzas, and more. Wash it down with cocktail carafes like watermelon margarita spritz and passionfruit and vanilla mojito while the DJ sets play!
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Spice things up with a $69 per person weekend bottomless brunch at Mr Hizola’s. The deal includes your choice of lunch bowl (fried chicken, crispy beef or wok vegetables with sesame dressing) plus two hours of Shaojiu Spritz (peach, elderflower, lychee, strawberry and watermelon) and tap beer. With sittings at 12–2 pm and 2–4 pm, it’s the perfect way to ease into (or extend) your weekend.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
These guys know how to do a Saturday feast. For $29 per person, it’s all-you-can-eat tacos, tostadas, nachos, corn, and more. It’s the kind of lunch deal that calls for stretchy pants and maybe a margarita (or three) on the side.
Where: 140 Duringan St, Currumbin
The weekend bottomless brunch served two ways. First, we have The Wine Lover Pack ($79pp) which gives you two hours of free-flowing wine and Peroni alongside a three-course Italian menu. The Cocktail Lover Pack ($99pp) ups the ante with endless margaritas, Aperol spritz and mimosas. Expect classic entrées like calamari fritti or burrata, handmade pastas or pizzas for main, and cannoli or gelati to finish.
Where: 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Coast at Surfers is serving a three-course shared banquet with the option to make it bottomless (and, of course). For $99 per person, you’ll enjoy a banquet of sourdough with smoked butter, tempura eggplant, Angus flank or BBQ chicken, sides, and dessert, all paired with a two-hour drinks package. Long, leisurely and very tasty.
Where: Ocean by Meriton, Level 1/86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Get around Hideaway’s ‘Street Feast’ for the entire table to enjoy! For just $69 per person, choose a selection of smaller and bigger plates, edamame or lotus root for starters, plus noodles or rice and salads or greens. Bring the gang, the menu is designed for the whole table to dive in.
Where: 2657 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
Welcome to the weekend bottomless lunch. For $85 per person, indulge in a chef’s selection of tacos and entrées paired with bottomless Prosecco, Palomas, Tequila Spritz, sangria, wine and beers for 1.5 hours. For an extra $25, upgrade to bottomless Classic and Chilli Coconut Margaritas, because it’s a crime to have tacos without margaritas.
Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads
Get ready for a flavour-packed weekday lunch deal at Maggie Choo’s. From Wednesday to Friday, 12–3 pm, their three-course express menu is just $29 per person. Start with roti and spiced peanut curry, move on to your choice of dumplings (spanner crab & prawn or chicken & truffle), and finish with either Pad Thai noodles or Vietnamese prawn lettuce wraps. Bold, fast and packed with flavour.
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
So next time you’re tempted to settle for desk snacks, remember the Gold Coast has a lunch deal with your name on it. There’s no wrong choice, except not going.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
The original icon of the Gold Coast.
Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.
For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.
If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!
All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.
Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.
Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.
Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.
For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.
If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!
Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.
To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.
For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.
Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.
Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.
Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.
For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.
For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.
Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.
We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!
Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.
For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.
Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.
The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.
Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.
Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.
Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.
If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.
We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.
Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
Something epic is brewing.
It’s been awhile since we’ve brought you news of something opening on the Gold Coast for obvious reasons, but that is changing as of this very second.
We’re very excited to let you know that a new brewhouse is set to open in Surfers Paradise as of late 2020 and by then, the days filled with eating and drinking across our city that we miss very much, might just be possible once again.
The newbie is called Bobs Beer (the Bobs part stands for best of beer) and it’s set to be a state-of-the-art taproom, brewery and dining room which are right up there with all our favourite things.
You’ll be able to find Bobs on the corner of Elkhorn and Orchid Aves, where the Louis Vuitton store once lived and that’s pretty much the perfect place for what we’re sure will be an absolutely pumping new establishment in the heart of Surfers.
The venue will be of the three-storey variety with both an indoor seating section and a stunning outdoor patio, perfect for people watching. Inside will seat around 52 lucky folks and outside, there’ll be room for 68.
Extremely knowledgeable brewer Ryan Fullerton has made the trip up from Victoria to oversee the project so we know we’re in good hands. His rapsheet includes time spent working for Red Duck Brewery in Ballarat, Bad Shepherd Brewing Co, Melbourne’s Clifton Hill Brewpub. So that’s good news for us.
He’s currently in the process of researching the types of beers we Gold Coasters like best (tough gig), so we can assume there’ll be a good range to choose from, no doubt including a few out-of-the-box options.
In terms of eats, Bobs Beer is said to be offering a slightly fancier menu than your usual pub grub dishes and again, that is something we can get behind.
Now if you’ve ever frequented the site at all in the past, you’ll know it’s a grand position so we’re very excited to see what the team are able to do with it.
Of course, exactly how it all rolls out is dependent on the state of the world, so please friends, keep washing those hands and keeping your distance so we all get to visit this epic newbie sooner rather than later.
Stay tuned for more details when Bobs Beer opens.
LOCATION: Cnr Orchid and Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Kirra Smith
