Occasionally a new venue slips in quietly, without fanfare or excessive shouting from the rooftops and that Gold Coasters, is how you know it’s a good time.

And you know what makes secretive newbies even better? When they are an underground, mezcal-inspired speakeasy with a doorway you need to discover to be allowed entry.

HOW FUN.

As you might expect, all of those things are true of the new space we’re here to discuss today. That space is called Veladora. It’s named after a true Mexican classic – a Mezcal glass made from prayer candle holders – and it is unlike anything we’ve seen around here for quite some time.

Veladora’s unsigned doorway is the gateway to an otherworldly, Mezcal-inspired speakeasy allowing for an exclusive 30 guests at a time.

Slip inside and discover the Gold Coast’s newest signature margaritas, ice-cold Tecate and a slew of exciting new sips to rival any you’ve experienced before.

We’re particularly partial to Midnight in Cancun (for various reasons), which is made with Don Julio Tequila, Woodford Bourbon, almond and homemade Yucatan cordial.

There’s also the La Catrina with Sloe Gin, herbs liquor, blackberry and rosemary and look, it’s all a little bit dark and mysterious and those are our absolute favourite things. Of course you can sip on beer and wine too and there’s an impressive selection of each of those.

To eat, you’ll be greeted with some mind-blowing delights and we’d bet our Grandmother that you’ve never tasted combinations like these before.

How does black guacamole with green ants and mealworm-seasoned salsa sound? Maybe some squid ink-infused popcorn, spicy peanut and cricket trail mix and decadent duck parfait with cherry jelly and brioche? It’s all very exciting isn’t it?

The location of Veldora remains a closely guarded secret (and we’re not telling you either) but clued-up Coasties know to cross the bridge where the Broadbeach monorail once lived and look for a red palm tree to light the way.

We have no doubt you’ll find it and it’ll absolutely be worth it when you do.

LOCATION: Top secret, Broadbeach
HOURS: Thursday to Sunday 6pm until late

It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures; eating Mexican and drinking margis – sounds a bit corny but we stand by it. So it’s pretty darn lucky the Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to Mexican meals, mmm there’s a little Mariachi band playing in our head just thinking about it.

And if you don’t like Mexican then this is guac-ward, because we’ve done the heavy lifting – aka eating – so you can pick your taco joint of choice and put your taco where your mouth is. Come on, don’t be salty – unless you’re a margarita of course.

So here’s our round up of the Coast’s best spots to get your Mexican fix, but before you go don’t forget the rules – first we fiesta, then we siesta. We’ll be there faster than you can say “extra guac, please”.

Street Taco Bar & Taqueria

Street Taco Bar & Taqueria brings bold, flavour-packed Mexican eats to Paradise Point, and locals are absolutely here for it. Blending authentic flavours with a laidback coastal vibe, this colourful spot serves up all the classics with serious heart. On the menu, think punchy tacos, loaded nachos, slow-cooked meats and churros worth saving room for, all made fresh and gluten-free without missing a beat. The margaritas are flowing, the energy is warm and welcoming, and it’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself coming back to on repeat.
Where: Shop 5, 46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

El Camino Cantina

With shops across the country, we’re lucky to have ourselves one of these spicy little dens of Mexican magic here on the Goldy. Slip in and slip on a sombrero and let the endless fantastic food and de-lish cocktails flow. Overlooking one of the Gold Coast’s best known beaches – Surfers Paradise – it’s big on size, vibes and margs… No really, the margs are giant and nothing gets us going like a cocktail as big as our sombrero.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Aztec

Kicking around since 1995, The Aztec Broadbeach…along with The Aztec Coolangatta…is a hit with the whole fam, boasting a fun-loving mixture of cosy booths, ultra-modern furnishings, neon lights and an epic fluoro bar. A colourful and upbeat venue, you’re spoilt for choice with all the Mexican goodies you’d hope to find and half price lunches Friday through Sunday in case you needed any more convincing.
Where: The Aria Building, Shop 11/17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach & 152 Griffith Street (Twin Towns end), Coolangatta

Costa Taco

We briefly considered gatekeeping Costa Taco to keep those highly coveted tables to ourselves, but a list of epic Mexican eats without it just wouldn’t sit right. Especially now they’ve expanded with a Broadbeach outpost and their biggest venue yet in Burleigh. Serving up seriously authentic Mexican fare, the menu is short, sharp and all about doing a few things exceptionally well, with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Now, stop reading and order the fish tacos.
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach and 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Nude Amigos

Grab your (fully clothed) amigos and head on down to Cancun – okay fine, Broadbeach – because Nude Amigos might be cheeky in name, but its flavours are seriously bold. The space is light, breezy and effortlessly chic, basically calling your name for a long, leisurely sip of one of the exotic (read: very fancy) tequilas lining the bar.

And the good times don’t stop there – Nude Amigos has spread the fiesta across three locations, with venues in Broadbeach, Coolangatta and Kingscliff, so you’re never too far from a margarita moment.
Where: Lot 1, 70 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, The Strand Shopping Centre, Coolangatta and 60 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

Bonita Bonita

Eats institution Bonita Bonita, along with little sister Bon Bon (pouring mezcals and tequilas for your pre or post-dinner festivities), is a long-standing fave for good reason. The dimly lit, moody and ornate interiors set the scene for an intimate dining experience, while the menu delivers every single time. Once a dinner-only darling, the Mexican gods have answered our prayers, with lunch now firmly in the mix alongside their iconic evening service. Settle in for seriously mouth-watering eats, the grilled corn is a must, and the cocktails? Just as iconic.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Mexicali

Always buzzing, Mexicali brings those laidback Cali meets Mexico vibes we just can’t quit. If you’re rolling deep, do yourself a favour and lock in a banquet so you can spend less time deciding and more time focused on the margaritas. Sunset sips on the balcony are a non-negotiable, and don’t even think about leaving without a cheeky snap under the ever-changing lightbox message on the stairs.
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Hotel Panchos

Who said the beachside burbs should be having all the fun? Not us, so if you’ve been having a siesta on our humble Hinterland’s worst kept secret and Gold Coast institution, Hotel Panchos, then this is the sign you need to get on out to Mudgeeraba so they can guac your world. With splashes of colour from wall to wall plus enchiladas, margs and tinnies at the ready you’re set for a spec-taco-lar feed.
Where: 581 Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba

Hail Mary

If you haven’t been to Hail Mary, have you even done Burleigh? Tucked down a James Street laneway, this pink-hued gem is easy to miss – but trust, it’s worth finding. She’s not just a pretty face either, dishing up some of the freshest, most flavour-packed Mexican going around. Swing by for lunch or dinner and you’ll quickly see why it’s a local fave.
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Frida Sol

Frida Sol is one of those institutions that locals quietly rave about. Looking out over the Gold Coast Highway, it opens into a vibey little taqueria serving up fresh, modern Mexican. Order the prawn tacos, they’re a crowd fave for a reason, or dive into the loaded nachos piled high with all the good stuff. It’s also a winner for families thanks to a top-notch kids menu.
When: 1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Tommy’s Taco Bar

This vibrant spot has well and truly settled into its Mexican era, serving up a punchy, flavour-packed menu alongside a laidback, come-as-you-are vibe. Expect all the good stuff done right, think crispy fish tacos, slow-cooked pork numbers and quesabirria that’ll have you planning your next visit mid-bite. The bar is stacked with tequila and mezcal, the margaritas go hard, and Taco Tuesday is your weekly excuse sorted.
Where: 140 Duringan Street, Currumbin

Agave Rosa

Fresh, flavour-packed dishes with a cheeky hit of oriental flair (go on, try saying that after a margarita or two) are the name of the game at Agave Rosa. It’s vibrant, a little bit funky and seriously welcoming, with a menu that fuses two absolute fave cuisines in all the right ways. And because no Mexican spot worth its salt skimps on the good stuff, the cocktails and margaritas here absolutely go off.
Where: Shop 2/74 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski and Belinda Symons

Footy fever has hit Queensland again and there’s nothing better than tasty treats to accompany a night of screaming at the TV. These potato skins are easy to put together and so delicious you won’t even know they’re good for you!

Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes or kumaras
200 grams of mince
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 long red chilli, finely diced
1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, crushed
1/2 an onion, diced
1/2 a red capsicum, diced
1/2 a cup of corn kernels
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt to taste
1 avocado
1 tomato
3 sprigs of fresh coriander

Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees celsius and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Wash the sweet potato and dry with a clean tea towel, leaving the skin on. Rub with a small amount of olive oil and salt and place on the tray. Bake for 45 minutes to 55 minutes or until soft.
Take out of the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes then slice in half lengthwise.
To make the filling, heat a pan on the stove top with the remaining olive oil.
In the pan place the garlic, chilli, ginger and onion. Saute for 3 minutes.
Add the mince, capsicum, corn kernels, cumin, ground coriander & cinnamon. Saute all the ingredients until the mince is cooked, salt to taste.
Scoop out the flesh from the sweet potato and place in the pan with the mince, gently mix through leaving it chunky.
Fill the sweet potato skins with the mince mixture and place back in the oven for 10 minutes.
Dice the tomato and avocado and chop the fresh coriander. Once the sweet potato is cooked pull it out of the oven and place on a serving tray.
Top with the tomato, avocado and coriander.

For more great recipes by Gold Coast local Caralee Caldwell, check out her page here.