Thirsty after a long day of emails, meetings, and pretending to be productive? Don’t worry, we’ve got your post-5pm plans sorted. Whether you’re into cocktails that slay, craft beers that cheer, or wines that simply whine down your day, the Gold Coast is brimming with top-notch spots to sip, swirl and savour.

From rooftop vibes to secret hideaways, this list of 13 go-to venues will have you raising a glass to good times and even better company. So, ditch the desk and clock out early – your first round is calling and it’s got happy hours (yes, plural) written all over it!

The Island Rooftop
Why settle for a regular drink when you can take it sky-high? The Island Rooftop is the epitome of Gold Coast chill with balmy breezes, a beachy fit-out, and good vibes on tap. Perfect for knocking back a cocktail (or three) after work, this lush oasis has everything you need: tasty bites, live beats, and even a dancefloor if the mood strikes (which we know it always does).
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Justin Lane Rooftop
When it comes to rooftop revelry, Justin Lane takes the cake (or should we say, the pizza). Perched in beautiful Burleigh, this spot is all about good times, great views, and even better carbs. Sip on your fave cocktails while soaking in ocean vistas and the cheerful chirps of Burleigh’s famous Rainbow Lorikeets. Whether you’re toasting the day or diving into their legendary pizza and pasta, Justin Lane is a slice of after-work heaven.
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Garden Kitchen & Bar
Why settle for one vibe when you can have all the vibes! At Garden Kitchen & Bar, you can sip and snack indoors surrounded by lush greenery or take it outside to the lawn, where the sunset and evening stars put on one helluva show. Perfect for unwinding after work, this gem (amongst many gems) at The Star Gold Coast has been a GC institution for many a moon for good reason.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Granddad Jacks
Looking for a distillery that’s equal parts charm and chill and has received over 100 international awards? Granddad Jack’s has you covered with their top-shelf gin, whisky, and unbeatable vibes. This family-run hotspot is where expertly crafted cocktails meet weekend tunes and good company. Pull up a chair, swap stories with the friendly crew, and sip your way through some of the Gold Coast’s finest spirits.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Burleigh Brewing Co.
If craft beer is your love language, Burleigh Brewing Co. speaks fluently. This local fave serves up an impressive range of brews, from crisp lagers to bold ales, all best enjoyed in their sprawling outdoor space. With regular events, live entertainment, and a welcoming vibe, it’s the ultimate spot to kick back after work. Round up the crew, claim a big table, and let the schooner stacks do the talking.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Rosella’s
Rosella’s is the ultimate blend of laid-back vibes and top-notch drinks where every hour feels like happy hour. With its charming interior, lush outdoor space, and a menu that’ll have your tastebuds singing like a, well, Rosella, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day in the office or on the tools. Down a cocktail, share a craft beer with friends and line your belly with delicious bites. You’ll be tweeting about it for days.
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Pavilion
If you’re channelling a picture-perfect post-work drink with a side of stunning views, it’s Burleigh Pav for the win. With the ocean as your backdrop, sip cocktails at the Beach Bar while nibbling on delicious bites, or head over to The Tropic for a more indulgent feast paired with Prosecco and good vibes. Unwind, catch the sunset and the latest goss, check out the eye candy, and let your work woes float away.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Exhibitionist Bar
Vibing a post-work drink with a dash of culture and a splash of style? Look no further than the Exhibitionist Bar at HOTA. Set in the heart of Bundall’s much-loved arts precinct, this chic spot serves up a fine selection of cocktails, wines, and brews, all paired with jaw-dropping views. Whether you’re toasting the end of your workday or enjoying some live music, it’s the perfect place to drink in the atmosphere – literally and figuratively!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Roji Cat
On the hunt for a meow-vellous Japanese-inspired after-work drink spot? Roji Cat in Miami sees you. We’re talking 12 brews on tap, a sake bar boasting 24 varieties, and the signature Japanese Rice Lager. The vibrant, neon-lit vibe, complete with a karaoke room and electric darts, sets the perfect stage for post-work fun. Pair your drinks with delicious street food and you’ve got yourself a night to remember.
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami

Local
Ah Local – it’s quite literally the local’s local and the perf after-work hangout. With a lush beer garden, 10 taps of craft beer, and a menu that serves everything from brekkie to late-night bites, it’s the ultimate spot to shake (or sip) off your workday hangover. Sip a Local Anaesthetic cocktail, devour a Prawn Roll, and soak in the coastal-chic vibes. Whether it’s drinks, snacks, or a feast, this Burleigh based beer-lover’s paradise is the shiz.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Lulu Rooftop Bar
Rooftop? Tick. Cocktails for dayz? Tick. Killer atmosphere and a touch of Miami flair? Tickety tick tick! Lulu Rooftop & Bar in Surfers Paradise is your new after-work haven. With boozy frosé (#ded), a DIY candy station (more #ded), and a menu that will make your taste buds dance, Lulu’s got it all. Pair all of that with stunning views and live tunes, and you’ve got the perfect spot to sip, snack, and party the night away!
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bridges
Calling all northerners! For a bev (or many-a-bev) to bid farewell to your weekday, the gang at Bridges never disappoint. This funky little pizza and tapas bar is always packed with bums on seats and is the first port of call for locals craving a cocktail and hand-made pizza. Good luck popping in for a quiet drink coz you can betcha bottom dollar you’ll run into at least five people you know – another reason why we love it.
Where: 36 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Moustache
Moustache at The Oxley 1823 is the Gold Coast’s newest hotspot for after-work drinks, and it’s making a serious stache-ing impression. This cozy, Euro-inspired spot serves up divine cocktails, artisanal espresso, and a wine list that’s been handpicked with serious finesse. Sip at a street-side table or nestled away in a vibey laneway and raise a glass to toast the end of your daily grind!
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Words by Bianca Trathen

When it comes to wine growing and producing, whether you know it or not, Australia is up there in the world with some of the best. And although we might not have the legacy and history of our European cousins, we still knock out some fantastic drops!

Whether you’re a fan of Euro classics or enjoying wines from our very own Terra Australis, we think a well-rounded wine list, and therefore drinking experience, should be celebrated. So next time you feel like the wine selection should be just as good as the food, we’ve gone to great lengths to find the Gold Coast venues with great wine lists and cellars where you can sip to your heart’s content.

La Bella Cellar
If you haven’t come across this humble ode to all things Italian and delicious, then we suggest you go about booking yourself a table pronto. One sentiment many people share through gastronomy is to match a country’s food with their wine. Here at La Bella Cellar, you have countless opportunities to do so with a carefully curated list displaying hard-to-find Italian regions and varietals. But if you feel like Australian wine is just as good — and it is — they have a clever section where you can experience the same grapes and styles but from good ol’ Straya.
Where: 9/3 Deodar Drive, Burleigh Heads

Nineteen at The Star
A five-star venue overlooking the ocean and 19 floors up is the perfect place to enjoy an exceptional wine, and Nineteen at The Star is precisely that. Not to mention they have a walk-in, glass window wine room filled with hundreds of bottles of the very finest wines from across the world. Of course, the team at Nineteen are absolute stars when it comes to wine knowledge, not to mention pairing said wines with their dishes. Treat yourself to a delicious time at Nineteen; it’s pure magic.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Palette
Combining art and food in a brand-new opulent setting, HOTA’s Palette restaurant hinges its menu closely on what is featured within the current exhibition in the adjacent gallery, meaning you’ll be eating with your eyes as well as your mouth. Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law believes strongly in freshness and seasonality, mirrored by their Australian/New Zealand dominant wine list, showcasing some fantastic producers in our own backyard. If you feel the need to keep things as close to home as possible, you’ll just adore their ‘local list’ with wines exclusively from nearby Granite Belt and Mount Tamborine regions.
Where: Ground Floor, HOTA Gallery, HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Social Eating House + Bar
A casual, fine dining venue in the heart of Broadbeach, Social Eating House + Bar is the perfect place for an-award winning feast plus a glass of wine or two to match. The wine menu is broken down into easy-to-choose sections, including light and aromatic whites, light to medium body reds and bigger shiraz, to name a few. The team are highly knowledgeable and can certainly help you find something to suit your tastes.
Where: Shop 137-138, 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

The Glenelg Public House
Long loved by Gold Coasters as the place for sophisticated home-style cooking and consistently excellent service. And it isn’t just the wine list you should be excited about; start things off with one of their superbly made house cocktails, and you’ll peruse the sizeable collection of select wines a little easier. If you’re a fan of red wine and matching it up to a melt-in-your-mouth steak, this is the place where all your dreams can — and will — come true.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

The Wine Barrel
As you might expect, a restaurant called The Wine Barrel has quite a selection of wine for your tasting pleasure. The Mudgeeraba gem boasts one of the very best wine lists around, and the gurus behind the bar will ensure, yours is an experience to remember. From Margaret River to Tuscany and sparkling to sherry, there’s sure to be a tipple that’ll tickle your tastebuds (and the food is the goods too). We love this place!
Where: 8/59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
The shimmering waters and reflective hulls of nearby superyachts hopefully won’t dazzle your eyes too much when you open the drinks menu at Main Beach’s Glass Dining & Lounge Bar. Take in the extensive collection of worldly drops, and you’ll realise there is great emphasis on stellar Champagne and Australian Shiraz. So, how does starting with freshly shucked oysters and finishing off with free-range grass-fed steak sound to you — because from where we’re sitting, it sounds marvellous.
Where: Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Orzo
Firmly settled as a prime lunching spot, Orzo can be found at The Oracle Boulevard Broadbeach, serving up exquisite modern seafood dishes and, of course, a wine list to match. As you might expect, the wines are of the Italian variability from various regions, and each is stunning. Whites, reds, rosés and sparklings, anything you could want to sip, and each paired perfectly with the impressive menu. Ask the team for their recommendation and prepare to be dazzled by the goodness.
Where: 1N-02, The Oracle, 12 Charles Avenue, Broadbeach

Jafa
Up Southport way is the stunning little space Jafa – a wine and pizza bar boasting quite the unique array of vinos that pair perfectly with the menu. Have you ever tried an orange wine? There’s some on the menu here; trust us, it’s amazing. Not to mention an impressive array of reds from Syrah to Nebbiolo and some we’ve never encountered.
Where: 7/253 Ferry Road, Southport 

Destino
Suppose your heart misses the Mediterranean Sea, as ours does. Might we suggest you take a visit to Sanctuary Cove and drop anchor at this perfect, white-washed afternoon grazing spot? Enjoy the dappled light and spoil yourself with cocktails, select dips, and imported cheeses — but make sure you have selected a suitable glass of wine to go alongside these morsels. Choose something delectable and European like French Provencal Rosé or Spanish Tempranillo, and imagine you’re on the Amalfi, even just for a short while!
Where: 38C Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

Gemellini
An institution adored by a league of perpetually hungry fans out there on our coastline. Gemellini (and the OG Gemelli) has been bringing classy Italian mealtimes to Nobby Beach for a little over five years now and shows no sign of slowing up. For wine lovers out there, you’re in for a treat. If you go by the glass, you can match great examples of European classics with their drool-worthy handmade pasta dishes. If you feel like delving into their hefty bottle selection, you can sip away and sample the best pizzas this side of Naples: sure to take you straight to Italian cuisine nirvana!
Where: 2247 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Jimmy Wah’s
The Burleigh Heads gem has a carefully crafted wine list of some of the most iconic producers around, along with small and innovative winemakers making their own unique type of magic. Most of the list is available by the glass, so you’re invited to sample something unique from around the world. Each tipple is a perfect match to the exceptional modern Vietnamese food menu. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of spending time at Jimmy Wah’s, they simply must be next on your list.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Moo Moos
Often touted as the best steak restaurant on the Gold Coast, if you’re in need to satisfy the carnivore within you, then look no further. Indulge your thirst for something more refined and work your way through their vast vintage and non-vintage Champagne collection and start a lunch/dinner you won’t forget in a hurry. And if you need a follow up, their list is extensive and informs the reader on styles and grapes with a handy little introduction to each section.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

If there’s one thing we never grow tired of, it’s a cracking cocktail and lucky for us, the GC is a melting pot of masterful cocktails guaranteed to leave you shooketh.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple (or five), tried and tested by the team because, you know, we had to complete our due diligence. From beachy vibes to moody speakeasies, here’s the scoop on where to sip the best cocktails in town listed north to south.

Destino

It’s where Mediterranean-inspired decor, an atmosphere as light as the sea breeze itself, and world-class service collide to create an unmissable destination for cocktail hour. Need we say more? This little gem at Sanctuary Cove is the gift that keeps on giving. Earning a reputation as a cocktail connoisseur’s haven within its first week, the initial hype has not only endured – it continues to soar. If you’re up the north end (or even if you’re not) – just go.
Where: Shop 38c, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

The Exhibitionist Bar

Flirt with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast to the Hinterland, with a cracking array of cocktails to choose from at The Exhibitionist Bar. Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop, their specialty cocktails are inspired and expertly curated, with each drink drawing on major art exhibitions. Naturally, the cocktails change with each new major exhibition, meaning you’ll never run out of reasons to pop in for a sip.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Steampunk

It’s bold, it’s quirky, and it’s guaranteed to get your cogs turning. Standing as Australia’s only steampunk-themed bar, Steampunk in Surfers Paradise is a one-of-a-kind spot that blends innovation, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun. Step inside and you’re instantly transported, with gears, gadgets, and glowing lights, to set the scene. The adventurous cocktail menu is packed with playful creations (yes, even fishbowl cocktails), served with a dash of theatre and a splash of mischief.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Veladora

Asking us to “find the red palm tree”– challenge accepted! We all know any restaurant or watering hole at The Star Gold Coast never misses a beat, and Veladora is no exception. This place is actual cocktail nirvana, so take it from us: leave the car at home- you won’t be able to stop at one. Watching the mixologists in action is half the fun, and don’t even get us started on the vibe, thanks to the Mezcal-inspired speakeasy design.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Six-Tricks Distilling Co.

Hold onto your highball glasses, Gold Coast, because Six-Tricks is redefining the local distillery scene one cocktail, rum, or whisky at a time (okay, maybe more than one). This two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art with a spacious indoor bar and sunset deck perf for sipping the night away – and even a private cask hall! You’ll be left shaken, not stirred, in the best possible way.
Where: 3 Brightlands Ct, Mermaid Waters

Cantina

Mermaid Beach locals will tell you that if you’re frothing for a quality cocktail (us – always), it’s Cantina for the win. This pint-sized neighbourhood tapas bar proves that good things come in small packages, and by good things, we mean cocktails. Forming the perfect pair with sibling Piatto Italian restaurant right next door, line your tum with Spanish-style bar bites so that your sneaky cocktail can turn into two…or five….
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

The Cambus Wallace

If you haven’t stepped aboard The Cambus Wallace, are you even a Gold Coaster? Serving up the finest classic cocktails, international rums and whiskeys, and heartwarming food, the only thing moodier than the dark hues of the boat-themed bar is you if you don’t sample at least one of their tipples. There’s a reason (AKA epic cocktails) that it always gets a nod on our lists!
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Sueño Rooftop

Perched above its sister venue, Norté, Sueño Rooftop offers a dreamy, Latin American-inspired rooftop escape in Nobby Beach. You can say hola to crisp, Latin-inspired cocktails, delicioso snacks, and sea breeze flowing in from just a few streets away. Spanish escape? Yes! Long-haul flight? No!
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Sandfire

Looking for an absolute beachfront cocktail tapas bar? Look no further – this.is.it. Serving up an exciting fusion of coastal charm, inventive cocktails, and sumptuous tapas, it’s a winner, winner, cocktail dinner. Crafted by expert mixologists, the cocktail list boasts an array of innovative libations, from classic martinis to exotic tropical creations, so you’re assured a perfect pairing for every palate and mood.
Where: Level 1/293 The Esplanade, Miami 

Granddad Jack’s

Distil our beating hearts! With a fresh curation of concoctions that could coax Sleeping Beauty herself from her 100-year slumber, this magical albeit not-so-faraway Miami-based fave has earned quite the rap for its bewitching, fable-inspired concoctions. If you’re after something extra spesh that you can’t find at every other cocktail bar, welcome. Extra points for everything from syrups to spirits made on site.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Malibu Racquet Club

Welcome to Palm Springs! Well, almost- you’ll be fooled by the chic ambience and vibrant aesthetic. Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, The Malibu Racquet Club is the perfect spot for sunset sips and pre-dinner drinks. Hello, double-parked margaritas. Patrons can enjoy the beautiful southern GC breezes while seated outside, or opt for a cozy booth or the bar inside. Everything from the cocktail list to the paired-back decor is curated to delight summer-lovers. Yes please!  
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Rosella’s

Rosella’s has been serving up pure Australiana vibes to bustling Burleigh since January 2019— and clearly doing something right, because they once snagged the crown for Best Cocktail Bar in Queensland. And what’s more quintessentially 2025 Aussie behaviour than sipping on a host of sensational cocktails in a beautiful beachy ‘burb?! Serving up nostalgic and native fare, this little ripper hums until late seven nights a week. ‘Knoath!
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh

Familiar Spirits

Looking for a chic tropical cocktail bar and cellar door experience? Look no further than Familiar Spirits, the hidden gem tucked away in the industrial zone of Burleigh Heads. The intimate atmosphere, combined with a curated selection of house-made spirits, makes it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. The cocktail list is nothing short of impeccable —you must try them all! That’s an order.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads

Suga

With a name that (literally) sums up our guilty pleasure, Suga lives up to its namesake – and then some. When it comes to our local speakeasy, the only thing more satisfying than the cocktails is the…no, it’s definitely the cocktails. The low-lit lamps highlight the insanely good menu, which serves as the perfect belly-liner so that you can partake in another cocktail (yes, even on a school night).
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Burly Bar

If you like your gin with a side of smooth operator, Burly Bar in Currumbin is your next stop. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a New York lounge with a Japanese twist – think dark corners, cool beats, and even cooler drinks. This distinctive and eclectic spot is where craftsmanship meets cocktail hour, treating mixology like an art form.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Gold Coast

Bar Evelyn

You’ve never met a cooler Evelyn (and if you’re born after 1980, you’ve probably never met one). This antipasto and pizza bar has not only garnered a staunch following for its A+ seasonal antipasti, sourdough pizza, and freshly made pasta but also for the evelyn-utionary cocktails. With its moody lighting and dark wooden charm, Evelyn is the kind of spot that makes even a balmy summer night feel effortlessly cool.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Bianca Trathen and Chelsea Ipsen.