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.

Tarte Bakery

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

Commune

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

Palm Springs

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 Burleigh

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

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

Social Brew

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

Canteen

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

Pretty Handsome

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

LiTO

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

Common Ground

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.

Willy’s Beans

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

Dover’s Drop

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 Bakery

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

Memento

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

MC’s Sandwich House

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

Nook Espresso

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

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.

Just when we thought Hibiscus Haven couldn’t squeeze in another standout spot, Burleigh’s block of cool makes room and gives us Mohr.

Say hello to Mohr Cafe and Deli, the fresh face on Hibiscus Haven serving food so good you’ll want to text your group chat about it right now.

Run by husband-and-wife team Rob and Eden Mohr, this cafe has been a dream of these hospo wizards for some time. With more than two decades refining their craft on land and super yachts, the Mohrs know what makes a plate sing. They’re not cutting corners on anything, not the produce, not the prep, and definitely not venue, which they helped build with their own hands.

White and bright outside, inside, you’ll find that effortless coastal aesthetic Burleigh does best with exposed textured walls and warm timbers that create a calm spot to sip, snack and secretly people-watch.

Now let’s talk food because Mohr’s all-day menu is an all-star lineup.

Dip into Turkish Eggs perfectly poached and served with coconut labne, smoked tomato, cucumber, carrot pickle & charred bread.

The Shakshuka Scramble is (dare we say) moreish… with charred eggplant, peppers, tomato chilli salsa & charred bread. Chef’s hot tip is to add brisket.

A croque monsieur is a classic fave with ham and gruyere, fried eggs, cheese sauce, green pea chef salad and parmesan.

Lunch plates take things up a notch. Think mezze spreads with grilled vege and beef skewers, charcuterie, pizza bread topped with Mediterranean meatballs and provolone cheese, smash burgers, lobster tacos and all the good things you want to eat when you’re in a suburb that doesn’t do average.

If you’re in a hurry or you simply a grab-and-go girlie, Mohr’s deli bar is stocked with ready-made meals that aren’t your usual sad desk lunch. Everything is made fresh, season­al and designed to taste just as good eaten in your car as it does at a table. Pre-order, or just walk in and point at whatever looks irresistible.

The menu changes regularly, because Rob and Eden love exploring flavours, so you know you can come back and find something new to tuck into.

And now here’s the real secret: Mohr food pairs perfectly with beer. Black Hops to be exact. And anything you order can be enjoyed next door at Black Hops Brewery! It’s a match made in Hibiscus Haven heaven.

Mohr is also pouring That’s Whyld Coffee Roasters from Miami, so you’re in safe and well caffeinated hands there, with a cold brew speciality foam that ticks all the boxes.

Bonus for this time of year is that Mohr does catering! Office lunches, private dinners, family feasts, they’ve got the goods.

And for those who can’t be bothered cooking tonight? There’s Mohr for Later, a delicious, ready-to-heat dinner range that lets you have a chef-made meal on the couch in your trackies.

Need we say Mohr?

Where: 4 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
When: Daily, 6:30am–3pm

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald