Owner of The Wiener Haus.
Owner of The Wiener Haus.
He’s been slingin’ gourmet hot dogs and good times across the Gold Coast for the last five years and Paddy Skicko, owner of The Wiener Haus, has no plans to slow down just yet.
He travels with The Wiener Haus, one of the Coast’s original food trucks, from Brisbane to Byron Bay catering at huge events like Splendour in the Grass and, just last year, opened a diner (made from a shipping container) at Stockland Burleigh Heads.
We sat down for a chat with Paddy about watching bride’s smash hotdogs in wedding dresses and what it’s like to spend your days elbow deep in wieners.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve been on the Coast now for just over 10 years. I’m from country Victoria but I spent a lot of time traveling when I was younger. I did back and forth Europe winters for a few years then moved here after a boy’s roadtrip. We had an epic time and I knew I wasn’t going to go back to Europe for awhile so I thought I’d come here and give it a go.
What do you love about living here?
The lifestyle is just so good; we’re so lucky with this end of the Coast. I live in Nobby’s and love being able to go to Burleigh or ride a bike along the Esplanade. Every morning you can go to the beach and nine times out of ten it’s beautiful. I love the fact that I can nip out to the Scenic Rim and go camping too; it’s only half an hour away and reminds me of home.
Tell us how The Wiener Haus came about?
I started having the conversation about five years ago now; with a guy called Jessie I was friends with at the time. I wanted to get out of working as a labourer and I knew I had the skillset to get it done so we decided to go for it. We worked hard and after about six months, Jessie and myself parted ways and Zac came on board to help me with the side of things I’m not good at, like paperwork and invoicing. From there we started getting stadium gigs, then had the second marquee setup happening and now we have the shop, which I always wanted.
Why gourmet hot dogs?
I was originally going to do a café and I was very close to pulling the trigger on a toasted sandwich shop, because I love toasted sandwiches. I honestly just do things I enjoy and I really like hot dogs. Especially our new one, the Caesar, it’s a good combo, I think it’s the best one I’ve ever made.
Why did you decide to open the diner last year?
I wanted to try and make money seven days a week and I wanted to try and work less, in theory. That hasn’t happened at all, I work way more. I’ve worked in hospitality my whole life on and off and as much as I love working around the busy times, it’s hard to maintain a lifestyle that includes other people who don’t do that. The idea was to try and get some sort of normality in my life while still working in hospo. I wanted to have the opportunity to work every day but not have to always work Friday and Saturday night because I was sick of missing out on stuff. That was the plan and it has happened in some ways. Obviously we wanted to get bigger and keep making money but not always have to be on the grill.
What have been some of the best things about owning a food truck?
I’ve done some huge events. We did the Coldplay gig and the Manny Pacquiao fight, that was huge, game three of State of Origin, we did Splendour in the Grass, which was such a good time. Splendour has been a huge thing for us being the only Gold Coast food truck that goes down there and gets amongst it is really cool and we’re really proud of that. Lately we’ve been doing some cool events like the Beer InCider Festival in Brisbane and we’re doing the Crafted Beer and Cider Festival this weekend. We’ve done some rad bar openings where we rolled up and took the Barbie up on the elevator to cook on the rooftop too.
How has your life changed since the WH first began?
My phone rings at any time of the day, any day of the week, that’s been something I’m not that keen on. I do get half days off occasionally and my one day off a week but I think that’s just the way it is as a small business owner.
What are your thoughts on the Coast’s rapidly growing dining scene?
I love that there’s competition and I think it’s important that everyone has the right to have a go. I always try and eat at the small business venues if I can because there’s so many. That’s the problem too though, there’s just so many. The food truck game has gone from just The Wiener Haus and one other, nearly five years ago to now there being well over 100.
What’s the plan for you and The Wiener Haus over the next year?
We’re in an interesting position at the moment and we’re just trying to work it all out. We’ve got plenty of opportunities but I don’t know exactly what we’ll do yet. We obviously want to keep on making epic hotdogs, that’s the most important thing. We’re looking at new menu items but also focusing pretty hard on providing a good catering service, that’s our main thing. The shop is great, I don’t know if we’ll get another one but I do like the idea of more of a bar style hot dog shop but at the same time, I enjoy doing catering so I’d like to push harder in that direction. It’s hilarious to see a bride smash a hotdog in her wedding dress.
Favourites on the Coast:
Beach: Tallebudgera Creek, especially up the creek further on the other side of the bridge. I go kayaking up there and I’m lucky to see anyone, it’s so good.
Café: I go to All Time a lot, really good coffee and Nook is good too.
Restaurant: Goccia in Mermaid is proper Italian food, I’m a big fan.
How does your time off usually look: I’ve got two different time off things that I do and I try and rotate weekly. Definitely getting outdoors is a huge thing for me, I try and go camping at least once a fortnight just to camp and drink beers by a fire. The other thing is Netflix and chill and getting Uber Eats. I think it’s so important to turn off your phone and have that time away.
Bug rolls, the beloved hill and local brews.
Oh, Burleigh, you little beauty, what’s not to love, right? Since the dawn of time (or the dawn of the GC at least), Burleigh has been one of the most-loved suburbs amongst a slew of strong contenders.
Sure, the beach is beautiful (that Hill is iconic for a reason) and James Street boasts all the best eats and acai bowls galore, but it’s more than that. Burleigh has a soul of its own born of cruisy, barefoot, salty sea breeze vibes you simply won’t find anywhere else. Gushing aside, we’ve found the best of Burleigh so you don’t have to.
Here’s our guide to the best eats, bars, shopping spots and places to visit so you can see why the locals love it and you should too (or else). We always say, when in Burleigh, do as the locals do.
Perched three floors high, within the stunning new Mondrian Gold Coast, is Haven. What is the Haven, you ask? It’s a nothing-short-of-exceptional beach club, spanning a refined yet relaxed dining room, private cabanas, a full-service pool club and a sunset bar. Whether you’re brunching in your bikini or toasting at twilight, Haven is where it’s at. As the sun sets, the evening comes alive with a soundtrack of DJs, curated playlists and live performances.
Where: Level 3/3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Literally opening out onto the sand at Burleigh Beach, Rick Shores is loved not just by locals but globally for its stunning sunset views and those tiny little taste sensations, otherwise known as Bug Rolls. If you’ve never tasted one, you’ve been wasting your life (seriously). Make a booking RIGHT NOW and order like 5. Wash them down with one of Rick’s signature cocktails, and you’re a bona fide Burleigh-ite.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
If you’re looking for fancy food but with the relaxed vibe that’s quintessentially Burleigh, look no further. The stunning space offers incredible Vietnamese dishes inspired by trips to Vietnam, tasting some of the very best street food in the world every single day. Sounds epic! It’s a refined style of dining paired with mouthwatering cocktails and a sleek, pared-back vibe. Jimmy Wahs is one of the Gold Coast’s most impressive eateries, and we are big fans.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
The fine dining venue has become part of the fabric of Burleigh’s bustling heart, but it’s also become one of the Gold Coast’s premier dining destinations. Tucked away on West Street, the five-star, seasonal-produce-led restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Trust us, your dining experience here won’t be easily forgotten. The produce is sustainable, and the wine list features some of the most stunning natural wines in the world. The service is impeccable too, but in a fun, not-too-formal way. We LOVE.
Where: 2A/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Après Surf is your friendly neighbourhood bar in Burleigh. If a crisp beer, indulgent pub-style eats, and DJ beats sound like your pint of lager, this place is for you. It’s plain ol good vibes from 5pm daily (except Tuesdays) with DJs every weekend! Head there on a Thursday for $1 dumplings and free stand-up comedy from 8pm! Doesn’t get much better than that, and Burleigh locals know it.
Where: 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
They started off as a taco-slinging hole-in-the-wall in Palm Beach in 2021, instantly becoming a cult favourite. Now, they’ve levelled things up with a move to Burleigh. Think bigger and better space, with the same beloved laid-back Aussie beach culture, and big Mexican flavours we all know and love. The new location invites you to settle in, sip a marg (or three) and let the good vibes take you to Mexico. Batanga, anyone?
Where: 1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Looking for a Burleigh locals’ guide to the best fish and chips in town? Look no further. And this place doesn’t just stop at fish and chips (even though we wouldn’t recommend going past them). They also serve fresh poke bowls and vibrant superfood bowls, plus a range of Bali-inspired dishes that reel in people from all over; they’re that good. Think flavour-packed Gado-Gado, nasi goreng and Bali satay chicken sticks. Wash it down with a premium cocktail and watch Burleigh come to life (this place is in a prime people-watching locale).
Where: 1716 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
A true family-run gelateria, Al Bacio Gelato Naturale is run by husband-and-wife duo Craig and Rebecca Heininger, alongside their daughter, Jaime. Since opening in late 2025, they’ve been serving scoops of authentic, 100% natural Italian gelato to Burleigh locals (and visitors), and we cannot be more thankful. The signature Al Bacio, meaning “as good as a kiss” in Italian, is a rich chocolate-hazelnut scoop made with homemade hazelnut paste from Piemonte, Italy. Then, for those who like to gulp down their gelato, you can order your favourite flavour in thick shake form. Can we get a hell yeah?
Where: 7/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
As you cruise down the GC Highway, the striking red and white umbrellas and festoon lights grab your attention and give you a whiff of what awaits inside. Crispy Italian is where to head when you’ve got a hankering for wood-fired pizza done insanely well. You’ll get a fun, laid-back vibe and a menu stacked with la pasta, la pizza, woodfired gnocchi and desserts impossible to resist. Did someone say Aperol spritz? Oh yeah, that was us.
Where: 4/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Local is one of those venues that just gets it. Equal parts polished and laidback, this Burleigh favourite nails the brief from morning through to late arvo and beyond, making it the kind of place you pop into “just for one” and somehow leave with a full camera roll and a new core memory. With multiple spaces to suit every vibe, from the fairy light–lit beer garden and fully stacked tinnie bar to plush indoor booths and a main bar made for game days, Local is built for long hangs, big feeds and even bigger catch-ups. The menu covers all bases (classic pub grub, elevated plates and a few fancy moments for good measure) and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
There’s a good reason this gem is heaving at all hours: the home of the iconic muffin top (IYKYK) and some of the best coffee in town. It’s not just locals who love it – you’ll find Gold Coasters and beyond flocking here for a taste of the goods. Come for a coffee and to get around their huge menu with something for everyone – literally, it’s impossible to not love something. Plus, we’re pretty sure it’s mandatory to leave with a pastry in tow – go on, you deserve it.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Locals know the only thing loose in this (top) paddock is scrumptious, buttery baked goods. Since opening its charmingly renovated doors in 2014, Paddock has been the ultimate spot for brunch, lunch and sweet treats that keep us coming back daily. With lush gardens, a cottage, loft, rooftop and barn to hide away in, the menu is just as endless as the spots to enjoy it – perfect for indulgence, people-watching, or a little bit of both.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
A local newbie that’s already earned its rightful place on this list (which is saying something). Start with a coffee- because there’s no other way, and theirs is superb- before diving deep into their menu full of hearty but totally healthy eats. Think Shakshuka Scramble with charred eggplant, peppers, tomato chilli salsa & charred bread. Chef’s hot tip: add brisket. Or, indulge yourself in a croque monsieur made with ham and gruyere, fried eggs, cheese sauce, green pea chef salad and parmesan that will blow your beret off. Everything here is made fresh, seasonal, and irresistible.
Where: 4 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Serving Southern California vibes (think cactus, umbrellas, pastel greens) all day long, alongside morning margaritas (you read correctly), epic eats and epic coffee. If you didnt catch on, Palm Springs does things a little differently, and Burleigh locals love them for it. They said, ” We will give you avocado smash and serve you one better”. Better in the form of a morning marg with breakfast tacos. It may sound rogue, but don’t tell us it isn’t exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Ideal hangover feed, perfect weekend brunch. Thank us later.
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
This small but mighty wine bar has one of the largest selections of boutique wines (we mean, it is in the name) with some seriously epic eats to accompany. We can’t go past the cheeseburger – seriously, don’t sleep on this – and if you don’t know where to start on what to sip, the expert team always nail the reccos. Pop a Pet Nat on your must-try for something a little bubbly, or if you’re more of a red drinker, their signature chilled reds are the ultimate for a hot summer’s day.
Where: 12 James Street, Burleigh Heads
It’s the good time, slightly fancy Australiana bar of your dreams, and it is perfectly at home in Burleigh Heads. Rosella’s is a local haunt that’s been a firm favourite since its opening. With both a drinks and a food menu made entirely of Australian produce, we are in heaven. They’ve got cocktails inspired by Fantales, Blinky Bill and Bondi Beach, all the very best Aussie beers and some of the tastiest eats to pair. It’s refined, beautifully decked out and created by a couple of absolute legends. Love.
Where: 6/1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
This fam-and-friends-run distillery from husband-and-wife duo Justin and Lana Bell is serving up elevated cocktails designed specifically for sipping (and swooning), paired with snacky plates that absolutely understood the assignment. The space is a moody, deep-green, tropical-tiki dream and the drinks are bespoke and downright dangerous in the best way. Oh, and they’re big on collabs too, teaming up with like-minded legends to keep things fresh and fun, so consider this your official cue to keep a very close eye out for their next one. It’s intimate, it’s stylish, it’s packed with heart (and gin), and it’s proof that when you mix great spirits with great people, magic happens.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
If Burleigh had a local hall of fame, Burleigh Pavilion would be its MVP. This beachfront institution sits right above the sand at Burleigh Heads, serving up panoramic ocean views, sunset vibes and reliably good times from arvo cocktails to dinner dates and everything in between. Within its sprawling space you’ve got casual beach-bar energy, breezy terraces and The Tropic, the coastal-meets-Mediterranean restaurant where you can settle in for a sun-soaked lunch or a long, leisurely dinner with views literally stretching to the horizon. Whether you’re here for the drinks, the eats, the views, or just to feel like you’re living your best summer life year-round, Burleigh Pavilion is basically Burleigh’s living room with a better wine list.
Where: 3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
If there’s one thing Burleigh deserves (the big legend), it’s a brewery, and Burleigh Brewing Co. certainly delivers. since opening in 2006, Burleigh Brewing Co. has produced a lineup of delicious drops – all perfectly Burleigh. Get a sixer for Netflix and chill, or head into the brewery from Friday to Sunday afternoons to get amongst it.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
This place is the ideal setting for a lil cocktail and antipasti moment. A wine with your significant other, cocktail hour with the gals, or dare we say, a quick shot to kick off an epic night. Alongside wines, beers, margs and cocktails, they serve ‘a quality shot’ for those who value efficiency or are known to be fashionable-late and need to catch up, as they say. That’s definitely not us…Okay, it’s totally us.
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Hidden inside the opulent Mondrian hotel, Ciel Spa is the city’s first bio-wellness spa blending high-tech treatments with high-touch luxury. Forget cucumber slices and pan pipe music, here you’re getting a serious glow-up down to a cellular level. From zero-gravity dry float sessions and Himalayan salt rooms to LED facials and cosmetic doctor appointments, they have it all. It’s a bit of a treat-yo-self moment.
Where: Level 2/3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Well, hasn’t this simple little piece of Mother Nature become an icon? No matter the day of the week (but particularly Sunday arvos), “the hill” as it’s affectionately known, is packed with picnic rugs, ball games and groups of revellers basking in the sunshine. Looking out over the ocean and with the city in the distance, it’s the perfect spot for a late afternoon lemonade or early morning coffee date with the crew. Order some of your fav takeaway from James Street, and perch up on a picnic blanket to soak up the scenery. Better yet, sunset.
Where: The south end of The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
If you’re feeling energetic, take a stroll around Burleigh Hill to Talle Creek for some Insta-worthy rainforest scenery. Or if you’re game, head up the vertical trail for a hill climb that’s rewarded with an epic view. Yes, some sweat may be involved, but it’s all in the good spirit of exploration. Cool down after with a swim at Burleigh Beach or Talle Creek, wherever you end up.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
A relaxing little beachside club loved by young and old alike, Burleigh Bowls has been around since 1937 and is certainly a prime piece of real estate these days. Barefoot Bowls rolls on from 12–5pm every Sunday, and it’s a measly $10 per person, including coaching and bowls (AKA ball whipper snappers). Get down and support your local while sipping on a schooner.
Where: Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
If you’re in need of some retail therapy, then James Street is the only place you need to go. The range of shopping has everything you need, whether you’re looking for some new additions to your home from Maison & Maison or to update your wardrobe at Emte, you’re guaranteed to leave suitably more stylish. If you’re looking for the perfect piece of art to dress your walls at work or home, Art Yarramunua is our pick for their incredible collection of expertly curated indigenous art.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads
Everyone’s favourite Saturday morning market adventure. Get up early, grab your basket and set out in search of fruit, veggies and of course, your first coffee of the weekend. These days, the farmers market also boasts locally made clothing and homewares, flowers, meat and seafood and delicious breaky and lunch options. Happy days! Open every Saturday from 7am–12 ‘rain, hail or shine’.
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
A compact new coffee joint for Burleigh Heads.
Well Gold Coasters, we have officially seen everything. Just a few days ago Burleigh Heads became home to a new coffee joint but it is not your average caffeine slinging space, no sir.
It is in fact a literal hole in the wall where an ATM once doled out your daily cash needs, a barista will now dole out your daily caffeine needs. How fun.
That barista is Brodie Green, also the owner of Seadog Burleigh, and the mastermind behind the idea to turn a recently removed ATM into a takeaway coffee shop.
Found next door to J St Barbers, Seadog rolled up their doors just last week and have already cemented themselves as firm favourites in the Burleigh coffee scene.
The reason for such immediate popularity is three-fold. First, Seadog uses organic coffee from Peru (Org) and it is quite the smooth, mellow drop, we dig it (and Seadog is the only spot on the Coast serving it).
Second, Brodie’s smiling face greeting folks from the inside compact space, all stoked and passionate about serving epic brews and third, said compact space bringing a little bit of fun back to our fave little beachside suburb.
What a treat.
Not only exceptional coffee though, you may also sample housemade Jun, a fermented beverage similar to kombucha but made with white tea instead of black, housemade ginger beer and cold-pressed juice from Brisbane legends, Harvest.
There are raw treats to nibble on and plenty of good vibes to soak up too.
Brodie, a third generation Gold Coaster, is also keen to help other young locals open businesses by doing something completely unique but also completely within his financial means and that friends, is something we can get behind. Stay tuned for more on that later.
Oh and here’s a sweet tale; the name Seadog came about when Brodie and his sis took a trip to Brunswick Heads and he asked her what he should name his new venture. She pointed to a building with a lifesaver that said Seadog, they laughed about how he would never call it such a thing and then he did, just to remember that moment.
That’s pretty much the epitome of a business built with a whole lot of heart if you ask us. Which you didn’t, but here we all are.
Get down there and give Seadog some love.
LOCATION: 50 James St, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 6am until 2pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
