We the good time-loving people of the Gold Coast are all about a tummy-filling feast complete with friends, frosty cold beverages and a relaxed vibe where stretchy pants are a perfectly fine sartorial choice. We like other things too but for the purposes of this tale, that scenario is the go.

Enter TGI FRIDAYS, a bar and grill-style venue that originated in Manhattan, NYC in the 1960s, spearheading a cultural revolution with the introduction of the city’s first female-friendly singles bar (wow).

The space brought in huge crowds due to their quality cocktails, eclectic décor and (most importantly) the opportunity to mingle with like-minded locals un-chaperoned. Can you even imagine what would have gone on? How good.

TGI FRIDAYS was also said to have initiated ‘happy hour’ for which we can all be thankful and, over the next few years expanded across the States at a rapid rate.

Lucky for us, the brand has now become a worldwide phenomenon and the very first Queensland version opened just this week right here on the Gold Coast.

Now known as a family-friendly venue, the newbie can be found on The Promenade at Robina Town Centre and the fitout is all industrial-style with timber accents and sweet light installations – which we’re obviously all about.

There’s be both indoor and outdoor seating options, a central bar where sports lovers can catch pretty much any game going on and an open kitchen if you’re into watching tasty eats being prepped for your consuming pleasure.

The menu has been refined over the years to focus on high quality produce and with sharing in mind.

For starters there are delightful things like Mozarella Sticks and Mac ‘N’ Cheese bites and for mains, dishes along the lines of sliders, loaded fries, stacked, handcrafted burgers, salads and of course steaks and ribs will grace the menu, so that’s where your stretchy pants come in friends.

TGI Friday’s signature ribs are glazed with a Jack Daniels situation that is extremely delicious and there are flame-grilled steaks on offer too.

For dessert a giant Sundae should finish you right off in the best possible way.

Signature cocktails are the best of the drinks menu with sips like Pink Punk Martinis, Blackberry Iced Tea and Lychee Mojitos on offer.

There’ll be a DJ every Friday and Saturday night and on the other nights, a crowd DJ app so you can log in and choose your own musical adventure.

Oh and if it’s your birthday, you have to stand up on a chair and have the entire restaurant song to you.

It’s an exciting little community hub where good vibes and exceptional eats are the name of the game.

Summer here we come.

P.s TGI stands for Thank God It’s in case you’re somehow unaware.

LOCATION: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

We’ve long been fans of a good beer and schnitty situation, particularly when they’re of the authentic variety and can be enjoyed in a high vibe space with fellow lovers of the tasty combination.

Excitingly, Robina has just this week become home to such a high vibe space and it’s one you no doubt already know and love.

That’s right Gold Coasters, The Bavarian (of The Oracle Broadbeach fame) has opened a new venue so you can enjoy even more German biers, schnitzels and giant pretzels than ever before.

The newbie can be found within the impressive dining precinct that is The Kitchens but it’s an indoor / outdoor situation complete with a leafy beer garden and of course, many a giant TV screen so you can combine the stein slash schnitty situation with a bit of sport watching.

As is custom with The Bavarians decorating scheme, the interior is made up primarily of dark wood and decorative kegs with leafy greenery splashed throughout. In the outdoor area there’s a ping-pong table and a spot for a game of Boules plus lots of pretty fairy lights to kick back underneath with a frothy or two. Good times all round.

German bier-wise, all of the usual suspects are on offer including Löwenbräu and Franziskaner and Aussie faves like Pirate Life and Goose Island.

In terms of eats, there are many delicious German things to fill your belly after sipping copious Steins.

Obviously you need to eat a giant pretzel with butter, pickled cucumber and sweet mustard. Also go for the Alphenhainer Camembert crumbed with Chia and panko and probably some Mac and Cheese balls for good measure.

There are tasting platters for one, two or four people including one specifically dedicated to sausage which we highly recommend.

The schnitzels come in several varieties including of course, parmigiana, plus the veal wiener schnitzel, The Mexican, The Hawaiian and The Texan to name a few.

If those delicious dishes aren’t your thing, you may also indulge in Buffalo Mozarella Ravioli, The Bavarian’s Famous Crispy Pork Knuckle and a very yummy Spice-rubbed Wagyu tri-tip steak.

There’s also a variety of German sausages including Cheese Kransky, Pepper and Garlic smoked pork Kielbasa and the good old-fashioned Frankfurter with smoked beef and pork, Swiss cheese and spicy paprika.

From Monday to Thursday there’s a $10 lunch special and every day from 4pm to 6pm it’s Royal Snack Hour so you get free premium snacks and discounted drinks.

What’s not to love?

Head into Robina to taste test all of the things for yourself.

Prost!

LOCATION: The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre, Robina
HOURS: 11am until late Monday to Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Picture this: the game’s on, your crew’s assembled, the beer is icy cold, and the only thing louder than the crowd is your mate who suddenly thinks he’s the coach. Anything less than this elite setup? Unacceptable. But finding the ultimate spot to soak up the action – one with massive screens, solid feeds, and an atmosphere that screams game on – isn’t always an easy feat.

Luckily, we’ve done the legwork (no pre-game warm-ups required) and rounded up the best sports bars on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or just here for the snacks, these Gold Coast sports bars (listed north to south for your convenience) have you covered. Now, go forth and cheer responsibly – or, you know, as loudly as possible.

Hope Island Tavern
This coastal-cool tavern has had a massive glow-up, and sports fans, you’re going to love this one. The brand-new sports bar is stacked with mega screens, TAB access, and an ice-cold beer lineup that’ll keep your thirst quenched from the first whistle to the final siren.

Not just a sports haven, this revamped spot also brings next-level pub bites (hello, Prawn & Bug Rolls and Salsiccia Pizza) and a lush beer garden perfect for pre-game pints or post-match celebrations. Add in a pool table, air hockey, and weekly entertainment, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate sports, sips, and good vibes HQ.
Where: 93 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island

Crafty’s Sports Bar
Shopping and sports? An unexpected MVP combo. Smack bang in Harbour Town, Crafty’s lets you mix and match – stock up on the essentials, then settle in for some top-tier craft beers and next-level eats while you catch the action. Or, better yet, let your partner hit the stores while you lock in for the game. Win-win.
Where: Harbour Town Eats – 147/189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters

Ashmore Tavern
If you haven’t checked out Ashmore Tavern’s $5 million glow-up, now’s the time. With a revamped sports bar (hello, sleek screens and balcony views), daily live sports, and a lineup of delicious eats, this place is serving up the action in serious style.
Where: 161 Cotlew Street, Ashmore

The Cavill Hotel
When it comes to bigger is better, The Cavill delivers – literally. With one of the biggest screens in Surfers, this is the place to park up, grab a drink, and catch every second of the action in all its larger-than-life glory. Bonus points for booking a table so you can cheer on your team in style.
Where: 46 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines
This place is a game-changer – literally. Sitting pretty on the most iconic corner in Surfers, The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines is a state-of-the-art sports mecca, boasting wrap-around digital screens, a killer menu, and an on-site microbrewery. Oh, and the city’s largest circular island bar, so you’ll never be more than a few steps away from your next cold one. Game on.
Where: Cnr Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Broadbeach Tavern
Broadbeach Tavern is a coastal icon and your go-to for catching all the live sports action. Whether you’re watching the footy, cricket, or the latest game, the Sports Bar has you covered with huge screens showing every play, goal, and try. Catch all the sports action on the big screens or relax on the spacious deck with a drink in hand, enjoying the sunshine and ocean breeze.
Where: The Oasis, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

The Beach Hotel
Fat Freddy’s may be gone, but what has replaced it? A revamped, reimagined, and ridiculously good sports bar that blends beachy vibes with big screens. The Beach Hotel Broadbeach has more screens than ever, so you won’t miss a second of the action. With wall-to-wall TVs in the Public Bar, a breezy Beer Garden, and a menu that’s part pub grub, part chef-hatted magic, this spot delivers top-tier viewing, top-tier bites, and top-tier vibes. Game on.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Star Sports Bar
If sports bars had a podium, this one would be standing front and centre, medal gleaming. With 23 massive screens, private booths (yes, you can pre-book them like a VIP), and a huge 10.5-metre mega-screen, The Star Sports Bar is where legends are made – on and off the field. Add in the iciest beers and a smorgasbord of top-notch food options, and you’ve got yourself a championship-level experience.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Main Gaming Floor, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill
When it comes to knowing what sports fans want, The Sporting Globe has it down to a fine art – and a nationwide lineup of venues to prove it. Expect wall-to-wall screens, daily food specials, and an electric atmosphere that rivals the final seconds of a tied game. Heading to a Gold Coast Titans match at Cbus Stadium? These legends will shuttle you there and back, so you can focus on celebrating (or commiserating) properly. Now that’s a game plan we can get behind.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Burleigh Bears Leagues Club
Can’t make it to the big game in person? No worries! Burleigh Bears Leagues Club is your ultimate sports haven on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re in the Lounge or the Sports Bar, this place has it all – big screens, a relaxed atmosphere, and the best spot to catch every moment of the game. With cold beers flowing and friendly staff making sure you’re looked after, it’s no surprise that this spot is a top pick for sports fans.
Where: 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami

Burleigh Town Hotel
Burleigh Town Hotel isn’t just playing the game – it’s winning it. Home to an 11-metre mega-screen (the biggest pub screen in the southern hemisphere, no less), this place is an absolute showstopper. Add in a suspended cylinder screen so you can see the action from every angle, plus a sleek new bistro for pre-game feasting, and you’ve got yourself a spectator’s paradise.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

Coolangatta Hotel
On the southern end of the Coast, The Coolangatta Hotel is the prime location to catch any sporting activities and be assured of a buoyant and passionate atmosphere. Pair it with a splash and lounge on one of Coolangatta’s famous golden beaches, and then be sure to stick around for the post-game live music, and you are onto a hole in one.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Belinda Symons