Every now and then a restaurant comes along that changes the culinary landscape and fills a void in your life that you didn’t even know existed, The Loose Moose Tap & Grill House is one of those places. Venture inside and be transported back to a time when booze was banned and big bands reigned supreme. The seriously impressive fit-out complete with a gigantic taxidermy moose head, oil drum lights, walls of exposed brick and cabinets brimming with unusual treasures from yesteryear, gives the distinct impression that this is not your run-of-the-mill grill house. Everything has been considered down to the tiniest detail to create a sensory experience that leaves an impression.

With 130 whiskys cramming the 14-page drinks list, ‘well stocked’ would be a colossal understatement. Skilfully curated by the resident whisky sommelier, Billie-Jean, the selection of swill spans the globe and includes single malts from Japan through to aged American bourbon whiskys. For serious connoisseurs, the nip is served on a tray with a separate glass of ice and an eyedropper filled with mineral water so you can tailor your beverage to your specific taste. If whisky straight-up isn’t your drink of choice, sip on a seasonally-infused old fashioned cocktail, wine or one of 15 craft beers on tap. The nosh is described as ‘dirty food made clean’ and whilst the Gold Coast is no stranger to American cuisine, The Loose Moose raises the bar to delicious new heights with epic burgers, classic hotdogs and racks of smoky, spicy ribs. Start with a serve of spinach-stuffed jalapeno poppers before moving on to some seriously saucy buffalo wings. If you can handle the heat, The Loose Moose makes a sauce using the hottest chilies on the planet, but be warned the Volcanic Ass Burner is not just a funny name, it’s a promise. For the main affair, munch on a burger loaded with free-range Cape Byron Black Angus beef atop a melt-in-your-mouth milk bun, just be sure to leave room for the Snickers ice-cream cake for dessert. One look around The Loose Moose and it’s clear this is not the work of restaurant rookies, the swanky new digs is the latest venture from Patrick Gennari, the man behind Koi Dining & Lounge Bar and Glass Dining & Lounge Bar, and judging from the line-up out the door, it has well and truly lived up to expectation.

For opening hours and contact details, see our Stumble Guide.