If the thought of plunging some pita into a bowl of fresh hummus drizzled with harissa or devouring smashed falafels with green goddess tahini has your taste buds tingling, it’s time to plan a roadtrip down to Byron Bay to pull up a seat at The Smoking Camel, the new eatery from the Light Years crew. Here’s everything you need to know about the flavourful and charismatic newcomer … more
If you've ventured to Budds Beach, you've more than likely perched at Bumbles Cafe, the suburb's seriously cute caffeination station and eatery. The venue has just gotten bigger – and a whole lot bluer – thanks to a new next-door addition. Say hello to Blue House, a picturesque cottage where you can while away a few hours with a cocktail in hand. more
On the corner of Gold Coast Highway and Cronulla Avenue sits a lively locale frequented by Mermaid Beach locals and the coast's Brazilian community. Formerly known as Morena Espresso, this fresh-faced venue has just opened its doors as Augusta following a makeover to its space and food offering. A daytime-to-evening destination, Augusta promises mouth-watering Brazilian brunch dishes, plenty of live entertainment and whistle-wetting drinks. Here's a taste of what's on offer ... more
Any venue that is hidden out of plain sight and still manages to book to capacity almost nightly is clearly doing something very, very right. The latest watering hole to nail the brief is Happy Endings in Broadbeach, a brand-new late-night culinary offering from the duo behind the suburb's much-loved Fig & Frankie's. Here's everything you need to know ... more
The sudden temperature drop on the Gold Coast has us swapping frosé on the rooftop for something a little warmer and cosier. It doesn't get much warmer than a single malt or cosier than a quaint speakeasy filled with leather armchairs and smooth jazz. If that sounds like your ideal winter vibe, Tweed Heads has welcomed a brand-new speakeasy-style bar to get you through hibernation. It's called Still & Barrel and here's everything you need to know ... more
Since opening in October of 2021, Tropic Vice, perched above the bustling Nobby Beach strip, has become a favourite sip spot among locals drawn to the bar's dreamy sun-drenched Palm-Springs-meets-Miami vibe, crafted cocktails and 'Florribean' cuisine. After a challenging 2022, the venue's owner Jimmy Tantsis-Hall was faced with a tough decision – renovate or roll the dice on another season of rain (thanks a bunch, La Niña). Fortunately for us, he chose the former. After an extensive five-month hiatus, get ready to meet the brand-new Tropic Vice … more
There's something about a neighbourhood noshery that just hits different. Close to home, you can stroll in for a bite and a couple of glasses of wine, without the hassle of transport. If you live in or around Sorrento, we have some exciting news – Bar Leo has recently opened, bringing modern Mediterranean morsels alongside worldly wines to the newly redeveloped complex on Panitz Street. Read on for all of the toothsome details ... more
There's something instantly relaxing about cracking the lid on a bottle of wine, the anticipation of that first sip dancing across your taste buds. Have you ever wondered what happens to the bottle once you've consumed its contents? The sad truth is that coloured wine bottles in Australia are not recycled, which means they end up in landfill. Not to bombard you with too many factoids but upwards of 92-percent of the bottles purchased from Australian bottle shops are consumed within the first 24 hours, making the entire bottle situation kind of redundant anyway. If you're thinking to yourself, surely there's a better way, you are not alone. Archie Cox, the owner of Southport's Carafe Wine, thought the exact same thing back in 2015. Here's his story ... more
The local bowls club can be many things – a meeting place, a spot for a casual drink and a simple feed, or a location for special celebrations. Few bowls clubs are destination eateries, but The Bowl in Boonah is one bowlo that is well worth a drive. The brainchild of a creative-minded events guru and one of Queensland's best chefs, The Bowl is taking an outdated community nexus and turning it into a cracking chow spot for locals and road trippers. Offering a menu of elevated pub fare made with Scenic Rim produce and Italian inflections, and a drinks list showcasing some sensational sips, The Bowl is worth making a stop at next time you're cruising through Boonah. more
When it comes to top-notch live-music venues, Mo's Desert Clubhouse takes the cake. The Clubhouse has spent many years as a hub for local creatives, and now it's time to add to the Mo's family. Enter The Ranchero, a new event space and licensed bar that's opening this April. The bar and outdoor garden is inspired by a mix of Mexico City culture, traditional hacienda vibes and of course, keeping in true Mo's style, the venue's favourite musical inspirations. Here's a peek inside ... more
If you've checked out the cocktail menu at some of your favourite restaurants and bars around Brisbane lately, you've probably introduced your taste buds to the super-smooth sensation of Lūla Rum without even realising. After making its soft launch in early 2022, Lūla Rum has taken Brisbane's spirit market by storm, making its way to the at-home bars of Queenslanders, as well as the shelves of top-tier dining destinations such as Maya, Yoko and Hellenika. Now, Lūla is ready for its hard launch and we're here for it. more
Described as more of a plant nursery than a pub, The Doonan makes greenery a major drawcard. With sprawling lawns, lovingly maintained garden beds and olive trees sprouting up all around the 2-ha property, The Doonan feels like an oasis, even amongst the leafy surrounds of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The newest concept from the Comiskey Group is pairing its lush setting with a paddock-to-plate menu showcasing the best local produce, a drinks list that will have the cocktail cravers and beer seekers satisfied, and plenty of places to seat a group of friends or family. Take a look inside ... more
The temperature may have dropped a couple of degrees as autumn takes hold, but the Gold Coast's dining scene shows no signs of cooling off. This year has been a whirlwind of exciting new eateries, waterfront watering holes and tasty treats. Before we blink and it's Christmas, we thought we'd recap on some of our favourite new openings from March and April. more
There's something sacred about the neighbourhood watering hole. The one you can stroll in on a whim, with no reservation, for a bite and a beer, and usually see a few friendly faces. Having cornered that market with the ever-popular Backbone Bar and Kitchen in Tugun, the venue's owners Gavin and Narelle White set their sights on catering to a different crowd with their second venture, Le Blanc's Wine Bar. If you're fond of a drop, read on for all of the juicy details ... more
'A Viking and a Masterchef judge walk into a bar' might sound like the start of a bad dad joke, but it's actually how Australia's newest low-carb mid-strength beer came about. If this star-born tipple tickles your fancy, then read on to learn more about Travla ... more
If you're fond of a quality drop and nights that take an expected-yet-delightful turn, you're going to love the cut of Marilyn's jib. Marilyn's has completely transformed the former Bruce's in Broadbeach (long-time locals may remember it as one-third of 1two3 Mediterranean Dining & Lounge Bar) at the base of the Phoenician Resort into an eccentric sip spot that dishes up a serious dose of nostalgic 70s Vegas vibes, vintage glamour and top-notch tipples. Here's everything you need to know ... more
Most hospitality venues are subject to ebbs and flows of patronage, but Bine Bar & Dining in Nobby Beach seems to be the unicorn exception. The eternally popular watering hole on the corner of Chairlift Avenue is as busy today as the day it opened, with locals congregating – almost religiously – to blow the froth off and munch on some of the venue’s famous 50-cent wings. If you're partial to a pint and reside in or around Palm Beach, we have some pretty exciting news to share – Scott Imlach, who heads Imlach Hospitality Group, has opened the doors to a brand-new two-storey bar that builds on Bine's formula for success. It’s called Tank Bar & Dining and here’s everything you need to know … more
The last few years have witnessed an eye-watering number of new openings pop up from Byron Bay to Brisbane, spurred by an increasing number of seasoned hospitality folk migrating north from the culinary capitals of Syndey and Melbourne. Each new opening adds something delightfully different to the melting pot, having a ripple effect across the entire region. One such opening was Bangalow's Ciao, Mate!, which has certainly hit its stride since opening in 2021, garnering plenty of accolades along the way for its hearty Italian and Neapolitan-style pizzas. It had to take something pretty special to lure chef Nick Stanton away from the Ciao, Mate! kitchen. Bar Evelyn in Coolangatta is that special something. Nick has once again joined with long-time business partner Mark Catsburg to create a moody and intimate wine-centric pizza bar in the beachside suburb. Here's everything you… more
Hot on the heels of our round-up of 2022's best restaurants, we've shifted our focus to sip spots! This year was massive on the bar front, with everything from rooftops to breezy California-inspired cocktail joints and throwback nightclubs all making an appearance. We're still mentally catching up with all of the year's new openings, but we've managed to whittle down a list of some of the team's favourite new watering holes. Before you raise a glass and say cheers to the year one more time, make sure you've ticked off a few of these boozers and tipple temples. Happy sipping, pals! more
It has been a pretty impressive year on the food front – you only have to take a peek at our round-up of 2022's best restaurants to quash any lingering doubt. Before the year draws to a close, Burleigh will welcome one more sensational sip spot into the mix and it's called The Malibu Racquet Club. We got a glimpse (and taste) prior to its official opening this Friday December 23, here's everything you need to know about this new beauty on the block ... more
