Irish bar Finn McCool’s brings stouts, stews and smooth whiskey to Surfers Paradise
If you’re a local, then chances are you have wound up at Surfers Paradise Irish bar Fiddlers Green at least once in your life, and (to put it simply) you either loved it or you didn’t. In August last year, the doors to the popular night hang closed, with hospitality firm Hallmark Group swooping in to give the space a new lease on life. A multi-million-dollar transformation wrapped up just before Christmas, with the group unveiling the coast’s newest Irish bar and restaurant, Finn McCool’s.
The details
This is Queensland’s second Finn McCool’s, joining the flagship venue in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, which opened in 2016. Named after a mythical giant, Finn McCool’s remains steeped in its Irish traditions, yet effortlessly embraces modern touches across its fit-out and food offering to ensure a welcoming vibe with a wide appeal. The extensive overhaul has completely transformed the multi-level space, boasting a traditional-yet-refined pub aesthetic that is suitable for long lunches, quick bites, sips at the bar, hearty Irish feasts and, of course, after-dinner dancing.
The food
The Finn McCool’s menu balances traditional and hearty Irish fare with pub-style eats. Stick to the script with local bangers and mash with Guinness gravy, traditional pickled pork with cabbage, creamy mash and parsley sauce, or the warming Kilkenny-infused pulled-lamb and vegetable stew. The menu offshoots into moreish pub food, with starters like potato skins with cheese and ranch sauce, through to pepperoni pizzas, cheesy Angus beef burgers with fries, and crispy fried chicken wings with celery. As for the mains, think crispy salmon with warm potato, loaded chicken parmigianas and tender rib fillets with fries. If you’re okay with eating eggs at any hour, there’s a traditional Irish breakfast that runs all day and comes loaded with fried eggs, bacon, sausage, black budding and baked beans.
The bar
The major overhaul has completely reinvented and revived the former Fiddlers Green space – while it’s far more contemporary than its predecessor, Finn McCool’s remains full of personality, history and that beloved Irish charm. Guinness and Kilkenny taps take pride of place at the bar, pouring alongside a bunch of local and international beers, a solid selection of Irish whiskey, cocktails, wine and spirits. The original stage remains, with a line-up of live Irish bands to be featured regularly so you can dance away to the tune of fiddlers until the wee hours.
Keen to check it out? You’ll find Finn McCool’s opening hours, location and contact details over in our Stumble Guide.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
