Cocktails, rock music and neon lights – alleyway bar Nightjar opens in Burleigh Heads
Until recently, us local folk never really had much reason to venture into the Justin’s Lane alleyway in Burleigh Heads. In fact, you’ll be forgiven if you didn’t actually know where it was – it’s just bunch of car parks, bins and rear entrances to shops. Now, though, it’s a totally different story. Earlier this year the elusive alleyway welcomed speakeasy bar Lockwood, and this Friday October 6, the (roller)door to the precinct’s second hidden bar, Nightjar, will open. It’s not easy to spot, but follow your ears to the rock ballads and you’ll come across it soon enough.
Nightjar is the latest venue from prominent restaurant and bar owner Scott Imlach, who is also behind popular Gold Coast hangs Hideaway Kitchen & Bar and Bine Bar & Dining. Back in June, Scott opened his first speakeasy-style BYO-food bar, Soho Place in Broadbeach, before turning his sights on creating Burleigh’s newest hidden hang. The extensive works have resulted in one pretty darn cool space. The rad Sailor Jerry-style artwork dotted throughout adds a little bit of sass to Nightjar’s otherwise grungy, raw and dimly lit interior. There’s an intentional super-casual vibe, and there’s no dress code. It opens from midday on weekends, so if you find yourself fanging for a beer after a lazy Saturday on the beach, then you can totally rock up in rubber thongs and grab a seat at the bar.
Now let’s cut to the chase – the booze, which is the core of Nightjar. The bar is heavy on the classic cocktails, so expect all of the OG tipples like pina coladas, long island iced teas, margaritas, mojitos, martinis, gin collins’ and mint juleps. If you’re a whisky drinker or like to jazz it up with spiced rum, gin or tequila, then you’re in the right place. Oh, and in case you didn’t notice from the artwork, you’ll find plenty of Sailor Jerry’s concoctions on offer. Just like its sibling Soho Place, Nightjar doesn’t have a kitchen – so, no food. If you’re a serial snacker, don’t fret, because Nightjar has teamed up with local restaurants Tom Ugly’s, Wahoos and fish and chippery Red Hot Cod to create a small food menu, exclusive to Nightjar. So, revellers can order off the menu up at the bar, and it’ll be delivered to you before you’ve finished your first whisky highball.
Nightjar opens on Friday October 6. Jump over to our Stumble Guide for opening hours and location.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
