The round-up: pull up a stool and munch on these next-level bar snacks
Let’s talk about bar food. You know, the snacks, the savoury accompaniments to your gin and tonic, the bites in between brews. Call it what you will, but we love a good bar snack, and we thought it was high time to put some of the Gold Coast’s best bar bites in front of your face. These aren’t your regular bar snacks though, these are bites with a little more jazz. The token bar eats like chips and aioli and marinated olives certainly have their place on menus, but we went searching for a little more zing … we know you guys like a bit of zing! So, in the spirit of snacking, we’ve put together a handy list of some of the best bar bites on the Gold Coast.
Beef tartare at Harry’s Steak Bistro & Bar: We all know Harry does great steaks, but let’s all give him a virtual fist-bump for his killer bar food. This is the place to go for all things beef – so the beef tartare is understandably a good pick. You’ll also find the tastiest beef jerky around, plus the famous wagyu beef rolls (like spring rolls) … if you haven’t tried these, you really haven’t lived. Harry’s bar is a primo spot for awesome beefy snacks to munch on with a beer in hand.
Cheeseburger dumplings at Stingray Lounge: That’s right, cheeseburger dumplings exist. Two of our most favourite foods, merged together into one ridiculously tasty morsel. Just putting it out there, but this comes close to being the ultimate bar snack. Stingray’s signature cheeseburger-infused dumplings are cooked fresh and served with ketchunaise (fancy sauce) – if you’re yet to experience this deliciousness, then you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.
Puffed sesame rice crackers from Lucky Bao: Bao is king (and always will be), but Lucky’s menu goes well beyond the pillow-soft morsels. The bar snacks here are top-notch with an edgy Asian style, but the housemade puffed sesame rice crackers are a real standout. It’s an intricate dish with raw ocean trout, togarashi, avocado, chives and wasabi atop the crispy rice cracker. It won’t last long, but boy are you in for a mouth-bang.
Coconut crepe flambé at NXT Door: Any place that brings us snacks covered in dancing flames of deliciousness has our heart. NXT Door is the go-to for healthy bar snacks and superfood cocktails, whilst the savoury bar snacks are the hero here, we just can’t go past the coconut flour crepe flambé, with fresh fruit, chocolate coconut yoghurt and pure Canadian maple syrup – watch it light up in front of your eyes, then tuck in.
Sobrasada and potato bombas at Social Eating House + Bar: Potatoes and aioli are a staple on any bar menu, but these Spanish bombas take it to a whole new level. True to style, the bombas are intricately presented with with mojo picon (fancy Spanish sauce) and aioli. Keep the Spanish theme alive and sneak a braised lamb empanada or two on the side.
Quail egg pintxos at San Sebastian: When the food has been designed specifically around the drinks menu, you know you’re in for a good time. San Sebastian opened in Palm Beach this week (just all the juicy details here) and it’s all about snack food that goes well with drinks, with a real shine to pintxos, which are traditional Spanish bar snacks. The boiled quail egg is joined on its skewer by an anchovy, roast pepper and sour cream – and it’s totally consumable with one hand, so you don’t have to put your Peruvian Pisco Sour down.
Pork belly tacos at BonBon Bar: Tacos at Bonbon Bar is where it’s at. The tacos made famous by its older sibling Bonita Bonita are on the bar menu every night at BonBon. Now, this Mermaid Beach hot spot is known for its cocktails, so after you’ve had a few Mamasita Margaritas then it’s best you soak up the Jose Cuervo with a pork belly and spiced quinoa taco, or the baby octopus taco with a bangin’ jalapeno salsa if you feel like living on the edge.
Mamasan KFC at Mamasan Kitchen & Bar: Okay, so we’ve all tasted some pretty good fried chicken in our time (even if it was Colonel Sanders’, no judgement here) but Mama makes some damn good Korean fried chicken – she just has a way of getting the wings so crispy. They are tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce then topped with a parmesan and almond snow. It’s fancy fried chicken, but be warned there’s a little bit of spice, so you’d best have a Umeshu Sour within reach.
Crab and sweet corn croquetas at Bar Chico: This sleek bar and eatery on Tedder Ave in Main Beach is well-known for its bar menu and chic vibe. The trio of crab and sweet corn croquetas with lemon mayo are just the tip of the iceberg – you’ll find everything from braised oxtail empanadillas, crumbed asparagus and a glorious chicken liver paté on the menu. Word has it there a bistro-style menu in works here, but you (and your stomach) can rest assured that the bar snacks and tapas are here to stay.
Palm Beach cuttle-fish at Chapter & Verse Bar: Overlooking the wondrous Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort lagoon pool, Chapter & Verse is a rad spot for daytime drinks or cocktails under the stars – and you’ll keep yourself nourished with an impressive bar menu. The scored cuttle-fish (which is in no way related to the lagoon pool reference) is a fresh, light option, dusted in spices and served with lime aioli, but if you’re looking to soak up the summer cocktails with something a bit more substantial, the baked desiree potato skins topped with sour cream, barbecued bacon, shaved parmesan and Murray River pink salt will sort you out.
Prawn-stuffed zucchini flowers at Bin 232: Shopping and bar snacks – are we dreaming? Bin 232 at Pacific Fair is known for wining and dining shoppers every day of the week. It’s also the ultimate people-watching spot (just so you know) so grab a stool, get a sauv blanc in your hand, and munch on next-level snacks like prawn-stuffed zucchini flowers with jalapeno dipping sauce … and possibly some fried jamon and mozzarella balls as well. We’re a cheesy bunch.
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