Let it be known, we are quite the fans of basking in the sunshine and drinking icy cold tipples whilst gazing appreciatively at pretty views. In fact, those three things are right up there when it comes to our top reasons for living on the Gold Coast in general.

We suspect you might feel the same so, in celebration of summer and getting amongst all the goodness on offer, we’ve collated a list of the 14 best spots to drink frosty daytime beverages for maximum sun soaking opportunities.

Palm Springs Cafe
Miami’s new addition is indeed a cafe, but not as you know it. Found on the highway, where Siam Thai once lived, Palm Springs Cafe is unmissable, all white washed with pops of green – Southern California style. Inside it’s absolutely beautiful, the menu is packed with goodness and the best part – morning cocktails of the Margarita, Espresso Martini and Bloody Mary varieties. As early as you like. Best.
Where: Cnr Gardenia Grove and Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Aviary Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are up high (surprise), so it makes sense they would get even more sunshine and even more balmy breezes, making them the perfect spot for daytime drinks. Aviary Rooftop Bar has a sweet little outdoor section called The Nest, it’s an uncovered space with cute pops of colours and 180 degree views toward Surfers Paradise. See, perfect.
Where: Melia Court, Southport

Burleigh Brewing Co.
Laidback beers around a table full of mates is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Particularly when said beers are local made by a team of absolute legends who know what’s up when it comes to brews. Burleigh Brewing Co. is all those things and more, found just off the beaten track and ready to cater to all your day drinking needs. Weekend sorted.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Pavilion
This place was pretty much made for day drinking – right on the beach at Burleigh, with guaranteed life-changing sunset views, all your favourite beers on tap, Frosé (a revelation), plenty of fancy cocktails and lots of tasty each, there’s really nowhere better than Burleigh Pavilion to don your fave oceanside drinking outfit and gather the crew for a good time.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Garden Kitchen & Bar
It goes without saying a venue with the word garden in it is a good choice for day drinking. Garden Kitchen & Bar found in The Star Gold Coast, is a delightful mix of pretty insides and expansive, outdoor sunshine-filled spaces so you can alternate between the two and cram in as many good times as possible. One of our absolute favourites.
Where: Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Southport Yacht Club
Talk about jaw dropping views. The Southport Yacht Club is perched on the edge of the marina in Main Beach and with a huge outdoor deck, lawn space and even a white sandy beach, there are plenty of spots to kick back with a drink in hand and pretend one of those multi-million dollar yachts is yours. Drinking and dreaming, it’s definitely allowed.
Where: 1 Macarthur Parade, Main Beach

Rick Shores
Another Burleigh beauty, Rick Shores recently reopened with an updated menu and drinks list. Not that you need any extra incentive to go there because, bug rolls. With uninterrupted ocean views, and maybe even a salty splash or two, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place to spend your drinking days. Get dressed up and grab the girls, this one is unmissable.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Precinct Brewing Co.
A brand new brewery on the Miami / Burleigh block is Precinct Brewing Co. by the good people who brought us a slew of epic local venues (Bine Beer Bar, Nightjar, Hideaway etc.). It’s a converted garage on Christine Ave and the team are going to be brewing an array of unique sips, they serve beloved Mr Consistent cocktails AND they’re serving up pizzas, fried chicken and all of the perfect beer-accompanying eats. Pop in for frothy and see it for yourself.
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami

Justin Lane
Burleigh’s much-loved rooftop bar is a no brainer when it comes to day drinks. Sunshine pouring in, an open roof and LOTS of other fun lovers enjoying the frivolities. Treat yourself to a pizza to go with those cocktails and that is one of the best days out you can possibly have. Oh and did we mention there are ocean views and people watching opps aplenty. Yes please.
Where: 1708 – 1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Lost Palms Brewing Co.
Miami’s pretty pink brewery is the GOODS guys. There is a basketball hoop for your playing pleasure and what could be better than sinking beers with your pals, while also sinking hoops and being outside in the fresh air. Not much we say. If running around isn’t your thing, pull up a seat along the fence and sledge those willing to give it a go. Or don’t and just drink beer.
Where: 11 Oak Avenue, Miami

Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Club
Without a doubt, one of the most spectacular venues on the Gold Coast in terms of five star views is Currumbin Vikings. It rises directly out of the ocean and offers views of the city to the north and as far as Tweed Heads to the south. It’s a little bit magical to be honest and an absolute cracker of a spot for day drinking and counting your lucky stars you’re a Coastie.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Balter Brewing
Another of our epic breweries is the one and only Balter Brewing, found in Currumbin’s cool-as industrial area. The indoor space is good enough but there’s also an outdoor strip with umbrellas and bench seating and colourful cushions for lazing about with a beer in hand. Get a designated driver and taste test every single one. Best spot for a Sunday session.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters

Mr PP’s Rooftop Bar & Deli
Another bar up high is Southport’s Mr PP’s, overlooking the Southport cityscape and with plenty of space for all your pals. Found in the old post office building, there’s a deli downstairs for all your charcuterie needs plus plenty of pizza options to go with those tasty cocktails you’re sure to consume. The perfect spot for a long lunch that stretches into the evening.
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

Words by Kirra Smith

Paradise calling… And by that, we mean Surfers Paradise of course. You might have thought it’s all just bikini and booze but there is so much more just waiting for you to rediscover. Whether you’ve been looking for something laid-back to take the whole fam to or something a little bit fancy for that date night you’ve been putting off, and of course, somewhere to have a cheeky beverage – Surfers has it all. Did we mention it’s beachside?

So we’ve done the leg work and found the 10 must-try spots for you to get the best feed in the heart of the Coast.

Citrique
It’s one of the Gold Coast’s most loved buffets, Citrique takes its reputation seriously. For real, its award-winning seafood buffet is the GOAT for a reason – think fresh prawns, oysters and lobster tails (did someone say boujee) alongside flavours of the world. If breakfast is more your vibe then you’re in luck because they’re dishing up all-you-can eat breakfast and weekend long lunches alongside their signature seafood feast. Calling the beautiful JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa home, you would expect nothing less from this five-star favourite!
Our pick: Anything seafood!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Langham
If feeling a bit fancy is on the menu then The Langham Gold Coast is the destination. Just as luxe as you’d expect the international hotel to be, The Langham can’t stop, won’t stop on delivering the finest food from the East and the West. Meticulously plated, T’ang Court is where precision meets passion with each dish a show of art for the ultimate Cantonese fine-dining affair. Dine beachfront while you treat yourself at Akoya or pop down to Palm Court for a spot of Afternoon Tea.
Our pick: The Langham’s iconic chef’s menu at T’ang Court
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Palette
Palette stormed onto the dining scene just a few short years ago and it’s been a fan favourite ever since. Located within the HOTA Gallery, this dining spot brings art to life with Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law using the Gallery’s exhibitions to inspire the decadent degustation menu. The award-winning restaurant has also modestly received Two Chef Hats from AGFG, which is reason enough for us to book a table already. Art you can eat? Yes please.
Our pick: Go all in on the Tasting Menu you absolutely won’t regret it
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar
Shiraz have been calling their Surfers Paradise corner home for a couple of years now, so I suppose you could say they’ve settled in well. The perfect spot whether you’re looking for a cute date night or somewhere to take the entire family, Shiraz’s incredibly chic interior is big enough (like, 200 seats big) for you to get your authentic Persian fix. Best enjoyed with their namesake’s Shiraz. Ps. If you don’t feel like cooking on a Monday (honestly, who does) then pop in for their BYO day – it would be rude not to.
Our pick: We can’t pick favourites, so go hard on the banquet, we say
Where: Mantra Wings, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

The Island Gold Coast
This Island has long been a landmark of the Gold Coast and we think the reason locals and visitors on the Goldie love this place is in part thanks to an aptly named spot called, Goldies. With a huge lineup of foodie favourites from steak and seafood through to pizzas and parmy’s there’s something to satisfy everyone’s cravings. If you’re after a tipple then the Rooftop is the place to perch up with a Pina Colada in hand while you soak in the iconic Gold Coast skyline, we just love a dining destination that’s as vibrant as the city itself.
Our pick: Mare e Monti Pizza
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Yamagen Japanese Izakaya
Tucked away in the QT, this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. It’s modern fine dining in a way that ignites all of your senses while celebrating the best of authentic Japanese cuisine. Market fresh sashimi dishes are the hero of the menu, bringing the freshest fare and flavours together to be expertly paired with vast whisky list.
Our pick: Sashimi Moriawase for a taste of it all

Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Avenue
Everyone has a story from The Avenue, right? And for good reason. Where else can you go and literally spend all night long there. Pop in for a bite at the restaurant and stay for the vibes at the nightclub or one of the iconic drag shows. Live music venues are becoming harder and harder to find, but luckily for us The Avenue aka the home of live music is doing the heavy lifting so you can sip back and listen to sweet tunes every week.
Our pick: Crispy Pork Belly
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen
There’s something about sipping back on a cocktail while you look at the ocean that just makes it taste that much sweeter. Fortunately for you, that view and those cocktails are accompanied by one of the best new additions to the restaurant scene. Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen brings the perfect balance of fancy food with a relaxed vibe, so you can soak up your surrounds while indulging on your choice of steak or seafood, or head out to the Terrace Bar for more relaxed bites.
Our pick: Kingfish Ceviche
Where: Ocean by Meriton – Level 1, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Central Lounge
Something you might not know about us is that we love a lounge bar, so you bet we were fans of Central Lounge the moment those glorious doors opened. Massive cocktail list? Check. Epic easts? Check. R&B Sunday sessions? Check. We’ll go ahead and call that a trifecta. If you’ve been hunting for a stylish spot to sip cocktails and people watch, then this the place for you.
Our pick: Crab Linguine
Where: 8/27 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Driftwood Social
Driftwood Social, tucked just off Ferny Ave brings blissed-out, Miami pool club vibes to the banks of the Nerang River – and if it’s been a while between drinks, this secluded social spot is every bit as lush as you remember. A stacked menu is another real drawcard, and don’t be tempted to assume we’re talking basic bar bites here.
Our pick: Linguine Alla Vodka And Prawns
Where: 42 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.