When it comes to darn good coffee (caffeine shakes, be damned) the rules of ‘too much of a good thing’ do not apply. Broadbeach’s cult fave beverage and cafe bites slinger, No Name Lane, has branched out to bring us a second venue, welcoming its postcode-sharing mini-me, No Name Lane Espresso – just a hop, sip and a jump down the road.

The laneway lurking OG, No Name Lane, is a staple among caffeine and croissant fiends across the Coast, and one we clearly can’t get enough of. Fronting Broadbeach’s buzzing Surf Parade strip just a few blocks south, No Name Lane Espresso is the more express-style offshoot of the two, with a more compact footprint and menu than its namesake big sib. Positioning itself as a convenient pit stop for top-notch coffee and grab-and-go cafe classics. Just quietly, the newbie has already been discovered by a Hollywood heavyweight, who we spotted caffeinating this week. Don’t ask us for deets because we don’t sip and tell.

The NNL crew cut their teeth churning out a mean cup of coffee – the OG site, nestled beneath the Oracle Broadbeach,has amassed a loyal army of addicts by punching out some of the best go-juice you can get on the Coast.

In what was formerly a bit of no-mans-land as far as coffee goes, No Name Lane Espresso has strategically situated itself front and centre along one of Broady’s main arteries – leaning into its position with a focus on grab-and-go style nosh and an array of  thirst-quenching sips.

There’s still ample street-side seating for those wishing to stay and savour their wares (and/or a cocktail, more like). And don’t be fooled, No Name Lane Espresso is packing just as many cool points as its predecessor – with a slick, marble and tile-studded fit out to swoon over.

Think anything and everything you could hope to see stuffed between – or on top of – fluffy bread (or bread adjacent) slabs – of course, the classic B&E roll, Smashed avo sourdough, and Ham, cheese, tomato croissant all make a cameo (there’d be riots, if not) alongside a respectable spread of Open Melts (cop a Ham, pineapple and cheese for some nostalgia) and Turkish bread Toasties.

But, if your average, garden variety Toastie is just not gonna cut the mustard, get amongst the range of Gourmet Toasties whipped up by the Janus Deli sando meistros.

And look, when it comes to their top tier, signature sangas – either the Reuben Sandwich, pastrami, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, horseradish cream, or the Pulled Pork, coleslaw, BBQ sauce, we’re not about to leave empty handed, are we? ‘Espresso-ly’ with coupled that very sweet $2 No Name Lane coffee upgrade combo – how could we say no?

And speaking of complete and utter lack of willpower – there’s also strawberry-spiked Waffles, and a stalwart selection of cabinet-dwellers like Banana Bread and Muffins to sate the sweet cravings.

The only problem we see here? One taste from this convenient location, and next thing you know, you’re subconsciously stopping off for your No Name Lane fix before you even realise you’ve done it. Deadly.

Where: 33 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: Daily 5am–4pm
Website: www.theoracleboulevard.com.au/stores/no-name-lane/
Instagram: @nonamelanecafe

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.

Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.

Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show (which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach

Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues

CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)

Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Gold Coasters – be it calendar, diary, or organisational app – get your preferred mode of planning at the ready. Novotel Surfers Paradise has just taken their R&R game to a whole new level of luxe, unveiling a lush refurbishment of their two top-level Penthouses. And trust us, it’s the kind that will make you want to find as many reasons as possible to schedule a stay, stat.

Now don’t get us wrong, Novotel Surfers Paradise has always been a premier destination for all things accom here on the GC. And with those sweeping panoramic views of the iconic Surfers Paradise skyline, what more could we really want or need when it comes to revelling in some maxo-relaxo vibes, you ask? Well, hold on to those sun hats, and set those expectations sky-high.

In conjunction with its comprehensive refurbishment, Novotel Surfers Paradise has recently revealed the swoon-worthy new look for its four bedroom, three level penthouses… along with some seriously exciting additions. If the fresh new look of the chic, open-plan décor that screams sophisticated beachfront living at its finest doesn’t hook you – just wait till we drop four, very sweet little words.

Private rooftop plunge pool.

Yep, the Level 36 total transformation includes the addition of private plunge pools to the rooftop terrace, and we can think of no better way to soak up those aforementioned views of the sparkling Surfers Paradise surf.

Okay, perhaps also a sparkling in hand, if we’re being really picky here – and with an adjoining outdoor dining area, it would be rude not to oblige in a few sundowners, no? Never-ending happy hour, come at us.

We can practically already hear the fizz of waves crashing (and Mimosa’s pouring) from here.

The spacious Penthouses span across three levels, including four bedrooms designed to accommodate up to eight adults in supreme comfort. Each bedroom is fully decked out with king beds and large LCD TV’s – ideal for gathering your nearest and dearest for a rejuvenating getaway, no? And yes, the Novotel Surfers Paradise Penthouses should absolutely be your go-to for getting the extended fam together for some vacay or staycay action, but hear us out – luxurious girls weekend of beachside pampering, anyone? #sorryfambam

With your stake claimed on your choice of room (word to the wise, the master has a soaking tub #rundon’twalk) – all that’s left to do will be to choose between unwinding in the spacious lounge area overlooking the rolling surf, or taking it straight to the rooftop to soak up some glistening, poolside rays (perhaps after a quick call to room service to rustle up some specialty cocktails, lbh).

And yep, anyone else suddenly in the mood for a getaway… like yesterday?! The (literal only) downside? With only two of these primo Penthouses on offer, dates for these high-roller vibing suites will book out fast (we really were not messing around when we said you’d need those calendars at the ready).

So whether it’s a milestone, special occasion, celebration… or simply just to *treat ‘yo self*: next time a truly boujee beachside getaway is in order – schedule your elevated escape at Novotel Surfers Paradise (sooner rather than later).

Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY NOVOTEL SURFERS PARADISE