BOB’s Beer is almost too good to be brew.
BOB’s Beer is almost too good to be brew.
Oh, Surfers. Sometimes classy, never boring – between the beaches, the nightlife, our unofficial HQ of fun is the Gold Coast’s worst kept secret for good reason. Locals and tourists alike have long known the magic all wrapped up in this one iconic mecca that boasts everything you could ever need for a damn good time. Or, so we thought.
That is, right up until Surfers officially got its very own brewery, aaaand now it truly does have everything we could ever need.
Just a hops, skip and a jump from the pint-er perfect Surfers Paradise beachfront, a big ol’ brewery by the name of BOB taking up residence in the bustling Surfer’s strip was ale we ever needed – putting the froth in our ‘frothy Fridays’ – and every other day ending in ‘y’, ever since.
Way more stunning than the name BOB, or the word ‘brewery’ would lead you to believe, even the most beer averse among us should add BOB’s Beer to their ‘must visit’ list because the surrounds are a 10/10 (oh and also the cocktail menu slaps). Step inside and you’re greeted with a swanky monochrome fit-out, airy high ceilings aglow with growlers-turned-pendant-lights and would ya cop a load of #thosepipes. Plumbing has never looked so good thanks to the glistening copper pipes delivering that expertly brewed amber nectar straight to our glasses.
Head chef Jerome Estoesta also works closely with the brewing team to deliver a menu that goes against the grain of your usual pub fare. An un-XPA-ctedly zesty line up of ceviche, oysters and sticky pork belly for entrees, and grilled steaks, fresh fish and creamy prawn pasta for mains are all on the menu.
And while Surfers Paradise might indeed be the GC’s worst kept secret, we’ve got the hop tip on a $20 lunch special so lit everyone needs to know about it. None of this mid-week business, BOB’s is dishing lunch noms up every TGIF and well into our #Sundayfundays. From 12 to 3.30 every Friday-Sunday, have your pick of the mid-day bites and a pot of BOB’s beer for the grand total of a lobster. The Beef (secret sauce) or Chicken Burger (Kewpie mayo & tonkatsu sauce) with chips offer bun-believable value, but never fear if this option is not the bun for you. Why just drink your beer when you can eat it too, the – the Tim Tam Tom Beef Cheeks – slow cooked in Tim Tam Tom beer will be hard to beat on these winter days, and we’re cauli’n it, the Spiced cauliflower in tofu cream dressing will keep everyone satisfied no matter their vego status.
With a name that literally means Best of Beers, of course BOB’s Beer takes their craft v seriously. There are no less than 13 different brews on tap – eight of which are lovingly made on site, with a focus on quality and locally sourced ingredients. Basically, for beer enthusiasts, there are about to be some ruthless decisions to be made. Now, if the deja brew starts to set in (we won’t tell) there’s also a top-notch Winter cocktail menu to take you on a sip around the world.
There are some old faves like the Singapore Sling Gin Sherry, Benedictine, Pineapple, Lime, Bitters that you already know will go down a treat, but if you’re in the mood to mix it up New Delhi Fashion certainly puts the ‘warm’ in winter warmer with Bourbon, Chai Spice, Bitters.
And we dare you to order a Putins Nuts – Peanut Butter Whisky, Kahlua, Milk with a straight face.
A couple of burgs, some sneaky beachside brewski’s and BOB’s your uncle, you’ve got an ale-round good time for all. Whether you’re brand brew to the world of beer, or a long-time frothy fanatic, there’s delightfully good bits and BOB’s on offer here for everyone.
When: Monday & Thursday 5pm – 9pm, Friday, Saturday & Sunday – 12pm – 10pm
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY BOB’S BEER.
Who can go past a good lunch deal? Not us. It’s the closest we can get to a mini-vaycay during the work week. Meal prep? Not here. Because nothing says treat yo’ self like ghosting the soggy 3-day old leftovers in the fridge in favour of a feast for one – because who doesn’t want a reason to escape their desk jail for just an hour – or two.
And we don’t know what it is but for some reason a cheap feed just tastes better… Maybe it’s the cost of living talking or maybe, we’re just a sucker for a bargain. Whether you’ve given up the will to meal prep (guilty) or you’re looking for a boozy long lunch to kick the weekend off (Friday counts as the weekend, right?) we’ve discovered that the Gold Coast is not afraid of a sweet deal – thanks a lunch for that!
The thing is, long lunches and us go together like cheese and pizza so we’ve done the hard – and hungry – work to find the most irresistible lunch deals to get you through every single day. We got you!
BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar
If you have already checked out one of the Oracle’s newest kids on the block then let us give you a reason to. Blowfish has launched their new midday dining experience with two delicious courses for $69. Get your pick of an entrée and main, or main and dessert if you’re guilty of being a sweet tooth like us. You’ll find a bunch of Blowfish faves like fresh oysters, Moreton Bay Bug rolls and Whole Black Sole gracing the menu from the sea, and for the land lovers the steak tasting board has your name written all over it.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
El Ranchero
El Ranchero has the perfect offering to ring in the weekend. And yes, lunchtime Friday is the start of the weekend as far as we’re concerned, because all emails received on a Friday afternoon, are absolutely next week’s problem. The aptly named Frothy Friday’s include $5 beers and $1 wings specials from midday, with a DJ spinning tunes from 5pm so you can get that good times rolling. El Ranchero has welcomed brand spanking new truck ‘Let’s Get Toasted’ by experienced local foodie Marc Nickalls. This fun little van is full of delicious one handed bites, perfect for kicking off the weekend.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
Kin
Spice up the ol’ sushi lunch date with a Pan-Asian moment at Kin, giving you a fresh twist of classic Japanese cuisine. Get the chargrilled salmon, bug bao, salmon sashimi or some other goodies for $25pp, along with a complimentary glass of beer, wine, bubbles or a Grey Goose Spritzer and at this point you’re just losing money not going. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they’ve got happy hour for not just one hour, but five, with specials running from 12-5pm. We’ll cheers to that.
Where: 5/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Mozza Mozza
Experts agree the Weekend Bottomless Disco Brunch at Mozza Mozza is one surefire way to bring that weekend vibes (it’s us, we’re the experts). $75 gets you a tasting-style menu with the best Italian bites like Focaccia, Warmed Olives, Arancini Balls, Margherita Pizza and Calamari Fritti, perfectly paired with bottomless Mimosas and Spritz selections. And let the good times really Aperol with a $15pp upgrade to bottomless Boozy Slushies #bottomyesplease.
Where: Cnr Olsen Ave &, Musgrave Ave, Southport
The Island
Okay so the weekend has arrived but the indulgent (read: boozy) long lunches are just getting started. Touted as a long, leisurely lunch for weekends, when it’s time to get your graze and goss on the only way is up – go the Island’s rooftop of course. We have two words for you: cocktail. carafes. For $79 pp you’ll get a decadent share style feed from flatbreads to pork belly bao and fried halloumi, sip back on the 2 hour bottomless cocktail package with fresh flavours in the form of a spritz and of course, wines and beer on tap.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Hail Mary
A list of the GC’s finest midday offerings would not be complete without a taco ‘bout the holy grail lunch deal that awaits at Hail Mary. $19 gets you two tacos + your choice of beer, wine, spirit or soft drink – all for less than a lobster. The $5 upgrade to a classic marg also feels like a no-brainer – albeit sadly there’s no currency slang equivalent for a $24 lunch bargain. If a Sunday session is more your vibe then you’re in luck because Sangria Sunday is serving up jugs of our favourite nectar for just $20. Let’s just say lunch and a cocktail for halfa pineapple is a pretty sweet deal.
Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads
Osteria Del Mare
Fridays were made for long lunching and avoiding the rest of your work responsibilities and apparently, Osteria Del Mare understood the assignment when they decided to bring out the big guns for a $45 lunch deal. Fill up with two courses of authentic Italian fare (there’s even oysters on the menu) and of course a wine, the hardest decision will be whether to get the Tiramisu or Italian Donuts with Nutella.
Where: 2/1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Maggie Choo
She’s the girl everybody wants to know, bright and cool, serving up tasty eats, some of the most unique cocktails around and, of course, bulk good vibes. Grab the girls and head in on Friday to Sunday from 12pm – 3pm to enjoy the Express Lunch. Just $38pp gets you an XO Prawn Spring Roll, Wonton Soup, Satay Chicken, Vietnamese Salad and Sorbet. Colour us impressed!
If you’re feeling more than a little peckish then Let’s Yum Cha is for you. $65 for an empress feast banquet of seven share plates and a lychee martini!
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
La Calabrese at Ocean
We’re starting to see a theme here – the Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to a bottomless brunch and quite frankly, lucky us. And clearly La Calabrese at Ocean heard that Paradise was calling and they needed a bottomless lunch – stat! With ocean views, a three-course lunch and a two-hour beverage pack from $89pp, it’s officially not just a Surfers Paradise – it’s a foodie’s paradise, too.
Where: 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Zephyr Kitchen & Bar
We want to fly away into this Zephyr – every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, thanks. With a schmick new look, the dreamy pink hues have our name written all over it – bonus points for the top notch people watching while you stuff yourself silly on the delicious eats. From $99 you can get your pick from two set menus with a mix of Mediterranean and Italian inspired dishes, plus two hours of unlimited margaritas because sometimes (always) more is more.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Tavern
They’re one of the best loved pubs on the Gold Coast, so it’s no wonder they know the way to our hearts is through a good feed. To ward off the mid-week scaries Mermaid Tavern have been brewing up a selection of $18 lunch specials that’ll make the week more beerable. Our pick is the Crispy Skin Salmon Bowl or of course you can’t go past the classic Beer Batter Snapper and Chips combo, it’s o-fish-ially one of the best deals we’ve found.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
TGI Friday
The legends at TGI Fridays are making it feel like Friday every day with lunch specials fit for a king, take your pick from their burger, chicken and salad (if you’re #fitspo) or go all out with a half rack of pork ribs – slow cooked and with your name all over it, we hear. All that eating’s got to be thirsty work, so wash it down with your choice of a soft drink, beer or wine – prices start from $19.90 and walking home with change from a twenty sounds like a money win if you ask us.
Where: Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina & Level 1 Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Tropic Vice
There’s something about a rooftop and a bottomless lunch that just makes our heart skip a beat. Luckily for us, Tropic Vice has one of the most epic offers with two hours of Bottomless Bliss dishing up a five-course set menu with their best bites, plus two hours of all-you-can-drink margs, beer and wine for $99 per person. On your marg, get set, go!
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Gold Coast Tavern
Sometimes you just need a cheeky mid-weeky to get you going and no one knows that better than Gold Coast Tavern. Their weekday lunch menu gives your favourite pub feeds their time to shine, with everything from salt and pepper squid to your classic schnitty just $18. Lunch with enough left over to sneak a schooner? You had us at schnitty.
Where: 150 Bundall Rd, Bundall
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.
For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.
If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!
All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.
Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.
Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.
Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.
For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.
If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!
Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.
To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.
For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.
Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.
Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.
Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.
For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.
For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.
Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.
We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!
Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.
For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.
Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.
The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.
Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.
Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.
Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.
If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.
We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.
Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
It’s been awhile since we’ve brought you news of something opening on the Gold Coast for obvious reasons, but that is changing as of this very second.
We’re very excited to let you know that a new brewhouse is set to open in Surfers Paradise as of late 2020 and by then, the days filled with eating and drinking across our city that we miss very much, might just be possible once again.
The newbie is called Bobs Beer (the Bobs part stands for best of beer) and it’s set to be a state-of-the-art taproom, brewery and dining room which are right up there with all our favourite things.
You’ll be able to find Bobs on the corner of Elkhorn and Orchid Aves, where the Louis Vuitton store once lived and that’s pretty much the perfect place for what we’re sure will be an absolutely pumping new establishment in the heart of Surfers.
The venue will be of the three-storey variety with both an indoor seating section and a stunning outdoor patio, perfect for people watching. Inside will seat around 52 lucky folks and outside, there’ll be room for 68.
Extremely knowledgeable brewer Ryan Fullerton has made the trip up from Victoria to oversee the project so we know we’re in good hands. His rapsheet includes time spent working for Red Duck Brewery in Ballarat, Bad Shepherd Brewing Co, Melbourne’s Clifton Hill Brewpub. So that’s good news for us.
He’s currently in the process of researching the types of beers we Gold Coasters like best (tough gig), so we can assume there’ll be a good range to choose from, no doubt including a few out-of-the-box options.
In terms of eats, Bobs Beer is said to be offering a slightly fancier menu than your usual pub grub dishes and again, that is something we can get behind.
Now if you’ve ever frequented the site at all in the past, you’ll know it’s a grand position so we’re very excited to see what the team are able to do with it.
Of course, exactly how it all rolls out is dependent on the state of the world, so please friends, keep washing those hands and keeping your distance so we all get to visit this epic newbie sooner rather than later.
Stay tuned for more details when Bobs Beer opens.
LOCATION: Cnr Orchid and Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Kirra Smith
