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. It’s the closest we can get to a mini-vaycay during the work week. Because nothing says treat yo’ self like ghosting the soggy 3-day old leftovers in the fridge in favour of a feast for one (or more – shout out to work besties everywhere for being the glue that holds our weeks together).
But no matter if you like your lunches to be a little taste of mid-week indulgence, or prefer them little longer, a little lazier, and dare we say – a little boozier when the weekend rolls around – we’ve got some of GC’s most irresistible lunch deals for every. day. of. the. week. Suddenly, one lunch a day no longer seems sufficient – thanks a lunch!
Mozza Mozza
Experts agree the Sunday Bottomless Disco at Mozza Mozza is one surefire way to ward off the Sunday scaries (it’s us, we’re the experts). $59 gets you a tasting-style menu with the best Italian bites like Focaccia, Meatballs, Arancini Balls, Margarita Pizza, perfectly paired with bottomless Mimosas and Spritz selections. And let the good times really Aperol with a $10pp upgrade to bottomless Aperol Spritz #bottomyesplease.
Where: Cnr Olsen Ave &, Musgrave Ave, Southport
Jimmy Wah’s
What do we want? Jimmy Wah’s new Feed Me Lunch Menu. When do we want it? Every day that ends in ‘y’! (But okay, we will settle for Monday-Friday)
For only $49pp, you will be taken on a culinary journey with 5 delicious dishes selected by the chefs to share with your friends! Mysterious and delicious modern Vietnamese nosh with no decisions required for the Vinh. Menu is subject to change but with items like caramelised pork belly, sweet potato and turmeric puree, lychee & chilli salsa, watermelon radish this one has us booking in alll the lunch dates.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
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 a schooner and & LA street taco by the Fix on 66 Food Truck for a tenner. And if it turns into a loooong lunch, there’s live music from 5pm. As if we weren’t already counting down to Friyay enough as it is.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
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 also get a mimosa on arrival, and a lazy-grazy style lunch inc. charcuterie board, olives, dip and wood-fired pizzas. It will be hard to rooftop that.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Bine
Week-end, or week just getting started? Because the Sat & Sun lunch special at Bine has us feeling like it should be the latter. A $20 burger and beer? They must be out of their bines. For that price, you’d be downright philly to go past their Mexican Philly Cheese Steak burg #cheapaschipsbro
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Avenue, Nobby Beach
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. Let’s just say lunch and a cocktail for halfa pineapple is a pretty sweet deal.
Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads
Backbone Bar
Somehow Backbone has cottoned on to the kryptonite of retail workers everywhere: the magical, morale boosting properties of a steaming bowl of katsu curry for lunch. Choose between the Karaage bowl or Katsu bowl with a schooner of your choice for only $20 then kick back for your lunch break and reset as you soak up the laid-back vibes for as long as you can. Katsu this deal Tuesday – Friday between 11 am – 2 pm.
Where: Shop 9, 489 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun
Xenia
Much like the ‘bottomless’ in ‘bottomless brunch’ – the limit of how many favourite weekend boozy brunch spots we can rack up does not exist. For $99 you can get your Greek fill and then some – Xenia is dishing up 2 hrs of free-flowing drinks and a meze banquet of small and large share plates. Sunday funday indeed (or Saturday, but y’know, not quite as catchy is it?)
Where: Main Beach, Casuarina & Coolangatta
The Coolangatta Hotel
The 00’s called, it wants it’s $15 weekday lunch special back. Apparently our friends over at The Coolangatta Hotel haven’t heard about a little thing called inflation, and shhh, nobody tell. You’ll ruin the chance at a classic, cheap-as-chips pub lunch for the lot of us. And when we say classics, we’re not schnittin’ you: Grain fed rump, chips and sazza, Beef short ribs, slaw and chips and of course the pub food holy grail: chicken schnitty.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Kellie Leader.
Ah, Surfers Paradise. The jewel in the crown that is our fair city. The place visitors first picture in their minds and have done for the last several decades. While it is the most tourist-dense part of our Coast, what is it local’s love about it? Here we fill you in on the six best reasons locals love Surfers Paradise.
Belt out karaoke at Tune Up
The definition of karaoke, Tune Up is THE place to test out your vocal cords after you’ve had a few cocktails at bar instution The Avenue or a few schooners of ale from House of Brews. It’s an intimate environment that feels much like a house party where you can choose to mingle with everyone in the main bar or take up residence in your own little private room and sing your heart out. Count us in!
Where: Level 1, 23 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise (above Gold Coast Real Estate)
Have a Guinness at the D’Arcy Arms
Wet your whistle with a pint of Guinness at D’Arcy Arms where the historic first Guinness keg was brewed in Queensland (and arguably Australia), tapped onsite in 1988. This locals’ Irish pub fave offers a welcome change of pace if you want to take things slow, keep warm by the fireplace or if last night happened to get the better of you. There’s always great home-style food to be had, live music and a few friendly faces with some good craic.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
Have a luxe afternoon at Surfers Pavilion
Aptly positioned with ceaseless waterfront views and boasting a substantial mooring site of 400sq metres, means if locals would like to arrive GC-style by boat or jet ski — so be it! Setting and glam aside though, the new arrival is perfect for enjoying our fantastic year-round weather with an outside frosé bar, and for those with a discerning palette, a dedicated oyster and Champagne station keeps the crowd more than occupied.
Where: 30-34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Hit 9 pins at Strike Bowling
Prepare to lose a few hours when you step into this space which is a literal smorgasbord of entertaining activities and feast for the senses. The highlight is the 10-lane glow in the dark bowling alley where competitive urges can be settled with groups big and small. But, it doesn’t stop there either. If you fancy further fun, then a 15-person karaoke room, cocktail bar, two escape rooms, and pool tables should do it.
Where: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Sip cocktails on The Island Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are one of the greatest things that ever happened to the Gold Coast. Period. Now, take this sentiment and couple it with this — the Gold Coast’s largest open-air rooftop bar — and voila, you have one of the best places to drink delectable cocktails, watch live music, and live your best life at the stream of ever-changing events (drag queen brunch anyone?). You are promised great times and vibes when you head to The Island.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Grab breaky at Cuppa on 41
If you find yourself in Surfers Paradise before the afternoon, then you need to head to Cuppa on 41 to energise yourself for the day — as well as for all the other inclusions on this list! The café is an excellent concept that allows local underprivileged youth to become experienced in hospitality, and coincidentally isn’t so hard on your pocket either! Our pick is the Bauernomelett, a German-style omelette straight out of heaven. You’ll leave with a satisfied belly and knowing you have contributed to a change in a Gold Coasters future.
Where: 41 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Indulge at Alfrescos Italian Restaurant
Creating picture-perfect pasta and pizza for the last 25 years, you might say what Alfrescos doesn’t know about Italian food and ambience isn’t worth knowing — and you’d be right! This charming family-owned and run restaurant has stood the test of time with locals and continually returning for great Italian classics and drinks to match. If you haven’t been in a little while, be sure to change that, the venue underwent a slight facelift late last year and is looking as enchanting as ever.
Where: 3/3018 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Boogie on down at Retro’s
When it comes to having a boogie along to cheeky tunes of yesteryear, you no longer have to hide in your bathroom in your towel to do so. All the locals know that Retro’s is the ultimate answer to having a fun night out and dancing the night away to the music you grew up with. With themed nights and drinks specials coming at you from all angles, you are destined to have a good time no matter what day of the week it is at this hotbed of a disco.
Where: 3 — 15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Take in the view at Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club
After a swish refurbishment, this 100-year-old surf club is the faultless place to go for an ice-cold beer for a spot of people watching, seamless views across the Pacific Ocean and to chat to a local. The family-friendly atmosphere is full of locals after their early morning beach walk tucking into a big brekky (but they’re also open for lunch and dinner too!) — a great option straight off the sand and when you feel the need to escape the crowds with some uber-friendly Queensland hospitality.
where: Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
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
