The Bowlo Bistro opens at The Gold Coast Lawn Bowls Club
The Bowlo Bistro opens at The Gold Coast Lawn Bowls Club
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Who loves pub grub? Actually, we feel this should be rephrased to who doesn’t love pub grub AMIRITE? Especially when it’s done well and friends, the new venue we’re about to discuss certainly gets a big gold star in the nosh department. That’s not all though coz it’s also sporting cool coastal interiors, a chillaxed vibe, and a real sense of community.
Do yourselves a favour and cruise on down to The Bowlo Bistro, the unbelievabowl new eats destination at The Gold Coast Lawn Bowls Club at Broadbeach Waters.
Taking over from a Malaysian restaurant which previously occupied the space, The Bowlo Bistro opened last week and is a breath of fresh ocean-fuelled air. Serving up incredible Modern Australian bistro food, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered after a big arvo on the green.
It features indoor and outdoor seating to suit your mood and let us tell you, it’s a tough decision. Inside, which accommodates 80 bums on seats, you’ll find a light and bright coastal beauty. The relaxing and location-appropriate colour palette with crisp white and minty green hues instantly puts you in a happy place, and feels as welcoming as your best mate’s place.
A mate with great taste and a recently renovated pad that is. Oh, and did we mention there are incredibowl views of the Gold Coast skyline coz there are incredibowl views of the Gold Coast skyline.
If you feel like soaking up the outdoors and LBR, this is what we do best here on the GC, listen up. Unlike most other bowls clubs, you’re not confined to a specific set dining area. You can eat your meal anywhere that takes your fancy but obvs refrain from munching on the actual bowls grass, where you may encounter a dam buster. For the novices, that’s lawn bowls lingo for a heavy bowl, and we totally just googled ‘bowling jargon’ to sound knowledgeable.
Now we can all vouch for the fact that barefoot bowls and bistro food go together like copy and paste, but who decided to take this combo to the next level? That would be dynamic duo Craig and Lucy Johnston and guys, if ever there was an award-winning union, this is it. Quite literally in fact.
Current owners of TCLH specialising in remote hospitality, both Craig and Lucy have received Young Entrepreneur awards in 2019 and 2020, plus Lucy took home the gong for GC Woman in Business of the Year. Each boasts ten years’ experience in the industry and if all of this doesn’t impress you, that’s just not cricket…or lawn bowls.
These proud as punch Broady locals jumped at the chance to transform the restaurant space and make it something truly spesh. Tickled pink to be giving the community something they have wanted for a long time, this won’t be the last we see of such Johnston genius-ness. The word on the street is that this is the first of many venues they plan to launch around the traps, and we are here.for.it!
Craig heads up the kitchen with a menu that features all your Bistro go-to’s. Think delish dishes from a selection of starters, mains, meals from the grill, salads, pizzas, pastas, sides and kiddywinkle options. The Salt & Pepper Squid starter deserves some big love, with Sichuan dusted calamari, fried chili, garlic aioli and lime. If you’re keen for a pasta which is us every day and twice on Sunday, you can’t go wrong with the Chicken Penne Rose with chicken breast, creamy Napoli sauce, mushrooms, basil and penne pasta.
While we’re talking chook, is it even a bistro without a Chicken Parmy and folks, this one is a clanga. Made fresh in house with panko crumbed chicken breast topped with lots of Napoli sauce so it’s not dry, leg ham, mozzarella cheese, and served with a garden salad and chips, it’s the business. And to go out on a sweet note, we’ll never say no to a Sticky Date Pudding.
With an extensive and refreshing drinks menu next door at the bowls club and ‘specials nights’ coming soon, you’ll be bowled over by The Bowlo Bistro.
Where: 14 Kalimna Drive, Broadbeach Waters (next to the Gold Coast Lawn Bowls Club)
When: 11.30am – 9pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Instagram: @thebowlobistro
Website: thebowlobistro.com.au
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.
If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.
There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy 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! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, 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 music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s 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
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, 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
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
Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Congratulations, you’ve made it through Monday and this calls for a celebratory feed. But do keep the dollars in check so you don’t blow your weekend spend, coz that would be more devastating than a From Scratch binge.
Here are 17 cheap and cheerful Tuesday nosh-up spots for maximum taste with minimum damage to your bank account balance.
NORTH GC
MID GC
MID GC continued…
MID GC continued…
SOUTH GC
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Words by Bianca Trathen.
So it’s the end of the day and you’re spent. All you want to do is chill on the couch with a chardy and Outer Banks, until you realise it’s Trivia Night at your local and just like that, the Kooks and Pogues are dead to you.
Not only is trivia next level entertaining, but it’s cheap as chips (if not free) and you get to think of a hilariously inappropriate name for your team. Here are 13 local spots to test your knowledge and expand your useless facts repertoire across the Gold Coast (from North to South):
The Park Coomera
This is no ordinary trivia folks, it’s the biggest on the GC and the most interactive in the country! Infusion Gameshow combines all your favourite TV game shows and high-tech alert – you use your smartphone to answer the questions. Happening every Wednesday and great for families, be there at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Don’t forget to ask about your exclusive team membership card with a host of cracking good deals. Online registration is essential.
Where: Top Floor Westfield Shopping Centre Coomera, 103 Foxwell Road
The Parkwood Tavern
Try out your trivia skills at the Parkwood Tavern Quiz Night Mondays from 7pm. Always arrive with plenty of time up your sleeve to register (from 6.30pm), and grab a pre-game feed (and a tipple) to fuel your brain! Call in the posse for a hoot of a night, with some impressive prizes ripe for the taking.
Where: Corner of Olsen and Wintergreen Drives, Parkwood
Southport Sharks
Themed trivia at Sharks is the shiz, coming in hot on the first Wednesday of every month and centred around the best of pop culture. Take a trip down memory lane and battle it out for great prizes, with themes like Harry Potter, Gossip Girl (#XOXO), Stranger Things and Love Actually. Registration is from 7pm and lift off from 7.30pm. Bring it on, and we srsly dare you to come up against us on Gossip Girl night….
Where: Olsen & Musgrave Avenues, Southport
Last Night on Earth
If it was indeed our last night on earth, we’d want to make it a ripsnorter so naturally (or supernaturally…), we’d head into the GC CBD for Last Trivia on Earth! Starting at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, hump day never looked so fun! Go your hardest with questions on pop culture, music, general knowledge, movies, and in their very own words ‘’random sh#t”. Entry is $10 and your first drink is free (yay), plus there’s live music to set the tone.
Where: 50B Nerang Street, Southport
The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill
There’s more than just watching sport and drinking beer at The Sporting Globe, like playing trivia and drinking beer! With a different theme each month and blockbuster prizes to be won, Robina Town Centre’s fave sports bar has rebuilt, rewritten, and reformatted their trivia decks for a bigger, better trivia experience. Doors open at 6.30pm and this month, it’s all about Marvel so note to self; pick the kids’ brains beforehand. Grab a feed and some refreshments and don’t forget to book in advance.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
The Bavarian, Robina
Another one hosting a free themed trivia night each month is Robina TC’s The Bavarian. If you know your Baratheons from your Targaryens, gear up for this month’s instalment; Game of Thrones, alongside a feast of fine fare and wicked drinks from 7pm until 9pm on Friday 17th March. There’s a $100 first place bounty and $50 for second so grab a schnitty, a stein and your squad. Oh and PS – The Bavarian also holds a smaller 1 cent wings and trivia night every Thursday!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Chameleon Lounge Bar & Restaurant
If dragalicious trivia is your jam, get on down to Chameleon for Tuesday Drag Trivia! Hosted by the hilarious hostess with the mostess, Justine Kase, it’s feisty, fabulous, and FREE! Kicking off at 7pm, tuck into $4 Asian fusion tacos. Yas queens!
Where: 97 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Mermaid Beach Bowls Club
The home of the Mermaid Beach Bowls Club presents Thursday Trivia Nights so gather the gang and get competitive! Whether you have a big or a small crew, prepare for battle and stand to win some srsly cool prizes. It’s free to play and while you’re there, seize the moment and enjoy family-friendly meals at D’Agostino’s Bistro.
Where: 9 Markeri Street, Mermaid Beach
Bine Bar & Dining
There’s only one thing better than Tuesday night trivia and that’s Taco Tuesday Night Trivia at Bine! Enjoy $5 tacos all night and this alone has us all kinds of sold. It’ll set you back $15 per team (max of six per team), which you’ll hopefully recoup – if you’re cluey enough – with the CASH prizes #kaching! Be there or be square at 6.45pm latest for a 7pm start.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Avenue, Miami
Precinct Brewing Co
With a name like Tipsy Trivia (also known as Smarty Pants Trivia), Sign.Us.Up! Hosted by the infamous Marty, flex your knowledge every Tuesday night at 7pm. You can have up to six peeps in your team (cost is $15 per team) and you can wrap your laughing gear around $20 pizzas all night long. Top that!
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
Burleigh Town Hotel
Don your thinking caps and get down to Burleigh Town Hotel for Tuesday Trivia Night featuring Funky Bunch, and now we can’t stop thinking about Marky Mark #goodvibrations. Entry will cost you nix and there are epic prizes up for grabs (translation; be strategic and round up your smartest mates!).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Currumbin RSL
At Currumbin RSL, Thursday nights mean free trivia with a host of awesome prizes to be won. If you don’t take home any loot, nothing is lost and everything is gained, as it’s not just a guaranteed good time but it’s also Thursday steak night! Devour a 200g rump, house salad, fries and and your choice of sauce for just $18 bucks. Rego is from 6:30pm for a 7pm start and no need to book – just rock up!
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin
Salty Fox
What’s better than a rooftop bar you ask, and that would be a rooftop bar where you can play trivia! Put your game face on, bring your competitive spirit and put your general knowledge to the test every Wednesday night from 6.30pm until 9pm. Our hot tip; arrive a bit earlier to take advantage of happy hour specials between 3pm and 6pm #cheers.
Where: Rooftop, Rydges Gold Coast Airport, Terminal Drive, Bilinga
Words by Bianca Trathen.
