It had been a long time between coffees for DJ Swan, who once brought Tugun the ever-loved Good Day Coffee. After selling the spot and bidding hospitality farewell, DJ thought he was done with the buzz of café culture. But, in fantastic news for coffee aficionados, the irresistible pull of the bean brought him back. Enter Lobby—a new coffee haven inside The Warehouses on Currumbin Creek Road.

The Warehouses, the latest venture from the family behind Cornerstone Stores, marries work and leisure in a sunlit, industrial-chic space that feels as fresh as the ocean breeze. Lobby is among the first tenants to set up shop, and true to its name, it feels like the gateway to this buzzing hub.

This time around, DJ is doing things his way. Forget the stress-heavy hustle of a big café menu and sprawling operations. Instead, Lobby keeps it simple: boutique brews from Sydney’s Reuben Hills roastery, a short-but-sweet menu, and an intentional design that lets the space speak for itself.

The vibe? Purposefully understated yet utterly inviting. Think polished concrete floors, minimal décor, and a scattering of seating options—two-seaters outside, spots to perch by the coffee machine, and a mezzanine upstairs with room for around 40 coffee enthusiasts to sip communally.

The menu, as succinct as the space, is all about quality over quantity. You’ll find us deliberating over whether to pick the mouthwatering ham, onion relish, and comté jaffle or the curried eggplant jaffle topped with house-made labneh. Other options include roasted baby tomatoes with mascarpone and pickled eschallots on sourdough, fresh pastries from The Bread Social and house-made cookies that almost demand a second cup of coffee.

Speaking of coffee, Lobby takes its brew game seriously. Reuben Hills beans provide the rich, balanced flavour that fuels the café, proving that sometimes, less really is more.

As Currumbin locals know, community is king here, and Lobby’s early days have already been met with a warm embrace from its tight-knit neighbourhood. The nook seamlessly integrates into the thoughtful design of The Warehouses, where hidden corners, shared zones, and an overall sense of calm make it as much about connection as caffeine.

The minimalist vibe adds to Lobby’s charm. It’s refreshingly different—much like The Warehouses itself—a testament to thoughtful design and a relaxed pace of living.

So, whether you’re popping in for a quick takeaway or lingering over a latte in the mezzanine sunshine, Lobby promises a coffee experience that’s simple yet satisfying. This isn’t just a café, it’s a meeting place, a pause button in your day, and an unmistakable Currumbin vibe. We’ll meet you there—probably with a jaffle in one hand and a coffee in the other.

Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
When: Monday – Friday, 5:30am – 1:30pm

Words by Belinda Symons
Images by Mathilde Bouby

In a very exciting Gold Coast first, a beer bar dedicated to Japanese brews has opened in Miami and it’s already a firm favourite amongst the locals. Roji Cat is vibrant, fresh and exciting and it’s perfectly at home, next to stalwart fave Granddad Jacks, on Lemana Lane.

Reminiscent of the neon-laden Dotonbori district of Osaka and downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, the entirely indoor space has been decked out to resemble an authentic, local alleyway complete with signage, lanterns and a cabinet displaying a huge collection of Bearbricks (a beloved cartoon-style bear) all brought over from Japan.

High tables run along the length of the space, brew tanks take up a huge corner in the back and there’s an open kitchen so you can watch your dishes being prepared. The vibe is high instantly upon entering the space and it’s all exactly what you’d expect to see when visiting a Japanese beer bar.

Perhaps the most exciting part though, is a specialty (sound proof) karaoke room just off the main bar area where you and your crew can belt out a tune to your heart’s content without a single note being heard outside. There’s also an electric darts room with plenty of spots to play and couches to lounge about on while you beat your mates.

Now let’s chat beer. Head Brewer Toshi, whose work you would know from Black Hops, is the most passionate and knowledgeable man on the planet when it comes to beer. There are 12 brews on tap AND a diverse sake bar featuring 24 types of sake, all handpicked by Toshi who has over 20 years brewing experience.

Cocktails include the likes of a signature Tokyo Sour and the signature beer is Toshi’s Japanese Rice Lager which we tried and tested and can confirm, is the goods.

There’s food of course and the menu is filled with elevated, Japanese street food crafted by Japanese culinary expert and Head Chef Helen Rissen. Think Robata Skewers, sweet and spicy Roji Cat Karaage, Gyoza, Sashimi, Miso Corn (love you) and burgers including a Bug Burger with a tempura Moreton Bay Bug, spicy Japanese coleslaw and Kewpie mayo. We’ll take all of that thank you so much.

The entire operation is a family-run affair celebrating close family friend Toshi’s heritage and a shared love of Japanese culture, vibrant food scene and bustling nightlife. All of which has been very obviously and meticulously incorporated into Roji Cat to bring us the Japanese Beer Bar we didn’t know we so desperately needed.

If there’s one thing we never grow tired of it’s a cracking cocktail and lucky for us, the GC is a melting pot of masterful cocktails guaranteed to leave you shooketh.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple (or five), tried and tested by the team because you know, we had to complete our due diligence. From beachy vibes to moody speakeasies, here’s the scoop on where to sip the best cocktails in town.

Rosella’s
Rosella’s has been bringing all things Australiana to bustling Burleigh since January 2019, recently winning the coveted ‘Best Cocktail Bar in Queensland’ gong. And what’s more quintessentially 2024 Aussie behaviour than sipping on a host of sensational cocktails in a beautiful beachy ‘burb?! Serving up nostalgic and native fare, this little ripper hums until late seven nights a week. ‘Knoath!
Our pick: Fantales. Our fave (discontinued) lolly in liquid form. Rosella’s Blend Bundaberg Rum, Mac. Daintree Dark Choc, Mushroom Garum Caramel, Wattleseed Butter – with their very own custom Fantales.
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh

Cantina
Mermaid Beach locals will tell you that if you’re frothing for a quality cocktail (us – always), it’s Cantina for the win. This pint-sized neighbourhood tapas bar proves that good things come in small packages and by good things, we mean cocktails. Forming the perfect pair with sibling Piatto Italian restaurant right next door, line your tum with Spanish style bar bites so that your sneaky cocktail can turn into two…or five….
Our pick: Quattro Bianchi- A citrussy Italian take on the Long Island Ice Tea
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

The Cambus Wallace
If you haven’t stepped aboard The Cambus Wallace, are you even a Gold Coaster? Serving up the finest classic cocktails, international rums and whiskeys, and heartwarming food, the only thing moodier than the dark hues of the boat-themed bar is you if you don’t sample at least one of their tipples. There’s a reason (AKA epic cocktails) that it always gets a nod on our lists!
Our pick: Maiden Voyage #2: Fresh muddled pineapple, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, Brinley coconut rum,  Angostura white rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and tiki bitters.
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Fig + Frankies
If artisanal cocktails and coastal-inspired tapas are your kryptonite, you need Fig + Frankies in your life. One of Broadbeach’s laneway treasures, the cocktail list is as impressive as the venue’s arch features, exposed brick, and charmingly textured interior. Phone a friend, your other half, or anyone who appreciates a killer cocktail and we’ll meet you there.
Our pick: Number 42 – Arette Blanco Tequila, Piel de Sapo Tea, Maidenii Classic Vermouth + Lychee Foam. Bitter + Sweet.
Where: 4/2707 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Six Tricks Distilling Co.
Hold onto your highball glasses Gold Coast because Six Tricks is redefining the local distillery scene one cocktail, rum, or whisky at a time (okay, maybe more than one). This two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art with a spacious indoor bar and sunset deck perf for sipping the night away – and even a private cask hall! You’ll be left shaken not stirred in the best possible way.
Our Pick: Melon & Lime Highball: Lime Leaf Six-Tricks Vodka, Melon Liqueur, Fino Sherry, Lacto Honeydew, Carbonated.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Beach

The Exhibitionist Bar
Flirt with breathtaking views across the Gold Coast to the Hinterland – and a cracking array of cocktails – at The Exhibitionist Bar. Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop, its specialty cocktails are inspired and expertly curated using the major art exhibitions as the starting point to each creation. Changing with each new major exhibition, this means you’ll never run out of reasons to pop in for a sip.
Our Pick: NAKED AND FAMOUS- #69  Rhubi Mistelle, Becherovka, Altos Tequila, Amores Mezcal, lime
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Granddad Jack’s
Distil our beating hearts! With a fresh curation of concoctions that could coax Sleeping Beauty herself from her 100-year slumber, this magical albeit not-so-faraway Miami-based fave has earned quite the rap for its bewitching, fable-inspired concoctions. If you’re after something extra spesh that you can’t find at every other cocktail bar, welcome. Extra points for everything from syrups to spirits made on site.
Our Pick: The Tainted Apple – Greenhouse Gin, Clear Apple Juice, Sour Coriander Cordial. Green Apple Slice, ‘Tainted’ Charcoal Drops.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Sandfire
Looking for an absolute beachfront cocktail tapas bar? Look no further – this.is.it. Serving up an exciting fusion of coastal charm, inventive cocktails, and sumptuous tapas, it’s a winner winner cocktail dinner. Crafted by expert mixologists, the cocktail list boasts an array of innovative libations, from classic martinis to exotic tropical creations, so you’re assured a perfect pairing for every palate and mood.
Our pick: FUTURE PIÑA- Spiced rum, toasted coconut, jasmine, lemon balm, plum, pineapple C02
Where: 293 The Esplanade, Miami

Bar Evelyn
You’ve never met a cooler Evelyn (and if you’re born after 1980 – you’ve probably never met one). This antipasto and pizza bar has not only garnered a staunch following for its A+ seasonal antipasti, sough dough pizza, and freshly made pizza, but also for the evelyn-utionary cocktails. With warm and cosy feels for days (particularly perf this time of year), Evelyn is especially epic on a cool winter’s night.
Our pick: Limoncello Margarita-  Altos bianco tequila, Limoncello, lemon, sugar. salt
Where: Shop 20, 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Destino
With inspo derived from Mediterranean islands where world class service, design and atmosphere collide to create an unforgettable destination – need we say more? This little gem at Sanctuary Cove is the gift that keeps on giving. Earning a reputation within its first week as a cocktail connoisseur’s haven, the initial hype has not only endured – it continues to soar. If you’re up the north end (or even if you’re not) – just go.
Our Pick: Strawberry Fields- Peach liqueur, vodka, simple syrup, lime & house made strawberry puree
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Suga
With a name that (literally) sums up our guilty pleasure, Suga lives up to its namesake – and then some. When it comes to our local speakeasy, the only thing more satisfying than the cocktails is the…no, it’s the cocktails. The low-lit lamps highlight the insanely good menu, which serves as the perfect belly-liner so that you can partake in another cocktail (yes, even on a school night).
Our pick: Not A ‘Colada- rum, coco, water, pineapple, lime, agave
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Veladora
Asking us to “find the red palm tree”– challenge accepted! We all know any restaurant or watering hole at The Star Gold Coast never misses a beat and Veladora is no exception. This place is actual cocktail nirvana so take it from us; leave the car at home because you won’t be able to stop at one. Watching the mixologists in action is half the fun and don’t even get us started on the vibe, thanks to Mezcal-inspired speakeasy design.
Our pick: The Margarita! Herradura Plata, orange liqueur & fresh lime juice
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen