Combining great-tasting food and sustainably sourced ingredients is a realm we should be looking to head if climate-related headlines are anything to go by. Two brothers who believe in this ethos are brothers Matt and Nick Stanley, who are the gents behind Palm Beach’s soon to open taco den — Costa Taco.
For those who do the rounds of farmers markets, you may recognise these two who also double as the proprietors of Cuzzie Pies. They’re ones to keep themselves busy and have been since holding regular taco pop-ups at Dust Temple’s Summer Series, Alfred’s Apartment and Bundall Farmers Markets; keeping finger-licking tacos coming to the masses right across the Coast.
With the increasing popularity and desire to find themselves a spot to call home, the guys landed themselves a humble yet fun space right on the Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach. This is an honest-style Mexican taqueria where you’ll find no Oz-Mex cliches — only wholly authentic-tasting tacos, ice-cold beers, and a simple but rustic setting where banter and good vibes are guaranteed to gush.
From their time spent around farmers markets and talking with dedicated growers and producers, the two brothers became acutely aware of how our little corner of the world mirrors Mexico’s climate. With near-identical weather patterns and even soil types, they began to experiment with chillies and vegetables, fully appreciating how food from local farmers not only rewards you with quality produce but a much smaller carbon footprint. And before you know it, Costa Taco was born!
Everything you ingest at Costa Taco is sourced from our sun-drenched local area and is highly seasonal. But what else would you expect?
The guys are adamant about keeping their food offering small and delicious — no dishes acting as purely menu fillers here. You’ll have a straightforward choice of five tacos: Beef Birria, Pork Canitas, Guerrero Chicken, Baja Fish and Seasonal Veggie, which comes as your vegan choice. All of these delights come on pillowy corn-based tortillas — meaning zero gluten for you, compadre! Running alongside this will be an ever-changing and evolving sides and specials list with a handful of exciting and ‘of the moment’ dishes the guys are excited for you to try and share amongst friends.
For drinks, you’ll find a small selection of wines and one of the iciest assemblages of Young Henry beers ever seen — perfect for when the spice begins to cut in.
In the space, there’s low seating for couples, and a stand-up bar for those who want to chat whilst they sip beers and munch tacos. You’ll also notice a fun and eye-catching part of the venue is a spice thermometer painted on one of the walls: handily indicating where specific chillies and peppers sit in the grand scheme of hotness. You’ll then have the option of customising your tacos to whatever level of heat your heart desires. Finally… you can now settle that argument over which sauce is the spiciest!
Authenticity is at the heart of Costa Tacos. While Palm Beach might not be a dusty cactus-filled town in Mexico, the local produce and dedication to flavour more than make up for this fact!
Hours: Opening 14 Saturday August 2021 then Tuesday-Sunday, 5pm-late
Where: 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Hello, we love margaritas. They are, collectively, our favourite beverage and thus, we are experts on their sweet, salty goodness.
This is why, it gives us the greatest of pleasures to inform you that while Tuesday 22 February is Margarita DAY, we wish to celebrate Margarita MONTH and if you choose not to participate, we will particulate on your behalf, and ours.
In honour of the most important day (+month) of the year, we’ve collated a list of 11 spots to sip margaritas and yes, tried and tested (from north to south).
Hard Rock Cafe
It’s always a fun time up the rock n’ roll memorabilia laden stairs in Surfers Paradise and an even better time once you’re seated with a frosty margarita in hand. The Hard Rock Cafe margies are extremely delicious and you may choose from the Triple Platinum or the Exotic and they are very generous with their servings. A bit of live music and it’s happy days.
Where: Cnr Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Montezumas / The Aztec
They of the family-friendly Mexican good times sure can shake up a tasty margarita and they’ll give you a big one too. It’s the perfect combination of salty and sweet and (trust us) one definitely won’t be enough. YUM.
Where: Montezuma’s: Aloha Building, 8 Trickett Street, Surfers Paradise and The Aztec: Aria Building, 17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach
Aloha Bar & Dining
Ready to get fruity? Same. Aloha Bar & Dining is the spot to do exactly that while sipping on a tasty, tasty margarita or three. Theirs is a special one, aptly named Aloe-Ha Margarita; it’s got Tromba tequila, aloe vera, honeydew, elderflower, lime maraschino, kaffir lime leaf and cucumber and it’s an absolute party in your mouth.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach
Bonita Bonita
As you’d expect, from one of the most loved Mexi-venues around, Bonita Bonita’s margarita list is a goodie. You may choose from Tommy’s, Coconut, Bonita (with candied jalapeno’s – best), Raspberry and a Mexcal Margarita and why not have them all. The food is really quite great there too, order the banquet so you don’t miss out on any of the best things.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Mexicali
It’s margarita mania at Nobby’s fave Mexicali with seven varieties of margarita on offer PLUS three types of jugs. Best. Choose from Classic, Passionfruit, Chilli, Watermelon, Coconut, Skinny and the Scorched margarita if you’re on your own or there are Classic, Strawberry and Blueberry and Lychee jugs. There is nothing more we need from life, goodbye.
Where: Level 1/2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Margarita Cartel
Located on the Lower Gold Coast Hwy in Burleigh, this little joint is the perfect delight for Mexi-loving locals. The list of margaritas, as you’d expect, has quite the variety on offer, from the Classic (made with orange liqueur), to Coconut, Watermelon (five please), Cucumber and Chilli, Smoky Pineapple, Grapefruit and El Patron and we obviously suggest sampling one of each.
Where: 2/1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Hail Mary
The little Burleigh beauty down a side alleyway is filled to the brim with delightful margarita flavours that’ll keep you busy all day long. There’s Coconut, Mango, Peach & Passionfruit, Mexcal, Chilli Mexcal, Szechuan Pepper & Pineapple and Tommy’s Margarita’s and every single one is the goods. It’s a sweet little space too so grab the gang and get down there.
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Rick Shores
While it’s true that all cocktails consumed on a seat overlooking the ocean are the best you can hope for, the tipples at Rick Shores are that little bit more special because: a) Burleigh Heads beach and b) well, margaritas. Rick Shores is absolutely stunning and we highly recommend gathering the girls and making an afternoon session of it.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Frida Sol
Frida Sol brings a slew of margaritas to tantalise your tastebuds this sweet Margarita Month. We are quite (QUITE) partial to the Chilli and the Coconut Margaritas and throw in a pretty Palmy ocean view and you’ve got yourself a good ol’ time.
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Collective
It’s always a sweet time at The Collective, on the highway in Palm Beach what with five food venues to choose from and a rooftop bar with bulk epic cocktails on offer. We vote for the speciality cocktail “TOMMY BATANGA”. 10/10 taste sensation.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
baskk
The stunning, naturally-inspired surrounds of baskk at Kirra Point are enough for us but, since it’s Margarita Month, we won’t go past a tasty tipple or two either. The margarita’s at baskk are next-level, as is everything on the menu. Line a few of those beauties up and order a couple of pizza’s and that’s pretty much the best time you can have.
Where: Shop 2, Beach House Plaza, 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Kirra Smith
Exciting news for all you theatre cabaret lovers, Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant launched their brand new show just a few short weeks ago and the creepy crew are back at it again.
The newbie titled Muertos; which means dead in Spanish and the latest carnival de carnage is set to be a wild celebration that absolutely explodes on the Broadbeach stage.
It’s a tribute to Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations, moving at the bone-rattling pace you’ve come to know and love from Australia’s long running dinner slash theatre show.
There’s carnival-inspired acts, death-defying aerial acrobatics, live tunes from the clever crew and of course, the hilarious brand of comedy only Dracula’s can provide.
Muertos is all vibrant colours and hip-gyrating flamenco meshed with high energy Latin dance. Add dancing skeletons, galloping corpses, rocktacular live music, big wigs and lots of bare skin and you’ve got quite the time.
The Mexican theme has crept into every part of the iconic venue, including the menu, wine list and décor. How good.
Delivering the ultimate entertainment and live music experience, the show appears across five stages, as well as mid-air above the audience.
The talented cast lineup features crowd favourite, Coco Inia Dewar, renowned acrobatic adagio duo Lauren Skapalova and Bray Garcia, señorita deliciosas Amber Dawn-Finch and Sarah Douch, backed by the amazing live music talents of Viola Skyes and Tomi Gray.
For the uninitiated, Dracula’s is a world of nocturnal decadence, with mouth-watering dinner treats and tequila laced cocktails – presented by waiters with unrestrained lip-service.
Plus there’s a ghost train ride that’ll get you every time.
Packages start $59 per person for supper club, show only tickets with optional tapas menu, or $95 per person for a succulent three-course dinner and show experience.
Get on it.
LOCATION: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
WHEN: Five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday
Over the past couple of years Palm Beach (or Palmy as it’s affectionately known) has been transformed into the Coast’s king of cool.
With new bars and eateries filling every unoccupied space, quiet(er) beaches and some of the best boutique shopping around, Palmy is moving on up in the world.
As is customary, we’ve compiled a list of the top 17 reasons locals love the place.
Watson Bloom
A sweet coffee spot underneath Sable Palm Beach, Watson Bloom is serving up exceptional brews along with plenty of plant-based treats including raw goodies and banana bread made in-house plus pastries and never-ending good vibes. Pop in for an early morning brew and a chat.
Where: Sable Palm Beach, 2/1073 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Patty Smiths
The newest burger crew around are Patty Smiths who are serving up VERY tasty burgers, made with hand-pressed patties along with loaded fries, some of the most epic thickshakes around and just general deliciousness everywhere honestly. Perfect for beachside dinners or if you feel like something yummy but can’t be bothered cooking (us, always).
Where: Shop 15A Pavilions Shopping Centre, 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
Las Palmas
Overlooking the ocean with the perfect pastel palette, Las Palmas is bringing Latin America to Palm Beach with a share-style menu, made up of mouthwatering flavours and a fresh cocktail list to match. Head in there for a Sunday arvo session or long lunch with your loves. It’ll be your new summer fave for sure.
Where: Level 1, 1097 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Scottish Prince
Tucked away, all moody low-lit with wild times written all over it, The Scottish Prince, sister venue of The Cambus Wallace and is one of the best drinking holes we have here on the Coast. It’s primarily a whisky bar boasting over 300 varieties of the tasty tipple plus a perfectly complementary menu including charcuterie boards, meatballs, Scotch Fillets, fish and chips and the like. All the very best things. Get in.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Sisterhood Coffee
Sisterhood brings community-inspired good vibes to the people of Palmy. It’s the work of two local gals who are serving up impressive brunch dishes made with local produce and some of the yummiest there is. Sisterhood is bringing the coffee culture back down to earth, not charging for milks that aren’t of the full cream variety and are generally creating something pretty lovely down south Palmy way. Highly recommend.
Where: 1099 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Farmers Markets
The Gold Coast is home to many an impressive farmers market and one of our absolute favourites can be found in Palmy on Saturday mornings. From 6am at Palm Beach Currumbin High School you’ll find fresh local produce, artisan foods, specialty coffee, epic doughnuts, flowers, dog treats, the lot. The perfect way to spend a weekend morning.
Where: Thrower Drive, Palm Beach
Frida Sol
Margaritas and Mexi-eats are some of our favourite things and happily, they’re on offer at Palmy’s delightful upstairs space, Frida Sol. There’s a chilli margarita that’ll knock your socks off and if you perch outside on the deck, a balmy ocean breeze – the combination of which will remind you exactly why you live on the Gold Coast. The perfect time.
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Collective
No doubt you’ve already set foot inside The Collective more than once and why wouldn’t you with five restaurants to choose from? Open for lunch and dinner, you can stay all day and, as it’s a communal dining setting, you’re bound to make some new friends along the way. So, if you’re in the mood for pizza and tacos, head to The Collective, order both and wash it all down with a cocktail at the rooftop bar.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Barefoot Barista
Barefoot have been a Palmy favourite since they swung open their doors in 2011. They offer the kind of nourishing, healthy homestyle eats you’d expect when you visit your fanciest friend for breaky. Think house-smoked Miso Cured Salmon and Wellbeing Porridge packed with goodness. The crew at Barefoot also serve a mean coffee, one of the best on the Coast in fact and you, friends, can purchase the tasty single origins beans to make your own.
Where: 10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Strange Days
Calling lovers of all things vintage, there’s a new kid in town and you’re going to want to head in there to peruse the goodies ASAP. The entire store has a bit of a rock ‘n roll, western vibe, reminiscent of owner Sylvie’s (enviable) style and you’ll find everything from clothes, vintage records, a few homewares, posters and the like. It’s all been carefully sourced and is in very good condition.
Where: 1/1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Pirate Park
Those with little ones will attest to the fact that the Pirate Park is up there with the best on the Coast. Located right near the water, the park far exceeds anything you ever got to play on as a kid with a pirate ship stuck in the sand and upended wine barrels perfect for all day climbing. If you don’t have any babes, Dune Café is close by as is the sparkling ocean and a dog beach on Currumbin Creek that’s always good for a laugh.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach (on the left before the Currumbin Creek bridge)
White Bohemian
It’s every local boho babe’s dream come true. Opened in 2013, White Bohemian stocks all your favourite hippy-esque labels including Byron Bay labels SPELL and Arnhem and locals like Mahiya and Lokoa. It’s possibly the only place on the Coast gals can go to stock up on the bohemian trend that has literally taken over the world. There’s homewares too so, you know, prepare to spend up.
Where: Cnr Seventh Avenue and Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Balboa Italian
It goes without saying that if you’ve ever driven through Palm Beach, you’ve definitely laid eyes on Balboa Italian. The beautifully appointed double-storey brick building is in a class of its own serving classic Italian dishes with modern interpretations and the freshest of flavours. It’s worth a visit just to experience the fitout, complete with overhead Vespa and exposed brick walls. The cocktails are unique and the wine selection varied. It’s all good to be honest, get down there.
Where:1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Espresso Moto
It’s a cafe crossed with a motorbike workshop and the home of the best banana smoothies on the Gold Coast. That’s right, the best. There is not a single thing not to love about Espresso Moto from their very delicious breakfast goods (the brekky burritos are the bomb), to their use of All Press coffee and the ever-friendly staff who always say g’day. There’s also a communal dog bed and the beach is right around the corner. So yeah, it’s the best.
Where: 1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Suga
A somewhat secret cocktail bar, tucked away on the Gold Coast Hwy, Suga specialises in rum and good times and if you’re keen on either or both of those you should absolutely get down there. They have an impressive cocktail menu plus plenty of epic wines (pet nats, yes please) and beers so no matter what, you’re gonna love it.
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Ritual Yoga & Pilates
Found upstairs in a sunlit space oozing chill vibes is Ritual Yoga & Pilates. Owned by sisters Rose and Sophie, Ritual is only a couple of years old but has already become a favourite amongst both Palm Beach locals and those who reside in surrounding suburbs. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation (or a solid sweat session), Ritual is calling your name.
Where: 9b Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Highline
One of Palmy’s sweetest coffee spots is Highline, a stunning little space decked out in pastel hues and serving up some of the very best coffee on the Coast. The menu is the goods too, boasting fresh, locally sourced produce-filled dishes like jaffles, ferment bowls and even a life-changing apple pie. Great.
Where: 5/1132 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Words by Kirra Smith
