If there is a threesome more made for each other in the world than spicy chicken wings, hot dogs and boozy milkshakes, we have not heard of it. Nor do we want to, thank you very much.

So, it is with great pleasure and very enthusiastic typing fingers, that we bring you news of the opening of Fat Freddy’s Beach Bar & Diner, Broady’s new venue we have been (im)patiently waiting for quite some time now.

As they say though, good things come to those who wait and wait we did, so now good things we have.

And yes, you guessed it, those good things come in the form of spicy chicken wings, loaded hot dogs and boozy milkshakes, all of which are extremely delicious and will be discussed in further detail in a few paragraphs.

Fat Freddy’s, underneath Avani on Surf Pde, is an impressive new space drawing on the classic US diner experience and breathing fresh, new life into Broady’s eating scene.

As you enter the space you’ll come face to face with some of the most controversial celebrities of our time including Charlie Sheen and Britney Spears (love you) to name a few. There’s bar and luxe, leather booth-style seating and an outdoor deck perfect for balmy Sunday arvo sessions.

Behind the absolutely stacked bar there are nine screens so you can catch all of the sport your competitive little Aussie heart desires.

Let’s get back to the food though because there is a lot of goodness to discuss. Executive Chef Braden White has worked some absolute magic on the American diner classics you know but have definitely never loved as much as you’ll love these.

The Crumbed Jalapeno Poppers are a taste sensation, as are the Breaded Bacon Bits (no words can explain but the flavours are American maple syrup and candied chilli – amazing).

Mac and Cheese Croquettes are made with four cheeses, truffle mayo and Parmesan and all of the good things in the world.

Bigger dishes come in the form of the New York Street Dog, a Po Boy complete with a poached Moreton Bay Bug and an array of exceptional burgers. There are also BBQ Pork Ribs, Flame Grilled Southern Chicken and Loaded Tater Tots and it’s probably the best US-style menu we’ve ever sampled (including in the US).

So eat all the things, then wash them down with a boozy milkshake or two why don’t you.

We were quite partial to the Pablo Escabar which is an Espresso Martini slash thickshake with ice cream foam and shaved chocolate and so, so yummy.

There’s also a Miami Vice Splice-Cream with Midori, lime, ice cream, pineapple and coconut foam. Perfect for a balmy afternoon treat.

Spiked Sodas are on the menu too and you probably shouldn’t go past the Monica Lewinski with Wyborowa Vodka, Fay Freddy’s Passiona, lemon and unicorn hair. Trust us.

Not to mention there’s an impressive selection of cocktails, tap and bottled beers and of course, an extensive selection of American bourbon and whiskeys.

On top of all that, Fat Freddy’s is home to a luxury gaming lounge complete with private parking and venue entry.

How fun is Freddy. Get in there Gold Coasters, it’s going to be a very good time.

LOCATION: 2663 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (entry via Surf Pde)
HOURS: 11.30am until midnight daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

So we hear you’re sans a significant other. Don’t worry, we got you – and haven’t you heard, single is the new relationship! Or maybe it’s just us saying that. Who cares, because what’s more of a vibe than knocking back an entire pack of Tim Tams for dinner while you binge watch MAFS like no one’s watching? Because no one is watching.

Soak up that glorious singledom and being responsible for no one but me, myself and I (and my dog) because it turns out there are loads of things you could be doing to fill up your cup as the Gold Coast’s most eligible Bachelor or Bachelorette.

Try all the foods
One of the best things about being single is being able to eat whatever you crave without compromise. Feel like gelato for dinner? You got it! Cooking not on the menu? Uber Eats from your favourite Thai it is. Craving Jimmy Wah’s but got no one to go with? Who cares! There’s something we love about a solo dinner date. No eating something you don’t want because the person you’re eating with is fussy/boring/not vibing the same menu as you. Our favourite spots for solo dinner dates? Try Rosella’s, Local or Cantina in Mermaid Beach for epic eats and people watching.

Get crafty
Let your inner Picasso run wild at one of the multitude of adult craft workshops on offer around the GC. Mesi Studio is one of the Coast’s newest craft, paint and sip venues, with textured art classes taking centre stage #yippee. The Craft Parlour, offers everything from floral embroidery to bead & sips and kokedama workshops. Or if you like to get your hands dirty, why not try a clay and sip experience at Stone Studio & Co in Currumbin?  Come alone or come with a crew, either way you’re guaranteed a good time.

Shop ‘til You Drop
If you’re anything like us, there’s a good chance your retail therapy will cost more than your actual therapy #yolo. We’ve got some of the country’s best shopping centre’s in our backyard, so it’d be rude not to shop up a storm at Pacific Fair if you ask us. If you’re being budget-concious (or just love a good bargain) head north to Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre. They’ve got all your favourite brands for loads less with a spiffy eats and sips precinct to boot.

Self Care’s The Word
Spa days are the ultimate single gal good time. There are plenty of places to indulge on the Coast from escape-for-a-week retreats like Gwinganna to the luxe and spa-kling new embodiment of bliss, the Spa By JW. Nothing says ‘self care’ like a soak session at Soak Bathhouse. Go solo or grab your girl gang and cycle through the warm magnesium baths and cold plunge pools. If you’re wanting more – add on a luxe massage or solo infrared sauna session, listen to an audiobook while you sweat it out and we promise you’ll feel a million bucks for it. Smooth skin and super chill vibes await.

Let’s Get Physical
Hit the pavement and get your heart rate up at one of the many run clubs calling the GC home. Our personal fave? Unfit Run Club, because who doesn’t want to finish a jog with a jug of beer! A way to get fit AND meet new peeps? Sign us up.
If you’re more about the great outdoors then explore one of our incredible Hinterland hiking trails. If you’re lucky and the weather gods have been good to you, you’ll even get a solid waterfall spotting – perfect spot for a refreshing dip.

Movie Date
It might feel cliché but there’s just something so liberating about taking a solo movie date. Because when was the last time you went to the cinemas, be honest? Book yourself some tix to that rom-com you’ve been dying to see (Gold Class, because you deserve it) and treat yourself to your favourite sweetie treaties. No compromising and being forced to watch the 456^th Equalizer movie. Hot tip, DENDY at Queen Street Village, often screens previews and opening night specials including a glass of sparkling wine with your ticket purchase #fancy.

Get Your Mermaid On
‘Oh naurrrr Cleo’ we hear you say, but we know deep down you’ve been dying to have your mermaid moment and there’s no better place than Currumbin Rock Pools. The ultimate sanctuary for singles, pack a bag with a book and a baguette and you’ll be set for at least a couple of hours to soak up the tranquil vibes. If saltwater is your preference, perch up at Talle Creek or one of our other incredible beachside spots and ground yourself while you become one with the ocean. Bliss.

Bingo’s Not Just for Old Ducks
Get the girls (and guys if they must) together for a night of ugly laughing with Miami Marketta’s iconic Drag Queen Bingo. Thing big costumes and even bigger personalities, it’s a fixture on the GC events calendar for a reason. There’s a DJ spinning your favourite camp tunes and bringing the vibes all night long. The best bit? You can book in tables of two, four or six so grab a bestie or five and get ready for the night of your lives.

Get Your Exhibitionist On
Not like that, you weirdo. We mean to get better acquainted with the Arts at HOTA, one of Queensland’s most impressive Galleries and a very welcome addition to the Coast’s art and culture scene. The exhibits change every few months so there’s always something fresh to look at. Finish it off with a bite or beverage at HOTA’s rooftop bar, The Exhibitionist. Sounds like a pretty perfect day.

Learn to Surf
It’s pretty much a rite of passage if you’re a Gold Coaster, so if you can’t surf then what have you been doing?! Currumbin Alley is renowned for being one of the most beginner friendly spots to catch a wave, so book a spot at one of ripper surf schools and let your inner grom out. Currumbin Alley Surf School even have a 6 week surfing challenge so you can find some mates (or a mate) and put those new skills to work.

Chill out
If there’s ever been a time or a reason to focus on me, myself and I, it’s when you’re single. So what better way to dig deep and honour yourself than with the legends at Cool 2 Be Conscious. They’ve brought community breathwork, meditation and ocean dips to the masses and there’s a reason why hundreds – yes, hundreds – rock up rain, hail or shine for their sessions each and every week. As Australia’s largest breathwork movement, it’s the perfect spot to dip your toes into the concept of breathwork (pun intended). Sounds wholesome, because it is.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.