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New Nobby’s bar brings vintage, underground vibes

Nobby’s Rock is now open for your drinking pleasure.

Oh hey Nobby’s, it’s been awhile between drinks but that’s all about to change thanks to a sweet new bar that swung open it’s doors recently and we see quite a lot of the lowlit, New York-style space in our future.

It’s called Nobby’s Rock and it has moved on into the one time home of Firecue bringing something quite unique to the little beachside suburb we all love.

It’s an intimate room; dark and moody and lit with hanging pendant bulbs a red glow throughout that sets the mood. Hanging greenery brings the space to life, vintage mirrors hang at one end and stunning Chesterfield couches make up a cosy, sophisticated area in the back.

The bar is stacked with goodies and you may perch yourself up there to watch the team at work or take up a table with the crew out the front. It’s the type of place you might expect to see down an alleyway in Melbourne or underground in New York but our laidback Gold Coast good vibes are prominent and owner Mitch McIntyre (formerly of Aquaduck fame) has done an excellent job of creating the perfect addition to our very own little bar scene.

As you’d expect, the cocktail menu is a good one with plenty of interesting (read: delicious) takes on your favourite tipples plus a few unique newbies of course.

We absolutely LOVE the Rhubarb Rocks with rhubarb and ginger gin (who has ever heard of such a magical thing). grapefruit liqueur, vermouth, rhubarb bitters and sugar. It’s one of the tastiest things we’ve ever put in our mouths.

The Ink Gin Martini is also a delight with Ink Gin, elderflower, lime and sugar and Notes of India has Ophir Gin, ginger syrup, hibiscus syrup, lime and ginger ale.

All exceptional.

Get this though guys, there are also Espresso Martinis and you may drink them for the VERY affordable price of $12 each. Yes indeed.

As you can probably tell, Nobby’s Rock was created as a bar and it is a delightful little spot for a tipple but that’s not all they’ve got going on.

Head Chef Joel Bryant (of Hyde Paradiso, Oskars on Burleigh, Seaduction and Songbirds fame – yes all the best ones) has created a mouthwatering menu so you can indulge in epic eats while you sip. Which is really the very best thing one can do, no?

Highlights include (but are not limited to) Vegan Risotto made with cauliflower risotto, roasted pumpkin, pumpkin seed pesto, confit garlic soy custard, grapes and baby basil. One of the greats.

Also the Sirloin Steak with Gippsland Sirloin (from Nobby’s Organic Butcher), charred asparagus, sweet potato puree and Balter bernaise and the Roasted Free Range Chicken with baby carrots, Kombucha gel and roasted chook jus.

There is a bar snacks section but the focus is on dishes for one and that is how we like it.

Everything is locally sourced (including from Fosters Bakery – love you) where possible and made with the highest quality ingredients but for actually affordable prices. Which is really great.

So you see it’s a very good time to be Nobby’s Beach and we are probably moving back now. Make Nobby’s Rock a must-do this weekend, it’s for your own good.

LOCATION: 2243 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
HOURS: From 5pm daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

16 reasons locals love Nobbys Beach

Tayta Nikkei Restaurant & Bar, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Tayta Nikkei Restaurant & Bar, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

We’ve lost count of all of the best beachside spots on the Coast where you can eat, drink and shop your little heart away, but one of the ol’ favourites has had a comeback and we’re all here for it.

Nobby’s is well and truly in its slay era and to be honest, we can’t get enough. Locals have loved the beachside suburb forever and to be fair, so have we, but there’s been a surge of seriously epic new venues that have made us fall in love all over again.

We’ve taken the task of trying out the 16 reasons why locals can’t get enough of Nobby’s – you’re welcome – so you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

The Oxley, Nobby Beach (image supplied By Ablo)
The Oxley, Nobby Beach (image supplied By Ablo)

The Oxley 1823
You’ve no doubt seen it pretty much everywhere (guilty), but have you actually visited The Oxley yet? It’s been one of Nobby’s most anticipated new arrivals for as long as we can remember, and we think it’s safe to say now it’s well and truly living up to expectations. They’ve got brekky and lunch covered with the crew at Sunkist, coffee on tap at Buoy and everything you need from groceries, fresh meats and seafood, flowers and made to order juices covered at The Oxley Village Grocer, Butcher and Sub Station. A little birdy also told us there are even more goodies opening a little later this year, so watch this space.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

The Holliday Coffee, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Juice and Iced Coffee, The Holliday Coffee, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

Holliday Coffee
Good vibes, great coffee and a seriously strong jaffle game(!!) – what’s not to love about Holliday? No seriously, our caffeine addiction is being single handedly fuelled by these guys. It’s pretty much always buzzing – what is always a good sign if you ask us. Follow the smell of the freshly ground coffee beans, grab a seat outside (our personal favourite spot) and spoilt yourself with a little treaty. Go on, you’ve earned it.
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Highway (corner of Wave St), Nobby Beach

Franc Jrs, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Franc Jrs, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

Franc Jrs
Okay big call but this may just be one of the best pizza joints on the Gold Coast and Franc-ly, it’s about time they spread the love to other parts of the city because why should Coolangatta have all the fun? The menu has all the signatures from the Cooly store and you can choose to eat in and soak up the vibes or grab and go – the perfect addition to a picnic on the beach if you ask us. Our favourite part of ordering to-go? Sipping on a cheeky frozen marg while you wait.
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

Alfreds Apartment, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Alfreds Apartment, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Alfred’s Apartment
Mermaid’s loss is Nobby’s gain because you best believe we’ve been living at Alfred’s since the OG started calling its new address home. Still the same vibe you love from the original Alfred’s, the space now has a schmick industrial fit out, ripper coffee and, of course, all the merch that we know you can’t get enough of. If you’re off the coffee train you’ll want to get around their viral strawberry matcha.
Where: 2225 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Fosters Bakery
No one does pies or baked goods quite like Foster’s Bakery, they’re famous for a reason and known for delivering that classic bakery feel of yesteryear. The ultimate spot for a pie (you know you love them) or a jam donut loaded with sugary goodness, we’re nostalgic just thinking about it.
Where: Shop 1/2227 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tropic Vice, Nobby Beach (image supplied)
Tropic Vice, Nobby Beach (image supplied)

Tropic Vice
This place is a VIBE. The sun-lit rooftop is the perfect setting to sip on signature cocktails & graze on a unique “Florribean” inspired menu, combining flavours of the Caribbean and South America. The space was stylishly updated last year, still paying homage to the iconic Palm Springs and Miami influence, it’s one of those spots you just want to sip and stay all day.
Where: Upstairs 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

About a Girl
One of our favourite little gems in Nobby’s is of course, About a Girl boutique. They’ve got the perfect mix of wardrobe staples and current trending pieces, they’ve got gorgeous linen sets, minis, maxis and so much more for every occasion, as well as a curated selection of hand-picked homewares you didn’t know you absolutely need.
Where: 2/2211 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tayta Nikkei Restaurant & Bar, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
Tayta Nikkei Restaurant & Bar, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

Tayta Nikkei
This Nobby newcomer brought a taste of Nikkei cuisine to the Gold Coast. With its intimate setting boasting 60 seats, Tayta Nikkei exudes a dark and moody ambiance, complemented by traditional Peruvian colors and patterns. The menu showcases a delightful array of seafood and ceviche-style specialties, inviting guests on a culinary journey like no other.
Where: 2/2243 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Mexicali (image supplied)
Mexicali (image supplied)

Mexicali
You had us at Mexican. We challenge you to find someone who doesn’t love a good Mexican feed… Go on, we’ll wait. Calling Nobby’s home for probably longer than most of us have, Mexicali never fails to bring the vibes (and the bevs) all year long. Once you make your way upstairs it’s seriously like entering the ultimate secret spot, if you close your eyes for a second it’s almost like you’re actually in Tulum. Once you’ve knocked back a few tacos and cocktails, don’t forget to snap the iconic stair shot as you exit – you know what we’re talking about, don’t lie.
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Bine Bar & Dining beer (image supplied)
Bine Bar & Dining beer (image supplied)

Bine Bar & Dining
Let’s talk Bine. Specialising in craft beer and perfectly matched food, and…need we say more? With 8 rotating taps, a bunch of different bottled beers, a selection of wines and mouth-watering cocktail options matched with a modest yet decadent menu, there are plenty of reasons to love it….and come back again and again.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach

Poké Bowls, Okazu Sushi Bar (image supplied)
Poké Bowls, Okazu Sushi Bar (image supplied)

Okazu
Now there’s a decent dose of Japanese going around our hood, but we can never get enough. Have any of these sushi bars or poke bowl dreamboats failed us? The answer is a hard no. Okazu is no exception, this convenient grab and go spot featuring Donburi, Okonomiyaki and Sushi Rolls is as fresh as it is delicious and it has us coming back every day.
Where: 2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

BSKT Cafe
Ahh BSKT, you are simply the gift that keeps on giving. The menu just keeps delivering year on year and honestly, if you haven’t been here yet are you even a true Gold Coaster? Consistently voted one of the best tables in town, there is not a single dish that doesn’t hit a home run.
Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Nobby Beach

BSKT Cafe (image supplied)
BSKT Cafe (image supplied)

Nobbys Shack
If health food is your (sugar-free) jam, one would hope you’ve cottoned on to The Shack Superfood Café and if not, it’s about time you convert. With tasty eco-friendly meals like smoothiesacai bowls and wraps in a breezy, non-pretentious environment, the brand spanking new version of the previous fave The Shack Superfood Café, lives up to its predecessor’s high standards…and then some.
Where: 2241 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Cambus Wallace
A nautical-themed rum and whisky bar delivering old school service and quality, it’s a long-standing crowd-pleaser for good reason. The space is low-lit, close-knit and always pumping. Swing in for some delish share plates, a drink or two and soak up the intimate ambience. Live music with a side of gin and fresh squeezed apple juice? Name a more iconic duo, we’ll wait…
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast HwyNobby Beach

SOMM Wine Store interior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
SOMM Wine Store interior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

SOMM Wine Store
Yeah we’ve talked a lot about foody joints (how unlike us – said no-one ever) but there is absolutely no denying that SOMM Wine store is a firm local favourite of the vino variety. SOMM (aka us) might even say it’s the only place you should be exploring to find your favourite drop.  Owned by husband and wife duo Joe and Natalie, their backstory is reflected in the carefully curated wines begging to occupy real estate at your next dinner party. Specialising in boutique wineries, their wine experts will help you find a winner every time.
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

The Undercurrent Nobby's Beach (Image: © 2019 Inside Gold Coast)
The Undercurrent Nobby's Beach (Image: © 2019 The Undercurrent)

That mural
Speaking of Mexicali and epic art (and no, we’re not talking about the food this time), a much-loved part of the Nobbys highway strip is the eye-catching mural adorning one side of the restaurant in all its bright-hued glory. Designed and painted by local legend Luke Day, the colourful creation and all its pinky bluey goodness is THE spot to snap the most aesthetic insta shot you could wish for. Say cheese…or churros!
Where: The north side of Mexicali (you won’t miss it)

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

The Oxley, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
The Oxley, Nobby Beach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

Forreal Kitchen

Allow us to begin by sharing the news that deep fried Gaytimes are a thing and you can eat them at Nobby’s newbie Forreal Kitchen (previously Barchino).

The end.

Jks. Seriously though, did other people know this and keep what may be the most delicious food in the world a secret. Let’s hope not hey.

Let’s go back to the beginning. Last week Nobby’s welcomed another new eatery to the fray and we may never have seen a more balanced and extensive menu in all our food eating lives.

The premise of Forreal Kitchen is this: life is all about balance and good food is one of the greatest pleasures there is, therefore we should enjoy both the healthy and not-so-healthy but oh-so-delicious varieties in order to stay sane (and happy). Makes perfect sense to us because Deep Fried Gaytimes.

The interior is all kinds of colourful cuteness with bright pink, patterned wallpaper on one side and literal leaves sprouting from the other. Greenery hangs from every available space and rattan light shades round out the cosy, natural, indoor jungle feels.

So besides the previously mentioned Deep Fried Gaytimes, what can you eat? Well pals, a little bit of everything.

Of course, there are smoothie bowls – nine varieties to be precise – and if you’re in one of those healthy moods (apparently it’s a thing) go for the Gracefully Green with spinach, green matcha, banana, pineapple, coconut milk, avocado and served with Paleo muesli, flowers and toasted coconut.

For lunch there’s (so many good things) the Forreal Boy with crispy prawns served on a crusty French Roll with apple slaw and crispy fries. Yep there is.

There are also share plates along the lines of a Big Fat Beef and Maple sausage with jalapeno relish and Asian Greens in Miso Caramel. People’s culinary imaginations actually blow our minds.

You can drink cocktails, match wines to your breakfast (STOP IT) or order a smoothie called Are You Forreal, which is a secret rainbow concoction not for the faint of heart.

Green shots are a thing too if your attempt to balance all those other goodies gets out of hand.

The place is seriously one of a kind and the girls have actually thought of everything.

Get on it guys.

LOCATION: 28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach (underneath Santorini)
HOURS: From 6am to 3pm daily (open for breakfast and lunch)

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

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