We all love a little southern getaway to our beautiful across-the-border neighbour. But sometimes that 45 minute drive seems a little two much to handle on the precious few days we get away from work each week.

Luckily, it seems, Byron Bay has begun to come to us and that is happy news friends. Starting with a few top notch eateries, here’s hoping the entire town soon merges into the Gold Coast so we can claim it as our own.

Until then, here are five restaurants that originated in Byron and have expanded to the Gold Coast.

Finn Poke
The most recent addition in the foodie migration is Finn Poke, a café-style venue serving up, you guessed it, nourishing poke bowls. The popular Byron Bay gang opened up in Pacific Fair just last week and they’re set to open a second store in James Street (Burleigh Heads) next month. They’re putting a unique little spin on the salad and raw fish style bowls and that’s as Byron as anything we’ve ever heard.
Where: Pacific Fair, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Main Street Burger Bar
An absolute Byron favourite is Main Street Burger Bar and, as of last year, they’ve become a pretty popular addition to the Broadbeach restaurant scene too. With a trendy, beachside diner vibe and burgers made with the freshest and healthiest produce possible, it really is a good time. The Harissa Roasted Lamb Shoulder burger is a fave and throw in a boozy milkshake and that will do us just fine thank you very much.
Where: Shop GO.53, Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

Elixiba
What’s a Byron restaurant story without a vegan addition? And what a vegan addition Elixiba is. It’s a completely plant-based bar and restaurant with some of the most Insta-worthy dishes around. Think towering burgers, pasta perfections, Chai cheesecake and the tastiest of curries. Every single thing on the menu will have your mouth watering, vegan or not.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Miss Margarita
Ahh Mexican food, how we love you. Miss Margarita’s is one of the best Byron haunts around and no matter what time of day, it’s absolutely packed with patrons sipping chilli margaritas (could just be us). The food is absolutely exceptional here and we particularly love jalapeno poppers and every burrito that has ever been brought before us. BONUS: you don’t need to travel to Byron to get involved.
Where: Shop 101, 89 Surf Pde, Broadbeach

Cardamom Pod
There are vegetarian delights galore at the Byron Bay gem that now boasts two Gold Coast locations. Cardamom Pod is a choose your own adventure style scenario where you can mix your curries with your salads, pop some samosas on your plate and fill your belly with warm, nourishing goodies that will keep you full for days (or at least hours). They also do some extremely tasty desserts so maybe take one of those guys home for later. Oh and it’s BYO, yep yep.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach and The Brickworks, Ferry Rd, Southport

Cicchetti Pizza & Pasta Bar
They began their foodie adventure in Byron before moving on up to the Gold Coast and nowadays, they are solely Queenslanders and we are more than happy with that. Serving up the tastiest Italian fare, Cicchetti offers a casual breakfast menu plus authentic Italian for lunch and dinner and the foods is the goods guys. They also boast innovative cocktails in a space that is quite frankly, breathtaking. Next time you’re craving Italian food, give them a try.
Where: Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri

Words by Kirra Smith.

International Beer Day – don’t mind if we do

Fan of a frothy? Us too. And it turns out it’s not just us, the beverage that really does need no introduction officially has its own day of honour – well overdue if you ask us. On Friday 4^th August we’ll be cracking open a coldy to celebrate International Beer Day, and in honour we’ve penned a list of the top breweries that the Gold Coast has to offer.

So ‘hop’ on down to one this weekend. And next weekend. And the one after…

Fortitude Brewing Co
Froth fanatics, Fortitude Brewing Company sees you! This hinterland spot has 15 taps, each pouring something different from the range of Fortitude and Noisy Minor beers – all brewed on site! Visitors can nom their way through a variety of made-to-order pizzas whilst sinking a tasting paddle…or two, or… Enjoy the venue’s rugged exteriors and soft-hearted interiors and on weekends, soak up the beats from talented muso’s.
Beer to sip: Fortitude Pacer — the perfect session pale ale.
Where: 165 Long Road, Eagle Heights

Laughing Lizard Brewery
The good times keep on keeping on at Laughing Lizard with over 150 different beers! The best part, however, is that none contain any nasty chemicals or preservatives (yay, no hangover…well, that’s our story and we’re sticking to it…), and there’s even a gluten-free option #CeliacsRejoice! Here you’ll find a micro-brewery, beer and spirits shop, and every party planner’s besty – a keg hire service!
Beer to sip: You can’t go wrong with the Skini – light bodied, low carb, but full flavour.
Where: 27 Sinclair Street, Arundel

Hound & Stag
Who said the north side wasn’t the place to be? Guarantee you’ll have a ‘beery’ good time at one of the newest breweries on the block, the old barn-style joint is the largest taproom on the Northern GC with 28 beer taps and an epic kitchen serving up Modern Australian food daily.
Beer to sip: Struggling to pick the perfect pint from the huge range on offer? You can’t go wrong with the award-winning Red Baron for a spritzy and refreshing brew.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel

SOPO Brewing Co
A hidden gem on the beer scene here on the Gold Coast, we reckon SOPO Brewing Co is one of the suburbs best kept secrets. They’ve got house brews as well as monthly releases to keep those tastebuds on their toes, with the microbrewery delivering a tasty range of craft beers, lagers and ciders exclusive to the venue.
Beer to sip: When in SOPO one must drink the SOPO IPA of course!
Where: 146 Scarborough St, Southport

Madocke Beer Brewing Company
The ultimate Belgian beer experience awaits at Ashmore’s Madocke! Starting their commercial brewery in a tiny garage, proud owners Jimmy and Annelies are a bona fide local success story! Enjoy the complex flavours and richness of their brewskis at free Thursday trivia nights, and pair your pitcher with some belly laughs at live comedy night every Friday. Skohl!
Beer to sip: The creamy and refreshing White IPA Celebration is the perfect night starter – see you on the d floor.
Where: 286 Southport Nerang Road, Ashmore

BOB’s Beer
Beers near the beachfront – you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend your International Beer Day, wouldn’t you? Whether you’re a local or playing tourist, BOB’s Beer is one of the best joints in Surfers for a cheeky brew, with a seriously swanky fit-out with high ceilings and most importantly those glistening copper pipes delivering that expertly brewed amber nectar straight to our glasses.
Beer to sip: The Surfers XPA of course – a deliciously easy drinking pale ale brewed entirely out of local malt, perfect!
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Lucky Squire
In case you haven’t put two and two together, this brewhouse brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire (cue ‘aha’ moment). Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub, the custom-designed full-functioning microbrewery pumps out small, exclusive batch brews, and it’s a cracking spot to round up your crew for an arvo sesh.
Beer to sip: Check out their limited-release small batch brews rotating the taps. Our current fave is Chivalry – because of course it’s not dead.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Lost Palms Brewing
This pink and mint icon is a short stroll from the hot spots in Nobby’s and a ‘hop’, skip and a jump from Miami Marketta. Pull up a pew outside, sink some unique and refreshing brews, and make sure you grab some sweet snaps for your socials. Roll up for $1 Wings on Thursday nights and live music on Sunday arvo’s, and see why this wicked brewery is a must-visit!
Beer to sip: Lost Palms Talle Daze Hazy Pale — one of their core range beers, named after the local Tallebudgera Creek.
Where: 11 Oak Avenue, Miami

Precinct Brewing
Bursting onto the Miami arts precinct scene with a rapacious welcome, Precinct Brewing now has solid status as the place to grab a freshly made beer, pull up a stool and forget all of life’s woes. They make matters much more bearable with the tastiest of pizzas, stand-up comedy, and some captivating, limited releases like their recent Big If True, Hazy IPA — yummy!
Beer to sip: Check out their weekly Friday releases for exclusive flavours!
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami

SOBAH
If you love a social brew but you don’t love the idea of a potential hangover, then Australia’s first non-alcoholic brewery – SOBAH – is going to be for you. Tucked away in Burleigh, the brewery and café will have their range of full-flavour brews on offer, bringing that real craft beer flavour you know and love without the sore head. We’ll have more of the inside scoop for you when the brewhouse opens Monday 7th August.
Beer to sip: The Pepperberry IPA or Davidson Plum GF Ale are our regulars, celebrating the best of our native Australian ingredients.
Where: Unit 1, 314 Burleigh Connection Road, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Brewing Co.
With gold medals for days from the World Beer Championships, you know you’re in for a good ale here! Famous for their paddle boards, relaxed atmosphere, big smiles and super friendly service, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday arvo (or Friyay / Saturday sesh). There’s even awesome live music to set the mood while you quench your thirst. Cheers!
Beer to sip: Burleigh Brewing Burleigh Bighead — No carb, no-fuss big flavoured thirst quencher.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Black Hops HQ & Black Hops II
The runaway success of the original Black Hops in Burleigh spurred the creation of its spacious and upscale sibling, Black Hops II in Biggera Waters. Both serve up 16 beers on tap and have popular food trucks on site to feed hungry punters. So whether you’re north or southside, round up your mates, the fam and even your pooch for some award-winning amber ales.
Beer to sip: Black Hops Send It Session Ale — light, fruity, and not too strong
Where: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads and 671 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters

Aardvark & Arrow Brewery
This Varsity based microbrewery may produce ‘petite’ batches, but their list of return customers is anything but small! Consistently producing and supplying chemical and preservative free beer and cider that exceeds expectations, the boutique beers here are on point. The staff are uber friendly and knowledgeable and the prices will blow ya mind (in a good way).
Beer to sip: For something fresh, opt for the GC Crisp – a seriously refreshing light coloured, crisp beer perfect for a brewery sesh.
Where: 13 John Duncan Court, Varsity Lakes

Balter Brewing Company
Another one with awards up the wazoo, the newly renovated Balter never disappoints. Its line-up of founders includes some seriously famous sporting legends, and it just oozes chillax and cool in equal measure. Whether it’s from the tap or can, there’s a variety of styles to get your tastebuds singing. Kick back in the new beer garden and enjoy live beats with your brew, along with food truck goodness.
Beer to sip: Balter XPA — Balter’s most awarded beer can be yours fresh from the production line.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin

4 Pines Coolangatta
Another beachfront favourite of ours, but this time nestled on the Cooly shoreline is 4 Pines Coolangatta. The relaxed Southern Gold Coast vibe makes this little brew spot the perfect place stop in for a session. With six taps of their finest beers and 2 Keller door taps pumping out fresh flavours, as well as a dedicated Doggos of 4 Pines polaroid wall, it’s loved by locals for a reason.
Beer to sip: Nothing says 4 Pines like their Pacific Ale – fresh, fruity and floral, it’s impossible not to love.
Where: The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Bianca Trathen & Jacqueline Bojanowski.

They say every dollar we spend is a personal vote for the type of world we want to live in and they, it seems, are very wise. We spend on things to improve the quality of our lives, therefore investing in businesses we love, makes sense.

You know what improves our lives? Tasty food. And also delicious beer to wash down said tasty food. We spend many dollars on those things and we’re willing to bet you do too. Particularly in support of local businesses doing a stand up job.

Which brings us to the point of this tale. Crowdfunding. In particular, the recently announced crowdfunding campaign of local legends Tapworks Bar and Grill, who will soon be opening a second sweet, sweet venue at Westfield Coomera (their first can be found at Chermside).

Their very first actual brewery is also happening in early 2020 so EVEN MORE BEER YAY.

Now, it goes without saying that drinking and eating spots are a fun time filled with all the things we love. Tapworks Bar and Grill Chermside is no exception and we’ve got it on good authority that the Coomera newbie will set the bar even higher.

But back to the crowdfunding. The crew at Tapworks are keen to expand and you know what that means, yes more breweries for us to enjoy and the exciting part is, we can all invest some of our dollars to make it happen.

See, spending equals voting on a world with more breweries. How good.

Plus, as part of this particular campaign, you get to become part owner in the brewery too, so there’s that.

The invested dollars will not only go toward opening more breweries though, they’ll be spent on the creation of Tapworks own brand of frosty brews. Which is obviously also an excellent thing to support.

The aim of the crowdfunding campaign is to allow Tapworks to grow quicker and capitalise on the trends of the industry (more beer for us). Once they’ve created their beer brand, they’ll market it externally.

The other aim is to have five Tapworks Bar and Grill locations within three years so expect plenty more Tapworks venues (and breweries) in the future.

The brand stands for great value, great range and great beer. A ‘beer bar’ with a focus on a wide variety of beers on tap. Their motto is ‘a beer for everyone’ and ours is ‘everyone come for a beer’ so that’s convenient.

It’s good to know we, the patrons of the breweries, are investing in locally owned goodies, which we love.

It’s win win.

Keen to get involved? Click here to learn more.

Stay tuned for more details on Tapworks Bar & Grill Coomera too.

Words by Kirra Smith

STORY SPONSORED BY TAPWORKS BAR & GRILL