Having a craving get a little out of hand, is no doubt something we can all relate to (accidental-entire-block-of-chocolate down the hatch, anyone?) – Though, unfortunately for us, our incessant hankerings are yet to turn into a burgeoning burger empire, which is the exact position Jay Gordon – the enthusiast-turned-entrepreneur behind Broken Hearts Burger Club – has found himself in.

Taking his incessant hankering for the humble, LA-style burger, and somewhere along the line, turning it into Brisbane’s seven-strong, smash burger stalwart… #wellthatescalatedquickly.

Now beef patty purists can finally get their BHBC fix right here in Miami, as the burger slingers again expand their oh-so-delicious club, to dish up American-style fries, shakes and classic, cheese-stuffed smash burgers from their first Gold Coast location.

In that ever-familiar 2020 story, Jay and his fam’s adventures abroad were cut short abruptly forcing them to return home with time to kill (and grill). Quickly diving bread-first into his lockdown quest of replicating the Californian style, street food staple he was longing for – classic smash burgers.

For many of us, our covid-hobbies were ‘discarded’ (little sourdough pun there, shout out to anyone else with short-lived baking aspirations) as quickly as they were discovered, but not Jay. Instead, he doubled down on perfecting his recipe, delivering burgers to his buds and creating a dedicated Instagram account – a decision that would later help his backyard burger project become anything but.

After continuing to build momentum on the ‘gram, and a handful of pop-ups later – the first official BHBC, a brick-and-mortar burger joint in Morningside, was born.

The most recent expansion now makes eight in the family – taking up residence on Miami’s Gold Coast Highway stretch. The venue sports their signature, retro diner chic vibe – with an all-white fit-out, contrasted with pops of bold red accents and leather booths.

Feast your eyes upon the small but mighty menu, and Jay’s commitment to nailing the pared-back, “everyday burger” is immediately apparent.

Their M.O. – (deceptively) simple burgers, done well – is not one they’ve been tempted to deviate from, with a grand total of two burgers – classic, and fancy – to choose from.

The only variable between the two? Just how stacked of a bun you want to tackle, with single, double and triple-patty versions to opt between. Strictly sticking to ingredients you’d find native to its LA counterpart, the bespoke patty blend Jay spent months perfecting is the real hero, with no fussy, distracting aiolis or maple syrup glazes to hide behind.

The Classic is the less-is-more iteration, with molten, American cheese-studded, charred smash patties, house pickles and special sauce, all piled between the signature potato bun, while the Fancy brings some iceberg lettuce and tomato slices into the mix.

Not in the mood for a burger? Weird flex, but ok – you’re still welcome at this club with several styles of cheese and chilli-laden loaded fries to get around (don’t forget the fry sauce)!

Keeping it all-American, you can choose between ‘Sodas’ or Shakes to wash it all down with.. which begs the question – Chocolate, or Vanilla? (…or Strawberry, or Lime, or ‘Special’ which has our interest well and truly piqued).

So, bun-based fare enthusiasts – if an authentic love letter to the art of the LA-style burger tickles your pickle, high tail it to Broken Hearts Burger Club and find out what all the fuss is about.

Where: Shop 19/1934 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
When: Daily, 12pm – 9pm
Website: www.bhbc.bopple.app
Instagram: @brokenheartsburgerclub

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, where’s the coolest new bar of them all? Surfers Paradise of course.

The team that brought us IceBar have once again delivered with the Coast’s shiniest new watering hole opening doors, and if you thought IceBar was cool (see what we did there) then you’re in for a treat.

The only mirror bar of its kind in the world – yes, the world – and of course the bustling streets of Surfers Paradise are the perfect place to call home.

Say goodbye to dull date nights and book in with your better half or your bestie to the newest bar on the block, we guarantee you will see yourself having a drink here (literally).

If you’ve been looking to experience something like never before, stop looking – we’ve found the attraction just for you. If you’re partial to a mirror selfie (guilty) then you’ll be in content heaven, the hardest decision will be picking your fave angle – or surface – to pose and pout with your drink of choice.

At this point, we just think it’s a mirror-cle that there are geniuses out there still coming up with new venue concepts that we can’t get enough of.

Picture this: An entire space where you can escape for a little while and everything shimmers and shines, where the floor, ceiling, walls, and even the bar itself are all reflections of your fabulous self. Yes, you read that right – Mirror Bar Surfers is a mesmerising masterpiece where every surface reflects back at you, so you can catch a cheeky peek at yourself everywhere you look – we know you love it, we would too if we looked as good as you.

And don’t stress, it’s not the gin and tonic that has you seeing double (or triple), it’s the walls… and the floors, and the ceiling, and the bar, and the seats.

If you need some time to reflect, then a 45 minute session at Mirror Bar should do the trick. It’s shiny and chic – and not just because it’s new – the glassy walls make the space feel like the ultimate sensory experience, with even the tables and chairs giving you a chance to catch a glimpse of your reflection.

Now Mirror Bar Surfers isn’t just a feast for the eyes, it’s also a treat for those taste buds of yours. Their expert mixologists have crafted a menu of cocktails that are as delicious as they are Insta-worthy. From classic concoctions to innovative new flavour combos, there’s something for every palate.

But don’t get it twisted, Mirror Bar isn’t just for the big kids because it would be rude for just the adults to have all the fun! Bring the kids and their cousins for a family fun day out, we guarantee they’ll have just as much fun sipping on their mocktail of choice and checking themselves out in one of the many mirrors.

It’s affordable fun for everyone – because we’re in a cost of living crisis ICYMI – with tickets just $45 for adults and $22 for kids aged between 4-17 years. And it’s event more affordable with our 10% discount coupon here. Prices include the signature attraction experience, plus a cocktail (or mocktail) to sit and sip. Cheers to seeing double at Mirror Bar!

Where: Cavill Lane, Level 1, 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: 11am – 11pm daily

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

We’ve never met a burger we didn’t like. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but we’ve never met a burger from this list that we didn’t love. The humble burger has reached new heights thanks to these Gold Coast hospo legends putting new twists of the classic favourite. And what’s not to love? They’re reliable, damn tasty and the ultimate all-rounder.

Think you’re not a burger lover? Well, we challenge you not to be after eating your way through this epicness. Already converted? Thank us later because your tastebuds will never be the same after these bad boys. To us, every day is burger day – so we’ve pulled together a list of the 13 best burger joints for you to eat your way through. So cheers to the GOAT dish and one of our favourite menu items and prepare to loosen those belts people!

Paloma Wine Bar
It’s one of Burleigh’s favourite local haunts for their huge wine range, next-level cocktails and steak frites, but have you tried the Paloma Cheeseburger? The burger itself is pretty large and in charge for a humble cheeseburger, plus it’s paired with their signature fries – name a more iconic duo. They’re available exclusively on Wednesdays to help you wine-down on hump day and for $14, you’d be losing money not treating yourself #girlmath.
Where: 1/12 James St, Burleigh Heads

Two Yolks
Burgers and Burleigh apparently go hand in hand! Two Yolks are home to potentially one of the broadest burger ranges, you can literally treat yourself to a toasty bun for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Triple B is a solid (literally) starter to your day with Bangalow free range bacon, pork sausage plus a heap more with… wait for it… tater tots as a sneaky side. Feeling like something a little more classic? Well the options are (almost) endless with spicy fried chicken all the way through to a Mexican moment.
Where: 13 Connor St, Burleigh Heads

Betty’s Burgers
We don’t make this claim lightly, but there is quite literally a burger for everyone here. Vegan? No problem. Don’t make friends with gluten? Say less. These guys clearly take their burgers seriously because Betty’s have a huge 15 different burgers to choose from, your biggest problem will be narrowing it down to just one. The best problem to have if we do say so ourselves. Need some inspo? We can’t go past the Betty’s Deluxe or Shroom Burger. Perfect for refuelling post retail therapy.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Robina Town Centre and Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre

Burgster
With a name like Burgster, it’s only natural they deliver the goods in the burger department. It’s absolutely one of the best burger joints on the Gold Coast so it’s well worth returning to eat your way through each and every options. Now, while you might’ve come for the burgers you seriously need to stay for the tempura oyster, brie bites and margs. A match made in burger heaven.
Where: Shop 2 & 3, 4-10 Philippine Parade, Palm Beach

Wahlburgers
Our favourite movie star Mark Wahlburg and his brothers certainly know what’s up when it comes down to a burger of great proportions. Wahlburgers first Queensland store located at the beach end of the newly renovated Paradise Centre always deliver on big burgers with big flavour. Rock up with the crew after some time on the beach and tuck into a BBQ Bacon Burger (which is brother Donnie’s choice) with a beef patty, tasty cheese, bacon, fresh jalapenos, BBQ sauce and avo spread – the perfect combo with all of your favourites on one delicious burger.  Pro tip: level it up with the famous Fried Pickles to start with and thank us later.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Ze Pickle
This Burleigh Heads corner spot is the very essence of lazy, street-side eating. Swing in when you clock off on Friday, grab one of their 12 craft beers on tap — and relax. Next, seize a menu and struggle to decide which of the next-level burgers you’re set on. The imagination that goes into their selection of burgers is top-notch, with examples like the Baja Fish Taco Burger and Southern Hick Chicken Burger; you’ll not just be wowed with flavour but the menu names also!
Where: 37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Palm Springs
You’ve seen it all over your ‘gram, so if you haven’t been to Palm Springs then where have you been? It’s one of our fav spots to sit back and soak up the Gold Coast vibes, pat all of the pups and of course, tuck into a delish burger. They’ve got four mouth-watering options all served on a classic milk bun, from your classic Bacon & Egg or Fried Hot Chicken Burger choices or if you’re a bit fancy, the Truffle Burger is an all-round favourite.
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

TGI Fridays
Looking for a place where it’s always Friday and if this isn’t a rhetorical question…?! Add all American juicy handcrafted burgers, plenty of beer on tap and drinks that are always a’flowin and you’ve just described TGI FRIDAYS!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina and Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Apres Surf
It’s become an institution for a reason. They’ve got sweet deals on the menu pretty much every day, but there’s pretty much no better way to finish your Monday with a cheesy b – am I right? The crew at Apres Surf are serving up their iconic cheeseburgers each and every Monday for just $6.50, so you can afford to treat yourself to more than one or a cheeky beer if you’re in the mood. The definition of cheap AND cheerful.
Where: Shop 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Eddie’s Grub House
This rock and roll infused dive bar delivers teenage kicks and appealing burger action unapologetically to Coolangatta. As far south as you can go before stepping over the street and into New South Wales, the venue is a ‘pull up a stool and sink a few bevvies’ kind of hangout. Ideal if you find yourself needing a refreshment between happenings at Cooly Rocks On. In the realm of burgers, these guys bring out revolving weekly specials with all the best music genre names you can think of. Delicious and always a good time. We strongly suggest you swing by Eddie’s and let your hair down!
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta 

Luckie’s Diner – The Collective
It’s always cheat day at Luckie’s Diner, one of The Collective’s fave eats offerings! Their American-style menu with an edge never disappoints and their Royale with Cheese Burger featuring beef, cheese, special sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickles served with fries and ketchup will have you coming back for more. We love that there’s an Aussie Aussie Aussie Burger with grilled pineapple, beetroot and egg, because we don’t see this on menus enough these days. Also an honourable mention to the Pork Belly Nuggets served with maple dipping sauce too, a real winner at this local’s haunt.
Where: The Collective, 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar
If you happen to bring your very best hunger game with you to Longboards, you won’t be disappointed. Seventeen handcrafted burgers on offer, including Beach Cheeseburger, the Vegetarian G-Banger, and the Mona Lisa, which arrives towering with wagyu beef patty, crispy bacon, melted brie cheese, garlic-butter mushrooms, caramelised onion, lettuce, tomato, and truffle aioli. Over the top? Maybe just a bit – but we aren’t judging! One of the best burger joints on the Gold Coast? Absolutely!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton Avenue &, Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise