It may surprise you to learn the Gold Coast is home to an array of bespoke bars, many of which have swung open their doors in the last year and all of which offer a very distinct vibe, much-loved by locals. From nautical to endless summer inspired spaces, the potential good times are endless and you are welcome.
In the interest of spreading the love (don’t tell the locals), and sharing the delectable cocktails you simply must-sip, here are six of the very best bars we highly recommend you get amongst at the next available opportunity.
SOHO PLACE
It was the Gold Coast’s first small bar welcoming swillers mid 2017 and today, Soho Place is one of the most-loved drinking holes around. Found in Broadbeach amongst a slew of next-level eateries, Soho is a drinks-only venue but food can be delivered from anywhere, including UberEATS, choose-your-own-adventure style.
Tipple to taste: The Chocolate Peanut Butter Old Fashioned is the perfect winter warmer. Reminiscent of Christmas treats, the team created a peanut butter syrup to match the Woodford Bourbon and it’s unlike anything you’ve sampled before, trust us.
ALOHA BAR & DINING
Hidden down a Broadbeach alleyway, Aloha is the tiki bar of your tropical holiday-loving dreams. It’s filled with greenery, pops of colour and eclectic art and hey, maybe don’t take someone you actually like because most of your time will be spent gazing around at all the goodness and snapping pictures of the pretty drink in your hand. Unsurprisingly, their catch cry is ‘it’s always summer at Aloha’ and yes it is. Party shirts compulsory.
Tipple to taste: The Lovebird, part of a brand new, yet-to-be-unveiled cocktail menu is a somewhat healthy spin on a cocktail that’ll rock your socks. It’s got Flor de Cana rum, Pisco, Four Pillars gin, Acai and Lemon Myrtle Kombucha so it’s practically guilt-free.
THE ROOSEVELT LOUNGE
A relative newbie on the Coast’s bespoke bar scene, The Roosevelt Lounge is five-star fancy and allows you to live your very best life, if only for a night. The space is all red velvet accents, gilded chandeliers and antique book-laden shelves above luxe leather lounges. It’s New York-style sophistication at its finest with a cocktail list to match.
Tipple to taste: It’s Mulled Cider for the win. A warm, spice-infused taste sensation that will transport you to a chilly winters day in front of the crackling fire. Made with Young Henry’s Apple Cider and with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and fresh orange, it’s a must-sip.
THE CAMBUS WALLACE
The little Nobby Beach space, famous the world over for their low-lit, guaranteed good time vibes and some of the very best cocktails around, is The Cambus Wallace. Decked out with ocean vessel-inspired memorabilia, the venue was named after a ship that ran aground off the coast of the, ahh, GOLD Coast many moons ago and yes, you’re welcome to give your very best sailor impression a go. There are live acoustic tunes and face-wide smiles aplenty, always.
Tipple to taste: Part of a very unique and very delicious winter cocktail menu is the Pisco Matcha, made up of hemp seed-infused Pisco, Fernet Branca, Matcha syrup, citrus and whites. It is quite obviously, perfectly balanced and delightfully sour. A tipple you may never forget.
LOCKWOOD BAR
Hidden down a little alleyway in Burleigh Heads is Lockwood Bar, a speakeasy-style space complete with draped velvet entryway and a selection of whiskeys that’ll certainly keep you on your toes. Exposed brick walls, wooden bench-style seating and the pièce de résistance, a baby piano, set the scene and yes, live music featuring said piano playing is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Perch at the bar and watch the master makers in action.
Tipple to taste: The Chocolate Kentucky Blazer is actual fire made with orange and white chocolate liqueurs and Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. We don’t want to give too much away but prepare to be awestruck.
THE SCOTTISH PRINCE
Younger sibling to The Cambus Wallace is Palm Beach’s The Scottish Prince, also named after a ship that ran aground and also home to a menu filled with next-level drinks and an underground-esque vibe that sees it filled with revelers every single eve. The team have once again invoked a below-the-deck theme with low lighting, abundant wooden accents and ship-inspired artwork dotted throughout. Besides cocktails, live tunes and charcuterie boards are reason enough to spend the night.
Tipple to taste: The SP team are well equipped in the art of blowing our cocktail-loving minds and this one is no exception. The Irish Heaving is made up of Connemara Peated, Jameson Stout Barrel, Apricot Brandy, Sweet Vermouth, chocolate and coffee and is that not the most outrageous combination of goodness you’ve ever heard? Thought so.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.