Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or beer-hound, there’s a place to find your drink in one of the many Gold Coast bars.
Swanky cocktail lounges, dive bars, and rooftop bars – this buzzing Australian region has it all. The potential for good vibes at these essential watering holes is endless. One sip at each of these spots and you’ll soon see that the surf city is really raising the bar when it comes to booze.
What a dream. Here’s our top picks from the area’s bar scene…
Best bars on the Gold Coast
How do these rankings work?
1. Roosevelt Lounge – Broadbeach
An outrageously glamorous bar with theatrical cocktails, Roosevelt Lounge is a 1930s America-inspired bar and restaurant with more than a hint of Great Gatsby vibes. You enter through a velvet curtain into the lush bar that prides itself on its premium cocktails. Pricey, but a satisfying experience.
2. The Island Rooftop – Surfers Paradise
The Island Rooftop is the Gold Coast’s largest open air rooftop bar, in the heart of Surfers Paradise with views overlooking the CBD and the famous Main Beach coastline. As if that wasn’t reason enough to visit, their cocktails are fresh and creative, with names like Mac Daddy, Mango Unchained and Ginger Ninja.
3. The Cambus Wallace – Gold Coast
This old-world nautical themed rum & whiskey bar is a Nobby Beach institution for cocktails and delicious food. The bartenders whip up deliciously boozy drinks that put a spin on all-time favourites. Try the Spiced Pumpkin Margarita: Tequila, Aperol, spiced pumpkin, chilli, sumac, lime, agave syrup. A delicious twist on a modern classic.
4. Sandbar – Surfers Paradise
Kick back in this stylish bar for an expert cocktail (or two) and choose from the extensive and ‘oh so carefully sought out’ craft beer selection, yep 120 brews – one of the largest selections in Australia.
More of a spirit person? Classic Signature Cocktails mirror the region’s natural attractions of sea, sand and sun, including the Infamous Coconut Margarita, Passionate Papai and Say Goodbye to Your Island.
5. Lockwood Bar – Burleigh Heads
Lockwood Bar is a speakeasy-style space complete with draped velvet entryway and a baby piano in pride of place by the bar, with live music every night.
If you only order one cocktail, make it The Chocolate Kentucky Blazer. It’s actual fire made with orange and white chocolate liqueurs and Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. Find the red door and text on arrival for entry.
6. Iku Yakitori & Whisky Bar
Iku specialises in hard to find Japanese whiskies, its laid back atmosphere gives it a top spot among the best bars in the Gold coast.
While you’re at it get your fill of some delicious authentic Japanese cuisine and if whiskey isn’t your thing they also have a weekly changing cocktail menu, so there’s something for everyone here!
7. Soho Place – Broadbeach
Step through the ‘hidden in plain sight’ red telephone box and enter this stylish small bar. You’ll find amazing cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere.
Soho is a drinks-only venue but food can be delivered from anywhere, including UberEATS, so you can embark on a choose-your-own-adventure style night of fine wining ‘n’ dining.
