TOUCHDOWN!
TOUCHDOWN!
Just because we’re Aussie, it doesn’t mean we don’t get all woo-girl and woo-guy-ish for the American sports spectacular that is the Super Bowl! Even if you’re not a sports fan, the halftime entertainment reads like a roll call of the who’s who of show business, and don’t even get us started on the iconic pop culture moments. Such as a certain wardrobe malfunction that still lives rent free in our heads 20 years (yes, 20!) on…
No matter your sports stance, Super Bowl is a day with something for everyone, that we can (and should) all get behind… (even if it’s just for the excuse to skip work, smash hotdogs and get a little rowdy). And hey, 113 million people can’t be wrong!
So here are eight of the best GC spots if you and the crew plan on playing hooky to revel in some Super Bowl shenanigans this Monday, 12th February. And hey, no judgement from us – breakfast beers and buffalo wings trump Monday morning meetings every day of the week.
The Star Gold Coast
Super Bowl fanatics can bask in all the infectious game-day energy at two of The Star Gold Coast’s fave venues; the Sports Bar (naturally…) and the Atrium Bar, with a range of US-inspired food options, as well as a guest MC, prize giveaways, games and more. The Sports Bar packages are already sold out, but you can still score an Atrium Booth Package for you and the crew if you get on it lickety-split. $1,500 for 6–12 guests gets you 3x All-Star platters, more Cheesy & Garlic Bread than you can poke a stick at, three-hour beverage package (inc. welcome Jack Daniels RTD on arrival, draught beer, house wine and soft drink) but we strongly suggest you make like a running back and leg it on over to secure your spot.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
The Island
See ya next week, Monday morning meeting (green light on that annual leave application, permitting) – creature comforts of Surfer’s breezy watering hole, Goldies at The Island here we come. For the occasion, they’ll be taking their fancy-pants new big screens (complete with LED mega-wall) for a spin – along with slushy cocktails (margs!) and American-inspired nosh galore (think crispy wings and loaded dogs). And honestly, the eats and sips alone will singlehandedly win over even the staunchest anti-sport peeps among us. They’ll also be churning out the frosty Valley Hops on tap, with a chance to win a limited edition Goldie’s x Valley Hops Super Bowl LVIII T-Shirt* for the first 50 footy fans to book a spot, though walk-ins are welcome on the day too.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
voco
NFL nuts (and ‘just here for the spread and the half time show’ tag-alongs – we see you) book you and the crew the hottest seats in the house and a date with the big screen at voco’s Social House. To celebrate, they’ll be churning out the $10 kilo Chicken Wings, and $6 Tap Beer, House Wine and Spirits throughout the days proceedings, and we’re not sure what more we could need except maybe a pack of post-game strepsils for the shouty folk, if we’re really being picky. The doors will be ‘wide open’ from 9am, to catch all the pre-game antics before the party really gets started with electrifying minute of Super Bowl LVIII live from Las Vegas.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Sporting Globe Bar and Grill
Feel like spending the big clash sinking ice-cold Coors, red hot buffalo wings and whilst being bombarded by the action across 50 screens in every direction you look? The Gold Coast’s one and only Official TAB Super Bowl Party is back at the Sporting Globe for its fifth year running, baby! A spot renowned for its sell-out Super Bowl bashes, Robina’s sports HQ is rolling out the red (or green) carpet, where you can get amongst an all-American menu, half time games, giveaways and TAB & NFL merch packs and up for grabs – bright and early from 8 am… *if* you can manage to get your hands on tickets, that is (pssst – they’re almost sold out).
Where: Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Crafty’s
When it comes to sports we all know these guys are not doing anything by halves, so of course Crafty’s has all the NFL action locked and loaded. Come 9:00am, they’re busting out the Coors towers and a dedicated game day menu to celebrate. What could possibly make Super Bowl Monday at this northern GC fave better? Stuffing ourselves silly on 75c BBQ Wings would probably do it. Crafty’s are famous for redefining the sports bar into an all-day family-friendly spot with games, weekend DJ’s and specials – and we’re here for it! Especially on the 12th!
Where: Harbour Town Premium Outlets, 147/189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Robina Pavilion
Robina Pavilion has big things planned for all you Gold Coast-based all-American girls and guys keen to immerse yourselves in all the live and loud Super Bowl action. They’ll be broadcasting every punt, first down, and conversion, direct from Nevada and straight onto the Public House Sports Bar’s giant screen for your viewing pleasure, with doors open from 9 am. And they’re going all in, with ice-cold Coors, and delicious USA-inspired bites, like Loaded Chilli Fries and Spicy Wings to fuel all that strenuous spectating in the most mouth-watering of ways.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Gold Coast Turf Club
The Turf Club is also throwing their helmet in the ring, with a big ‘ole LVIII flex of having the boasting rights as the Gold Coast’s Official Super Bowl Viewing Party. The offish shindig for the GC’s gridiron fans will be hosted in the spruced up TAB Auditorium for epic game day vibes (and big screens) aplenty. As the appointed party purveyor, your $40 ‘touchdown ticket’ buys you a beer/wine beverage, your choice of lunch from The Game Day menu, plus a bus to Surfers Pavilion After Party once the Super Bowl action is all said and done.
Where: Racecourse Drive, Surfers Paradise
Burleigh Town Hotel
Keen to catch all the gridiron action a little further south? Burleigh Town Hotel is also getting in the spirit for this year’s Super Bowl showdown. The party will kick off from 9 am, as they fire up alllll the screens, including the monster 11-metre mega screen (one of the biggest in SEQ) and a very snazzy suspended cylinder screen. So we can soak up all the wall-to-wall live coverage (… and Usher’s half-time show, let’s not forget) in all its glory. And in honour of one of the biggest sporting spectacles on the US calendar, they’ll also be slinging a selection of classic American style bites… and we all know how spectacularly they go down with a frosty bev or three. The only ‘catch’? It’s walk-ins only, so get down early to call shotty on the best spots.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Words by Kellie Leader.
Picture the scene: it’s your team’s game night, and you and your crew are more than keen to catch the action in a location with full coverage, the coldest of beers, and a sprinkling of outstanding food options. Anything less would be a colossal failure, right? Seeking down such establishments that are solely devoted to delivering these things is not always the most straightforward task. But at the same time, neither is it impossible! Luckily for you, we’ve done our homework and compiled a list of the best sports bars on the Gold Coast to enjoy the action while adequately showing your support for your team. Shouting at screens may or may not be included.
The Star Sports Bar
Many would say this place is in pole position as the Gold Coast’s premier sports bar venue, and we think that’s rightly deserved. If the 23 large screens, private (pre-bookable) booths and a gigantic 10.5-metre screen aren’t impressive enough, you should be swayed by the coldest beer around and a multitude of nearby food outlets for you to fuel up pre-game or celebrate your team’s victory.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Main Gaming Floor, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Crafty’s Sports Bar
Aptly positioned at the northern Gold Coast’s prime shopping outlet Harbour Town, Crafty’s gives you the option of mixing shopping with seeing whatever sporting event you might be into. Or, if it’s better suited, the chance for you or your partner to do so whilst the other takes their time with over 200 stores. Make plans to grab some essentials and then settle in with some fantastic food and craft beers. Score!
Where: Harbour Town Eats – 147/189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
The Sporting Globe Bar and Grill
Part of a sizeable chain of sporting bars across the country, these guys certainly know how to look after sporting fans. Apart from expansive coverage of all the action, there are food specials every day of the week, and if you’re seeing the Gold Coast Titans game at the Cbus Stadium, come in beforehand for a drink, and these guys will even take you there and back. How good is that?
Where: Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Burleigh Town Hotel
This one is a real showstopper, boasting a zhuzhed up modern bistro and the sports bar to end all sports bars. The newly renovated Burleigh Town Hotel is the ideal destination to catch all of the sports action. Featuring a state-of-the-art 11-metre mega screen… It’s the biggest pub screen in the southern hemisphere and if you think that’s impressive, have a go of the suspended cylinder screen promising perfect viewing from every vantage point #jawdrop.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
The Avenue
This hotspot is more renowned as the place you head to take the night up a gear with vibrant music, entertainment, and drinks specials. And that’s a fair comment. However, should you want a great place to catch the next big fight with eating options and the ever so easy decision of sticking around and partying till the small hours, it’s a slam dunk!
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Coolangatta Hotel
On the southern end of the Coast, The Coolangatta Hotel is the prime location to catch any sporting activities and be assured of a buoyant and passionate atmosphere. Pair it with a splash and lounge on one of Coolangatta’s famous golden beaches, and then be sure to stick around for the post-game live music, and you are onto a hole in one.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Fat Freddy’s
How does an American-style sports bar with a Gold Coast twist sound? Too good to be true, right? Wrong. Because you need to look no further than Fat Freddy’s on Broadbeach’s Surf Parade. Grab a highchair at the bar and enjoy unhampered views of seven screens overhead as bartenders look after you with libations galore and a polished bar snacks menu which should make getting up to leave your seat an arduous feat if you ask us!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Ashmore Tavern
If you’ve driven past the good ‘ole Ashmore Tavern recently, you’ll have noticed it’s looking anything but ‘ole these days. Undergoing an extreme makeover, we’re not just talking a lick of paint and a few trusty Kmart prints, but an epic $5 million reno sporting some serious a la mode flex. There are sleek new indoor and outdoor dining spaces and a large sports bar with an adjoining balcony. With big screens showing sports daily you’ll never miss a moment of the biggest sporting events at the Sports Bar.
Where: 161 Cotlew Street, Ashmore
Words by Alex Mitcheson & Belinda Symons.
You may have heard the happy news that Harbour Town was set to open a brand new dining precinct, aptly named Harbour Town Eats, and that is a thing that has happened as of a short while ago.
The bright, open air space is filled with sweet new venues, one of which is Crafty’s Sports Bar and the exact venue we’re here to discuss. You’ll find the newbie on a corner block at the entrance to the precinct and it’s not a place you should (or will want to) stroll by.
A green neon sign makes Crafty’s known at the front and rounding the corner you’ll alight upon a venue that will delight both your eyeballs and your tastebuds. It’s a flowing indoor slash outdoor dining scenario all modern white tables and light leather seating dashed with a hint of royal blue and bright green and quite sports bar-esque but also unlike any sports bar you’ve ever seen before.
Which, in large part, is due to the pastel pink bubble waffle truck situated at the entrance and within the outdoor dining area (more on that later). Inside, you can choose to be seated in the casual, high table filled, bar side area or in a slightly more formal dining area. The two are separated by a see through shelf type situation filled with said royal blue and bright green sports shaped goodies in perfectly neat rows and we kind of love it.
Game rules are splashed across the back wall and, in the far corner, a ping pong table can be found for a bit of “competitive socialising” as the Crafty’s crew like to call it. New fave saying.
It’s the perfect fitout for a venue that’s been deemed by owner Dave Galvin, as a modern sports bar that’s a little bit playful and perfect for everyone from sports lovers to casual cocktail enthusiasts and, of course, families.
The menu is made up of all the very best things and is a blend of both comfort and clean eating style foods so you can choose your own adventure.
We suggest starting with a Soft Pretzel and golden ale cheese dip because it is soft and fluffy and that cheese dip, no words. Give the Crafty’s Hot Dog a go too; it comes with condiments on the side so you can add crunchy onions (those have a real name, it escapes us), mustard and a few other things to your hearts content. A very good hot dog.
For mains, don’t go past a burger (or hot sandwich as Crafty’s like to call it) and in particular, the Fried Chicken Breast with slaw, cheese, hot sauce, mayo and pickles. YUM. A crowd fave has been the Chilli Caramel Pork Hock and it’s a share-worthy dish boasting the most mouth-watering scent we’ve ever come across. Sides-wise, the sweet corn with chipotle and Parmesan is an absolute stunner. There are plenty of pizzas on the menu too so grab the whole gang and make a night of it.
Look, the whole menu is next-level so no matter what you choose, you’ll roll out a happy camper. And yes, there are some vegetarian options on offer too (also delicious).
For dessert, you’ll obviously order a bubble waffle and you can choose exactly how it’s made by adding toppings and sweet sauces and many a tasty treat that are popped inside soft, sugary bubble waffles and so very heavenly.
At the bar, of course there are many craft beer options and a range of signature cocktails including one we must mention known as The GOAT. It’s a delightful little mix of a Pina Colada and tequila and oh Mother of cocktail goodness, get involved in that guy for sure.
As of this weekend, you can enjoy brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s and there’ll be a DJ busting out tunes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. What a time.
Everything about the place is absolutely top notch and since it’s the season of over indulgence and treating yo’self, you better get there quick smart and do exactly that.
LOCATION: Harbour Town Eats, Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
HOURS: 11am until 12am Monday to Friday and 9am until 12am Saturday and Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Sports lovers and fans of comfy chairs and views for days get excited, The Star Gold Coast’s new Sports Bar is set to open tomorrow (Thursday the 8th) and it will be THE place to be to watch ALL the sports (because it’s a sports bar, yes).
Particularly if you’re into super-sized LED screens and lots of mini screens perfectly placed to ensure you don’t miss any of the sporting action.
The Sports Bar is The Star’s tenth venue and things are certainly getting fancy in there folks. With floor to ceiling windows showcasing 180-degree views of the city and beach beyond, a plant-filled outdoor area (with heaters for winter) and specialised private booths, it’s unlike any sports bar you’ve ever seen before.
Greys, navy and burnt orange make up the colour palette giving the indoor space a contemporary feel while the deck is all nautical blues and whites to enhance the salty ocean vibes wafting across the highway.
The 10 metre wide mega screen has the magical ability to broadcast multiple events on one screen at the same time and there are 22 additional screen so maybe say goodbye to your husbands ladies.
Three private, VIP booths are available front and centre offering exclusive viewing positions and ice buckets built into the tables so there’s no actual need to ever leave.
If you haven’t nabbed any tickets to the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Sports Bar will be the best place to catch all the action outside the venues themselves.
As it is a bar purely created for sport watching, beer and wine are the beverages of choice. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, walk a little to your left and check out the delightful selection at Cherry.
With The Darling set to open in a few short weeks, including the extremely fancy Nineteen at The Star rooftop bar, our casino is rapidly morphing into THE place to be.
Go them.
LOCATION: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
HOURS: Always open
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
