Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.

Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.

Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show (which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach

Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues

CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)

Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Comedy is a sort of defence against the universe. A way for us to escape our everyday and remember, after all, none of us get out of here alive. Plus, is there any better midweek excuse to get out of the house and enjoy great company than a comedy night in one of our many great venues around the Coast?

The Gold Coast has a simmering comedy scene, and if you’ve never been the type to indulge, we think it’s about time you did so! And for those of you who already like to get amongst it and laugh regularly, this will be a brilliant guide on where you can ROFL next.

Fat Freddy’s
Broadbeach’s hotbed of delicious Americana-style eats and guaranteed good times wants you to swing in on Thursday and laugh yourself happy. And why wouldn’t you when you can score a full rack of bbq pork ribs and fries for only $24? Comedy entry is $20 for members (sign up for free at the door), and with this, you’ll be gifted a drink of either Young Henry’s beer or a house wine of your choice. You’re laughing!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Precinct Brewing
If brilliantly fresh-made beer in a brewery within the artsy precinct of Miami wasn’t already a drawcard in itself, then an evening of laughs will only sweeten the deal further. Things kick off every Monday from 7pm with tickets costing $10 per person for your seats to happiness.
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami

The Avenue
There is always something happening here, which makes this one of the Gold Coast’s best places to head if you’re feeling sociable. It also happens to be a premier comedy destination, with some of Australia’s most prominent and funniest acts lighting up their backroom every Wednesday evening. The cost is $20 and will get you a drink of your choice to boot.
Where: 3/15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Last Night on Earth
Southport’s fun-filled dive bar has a reputation as a place for high jinks and plenty of moreish drinks — so comedy is right at home here. Every Thursday, the crew from Based Comedy take over the space and make every effort to have you falling off your chair in merriment. Things get going from 7pm, with entry $20 per head.
Where: 50B Nerang Street, Southport

Duke’s Parlour
Right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the Duke’s Parlour is a late-night hideaway at The Island where you’ll find great cocktails and friendly ambiance aplenty. Mixed bag of LOLs is their weekly comedy night held every Thursday from 7pm and costs $10 per person. A good time guaranteed.
Where:  The Island, 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Scottish Prince
The one and only Scottish Prince is the place to escape the summer heat and have some serious fun. It’s also the place to head if you feel like lifting your mood; as every Tuesday from 7.30pm, three to four comedy acts are lined up to turn those Tuesday blues around. Tickets cost $20 per person and include a drink of beer or wine.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Ground & Sound
For you folks, up in the northern end of town, Chirn Park’s Ground and Sound is not only a great place to grab some great food and coffee during the day, but it’s also a hive of entertainment come the evenings. The first Friday of every month they hold their free (yes, free – not joking!) comedy evening from 6.30pm — 9.30pm.
Where: 6/23 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park

HOTA
One of the biggest entertainment venues on the Gold Coast and the very heart of our cultural identity has such a smorgasbord of regular comedy it isn’t even funny. Weekly comedy is back in the Basement at 7pm every Saturday night! You can also supersize the comedy underground by adding the 9pm session to your booking. Huge acts regularly find their way to the main auditorium of HOTA too, so if you’re a fan of laughter, you need to get yourself involved.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

The Arc
This Nobby Beach institution has been drawing those midweek revellers for some time with little effort; after all, frosty drinks with good company is the best way to get over the office ‘Karen’. Every Wednesday, let your worries subside as your flamboyant host Dusty Rich gets the whole crowd roaring with hilarity. The show kicks off from 7.30pm and costs $20 per person — and is worth every cent!
Where: 3/28 Chairlift Avenue, Miami

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

For more than three decades, the Atrium Bar at The Star Gold Coast has been the city’s go-to venue for fun nights on the dancefloor, the keeper of many stories and the creator of many lasting memories over its fun-filled history. Most notable is its undeniable flair for playing cupid, with the bar sparking the beginning of countless love stories, relationships and marriages. 

The current Atrium Bar, which has been a cherished part of The Star Gold Coast property since initially opening as a piano bar in 1986, will close shortly in mid-July — with the lively new Atrium Bar to open within the casino flooring area at the end of August!  

It is the ambiance and the Atrium Bar’s affinity for bringing merrymakers together that The Star Gold Coast anticipates will carry through. After 35 incredible, memorable years, The Star Gold Coast again turns the page on an exciting new chapter that will honour the fun, playful energy synonymous with the bar.

Best get those dancing shoes ready as the live music venue promises to have partygoers feeling lively whatever the occasion, with live DJs Thursday through Sunday playing everyone’s favourite classic anthems, much loved top 100, and epic mashups.

The revamped and reworked bar will capture your attention with a bright, bold, colourful, and new design. The comfy lounge booths will be perfect for having chilled moments, accompanied by a classic and exciting cocktail menu, and of course, a dancefloor complete with disco mirror ball to cut shapes long into the night. Trust us; this facelift will deliver fresh, party vibes. All while injecting a little extra colour and spice: perfect for shirking those winter blues!

But will this new space hold a candle to our beloved Atrium Bar? We have no doubt it will and neither does The Star Gold Coast Chief Operating Officer, Jess Mellor. “There’s little doubt the Atrium Bar has been much-loved – people are always sharing their stories about meeting their husband or wife there, or times their dinner ‘kicked on’ and they woke up with sore feet, but a big smile on their face. I promise all those loyal revellers the new Atrium Bar will deliver the same warm welcome and lively, carefree party vibes they remember.”

Just like the original bar, the newly relocated Atrium Bar will be the textbook go-to for post-work drinks, birthday merriments, fun nights out with the girls (or the guys), and with special parties planned year-round, it will still be the same place to meet new people and dance the night away. Who needs Bumble these days, anyway?

The brand spanking new Atrium Bar is set to open in its fresh setting at the end of August 2021. Serving drinks and good times from 4pm till late seven nights a week, with live entertainment weekly from Thursday – Sunday.

Words by Alex Mitcheson.