The month of May brings us a lot to smile about. Firstly we had Labour Day (right after Anzac Day, which was just after Easter and srsly, we’ve had more days off than on of late). It’s also the month we celebrate our makers, and our mini-me’s give us tacky $5 pressies from the school Mother’s Day stall which despite being ugly AF, we’ll cherish forevermore. And it’s the final hurrah for Autumn when we lock our bikinis away for a good 8.5 weeks and jokes, we swapped skimpy ‘kinis for mum-tum-friendly one-pieces years ago.

Well, we have something else to add to this list and it’s perfect for those who want to get all dressed up but have nowhere to ‘grow’. Do yourself a favour and get a twiggle on to Surfers Paradise’s fave eats, drinks and hangs destination; The Island Gold Coast. We’re not talking the ground ‘flora’ or any other lower level for that matter, but The Island Rooftop and I beg your garden, but you don’t need to tell us twice.

Throughout this month, you’ll find a Rooftop Secret Garden by Lillet with bountiful blooms and picturesque, insta-ready moments that’ll make the algorithm your bestie. We’re talking a lush, hidden beauty with a bevy of Lillet goodness and no-one does aperitifs quite like the French #ouioui.

An oasis of flirty, flowery fun on the GC’s largest openair rooftop bar, you’ll also be privy to spectacular views overlooking the CBD and the famous Main Beach coastline. The atmosphere here is always on point and with the addition of the Secret Garden, you won’t be leaf your eyes…or your tastebuds.

Think Berry Bubbles with Lillet Blanc, lemon, raspberry, strawberry, mint and soda #miam! Perhaps the lovely Lillet Lady with Beefeater Gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon, passion fruit, and vanilla is more your cup of aperitif, or our pick; the Coconut Crush with Wyborowa Vodka, Lillet Blanc, lime, mango, coconut, orange, and mint. Je t’aime!

But it’s not all about the delightful drinks (it kinda is…) coz these lavish Littlet cocktails are available with picture perfect picnic pairings, and say that after a few tipples. Indulge in one of the Charcuterie Board or Wood-Fired Pizza combo deals to make it an all-rounder Autumn alfresco experience and once again, we need no coercing.

Treat yo-self with two Lillet cocktails and a Margherita Pizza for just $45. Alternatively, how about two cocktails and a Charcuterie Board for $65 or if you can’t decide, order both and no it’s not a bit mulch.

Lunch and dinner bookings can be made here or if you’re more of a spontaneous type, same day walk-ins are also oh-so-welcome.

So don your coolest Autumn get-up and get ready to sip, nom, chill and bask in the sunshine with your faves this May at The Island Secret Rooftop Garden with Lillet #I’mSexyAndIGrowIt.

Where: The Island Gold Coast, 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout May.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE ISLAND GOLD COAST

To us, May = Mexican. Whilst we can always cook up an excuse to eat nachos and sink margis, we don’t need to next month because it’s Cinco de Mayo time hombres! No, this isn’t some spicy Mexican mayonnaise, but a humdinga Mexi partayyyyy #areeba. Falling on the 5^th of May, Cinco de Mayo is an annual fiesta to commemorate Mexico’s independence from foreign rulers. So what’s better than a one day celebration….a one month celebration that’s what, lasting from the 1^st till the 30^th (and yes, we had to recite “30 days hath September…” in our heads).

Always on the same page as us, The Star Gold Coast are putting on a month of fun themed around our fave piñata popping peeps. So just what tomfoolery do our Mexi-loving mates at the GC’s entertainment hub have in store, and we thought you’d never ask.

Firstly, the entire joint is morphing into one big Pueblo and to save you a Google search, this means Village. Summonsing us to indulge in the traditions of Meh-hi-co, guys, we oblige #RubberArmActivated. Tell us more you say and again, we didn’t actually need an invitation.

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a bartender and don’t we all, sign up for a two-hour cocktail making masterclass so you can woo your amigos and amigas at your next dinner party. Salud! Hosted by Queensland Brand Ambassador Carmen Hartwich from Brown-Forman, owners of Herradura Tequila, if anyone knows their way around a tequila-based cocktail, it’s this lady!

Fittingly staged at The Star’s mezcal speakeasy, Veladora on Friday 5^th May from 6.30pm until 8pm, it’ll be a night you’ll taco about for many years to come. Enjoy an evening of tequila, including two ‘DIY’ classic tequila-based cocktails, the Margarita and Paloma, Mexican-inspired snacks like a selection of empanadas, guacamole and corn chips, and all-round good times. Viva la Fiesta baby! This is a very limited and exclusive event so if you’re keen as (Dagoma) mustard, drop everything and book. Tickets are $79 per person, excluding Eventbrite booking fees.

And let’s not forget a live Mariachi band will roam the Grand Foyer from 7.30pm on the 6th May. Nothing says it’s time to fiesta like a group of roving sombrero-clad musicians!

Meanwhile, for the entire month of May, everyone’s favourite Japanese eats destination Kiyomi is whipping up a mean margarita and if you think you love a rita, a Japanese inspired rita is life. Or, if you’re a sucker for a frozen margarita, Atrium Bar has you covered and these things are srsly worth the brain freeze.

If a Millionaires Margherita at Cherry Bar tickles your fancy, same, and if our bank account doesn’t reflect millionaire status, at least our beverage can. And finally, if you’re a sucker for a Coconut Chilli Margarita which is us in drink form (sweet, spicy, and often associated with lots of woo-girl behaviour) then grab those bad boys at Garden Kitchen & Bar, along with a couple of supersized waters to mitigate the effects of said ritas #ResponsibleDrinking and #HeadachePrevention101. The Garden Kitchen & Bar also features plenty of other tequila cocktail concoctions and of course it does, coz this place never fails to deliver in the variety department.

Remember, you only live ‘Juance’, so get down to The Star in May for all the Cinco De Mayo revelry! For tickets and more information, go here.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations throughout May

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter Atrium Bar, Cherry Bar and the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

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.