Now standing out from the flock in Currumbin.
Now standing out from the flock in Currumbin.
Last year, your favourite Coolangatta coffee haunt ventured north in search of greener pastures and just a few short weeks ago, found themselves a new home in Currumbin’s industrial district.
That was a roundabout way of saying The Black Sheep Espresso Baa has opened a second venue for your daytime dining pleasure. Boasting the same relaxed feel the Coolangatta crew have come to know and love, Black Sheep 2.0 is a welcome addition to the increasingly cool Currumbin foodie scene.
Found next to Zipang Japanese at Traders Corner on Currumbin Creek Road, the little space allows for outdoor dining in the plant-filled breezeway or out of sight in a hidden garden paradise. If time isn’t on your side, you can of course simply grab a takeaway coffee and go about your day.
As is the case with the Cooly kid, the menu offers all your breaky faves with a few unique twists and nothing but the tastiest of flavour combinations.
The Crab Omelet is a must-try with Blue Swimmer Crab, asparagus and artichoke rolled into a cheesy, eggy extravaganza and topped with sour cream and chilli jam. It’s the perfect balance of flavours and definitely not too crabby for your first meal of the day.
The Michael is a Coast-wide favourite and was interestingly invented by a bloke called Michael (surprising hey) who came in one day and ordered all the sides on one plate for his breaky. The dish quickly became a hit and thus, the menewe was altered forever.
It’s got all the best things (thanks Michael) including bacon, avocado, poached egg, feta, lemon and chilli jam. You can also get it with mushrooms instead of bacon if vegetarian is your thing.
The gang at Black Sheep are passionate about coffee and use a blend created especially for them by Yatala crew Open House. They also have single origin cold brew which is the love of our lives.
Why the move? Owner Dinesh and his flock of followers plan to take over the world, so why not start with another C suburb that could do with a few more black sheep in its midst.
Be right baaa-ck, eating.
LOCATION: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters
HOURS: Weekdays from 5am to 2pm and Saturdays from 7am to 11am
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Coolangatta’s quirkiest oceanfront café, The Black Sheep Espresso Baa, is changing things up, introducing some tasty new menu treats and another venue soon to be open in Currumbin’s industrial district.
The Cooly space is a skinny, hole in the wall decked out with weathered wood, surfing snaps and what may be the happiest crew on the Coast getting things done down the back. Best of all, the sparkling Coolangatta sea shines across the street. Once you’ve been, you’ll probably understand that The Black Sheep Espresso Baa is now your new home, best make yourself comfortable.
Back to the menu – overheard more than once within the hour were the words “the food is so good here” and indeed it is, particularly the new additions. Here’s a couple of must-trys.
Ever considered a roast for breakfast? Give Granny Garner’s Lamb a go. It’s a good old-fashioned herb marinated lamb shoulder with traditional sweet potato, leek and capsicum hash, roasted baby beets, spinach, Persian feta, a poached egg and balsamic reduction. It’s just like your Nan used to make, except for breakfast (and better – sorry Nan).
Catering to the ever-increasing number of vegos among us is the Uncle Cupcakes Mushrooms Eh Bro made with marinated seasonal mushrooms (so many different kinds guys) and truffle mayo, shaved Parmesan, brown rice, a poached egg and a parsley citrus dressing. Oh and you get a dollar off if you order in a Kiwi accent. Churr.
Tasty and fun, what more could you want.
With plans to go global, the Currumbin venue is the first of a few in the works for owner Dinesh and his team. Soon to be open on Traders Way, it will be trade at night too, a first for the Black Sheep brigade.
The team are of course passionate about coffee and they’re keen to introduce a few new concepts to their repertoire including more single origin beans and barista-fave, pour overs. For those who have no idea what pour overs are, it’s a simple concept with delicious results. It basically involves pouring water over and through the coffee grounds to extract the flavours. Try one and you’ll understand what all the fuss is about.
The Black Sheep Espresso Baa have managed to create a vibrant, organised chaos-style culture that makes them one of Cooly’s most-loved treasures and lucky for us, the rest of the Coast is soon to get on board with those good vibes too.
LOCATION: Underneath The Strand, Marine Pde, Coolangatta
HOURS: Form 5am to 3pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Listen up y’all. Southerners have moved into Cooly and they’re bringing all those smokey, BBQ-inspired flavours you’ve come to know and love.
Sweet Lou’s Saloon can be found underneath The Strand with beach views and salty breezes aplenty.
It’s an intimate little space with mostly sidewalk (unsure of the Aussie word and must keep typing) seating and a few artfully placed southern-style trinkets, including a sweet saxophone, to remind you of what you’re about to experience.
Which is, team, New Orleans-esque grub of the (mostly) share plate variety along with southern-flavoured burgers, ribs of course, loaded fries – all the delicious bulking-for-summer things.
Standouts include the Buffalo Cauliflower with blue cheese sauce (only $5 – move aside), Chargrilled Corn Cobs with chipotle aioli and Mac n Cheese Croquets with Jack Daniels glaze.
Sticky Ribs are extra meaty and extra saucy (stop it) and washed down with an authentic Mint Tulip, you’ll be one happy clam.
Sweet Lou’s is the baby (literally) of Blake Read who was in fact born in Macon, Georgia and moved to Sydney as a youngster. The venue is named after Blake’s little girl Lou Lou and isn’t that the sweetest.
He’s also the guy behind the Beach Burrito phenomenon but a few indulgent trips to New Orleans put the idea for Sweet Lou’s into his mind (the venue not the child, although maybe both).
His family home was filled with Blues music and smoke from backyard southern BBQs and aren’t we happy his parents made the life choice to hole up in the US for a time.
Cooly’s coming on strong in the foodie department, get down there for a good old fashioned feast.
Sidenote: Did you know cattywampus is a word people in the South actually use? Example: The storm knocked the boat cattywampus and it started to take on water. Stay tuned for its appearance in a future story.
LOCATION: Shop 2, 72-80 Marine Pde, Coolangatta
HOURS: 5.30pm until late daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Coolangatta is our southernmost suburb and it’s almost like stepping back in time for a taste of the good old Gold Coast, a little slower and sleepier (the way we like it) but with a sprinkle of some seriously epic eats for good measure – dreamy.
If you’re a fan of chill coastal vibes and pumping surf, where you can soak up the sunshine all-day long and hop from beach to bar as your heart desires then Cooly’s got your name written all over it. The laidback lifestyle is just one of the reasons why locals love this little beachside suburb, but we’ve found another 16 for when you want to go exploring.
Franc Jr’s
I’ts called the famous pizzeria for a reason, Franc Jr’s have gotten a rep for dishing up the best pizzas on the Gold Coast – maybe even Queensland. Big call, I know but IYKYK. Home of their signature Sicilian square pizza, pop down for takeaway or dine in with a bottle of pinot to wash down your pizza. Our pick is the red strip with a pickled grape salad on the side (sounds weird but trust the process) and a frozen marg if you fancy a tipple.
Where: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Pipi’s Restaurant
Cooly brought in the big guns with Brisbane hospitality mavens, the Gambaro Group bringing Pipi’s to life and it’s something Southern Gold Coasters have been waiting for. Pipi’s is the newest seaside sensation to call Cooly home and you best believe our tastebuds can’t get enough of it. Nothing to be crabby about with a Mediterranean-inspired menu – Chargrilled Mooloolaba King Prawns and Freemantle Octopus Carpaccio just a couple of the stars of the show. If you’re feeling boujee then treat yourself to a Kaviari Caviar Bump – served with a shot of Belvedere or glass of Tattinger.
Special mention to the cafe-style sequel to this suave new seafood nosher, Awaken Cafe. Situated underneath Pipi’s Awaken thos caffeine-slinging counterpart is giving girl-next-door (but, y’know, downstairs) in the very best way.
Where: Level 1/275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta
Kefi
Kefi popped up on the café scene in late 2023 and their suitably summer vibe has been gracing our social channels here, there and everywhere. With coffee and food as delicious as the interiors are gorg it’s the kind of spot we could just spend all morning long at. With a Mediterranean twist on your classic brekky favourites, fuel up with a feed or pop in for the viral strawberry matcha and take a stroll on the beach because, wholesome.
Where: Corner of Griffith & McDonald Street, 2/110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Cooly Breeze
There’s something about being beach side and on a rooftop that just hits different, throw some fine dining into the mix and that’s our kind of trifecta. Executive chef Marcondes Almeida Neto has combined gastronomy with the flavours of the Medierranean Coast for bold flavours you’ve never tasted before. A feast for your eyes and your tum, the dishes are almost too pretty to eat… almost.
Where: Level 13 of Beachcomber International Resort, 122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Coolangatta Pie Shop
This iconic Gold Coast pie shop has been around for more than 50 years, so it’s no wonder they’re serving up some of the tastiest pies around. We’re partial to a baked good and fortunately, the Coolangatta Pie Shop have them aplenty – perfect for that post surf carb load.
Where: 50 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Maverick Hair & Art Studio
If you’ve been looking for a place to tame that mane then say less, because Maverick Hair & Art Studio’s got your back. Or hair, I guess. The award-winning salon and of course, their stylists, know their way around the locks and can we just say – they do one of the best blondes we’ve seen on the GC, and that’s no easy feat. The refined industrial feel is a pretty little paradise to sit back and relax while you’re pampered, which is exactly what you want when you’re investing hours in those tresses – t’s the crown you never take off, after all. No bad hair days here
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Bar Evelyn
This place has been a hotspot for locals and visitors ever since it popped up on Marine Parade a couple of years ago. Cooly’s home of antipasto and pasta, you best believe we want a pizza that. Our picks? If you’re a seafood lover like us then the bug bucatini and pickled mussels with bottarga mayo, cucumber and dill are a must try. Sweeten the deal with their house-made tiramisu – do as the Italians do, we say – and one of their season sours.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Clay Cantina
One thing about us is that we are always down for a Mexican moment. Now let’s taco-bout the margs, specifically the Laneway Marg – just trust us when we say their signature agave inspired bev is everything you’ve been looking for in a marg and more. Taste the flavours of all your fave Mexican fare, or if you’d rather a hands on approach to your dining experience, get the crew together for their signature cooking classes where you’ll get up close and personal with their most-loved recipes. Gracias!
Where: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Greenmount Beach Surf Club
With unsurpassed views in a northerly direction, you can take in everything overlooking the spectacular Greenmount Beach right up to the skyline of Surfers Paradise and, on some days, beyond. If the surf’s up, watched the surfers below shred waves or wipe out with an ice cold schooner in hand.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Cinebar
Forget that there was a ripper cinema in Cooly? How could you! It’s time you get acquainted with Cinebar, a restaurant-style movie experience where you can get the full dinner, drinks and show vibe without having to lift a finger – or leg for that matter. Because we’re all about efficiency, kick back and catch up on the freshest flicks while you’re wined and dined for the ultimate date night with your special someone or your gal pals.
Where: The Strand at Coolangatta
4 Pines
On the brew-tiful beach front you’ll find one of the vibiest beachside breweries we know, the ultimate for whether you’re escaping the surf or just looking for a spot to kick back with live tunes and a beer in hand. You’ll find all your 4 Pines favourites, like the classic Pacific Ale for a fresh and fruity finish or the Pale Ale for a more crisp and citrusy taste, on tap and calling your name. Well, what are you waiting for – hop to it!
Where: The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Ottimo
If you want the inside scoop then here it is – if you want to be served up gelato the Italian way, Ottimo know that sticking to tradition is anything but boring. Having studied at the Gelato University of Carpigiani (yes, that’s a thing), owner Davide let’s his Italian heritage swirl through each delicious morsel whether it’s Ferrero Rocher or passionfruit flavoured. We give it an High Distinction!
Where: 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Timezone
Nothing like a bit of healthy competition to get the heart rate up, blitz your bestie with more than 200 classic arcae games to choose from. With full-sized bowling lanes, dodgem cars and laser skirmish there’s something for all ages – including the big kids at heart.
Where: Level 1, 72-80 Marine Parade, The Strand, Coolangatta
The Pink Hotel
Not a Cooly local? No problem, because one of our most aesthetic hotels just happens to call Coolangatta home! It’s impossible to miss the iconic pink glow of the Palm Springs inspired Pink Hotel, if it weren’t for the fact that you can spot the GC’s glorious skyline from it, we’d forgive you for thinking you were in the California desert. Originally a motel, the legends behind The Pink Hotel lovingly restored it to its current glory so now we gorg destination for the ultimate staycation – love that for us.
Where: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Eddie’s Grub House
Rock ‘n roll meets fried chicken, burgers and whiskey: does it get any better than that? Get a mouthful of naughty but nice American classics in this soul food dive bar. They regularly have live music and karaoke nights if you’re feeling brave, it’s long been a Cooly institution for good grub and good vibes – for good reason!
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Cooly Rocks On
It’s got to be one of the most colourful creations that Cooly has brought us, each and every year we love seeing Cooly transform into the home of motors and music with a dedicated festival to celebrate the lifestyle of yesteryear. Think Hot Rods, Elvis Tribute Artists, Swing Dancing, Pin Up Pageants and so much more,
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
