Pacific Fair’s Comuna Cantina is the epitome of girly good times; Instagram-worthy food, tick, pretty pink cocktails, tick and world-class shopping right at your fingertips, tick tick tick.

Boasting fresh, tasty South American share-style morsels, Comuna Cantina is the perfect place to wrap up a huge day of shopping at the newly renovated and unintended workout inducing, Pacific Fair.

Start with an Arepa, a Venezuelan staple, which is a taco pocket (basically a cooler version of the pita pocket) filled with marinated prawns, pineapple salsa, avocado and tequila aioli and coriander.

Moving on, try a ‘not-your-typical-taco’, which are light and flavoursome in varieties along the lines of pulled pork, pickled onion and shaved green apple #juanisnotenough.

Brazilian-style barbecued meat also graces the menu as do Tortas or Mexican Burgers, made on brioche buns with a magical Mexican twist.

As you’d expect, every dish is colourful, packed with flavour and the perfect accompaniment to a refreshing cocktail or two.

Speaking of cocktails, the Comuna Colada is uniquely pink and refreshing but if sharing’s more your thing, order a watermelon margarita and stick your straw in. It’s literally a frozen margarita inside half a watermelon decorated with fruit and edible flowers. You’re welcome ladies.

With a few cocktails under your belt you might be brave enough to spend your Saturday night dancing the Salsa. Comuna Cantina offer free lessons from 7pm to 8pm and from 8pm onwards the dance floor is open to everyone.

So grab your BFF’s and get excited for a South American street food extravaganza.

HOURS: Open every day 11am until late

LOCATION: Pacific Fair, Hooker Blvd (next to Zara on the ground floor)

Words and photos Kirra Smith

A wise person once said that coffee makes the world go ‘round… or was it money that makes the world go ‘round? Either way, money buys coffee so same thing if you ask us. And let us tell you there’s an abundance of incredible coffee beans roasted right here on the Gold Coast.

And what’s not to love about the humble coffee bean? Well, these guys would say nothing, because what else is versatile enough to bring the energy in the morning before turning into the GOAT of cocktails in the evening – can you tell we’re a fan?

So, whether you know your coffee or you just like to think you know your coffee, we’ve found the best coffee roasters in our very own backyard so you can walk in and flex that knowledge like you’ve been studying the humble bean for years.

If you’re the kind of person that needs a brew at home before you even think about being an actual human (same), then here’s your key to take home and brew up the pearls of their labour or sit back and get them to do it for you, here they are for your jitter juice slurping pleasure.

Merlo Coffee Torrefazione
Escape our subtropical climates for just a moment, and pretend you’ve found your way to Italy at Brickworks Ferry Road in Southport. Italian for coffee house, Merlo’s Torrefazione is a haven of all things coffee and features an in-store air roaster, meaning a constant steady flow of the freshest espresso. Chat all things coffee and let their staff teach you about their blends and make you the perfect grind on the spot depending on what method you use at home.
Where: Brickworks Ferry Road, 107 Ferry Rd, Southport

First Fruits Specialty Coffee
Found in both Labrador and Southport, First Fruits believe coffee is an art form. Beans are ethically sourced and of the highest quality, and the team are very knowledgeable on all aspects of coffee. They roast in medium and city roast styles which bring out the oh-so delicious flavours of the bean and offer a smooth, balanced flavour.
Where: 129-133 Olsen Avenue, Labrador and 1 Griffith Way, Southport

Willy’s Beans
One of the newest roasters on the block, there’s a reason we ‘willy’ love what these guys bring to the table… errr, cup. Tucked away in Burleigh Heads, the coffee warehouse opened its doors in July and locals can’t get enough of the specialty coffee that Willy’s Beans have been brewing. Celebrating the art of coffee making, the boutique roastery pays homage to the heritage of the Colombian-grown beans that are expertly roasted onsite. They’ve got a range of blends for any style of coffee you’re looking to brew at home, so let the expert team guide you to your perfect match.
Where: 1/4 Ramly Drive, Burleigh Heads

Profile Coffee Colab
Don’t let its size fool you, Profile Coffee Colab is a hive of activity and if you’re a frequent visitor like us, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Bringing the buzz (and we don’t just mean the coffee) this local roastery is the home of Joy Organic Coffee Roasters and boasts the Gold Coast’s biggest range of specialty coffee! The line-up grows each and every week so if you’re looking for incredible coffee to enjoy at home, look no further. Not only do they have coffee en masse and beans roasted onsite to take home, but there’s also a co-roasting space, coffee training centre and coffee courses in case you’re looking to certify those coffee snob skills.
Where: 109 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Waters

Kuki Coffee
Kuki by name, Kuki by nature but in the best kind of way – these guys have been fuelling some of your favourite coffee spots so if you’re a Rafiki stan you’ll have tasted the sweet flavours of Kuki Coffee before. Using an air roasting method that brings hot air to circulate and roast the beans, a unique approach that means you’re getting a more consistent roast and flavour profile so you can trust your daily cuppa tastes the same every. Single. Day. Pop into their espresso bar which is right near their roasting warehouse for a brew to go and to ask the team all things coffee – they’re guaranteed to find your perfect match.
Where: 2/40 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh

Silipo Coffee
The team at Silipo Coffee use the very best green coffee beans from farms around the world. They’ve been in the coffee business for over 20 years, so they know what’s up when it comes to the perfect brew. Where possible, Silipo Coffee sources organic and fair-trade beans, and the end result is some of the tastiest coffee around. Sip in-store or take some beans home for yourself.
Where: 9/54 Bailey Crescent, Southport

Paradox Coffee Roasters
Speaking of people who know all about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters are all about the journey. They purchase quality green coffee beans from estate farms and co-operatives where farmers receive a fair wage for their work. The roasting team has over 15 years of experience, and they are committed to producing the highest quality of coffee there is — just ask the locals!
Where: 10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise

South Coast Coffee Co.
Formerly known as Pomeroys Coffee Roasters, this Isle of Capri based roastery has a strong ethos: Great coffee isn’t created by accident; it is designed to be great from the start. And the proof is tasted in every cup. Multi-awarded with national titles over the last five years, the team take mountains of care when it comes to crafting blends considering what regions beans come from, the altitudes they grow at and what sort of soil they come from. Don’t just take our word for it; visit their café at Capri on Via Roma Shopping Centre and taste it for yourself.
Where: Capri on Via Roma Shopping Centre Shop 3G10, 15 Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Koko Coffee Roasters
Passionate about roasting coffee and serving it to the people, Koko Coffee Roasters are all about trying new ideas and honing their skills so they can ensure you get the absolute best brews possible. Offering both espresso and filter coffee, drop in for a chat to learn a little more about coffee or grab some beans and equipment to take home and make your own.
Where: 17 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Blackboard Coffee Roasters
With almost a decade under their belt, these guys are one of the Coast’s best-known producers of fine coffee beans. What they do with them is utter magic. If you don’t believe us, try any number of their products, from innovative biodegradable coffee capsules to high-grade instant specialty coffee — these guys are true thinkers outside the box. And if you haven’t had the chance to delve into their deliciousness, change up your local cafe to one of MANY cafes located across the Coast that offer their beans!
Where: Roastery located in Burleigh

Quest Coffee Roasters
Burleigh’s beloved coffee aficionados Quest have been roasting up a storm for many, many years, and their brews’ quality is always exceptional. Their roasts are hand-crafted and organic and create the absolute perfect brew. Beans are as fresh as can be, selectively sourced, and only the best will do. You can pop in for a cuppa at the espresso bar or take some home to work your own magic with them. Quest recently branched out to a brand new cafe in Broadbeach, Banksy Bar & Kitchen.
Where: 20 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Laughing Pug Coffee Company
If their name doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe their innovative coffee drip bags will. Ideal for the next time you go camping — or are experiencing the hangover from hell — you can have speciality grade coffee with just the flick of your kettle switch. No grinding, no mess, and no fuss! They’re also quite the experts on brewing methods and offer friendly advice on how to brew and which of their blends work best with what. And if you are the organised type, sign up for a subscription and have your monthly caffeinated supplies delivered right to your door. — Now you’re talking!
Where: Brewed in Burleigh Heads, available online. Pickup from Pug HQ available.

Social Espresso
The Burleigh Heads team have nailed it when it comes to smooth, tasty brews and we’re big fans. Not only can you visit them at their brand new HQ (it’s where you’ll find us most mornings), but you’ll also find their roasts in cafés across the Coast, and you can take them home to pop in your machine. Their perfectly crafted coffee comes with a side of passion and all of the knowledge, and you can rest assured you’ll be handed the perfect cuppa every single time.
Where: 1/9-11 Fremantle Street, Burleigh

Imagine a life without caffeine. Horrible, right? How would one get through the day? Unthinkable. Let’s all take a moment to be grateful for caffeine.

Luckily, we locals need never think about a lack of caffeine ever in our lives because the Gold Coast has abundant options for exceptional brews.

One such neighbourhood forever capturing the imagination of coffee drinkers and lunch-goers is Burleigh. Be it a quick coffee catch-up or a grazing-style brunch with special people: you’re covered. Here’s a list of the twelve best spots to get your caffeine fix when you find yourself in one of the city’s favourite suburbs.

Bunlee Bun & Brew
Between munching down some epic rice paper rolls or a stacked-looking banh mi, we suggest you take a try of their cold drip coffee on tap here at BunLee. If you’ve ever had iced Vietnamese coffee — or cà phê đá, as it’s known — you’ll know how tasty it can be. It’s up to you what milk to splash into it, or if you prefer, just take it black: perfect for when you need to put that pep into your step.
Where: 2/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Dover’s Drop
Take an award-winning local barista, throw in some fantastic coffee from carbon-neutral roasters Locale Espresso, and place it conveniently just off Reedy Creek Road and you’re looking at the exact blueprint of Dover’s Drop, a prime industrial district coffee location in Burleigh. The perfect place to pull a pit stop when you’re going about your day, but be careful: their loungey outdoor space with beanbags may keep you longer than planned, not to mention their Sourdough Crumpets!
Where: 9 Dover Drive, Burleigh Heads

Magnolia Lane
A newbie to the bustling beachside locale of Burleigh, Magnolia Lane is sandwiched between the beach and the GC Highway, meaning whether you’re zipping about town or lounging beachside, these guys have you well and truly covered for your caffeine needs. The unwavering attention taken to dialling in their machine and weighing each and every shot of coffee shows right through from your first to last sip.
Where: 6/1863 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Crew
Aptly positioned in the heart of Burleigh Heads, this is the early morning post-workout/dip in the ocean hangout spot of the ages. Crew showcases Sunshine Coast Tim Adams specialty coffee with exceptional barista skills and a cheat meal-inducing menu you cannot say no to. Hinge all of this on one hell of a people-watching location, and you have a mighty fine place to slurp your morning cup of motivation.
Where: 3 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Sparrow Coffee Co.
Laidback and easy-going Sparrow offers you a prime opportunity to get yourself a quality coffee on the go with little fuss. With another three locations across the country and their roastery of choice being Allpress, you’re guaranteed a quality cuppa every time. It’s also the perfect spot to fuel up before a workout if you go to nearby Elevation Fitness or Jetts!
Where: 2/151 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads

Tarte
Where do you even begin with a place that literally falls over itself with excellent house-made food, great-tasting coffee, and a great location to watch life go by. Chloe Watt‘s creation Tarte is one of the finest cafes on our coastline: period. Give yourself some slack and indulge in any one of their off-the-charts pastries/baked goods with a perfectly poured cup of coffee as dappled light from overhead trees sprays across the pavement of Burleigh Heads — our idea of bliss.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads

Next Door Espresso
Touted as not your average coffee shop, this aesthetically pleasing venue is awash with white and is nearly always an afternoon suntrap that, to us, screams brunch with close friends. Northern Rivers’ Moonshine Roastery are the foundation of an always great-tasting coffee served in the cutest looking handmade clay cups. Be sure to bring your credit card, as adjacent homewares store St Barts is always worth a look in also!
Where: 24 Junction Road, Burleigh Heads

Commune Espresso
A kickstarter in the Burleigh coffee scene, Commune Espresso has been around for as long as we can remember, and in this chasm of lost time, they’ve been serving up some of the tastiest brews around. The space itself is epic, complete with lots of outdoor relaxing areas and a ping pong table to use up that caffeine-induced energy. They also make their own almond milk; that’s how dedicated they are to delicious coffee.
Where: 1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Canteen Coffee & Kitchen
A firm favourite in the coffee game, Canteen has been lauded as one of Australia’s premier espresso bars. They brew their own blends, sourcing in-season beans and roasting fresh daily on demand. They offer a Signature Espresso Blend with notes of chocolate, berries, toffee and spice and Single Origins, which change weekly. They certainly know their stuff, highly recommended.
Where: 23 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads

Nook Espresso
So good they’ve got two locations in Burleigh; Nook offers little spaces with a big passion for coffee. They’ve been slinging tasty brews since 2008, and for this, the local community loves them! Nook offers a smooth cuppa that’s consistently delicious, and the crew are stoked and always smiling to be involved in your morning coffee routine. Plus, if you head to their beachside location, you can sip away whilst overlooking world-famous surf.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads and Stocklands Burleigh Heads

Quest Coffee Roasters
The smell wafting out of Quest alone should draw you in and, once you’re in, you may never want to leave. The space is half micro-roastery, half sitting-down-to-enjoy-your-coffee space, and it’s an absolute must-visit if you’re a lover of excellent brews. They roast premium Arabica beans on James Street, and if you’re in the market, you can purchase their green and roasted beans or a blend. Make sure you have a chat with the team; they love to discuss all things coffee.
Where: 20 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Seadog
The original Seadog emerged on the local coffee scene with a bang and is an actual hole in the wall, which was once an ATM. Stop by and let affable owner Brodie Green and his gang serve you up their very own roasts; one going by the name Sunrise Blend – with tasting notes of Milo! When they’re not actively supporting charities with free coffee giveaways, you’ll find them at their second venue beside Burleigh Bowls Club, eternally bathed in sunshine and salt air. Two great locations for coffee in Burleigh!
Where: 50 James St, Burleigh Heads or Burleigh Bowls Club — entrance via Memorial Park

Words by Alex Mitchenson.