Ever find yourself in the presence of one of those enigmatic humans, radiating joy and the energy levels of a Labrador? And thought to yourself, what are they on? The answer is (almost always) coffee. An abundance of coffee. Beans on repeat.

And the sentiment rings true for a couple‘a self admitted coffee fanatics that up and opened a brand new coffee spot for the central GC to delight in. If you’re wondering just how many coffee shops does one city really need, we firmly subscribe to the Melbournian philosophy which is, the more the merrier. Literally, bc we can’t espresso just how much merrier we feel after a little cup of liquid sunshine for the soul.

Much like the Weetbix commercials of our youth, when we heard that one half of the dynamic duo behind newcomers Eight Fifty Espresso ‘does’ 6 cups a day, we quickly came to realise that fanatic, may in actual fact not be strong enough of a word.

For new owners Elise & Broden Johnson, they didn’t choose the cafe life, it chose them – after all, self-confessed coffee snob Broden hails from none other than a little town by the name of Melbourne. With a history in and around cafes, the two set to work perfecting their own range of beans a couple of years back while also juggling one of Australia’s fastest growing digital marketing agencies Yakk, and suddenly the whole 6 cups thing is starting to make a whole lot of sense because we’re exhausted just thinking about all that #stiflesyawn.

As you’d imagine their quest to create the ‘best cup of coffee they’d ever tasted’, involved a very rigorous testing and sampling process (where do we apply). Elise & Broden have also begun planting the seed for a brand new charity, TreeLabs (y’know with all that spare time we’re sure) so keep an eyes peeled for your daily cup to become feel good in more ways than one.

And we’re not gonna lie, for a hot second we did think maybe the cafe was a convenient excuse for unlimited sippin’ on the merchandise #qualitycontrol, but upon further investigation we #canconfirm anyone with an impressive range of no less than seven bean blends, who also stands behind the bold claim that their coffee is the GOAT is clearly v passionate about bringing brew-ti-ful coffee to the masses.

Just a lazy block or two (who could say for sure, pls don’t count on us for directions #perpetuallylostaf) back from our fave Broadwater Parklands, Eight Fifty Espresso has been officially waking up Southport one cup at a time since earlier this month. It’s excellent brews for both central GC inhabitants and also, we’re pretty certain the collective productivity of the Coast’s entire CBD just skyrocketed.

Those Melbournian roots have entered the chat, because the slick new laneway-esque vibes of our newest takeaway coffee hookup is a sight for sore eyes. Glowing like a sapphire green gem among an urban sea of concrete, if the decor isn’t already giving us the green light to sidle on up then the big ol’ illuminated word coffee is a literal sign from above for our weary eyes. Nestled right into the Yakk HQ streetfront #convenient, we’re pretty sure this hole-in-the-wall takeaway pit-stop will now be unofficially fuelling all business meetings and leisurely strolls in 4215.

While you’re there, pick yourself up a bag of their signature bean blends for those days where you just cannot summon the motivation to peel yourself out of your PJ’s. Despite having seven signature coffee blends on offer, there’s not a meeeh batch among them. Each blend has been named after breeds of goats #truestory, so surely this must also make it Emma Wiggle’s fave brew too (okay so we may be speculating here). Both a nod their claim as the GOAT of coffee #weseewhatyoudidthere and to the origins of the world’s most beloved beans being discovered by a goat farmer and his wiley flock #TIL.

Now, if anyone needs us, we’ll be sipping a most excellent brew and googling pictures of goats, because *new obsession unlocked* and really, who couldn’t have a bit more cuteness in their lives. And one things is for sure, if it’s bl-eaty good coffee to-go you’re after, Eight Fifty Espresso has goat you covered.

Where: 12 Short Street, Southport
When: Monday – Friday 6.45am – 2.45pm

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.

Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?

All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more eating (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!

The all-in-ones
The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie board, ‘grammable acai bowls at Cardamom Pod and bites like Bird Royale because we’ve always got time for some cheeky chicken.

Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.

Now did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot along with our biggest vice Kmart on the store list, say goodbye to your savings but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped til you dropped it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.

For bakery treats
With a name like Sacre Coeur Patisserie it’s no wonder these guys have mastered the art of French pastries so prepare to stock up on croissants in allll the flavours from pistachio to raspberry and everything in between.

No man is left behind at Made With Love who deliver on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries because you know what, a donut a day keeps the doctor away or something like that and why should our vegans not be part of the action.

Keeping with the Euro-bakery theme is FARINA & Co, pastries are made onsite daily with all the classics like lemon meringue tarts and buttery croissants but wait, it gets even better – they double as a pasta bar. Grazie!

Pumping out sensational Asian-inspired pastries, desserts and drinks, Delothor Patisserie is our kinda kryptonite!

For a coffee
Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.

For the more traditional café vibe Humble Café might be humble by name but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.

Built on the tried-and-true premise that simple is best, everything about Herringbone Cafe is understated (in the best way) letting the true hero of the space – the food and coffee – take centre stage.

Eight Fifty Espresso boosts productivity and happiness, doling out weekday caffeine fixes from its sidewalk dwelling, sapphire green digs.

For a drink
You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day but if you’re after a side of live music with that then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice cold brew all in one. If you’re after pub vibes you can’t go past SOPO (previously known as RSL CLUB Southport).

Just across the tram line nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch til your hearts content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.

Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices plus a unique menu of sharing boards.

For good eats
Hello foodies, thoughts we forgot about you? We could never! Getting the good times rolling is none other than Good Times Deli who have quickly become known as the home of sandwiches like no other – think Philly Cheesesteak and banger Bahn Mi.

Japanese eatery, KatsuCo, churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.

For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get your fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.

If you’ve been having Euro summer FOMO you can find a taste of the Mediterranean at Como Kitchen & Bar or if there’s a little Italian in your stomach screaming for some arancini balls (or is it just us?) you can get a mozza at Mozza Mozza as well pasta served tableside from a cheese wheel.

Since we’re on a food journey around the world you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.

Local attractions
So you’ve got your coffee and you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.

Fancy a bit more adventure we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.

If a hands on approach to fun is more your vibe then entering a new dimension at Zero Latency is a must-do, the international juggernaut has given VR new life with games on games so you can immerse yourself in the madness. Sing your little lungs out without fear of judgment and enjoy yourself a lyric fuelled good time at Black8 Pool Hall. Test your relationships and put that brain to work with a prison break escape room at Escape Hunt or pick up a pistol at Southport’s very own – and the Coast’s safest – shooting range, The Shooting Centre.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

Who can go past a good lunch deal? Not us. It’s the closest we can get to a mini-vaycay during the work week. Meal prep? Not here. Because nothing says treat yo’ self like ghosting the soggy 3-day old leftovers in the fridge in favour of a feast for one – because who doesn’t want a reason to escape their desk jail for just an hour – or two.

And we don’t know what it is but for some reason a cheap feed just tastes better… Maybe it’s the cost of living talking or maybe, we’re just a sucker for a bargain. Whether you’ve given up the will to meal prep (guilty) or you’re looking for a boozy long lunch to kick the weekend off (Friday counts as the weekend, right?) we’ve discovered that the Gold Coast is not afraid of a sweet deal – thanks a lunch for that!

The thing is, long lunches and us go together like cheese and pizza so we’ve done the hard – and hungry – work to find the most irresistible lunch deals to get you through every single day. We got you!

BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar
If you have already checked out one of the Oracle’s newest kids on the block then let us give you a reason to. Blowfish has launched their new midday dining experience with two delicious courses for $69. Get your pick of an entrée and main, or main and dessert if you’re guilty of being a sweet tooth like us. You’ll find a bunch of Blowfish faves like fresh oysters, Moreton Bay Bug rolls and Whole Black Sole gracing the menu from the sea, and for the land lovers the steak tasting board has your name written all over it.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

El Ranchero
El Ranchero has the perfect offering to ring in the weekend. And yes, lunchtime Friday is the start of the weekend as far as we’re concerned, because all emails received on a Friday afternoon, are absolutely next week’s problem. The aptly named Frothy Friday’s include $5 beers and $1 wings specials from midday, with a DJ spinning tunes from 5pm so you can get that good times rolling. El Ranchero has welcomed brand spanking new truck ‘Let’s Get Toasted’ by experienced local foodie Marc Nickalls. This fun little van is full of delicious one handed bites, perfect for kicking off the weekend.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads

Kin
Spice up the ol’ sushi lunch date with a Pan-Asian moment at Kin, giving you a fresh twist of classic Japanese cuisine. Get the chargrilled salmon, bug bao, salmon sashimi or some other goodies for $25pp, along with a complimentary glass of beer, wine, bubbles or a Grey Goose Spritzer and at this point you’re just losing money not going. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they’ve got happy hour for not just one hour, but five, with specials running from 12-5pm. We’ll cheers to that.
Where: 5/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Mozza Mozza
Experts agree the Weekend Bottomless Disco Brunch at Mozza Mozza is one surefire way to bring that weekend vibes (it’s us, we’re the experts). $75 gets you a tasting-style menu with the best Italian bites like Focaccia, Warmed Olives, Arancini Balls, Margherita Pizza and Calamari Fritti, perfectly paired with bottomless Mimosas and Spritz selections. And let the good times really Aperol with a $15pp upgrade to bottomless Boozy Slushies #bottomyesplease.
Where: Cnr Olsen Ave &, Musgrave Ave, Southport

The Island
Okay so the weekend has arrived but the indulgent (read: boozy) long lunches are just getting started. Touted as a long, leisurely lunch for weekends, when it’s time to get your graze and goss on the only way is up – go the Island’s rooftop of course. We have two words for you: cocktail. carafes. For $79 pp you’ll get a decadent share style feed from flatbreads to pork belly bao and fried halloumi, sip back on the 2 hour bottomless cocktail package with fresh flavours in the form of a spritz and of course, wines and beer on tap.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Hail Mary
A list of the GC’s finest midday offerings would not be complete without a taco ‘bout the holy grail lunch deal that awaits at Hail Mary. $19 gets you two tacos + your choice of beer, wine, spirit or soft drink – all for less than a lobster. The $5 upgrade to a classic marg also feels like a no-brainer – albeit sadly there’s no currency slang equivalent for a $24 lunch bargain. If a Sunday session is more your vibe then you’re in luck because Sangria Sunday is serving up jugs of our favourite nectar for just $20. Let’s just say lunch and a cocktail for halfa pineapple is a pretty sweet deal.
Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads

Osteria Del Mare
Fridays were made for long lunching and avoiding the rest of your work responsibilities and apparently, Osteria Del Mare understood the assignment when they decided to bring out the big guns for a $45 lunch deal. Fill up with two courses of authentic Italian fare (there’s even oysters on the menu) and of course a wine, the hardest decision will be whether to get the Tiramisu or Italian Donuts with Nutella.
Where: 2/1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Maggie Choo
She’s the girl everybody wants to know, bright and cool, serving up tasty eats, some of the most unique cocktails around and, of course, bulk good vibes. Grab the girls and head in on Friday to Sunday from 12pm – 3pm to enjoy the Express Lunch. Just $38pp gets you an XO Prawn Spring Roll, Wonton Soup, Satay Chicken, Vietnamese Salad and Sorbet. Colour us impressed!

If you’re feeling more than a little peckish then Let’s Yum Cha is for you. $65 for an empress feast banquet of seven share plates and a lychee martini!
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

La Calabrese at Ocean
We’re starting to see a theme here – the Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to a bottomless brunch and quite frankly, lucky us. And clearly La Calabrese at Ocean heard that Paradise was calling and they needed a bottomless lunch – stat! With ocean views, a three-course lunch and a two-hour beverage pack from $89pp, it’s officially not just a Surfers Paradise – it’s a foodie’s paradise, too.
Where: 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Zephyr Kitchen & Bar
We want to fly away into this Zephyr – every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, thanks. With a schmick new look, the dreamy pink hues have our name written all over it – bonus points for the top notch people watching while you stuff yourself silly on the delicious eats. From $99 you can get your pick from two set menus with a mix of Mediterranean and Italian inspired dishes, plus two hours of unlimited margaritas because sometimes (always) more is more.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Tavern
They’re one of the best loved pubs on the Gold Coast, so it’s no wonder they know the way to our hearts is through a good feed. To ward off the mid-week scaries Mermaid Tavern have been brewing up a selection of $18 lunch specials that’ll make the week more beerable.  Our pick is the Crispy Skin Salmon Bowl or of course you can’t go past the classic Beer Batter Snapper and Chips combo, it’s o-fish-ially one of the best deals we’ve found.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

TGI Friday
The legends at TGI Fridays are making it feel like Friday every day with lunch specials fit for a king, take your pick from their burger, chicken and salad (if you’re #fitspo) or go all out with a half rack of pork ribs – slow cooked and with your name all over it, we hear. All that eating’s got to be thirsty work, so wash it down with your choice of a soft drink, beer or wine – prices start from $19.90 and walking home with change from a twenty sounds like a money win if you ask us.
Where: Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina & Level 1 Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Tropic Vice
There’s something about a rooftop and a bottomless lunch that just makes our heart skip a beat. Luckily for us, Tropic Vice has one of the most epic offers with two hours of Bottomless Bliss dishing up a five-course set menu with their best bites, plus two hours of all-you-can-drink margs, beer and wine for $99 per person. On your marg, get set, go!
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Gold Coast Tavern
Sometimes you just need a cheeky mid-weeky to get you going and no one knows that better than Gold Coast Tavern. Their weekday lunch menu gives your favourite pub feeds their time to shine, with everything from salt and pepper squid to your classic schnitty just $18. Lunch with enough left over to sneak a schooner? You had us at schnitty.
Where: 150 Bundall Rd, Bundall

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski