If there’s one thing we never grow tired of it’s a cracking cocktail and lucky for us, the GC is a melting pot of masterful cocktails guaranteed to leave you shooketh.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple (or five), tried and tested by the team because you know, we had to complete our due diligence. From beachy vibes to moody speakeasies, here’s the scoop on where to sip the best cocktails in town.

Rosella’s
Rosella’s has been bringing all things Australiana to bustling Burleigh since January 2019, recently winning the coveted ‘Best Cocktail Bar in Queensland’ gong. And what’s more quintessentially 2024 Aussie behaviour than sipping on a host of sensational cocktails in a beautiful beachy ‘burb?! Serving up nostalgic and native fare, this little ripper hums until late seven nights a week. ‘Knoath!
Our pick: Fantales. Our fave (discontinued) lolly in liquid form. Rosella’s Blend Bundaberg Rum, Mac. Daintree Dark Choc, Mushroom Garum Caramel, Wattleseed Butter – with their very own custom Fantales.
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh

Cantina
Mermaid Beach locals will tell you that if you’re frothing for a quality cocktail (us – always), it’s Cantina for the win. This pint-sized neighbourhood tapas bar proves that good things come in small packages and by good things, we mean cocktails. Forming the perfect pair with sibling Piatto Italian restaurant right next door, line your tum with Spanish style bar bites so that your sneaky cocktail can turn into two…or five….
Our pick: Quattro Bianchi- A citrussy Italian take on the Long Island Ice Tea
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

The Cambus Wallace
If you haven’t stepped aboard The Cambus Wallace, are you even a Gold Coaster? Serving up the finest classic cocktails, international rums and whiskeys, and heartwarming food, the only thing moodier than the dark hues of the boat-themed bar is you if you don’t sample at least one of their tipples. There’s a reason (AKA epic cocktails) that it always gets a nod on our lists!
Our pick: Maiden Voyage #2: Fresh muddled pineapple, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, Brinley coconut rum,  Angostura white rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and tiki bitters.
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Fig + Frankies
If artisanal cocktails and coastal-inspired tapas are your kryptonite, you need Fig + Frankies in your life. One of Broadbeach’s laneway treasures, the cocktail list is as impressive as the venue’s arch features, exposed brick, and charmingly textured interior. Phone a friend, your other half, or anyone who appreciates a killer cocktail and we’ll meet you there.
Our pick: Number 42 – Arette Blanco Tequila, Piel de Sapo Tea, Maidenii Classic Vermouth + Lychee Foam. Bitter + Sweet.
Where: 4/2707 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Six Tricks Distilling Co.
Hold onto your highball glasses Gold Coast because Six Tricks is redefining the local distillery scene one cocktail, rum, or whisky at a time (okay, maybe more than one). This two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art with a spacious indoor bar and sunset deck perf for sipping the night away – and even a private cask hall! You’ll be left shaken not stirred in the best possible way.
Our Pick: Melon & Lime Highball: Lime Leaf Six-Tricks Vodka, Melon Liqueur, Fino Sherry, Lacto Honeydew, Carbonated.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Beach

The Exhibitionist Bar
Flirt with breathtaking views across the Gold Coast to the Hinterland – and a cracking array of cocktails – at The Exhibitionist Bar. Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop, its specialty cocktails are inspired and expertly curated using the major art exhibitions as the starting point to each creation. Changing with each new major exhibition, this means you’ll never run out of reasons to pop in for a sip.
Our Pick: NAKED AND FAMOUS- #69  Rhubi Mistelle, Becherovka, Altos Tequila, Amores Mezcal, lime
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Granddad Jack’s
Distil our beating hearts! With a fresh curation of concoctions that could coax Sleeping Beauty herself from her 100-year slumber, this magical albeit not-so-faraway Miami-based fave has earned quite the rap for its bewitching, fable-inspired concoctions. If you’re after something extra spesh that you can’t find at every other cocktail bar, welcome. Extra points for everything from syrups to spirits made on site.
Our Pick: The Tainted Apple – Greenhouse Gin, Clear Apple Juice, Sour Coriander Cordial. Green Apple Slice, ‘Tainted’ Charcoal Drops.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Sandfire
Looking for an absolute beachfront cocktail tapas bar? Look no further – this.is.it. Serving up an exciting fusion of coastal charm, inventive cocktails, and sumptuous tapas, it’s a winner winner cocktail dinner. Crafted by expert mixologists, the cocktail list boasts an array of innovative libations, from classic martinis to exotic tropical creations, so you’re assured a perfect pairing for every palate and mood.
Our pick: FUTURE PIÑA- Spiced rum, toasted coconut, jasmine, lemon balm, plum, pineapple C02
Where: 293 The Esplanade, Miami

Bar Evelyn
You’ve never met a cooler Evelyn (and if you’re born after 1980 – you’ve probably never met one). This antipasto and pizza bar has not only garnered a staunch following for its A+ seasonal antipasti, sough dough pizza, and freshly made pizza, but also for the evelyn-utionary cocktails. With warm and cosy feels for days (particularly perf this time of year), Evelyn is especially epic on a cool winter’s night.
Our pick: Limoncello Margarita-  Altos bianco tequila, Limoncello, lemon, sugar. salt
Where: Shop 20, 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Destino
With inspo derived from Mediterranean islands where world class service, design and atmosphere collide to create an unforgettable destination – need we say more? This little gem at Sanctuary Cove is the gift that keeps on giving. Earning a reputation within its first week as a cocktail connoisseur’s haven, the initial hype has not only endured – it continues to soar. If you’re up the north end (or even if you’re not) – just go.
Our Pick: Strawberry Fields- Peach liqueur, vodka, simple syrup, lime & house made strawberry puree
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Suga
With a name that (literally) sums up our guilty pleasure, Suga lives up to its namesake – and then some. When it comes to our local speakeasy, the only thing more satisfying than the cocktails is the…no, it’s the cocktails. The low-lit lamps highlight the insanely good menu, which serves as the perfect belly-liner so that you can partake in another cocktail (yes, even on a school night).
Our pick: Not A ‘Colada- rum, coco, water, pineapple, lime, agave
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Veladora
Asking us to “find the red palm tree”– challenge accepted! We all know any restaurant or watering hole at The Star Gold Coast never misses a beat and Veladora is no exception. This place is actual cocktail nirvana so take it from us; leave the car at home because you won’t be able to stop at one. Watching the mixologists in action is half the fun and don’t even get us started on the vibe, thanks to Mezcal-inspired speakeasy design.
Our pick: The Margarita! Herradura Plata, orange liqueur & fresh lime juice
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen

At some point during the week (usually Monday for us) you get sick of preparing meals, decide to throw in the tea towel, and round up the rugrats so one of our fine establishments can handle that exhausting little song and dance. Only to be faced with a whole new issue – the prospect of taking the munchkins out for munches #cuepanic

To save you the ‘find-something-everyone-can-eat-without-too-many-tears’ (namely yours) struggle entirely – we’ve collected our very favourite purveyors of good vibes, welcoming atmospheres and of course, bulk ice cream and chippies.

So without further ado, here is a list of family-friendly Gold Coast restaurants to treat you and your cherubs to some chow, so you can have a reprieve from slaving over the stove for a night.

From north to south.

The Wattle Hotel
A hidden gem in Upper Coomera, The Wattle Hotel is the perfect playground for parents and kiddies. The adult menu is filled with all your fave pub-style dishes while the littlies menu has all their favourites for $12 bucks including a drink and dixie cup – a barg and a half, especially when you consider the inbuilt perk of those blissful sounds of serenity (the kind only a Cheeseburger could buy). 10/10 kids also agree the whopper playground is the bees knees (ok, so that stat is more of an educated guess, we hope you can let it ‘slide’…) Gather the kiddies and get down and see for yourself.
Where: 1 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera

Charis Seafoods
Found in Harley Park, Labrador, Charis Seafoods offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a sweet view to boot. Enjoy your fish and chips by the Broadwater while the kids play in the park or swim in the lagoon. There’s a huge variety of seafood on offer and everything is of the freshest and highest quality. This Gold Coast icon is also renowned for its pelican feeding at 1:30pm daily where close to a hundred pelicans gather for their special feed of fish!
Where: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador

Historic Rivermill
Less restaurant, more full-blown adventure day – Historic Rivermill might be an overachiever, but either way a meal at this beaut spot will delight you and your little people. The outlook from the cafe is breathtaking with views to the bushland beyond and plenty of space, including a cute ‘lil playground, for the kids to explore.

This pretty riverside spot boasts its own petting zoo, so the animal encounters are a must-do for the munchkins. Feed the turtles or alpacas, and and don’t sweat it when your little people grow peckish, of course the cafe boasts plenty of yummy goodies for the human-folk too. Including coffee, which we absolutely will require after herding the critters (we’ll let you decide which we’re referring to). Do yourself a favour and take a drive out there with the whole family.
Where: 950 Beaudesert-Nerang Road, Mt Nathan

Southport Sharks
For families, the beloved Frenzy’s buffet will be the first (and second, and third…) port of call as a sacred eats place adored by all – but especially our mini salad dodgers. There’s also a stacked kids zone – including a rock climbing wall, mini basketball court and theatrette – that will be a slam dunk among all, as the small ones frolic supervised, and you kick back and enjoy a frosty beverage. Plus there’s a stunning fish tank (with real sharks) which is always a winner among the little ones. Frenzy’s is open breakfast, lunch and dinner, with à la carte and buffet options seven days a week.. aka any old time you’re struck by the urge to escape the kitchen.
Where: Olsen Ave and Musgrave Ave, Southport

Café Catalina
Found in Southport, overlooking the Broadwater is Café Catalina, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pop in for a bit to eat, treat yourself to some tapas and a wine or two, let the kids enjoy some tasty Spaghetti Bolognaise off their designated kids menu and then wander down to the giant playground and let them run rampant before bedtime. It’s win win.
Where: Broadwater Parklands, 10/11 Gold Coast Highway, Southport

TGI Friday’s
With all of the epic US-style eats you could hope to demolish in one sitting, TGI Friday’s at Robina Town Centre, and overlooking the ocean in the refreshed Paradise Centre at Surfers – is the perfect place to take the family for a night out. With everything from their famous ribs and burgers plus a kids menu packed with goodies like Macaroni Cheese, Chicken Fingers and a Cheeseburger to name a few, everyone will leave happy and very satisfied.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina and Level 1, Paradise Centre Beachfront Dining, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse has a casual atmosphere and plenty of good vibes for everyone to enjoy. Meaty morsels like Perfectly seared steaks, Burgers and Ribs make up much of the adult’s menu, but for your mini-me’s there’s also plenty of kid-endorsed options like Chicken fingers, Mac & Cheese and Mini ribs, 2,4,6,8.. bog in, don’t wait! All the kid’s meals start from just $9 and include a drink, pretty sweet ‘eh?
Where: Pacific Fair, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Surf clubs are family friendly on principle but the Mermaid Beach Surf Club in particular has got the goods in the form of a playroom that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Some of us here have been in there and can attest it’s a good time. Of course, they have lots of child-friendly menu options AND on Monday nights kids eat free with any main meal purchased. How good.
Where: 172 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Tavern
These days we’re treated to some next level Tavs, Pavs and Clubs, having broken free of the former beer dungeon status we once associated with our friendly local – and we only need to look as far as Exhibit A: Mermaid Beach Tavern to prove our point. This stunner of a spot is 10’s all round – easy on the eyes, plenty of space and classic pub-style eats that appeal to the whole family.

Putt wait, there’s more… the Putt Putt Meal deal takes this outing from good to great. Enjoy a round of Putt Putt and grab an adult main meal for just $15 and a kids meal for $10.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Miami Marketta
Less a restaurant, more a market-style dining situation is Miami Marketta – and relaxed eats is kind of the whole objective when we’re talking feeding the oft-rambunctious rugrats. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights with food stalls and (often) live music, kids absolutely adore running around, dancing and eating all the things. Same. There’s a ridiculous array of next-level desserts and a bar so that’s pretty much all your bases covered we think. Always a fun time.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Robina Pavilion
Anyone else sensing a theme here? Key to chillaxed eats with kids in tow = proximity for perambulating outside a must. And Robina Pav has this in spades – you and your rowdy rascals can revel on the lakeside lawn or on the sun drenched deck – rain, hail or shine – thanks to the retractable roof. Good news if you also ‘like piña coladas’ (we do) but not so much ‘getting caught in the rain’ (hard pass).

So regardless of whatever whack weather our trusty BoM app is advising – gather your boisterous brood, chow down on some classic pub nosh and throw back a couple’a bomb Pavilion Coladas while the dishes do themselves… ah, life’s goooood.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Woodchoppers Inn
Family owned since 1995, Woodchoppers Inn launched a reimagined menu in 2017 to bring North American BBQ to the Gold Coast. Complete with a dedicated kids play area and kids menu, including the likes of Spaghetti and Meatballs and Margherita Pizza – we’d be envious, but we’re too busy tucking in to a 6hr BBQ pork short rib stack, tbh. All kids meals can be upgraded with a drink and ice cream for $2, which we think you’ll agree is pretty good bang for your buck. The entire family will love the perfectly smoked and seared dishes, and the plethora of beers and hand-crafted spirits will go down a treat with the grown ups.
Where: 64 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Burleigh Town Hotel
We here on the GC sure do love getting around an all-rounder, and not that we’re superficial or anything – but a tidy $4.5 mil revamp has skyrocketed this spot in the popularity stakes (though the steaks are top notch, also) among locals – and *especially* parents.

Of the sprawling space – a perk particularly favoured among families is the spacious open-air area, with plenty of space for the kids to roam (run wild). With a bistro, beer garden x2, patios and pergola’s aplenty, you can basically take your pick – then promptly perch up and partake in one of the favourite past times of parents everywhere: sit-ervising (or sip-ervising, as the case may be). This is livin’.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

The Collective
A well known family-friendly spot on the highway in Palm Beach, The Collective has a HUGE menu for the kids with five types of cuisine on offer including Mexican, Greek, Asian, American and Italian eats. Everything is reasonably priced and the bar is pumping out some of the tastiest cocktails around for Mum and Dad’s enjoyment. Highly recommend for a night out with the team.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Dune Cafe
Enjoy everything the Gold Coast stands for at Dune Cafe. There’s beautiful views, a laidback atmosphere, top quality local produce and delicious coffee plus it’s found right at Palm Beach Parklands where there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around, Currumbin Creek for a quick dip and the huge Pirate Park playground will provide hours of entertainment while Mum and Dad kick back.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Currumbin RSL
Sitting pretty (and we do mean pretty – she’s not like a regular RSL, she’s a cool RSL) right on the banks of Currumbin’s beloved Creek, families flock to this spot in droves. It’s hard to determine if the bigger draw card is the stunner of a creekside outlook or the mix of contemporary and crowd-pleasing bites (the ice cold beers surely don’t hurt either).

Treat the raucous ones to a bambino meal upgrade, and even the fussy eaters will be rapt with a Cheeseburger or Chicken nugs, soft drink and gelati cup or cone (+ obligatory fries and tom sauce, of course – anything less would be unhinged). To appeal to the adults (and it really, really does) – Sticky Chilli Koji Chicken Wings, Hawker Style Bao Buns, and, if you wanna keep it classic, Chicken Parmigiana. With a fully-fenced park adjacent, you’re on to a winner here.
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin

Pasture & Co
Parents, carers, and all other wranglers of tiny humans, add Pasture & Co to the rolling list of – and, we defy any millennial that can resist channelling their inner Dixie Chicks as they read this – *wide open spaaaces*-adjacent havens that have it all. And by that we mean, delicious food and satisfying sips that we can savour (a) at a leisurely pace (b) at their intended temperature and (c) in relative peace while the cherubs burn off some of that circus-vibing energy (aka the holy grail).

While this one is technically more of a café–restaurant hybrid, every Friday & Saturday arvo the fully licensed weekend menu and extended 7pm trade kick in, which certainly lends itself to the latter as far as kid-friendly dinners are concerned (bc while we love them inexplicably – we also want them fed, and in bed no later than 7.31pm, thankyouverymuch). Perch up with Pizzas and Milkshakes for them, House buffalo wings and Chilli marg for you – happy days.
Where: 639 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Valley

Words by Kellie Leader.