Coolangatta makes way for a New York-style bar.
Coolangatta makes way for a New York-style bar.
Ok, so we reckon this place is why the catchphrase ‘if you know, you know’ was coined. Tucked away in the southern burbs, you’ll find a precious gem with a vibe unlike anywhere else in the region. It oozes sophisticated cool (right at home in a place called Cool-angatta) with its New York basement feels, ‘it girl’ curves, and luxer than luxe accents. Ladies and gents, may we present…Metabar, the eats, drinks and events triple threat, levelling up the entertainment scene for locals and vacay-makers alike. Oh and PS, it has live music which actually makes it a quadruple threat, and the secret sauce spurring us to declare in unison “we are here.for.it!”
The multi-use establishment, housing co-working spaces and offices upstairs, boasts indoor and outdoor dining for tapas share plate and pizza-loving peeps (us), with an exclusive private mezzanine space and luxury booth dining. There is a juxtaposition of raw and natural elements with refined, luxe details which Isaac Srour from KTS, have bridged with class and flair. Think metal and polished concrete finishes, pops of wood, dreamy curves for days, warm pendant lighting, and even a chess board to set the tone. There’s an area dedicated purely to live music, as this is one of the venue’s cornerstones.
Now let’s talk about the bar coz firstly, it’s the bar, and secondly, she’s the sleekest, moodiest (in the best possible way) beauty you ever did see. To avoid a stock-standard pub aesthetic, the bar backdrop is actually three giant screens which are generally either displaying an inviting fireplace (which you’d SWEAR was real), or the breathtaking New York skyline.
What we’re most excited about, however, is Metabar’s chameleon-esk ability to be used as an events space and guys, we are not joking when we say our next work party/product launch/wedding reception/birthday/besties birthday/dog’s birthday (any excuse…) will be here. Those backdrop bar screens are screaming out to be used for a work presentation, embarrassing photo montage, or a sports game, as the bar racks are on wheels and can be moved to the left to the left (and to the right) to maximise viewing. Genius!
After working your way through the five-star tapas like Arancini Balls, Bug Roll, and the Karage Chicken, you’ll be hella thirsty. Fear not as there’s a huge variety of beverages – all named with a nod to crypto (naturally), including a cracking cocktail list. We’re partial to a Cloud Miner with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Massenez Mango Liqueur, Mango Puree, Lime, Vanilla, Coconut Cream and Roasted Almonds. But the most notable sip (or shot we should say) on their menu are their Moon Shots, which we have to say are out of this world. Literally.
So southern friends, there’s no need to trek into Broady for a good night out because Metabar truly is in a league of its own, and we’re giving it an eleven out of ten on all fronts. See you there!
Where: 64 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
When: 12 – late, Wednesday – Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
When we think of cruisy Coolangatta, our minds wander to the sandy beaches, epic surf, plethora of awesome eats and drinks, and drum roll (or should we say epic guitar riff) please….the iconic Cooly Rocks On festival! Not just for hot rod car and Elvis obsessed dads, this annual extravaganza has something for everyone, with hands-down one of the best festival vibes around. A signature event on our sunny state’s calendar, it attracts thousands of visitors and celebrates the motors, music and lifestyle of yesteryear.
Rocking out from Wednesday 5th – Sunday 9th of June, we’ve penned a list of unmissable happenings at this year’s instalment. So don your swirliest skirt or your most dazzling leather pants and get ready to make a date with all things cool-y, with fun-loving folk from near and far!
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
Put on your blue suede shoes to watch the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (UETA) Contest, with finalists hitting the stage over three days and the winner heading straight to Elvis Week, in Memphis USA.
Show‘n’Shine
Take a walk down memory lane through the number one Cooly Rocks On highlight – Show ‘N’ Shine. Get up close and personal as you admire more than 900 vehicles from yesteryear, including classics, customs, hot rods and muscle cars just to name a few. The display stretches across nearly two kilometres of Coolangatta, where car enthusiasts from all corners of Australia showcase their prized possessions in this iconic beachside destination.
Dwight Icenhower
Five-time world champion Elvis Tribute Artist Dwight Icenhower (USA) is considered one of the best ETAs in the world and will leave you wondering if Elvis really has left the building. From Hollywood to New York City, head on a journey with Dwight who’ll bring you all the classics from Elvis’ films and the iconic 1972 Madison Square Garden Concert. Dwight’s unmissable show will be his first time performing at Cooly Rocks On and is sure to get people on their feet. Tickets start at $50
When: Friday 7 June, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant
The Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant is a popular attraction with entrants from across the country, and as far afield as the USA. Festival goers can meet and greet the contestants at the pageant Sashing Ceremony on Wednesday 5 June or find the finalists wandering around the precinct enjoying the festival with the Pageant held on Friday 7 June. This year, three titles will be awarded in the categories of Classic, Rockabilly, and Most Entertaining.
Saturday Night Car Cruise
The Saturday Night Car Cruise returned in 2023 by popular demand and will be back again for 2024. Cooly Rocks On has one of Australia’s largest showcases of cars manufactured prior to 1979, including classics, hot rods, customs, and muscle cars. The streets of Coolangatta are transformed back in time, taken over by cars from eras gone by. There are four fenced off designated viewing areas along Marine Parade, where families can watch the fleet drive by.
Eras of Elvis
Take a journey across the eras of Elvis! Return to the golden days of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with all your favourite Elvis Tribute Artists like Louis Brown (UK), Damian Mullin, Jack Gatto, 15 year old Charlie Gaylard and music from The 2.I.C Band. Spanning across three iconic decades, this is sure to be an unforgettable show. Tickets start at $35
When: Wednesday 5 June, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Moonlight Swing Dance
Celebrate the iconic era of swing on the dancefloor inside the Elvis Marquee. Enjoy live music from Melissa Western and the Moxie Crew, complete with a red carpet entrance and a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival, the floor is yours to jitterbug the night away!
Looking for more reasons to head to Cooly? Check out our Locals Love Coolangatta list.
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.
Finding authentic flavours of Asia isn’t that much of a dilemma these days on the Gold Coast. Take your pick, and you can slip into a venue of choice and enjoy single designated cuisines or exciting fusions any night of the week. And one newly opened restaurant has taken this admiration of Far Eastern tastes and delivered a menu that is something directly off a redeye from Asia.
Madame Za located at Rydges Gold Coast Airport is the reason you’ll take a trip to the Gold Coast Airport, even without a plane ticket!
Heading up the kitchen is well travelled Chef Joel Bryant. After many years exploring vast Asian continents and even living for some time in the world’s happiest country of Bhutan, you might say he knows a thing or two about gastronomy from this part of the world. He tells us the menu pushes the limits on being wholly authentic while being enjoyed by the everyday Australian palate.
The offering is what you would call Asian fusion as you can eat your way through Thailand, Japan, India, Nepal and Bhutan with dishes and flavours present from all of these countries. To help you understand where certain dishes come from, you’ll even see on the menu subtle passport marks and airport codes beside each dish denoting where it’s from!
Entrees are split into four sections: Betel Leaves, Steamed, Bao Buns, and Fried. As expected, these dishes are great to share, meaning you can try some Peking Duck spring rolls beside Tempura eggplant bao buns, and before you know it, you’ve already eaten for two people and also from two different cuisines!
The mains offering has carefully been considered and you won’t find any bland ‘filler’ style dishes here. A dedicated curry offering has plates from right across the orient like a Nepalese Fish Curry (Barramundi) and a Japanese Golden Cauliflower Curry, whilst a stir fry menu includes a vegetarian Thai Pad See Ew with a Chinese Beef and Black Bean Noodles amongst others. Choose two of these plates and experience contrasting savours, or if you decide to head out for a meal with friends, be well prepared to eat your way across Asia.
The highlight of the mains to share is a Whole Fried Fish in coconut and tamarind sauce (baby snapper) — crispy, creamy, and as fresh as they come, arriving daily from just across the border in Tweed.
And how could we forget those with an eye for sweet things, the dessert offering will undoubtedly tempt you. Deep Fried Ice Cream anyone? Or perhaps an authentic Red Rice Pudding?! Oh yeah!
All in all, perhaps the biggest drawcard of Madame Za is you can swing in for a sensational lunch or decadent dinner before a flight or just after hitting the tarmac. No more airport food — winner!
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 9pm
Where: Rydges Gold Coast Airport, Terminal Drive, Bilinga
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
