The Butt Hut takes a permanent seat in Nerang.
The Butt Hut takes a permanent seat in Nerang.
You may recall the name from Miami Marketta Night Markets or even reminisce about their ‘low and slow’ smoked pork sliders with apple sauce. We certainly do. Well, guess what?! Your favourite smoked BBQ food stall is making things official. Yes, that’s right—no more casual mid-week get-togethers. Your source of succulent and smokey American barbeque is now secure and reliable. The Butt Hut has taken a permanent seat in Nerang.
In late August, Butt Hut took their mobile tuck shop up north to settle in and bring their legendary recipes and new flavours to the community. This leap from mainstay market stall to brick and mortar seemed overdue, especially for such a beloved and in-demand food establishment. However, owner and hospitality veteran Marcus Nicholson clarified that it was when a gap in his local market appeared that he made the tactical move.
His 15 years of wide-ranging restaurant experience is evident in his savvy business moves and in the fare. To come across decent American BBQ in Australia is one thing. But to find it with all authentic flavours intact is quite another. Chef Nicholson does us one better. He delivers a bonafide all-American BBQ feast and incorporates his own genius take on the cuisine. Even adding a little Mexican influence. In other words, it’s time to shove a napkin into your shirt, bib style, because you’re in for one hell of a feast.
Refrain from staring at the menu board for too long- you’ll be left stumped, deciding your feast fate. The good news is you can come back Wednesday through Sunday from 5pm to ensure you cover all bases. We suggest closing your eyes and swinging your finger around until your intuition screams ‘stop’.
Oh, look at that! You landed on the Smokehouse Box. Honestly, you couldn’t have come to a better conclusion. That has to be a menu highlight, giving you an ‘all-in-one’ experience with smoked pork, sausage, wings, cornbread, corn ribs, slaw and mac n cheese. Did we mention they even bake their bread? Dough it right or not at all, hey?
It’s only a matter of time after your debut meal here that you’ll be salivating at the thought of your next. We don’t mean to be a tease (okay, we do), but it would be remiss of us not to share more of their lip-smacking offerings. Let’s start off with a sell-out, shall we? Their hickory smoked ‘Mama’s Ribs’ with a ruby red, Louisiana sweet, tangy homestyle BBQ sauce. Talk about fall off the bone!
Their charred brisket is another menu item that barely makes it through the day- in other words, a must-try. Now, this wouldn’t be a true American banquet without loaded fries, and Butt Hut does them best with smoked pork, cheese and signature sauce.
We also mentioned a Mexican influence, so here you have it- with tacos! Though not just any old tacos (enter napkin), these corn tortillas are filled with salsa, smoky pork and cheese and drip with broth and lime juices. You could call it an American style spin-off. Then there’s the Tex Mex Rice Bowl, starting with a base of red rice and beans, topped with chipotle, coriander, lime, slaw and salsa, then loaded with that signature smoked pork. Do you know what would go well with this smoky, tender feast? A refreshing glass of house-brewed ‘Hawaiian Punch’ iced tea, made with mixed citrus, pineapple, cherry and bitter almond.
Have you been tempted? Well, while they’re not without adequate seating, with a collective 30-40 seats across their indoor and outdoor areas, we can’t promise their mouth-watering offerings will be as available! Get it while it’s hot!
Where: Petro’s Corner, 1 Tibbing Street, Nerang
When: Wednesday – Sunday 5pm-8:30pm
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Images by Mathilde Bouby
We’ve never met a burger we didn’t like. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but we’ve never met a burger from this list that we didn’t love. The humble burger has reached new heights thanks to these Gold Coast hospo legends putting new twists of the classic favourite. And what’s not to love? They’re reliable, damn tasty and the ultimate all-rounder.
Think you’re not a burger lover? Well, we challenge you not to be after eating your way through this epicness. Already converted? Thank us later because your tastebuds will never be the same after these bad boys. To us, every day is burger day – so we’ve pulled together a list of the 13 best burger joints for you to eat your way through. So cheers to the GOAT dish and one of our favourite menu items and prepare to loosen those belts people!
Paloma Wine Bar
It’s one of Burleigh’s favourite local haunts for their huge wine range, next-level cocktails and steak frites, but have you tried the Paloma Cheeseburger? The burger itself is pretty large and in charge for a humble cheeseburger, plus it’s paired with their signature fries – name a more iconic duo. They’re available exclusively on Wednesdays to help you wine-down on hump day and for $14, you’d be losing money not treating yourself #girlmath.
Where: 1/12 James St, Burleigh Heads
Two Yolks
Burgers and Burleigh apparently go hand in hand! Two Yolks are home to potentially one of the broadest burger ranges, you can literally treat yourself to a toasty bun for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Triple B is a solid (literally) starter to your day with Bangalow free range bacon, pork sausage plus a heap more with… wait for it… tater tots as a sneaky side. Feeling like something a little more classic? Well the options are (almost) endless with spicy fried chicken all the way through to a Mexican moment.
Where: 13 Connor St, Burleigh Heads
Betty’s Burgers
We don’t make this claim lightly, but there is quite literally a burger for everyone here. Vegan? No problem. Don’t make friends with gluten? Say less. These guys clearly take their burgers seriously because Betty’s have a huge 15 different burgers to choose from, your biggest problem will be narrowing it down to just one. The best problem to have if we do say so ourselves. Need some inspo? We can’t go past the Betty’s Deluxe or Shroom Burger. Perfect for refuelling post retail therapy.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Robina Town Centre and Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre
Burgster
With a name like Burgster, it’s only natural they deliver the goods in the burger department. It’s absolutely one of the best burger joints on the Gold Coast so it’s well worth returning to eat your way through each and every options. Now, while you might’ve come for the burgers you seriously need to stay for the tempura oyster, brie bites and margs. A match made in burger heaven.
Where: Shop 2 & 3, 4-10 Philippine Parade, Palm Beach
Wahlburgers
Our favourite movie star Mark Wahlburg and his brothers certainly know what’s up when it comes down to a burger of great proportions. Wahlburgers first Queensland store located at the beach end of the newly renovated Paradise Centre always deliver on big burgers with big flavour. Rock up with the crew after some time on the beach and tuck into a BBQ Bacon Burger (which is brother Donnie’s choice) with a beef patty, tasty cheese, bacon, fresh jalapenos, BBQ sauce and avo spread – the perfect combo with all of your favourites on one delicious burger. Pro tip: level it up with the famous Fried Pickles to start with and thank us later.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Ze Pickle
This Burleigh Heads corner spot is the very essence of lazy, street-side eating. Swing in when you clock off on Friday, grab one of their 12 craft beers on tap — and relax. Next, seize a menu and struggle to decide which of the next-level burgers you’re set on. The imagination that goes into their selection of burgers is top-notch, with examples like the Baja Fish Taco Burger and Southern Hick Chicken Burger; you’ll not just be wowed with flavour but the menu names also!
Where: 37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
Palm Springs
You’ve seen it all over your ‘gram, so if you haven’t been to Palm Springs then where have you been? It’s one of our fav spots to sit back and soak up the Gold Coast vibes, pat all of the pups and of course, tuck into a delish burger. They’ve got four mouth-watering options all served on a classic milk bun, from your classic Bacon & Egg or Fried Hot Chicken Burger choices or if you’re a bit fancy, the Truffle Burger is an all-round favourite.
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
TGI Fridays
Looking for a place where it’s always Friday and if this isn’t a rhetorical question…?! Add all American juicy handcrafted burgers, plenty of beer on tap and drinks that are always a’flowin and you’ve just described TGI FRIDAYS!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina and Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Apres Surf
It’s become an institution for a reason. They’ve got sweet deals on the menu pretty much every day, but there’s pretty much no better way to finish your Monday with a cheesy b – am I right? The crew at Apres Surf are serving up their iconic cheeseburgers each and every Monday for just $6.50, so you can afford to treat yourself to more than one or a cheeky beer if you’re in the mood. The definition of cheap AND cheerful.
Where: Shop 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Eddie’s Grub House
This rock and roll infused dive bar delivers teenage kicks and appealing burger action unapologetically to Coolangatta. As far south as you can go before stepping over the street and into New South Wales, the venue is a ‘pull up a stool and sink a few bevvies’ kind of hangout. Ideal if you find yourself needing a refreshment between happenings at Cooly Rocks On. In the realm of burgers, these guys bring out revolving weekly specials with all the best music genre names you can think of. Delicious and always a good time. We strongly suggest you swing by Eddie’s and let your hair down!
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Luckie’s Diner – The Collective
It’s always cheat day at Luckie’s Diner, one of The Collective’s fave eats offerings! Their American-style menu with an edge never disappoints and their Royale with Cheese Burger featuring beef, cheese, special sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickles served with fries and ketchup will have you coming back for more. We love that there’s an Aussie Aussie Aussie Burger with grilled pineapple, beetroot and egg, because we don’t see this on menus enough these days. Also an honourable mention to the Pork Belly Nuggets served with maple dipping sauce too, a real winner at this local’s haunt.
Where: The Collective, 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar
If you happen to bring your very best hunger game with you to Longboards, you won’t be disappointed. Seventeen handcrafted burgers on offer, including Beach Cheeseburger, the Vegetarian G-Banger, and the Mona Lisa, which arrives towering with wagyu beef patty, crispy bacon, melted brie cheese, garlic-butter mushrooms, caramelised onion, lettuce, tomato, and truffle aioli. Over the top? Maybe just a bit – but we aren’t judging! One of the best burger joints on the Gold Coast? Absolutely!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton Avenue &, Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise
There’s a new smoke signal above Runaway Bay, and it’s coming from none other than Smokin’ Hot BBQ, the latest flavour sensation to grace the Gold Coast’s food scene.
Nestled in Runaway Bay, this family-owned gem is the brainchild of Donna Hoskin and Reuben Connolly, a dynamic duo with a passion for BBQ that’s off the charts.
While Smokin’ Hot BBQ officially opened doors just a couple of months ago, their story traces back to a little over three years ago where their food truck first hit the dining scene.
Donna, with a background in community-based aged care and hospital food services, managed Big Chief Burgers and boasts over 30 years of hospitality experience.
Reuben, on the other hand, worked in his family’s wholesale meat and smallgoods business for years, and with a degree in PR & Marketing, he’s now a bonafide pit master.
Together, they’ve mastered the art of low and slow BBQ, tantalizing taste buds at local events and gatherings.
With their culinary expertise, opening a restaurant so that more could get their hands on the low and slow goodness just made sense.
New to the smoked meat scene? Say less. Exactly as it sounds, these flavour bombs are cooked at low temps for long periods to make sure you get max flavour and tenderness in a way you could never from your backyard Weber.
Already calling the northern Gold Coast home, Donna and Reuben knew it was a no brainer that the bayside suburb was to be home to Smokin’ Hot BBQ.
The restaurant is a reflection of their love for the craft, with rustic accents and wood grain panelling making for the perfect spot to kick back and tuck into your choice of seriously delish smoked meats.
The team at Smokin’ Hot BBQ are mixing global flavours with their local roots to bring the flavourful goodness all made from seriously good local produce.
The many drool-worthy dining options include burgers, Texas chilli, smoked pork ribs, loaded fries, solo plates, share plates, salads, a selection for the kidlets and a bunch of lip smacking sides and sauces (liquid cheese anyone?).
Their signature share dish, the Smokin’ Hot Pit Out is an ode to the glorious flavours of BBQ perfection. Loaded with smoked brisket, pulled pork, Texas chilli, hot link (smoked sausage), house slaw, corn chips, seasoned fried, sauce and dinner rolls, every bite is a journey into the heart of BBQ perfection.
If a burger is more your jam, the Brisket Burger with smoked brisket, house slaw and smokey BBQ sauce will give you the true taste of BBQ goodness.
Whether you’re wanting to soak up the spring sun or get amongst the smokey goodness inside, what truly sets Smokin’ Hot BBQ apart is the fact that it’s a family-owned and operated business.
Donna and Reuben pour their heart and souls into every dish they serve, making each bite is a celebration of the craft and a testament to their dedication.
So, if you’re in the mood for some mouthwatering low and slow BBQ that’s crafted with love and tradition, Smokin’ Hot BBQ needs to be at the top of your list.
It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a flavour journey that Donna, Reuben, and their team invite you to savour the flavour.
Guaranteed you won’t regret it.
Where: 5/123 Lae Drive, Runaway Bay
When: From 10am Wednesday-Sunday
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
STORY SPONSORED BY SMOKIN’ HOT BBQ.
If you’re anything like us, narrowing down the slew of gourmet sando styles we’re spoiled with these days feels akin to picking a favourite cocktail… #computersaysno! From cold cut and cheese stuffed Italian subs to crispy Vietnamese Bahn Mi baguettes and NY style Reubens. And don’t even get us started on toasties! How do we even begin to choose? Well, get bready because Southport’s new one-stop-gourmet-sando-shop, Good Times Deli, is here to solve all our crust-based conundrums.
With everything from Nashville-style crispy Chicken Burgers to Reubens and wood-smoked Brisket Rolls gracing the menu, Southport’s latest is what sando dreams are made of. Bringing us the best sandwiches from around the globe under one satisfying roof, Good Times Deli is the bread-a-licious brainchild of a pair of blokes who share an entrepreneurial spirit and extensive hospo backgrounds. And basically, Southport’s sando – and by association, smoko – prospects have never looked better… or should we say bread-er.
Taking up residence on the fringe of Southport’s industrial hub in Bailey Crescent, the new grab-and-go style nosher is now tempting peckish passersbys with a selection of portable brekkie bites, gourmet smash burgers, and deli-style sandwiches and subs.
Owners Russell Maich and Chris Watson have long been hunting for a home for their latest venture, a casual-style sando haunt. Snapping up the corner tenancy, Russell and Chris were keen as mustard to add something new to the mix without straying too far from the site’s 30+ year history as an old-fashioned neighbourhood nosher. ‘We are staying true to that, but we have elevated the food and drinks while keeping the prices affordable and the meals large!’, they add.
We don’t know about you guys, but they’re ticking our boxes here.
When it comes to their latest endeavour, this pair of long-term chefs are putting their mortadella where their mouth is. Priding themselves on ‘putting maximum effort into the humble sandwich and burger’, the pair incorporate house-made components wherever possible. With everything from the glaze for the Bahn Mi to the supersized smash burger patties and sauces (hello, hot honey, our old friend #drool) all made on-site.
With CVs more stacked than their Aussie Burgers – if anyone can pull it off, it’s these guys. Cooking professionally from when they were but spritely teens, Russell who started in classical style restaurants, went on to helm kitchens across the UK, while Chris went from a 10 year stint in five star hotels to running some of the biggest surf clubs and pubs on the coast. At one time the duo also owned a ready-made meals company and food production facility. Talk about skills!
Taking all the culinary and biz expertise they’ve picked up along the way and channelling into their deli debut, we are beyond bready to get acquainted with everything the Good Times crew will be dishing up.
Serving an all-day eats menu, time is but a construct at this haus of deli-sh. If you’re feeling ravenous, wrap your laughing gear around a Reuben Sandwich, made with GT’s own thick cut beef brisket, corned in-house and topped with sauerkraut and American cheese – with a side of fries for max satisfacts. In the mood for something more brunch-y? The likes of the Deli Breaky Burger, made with cheese, crispy bacon and egg omelette, or the Corned Beef Hash, served with two fried eggs and tomato relish are ready and waiting to quell those cravings.
If you need a little thirst-quenching action, the espresso machine is pumping out the fresh brewed Merlo coffee daily. While signature, house-made iced coffee and iced Milo blends are on tap, ready to fuel your day in the most delicious ways. As far as our willpower is concerned – we’re officially toast here!
Where: 5/1 Bailey Cres, Southport
When: Monday–Friday, 5.30 am–2 pm, Saturday 7am–1 pm
Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Mathilde Bouby
