Their lager brings all the boys to The Yard.
Their lager brings all the boys to The Yard.
One can never have too many favourite cafés.
Okay so technically, that means we’re playing it fast and loose with the definition of the word ‘favourite’, but since we’re extremely spoilt for choice on the GC we can afford to take a few liberties and have a go-to to suit every mood.
Because sometimes we want fancy fare, and other times we want to swan in somewhere low key where the vibes are chill and sunshine and B&E rolls can fuel our souls while we contemplate last night’s choices (or something like that…).
We’ve got the fave for brunching, the fave that’s the FWB café-equivalent (aka your convenient local haunt for when you want it quick and dirty #thecoffeethatis), the looks cool on the ‘gram fave.. we could srsly go on all day, but we have some rather pressing café related news to deliver #breakingbrews.
Ever since the Mermaid institution that was Alfred’s spread their wings upgraded to a swanky new apartment, the Southern GC folk have been dreaming of burritos and weeping over the mems of sun-soaked beach shack hangs.
Now we can all finally pack away the tissues needed for the silent tear that rolled down our cheeks every time we passed the old Alfred’s stomping ground, because everyone’s favourite beach shack site is back, baby – and dare we say it’s looking better than ever.
And spoiler alert, this is one sequel that doesn’t disappoint.
In what comes as excellent news for beer lovers, pizza lovers and outdoor lovers (so basically *gestures vaguely* anyone with a pulse), two local brewers have combined forces to bring us a brand new venue to adore, café-come-beer-garden The Yard #thebestkindofcollab.
Like all the very best ideas, a well-timed party (and no doubt a couple of brewskis) led to a fateful meeting between two GC beer slingers – and thankfully instead a villain origin story-esque rivalry, they dreamed up a way to combine their powers for the collective good of the entire GC.
Brett McCallum of The Official Beer Co. and John Green of Surfers Paradise Brewing (you might have spied their unmissable beer bus doing the rounds) already have plenty of experience with keeping local beer connoisseurs hoppy.
And with the iconic Mermaid space sitting vacant, the pair agreed that it just begging to be transformed into a good ol’ fashioned beer garden experience that the Coast has been missing.
The boys have done the beach shack proud, staying true to the local surf culture while breathing some much needed life into the space.
They’ve really gone the whole 9 yards on nailing ‘Aussie casual’, with funky new head to toe murals adorning the exterior walls, right through the opportunity to pull up a pew around a hills hoist centrepiece and a backyard cricket pitch bringing nostalgia by the bucket load.
Of course the surfy retro vibes continue inside, with the hallways transformed into a tribute to Reg Mombassa’s finest work – bc was mambo not the peak of coolness for 90’s kids everywhere #longlivethestussysign.
If your interest is officially piqued, you’re probably wondering, how’s a’stout the nosh?
Well, can confirm, it’s exactly the kind of bites you want to be throwing back with your beers: think pizzas, pulled pork burgs and ribs.
Get a ‘pizza the classics like Margarita (obvs) and The Veg (and don’t forget Hawaiian for the groms), but also acquaint yourself with the trendiest pizza of 2023 Calabrese and Hot Honey.
The menu is short and sweet, but it definitely slaps – The Smokey Ribs and Pulled Plum Pork Burger are all we could ever need, tbh.
But just quietly you’d be grazy to miss out on a lil’ Grazing Board action, the salami calabrese, olives, prosciutto, crackers, romesco, hummus, pickles and more makes for quite the spread.
Oh, and speaking of that extremely specific scenario from our intro that we’ve definitely never personally encountered, aka swanning in somewhere chill while we contemplate last night’s choices, of course the Yard is the perfect spot to welcome us (back) with the comforting hug that is a B&E roll after a big night.
Or ‘avo go at the very dish that’s the culinary downfall of first-homebuyers everywhere, Smashed Avo Toast #thebadguyofbrunch #justiceforsmashedavo.
Officially open as of earlier this month, Mermaid’s newest brew crew can finally now proclaim ‘Our lager brings all the boys – and girls, kiddos and doggos (yup, furry friends are welcome too) – to The Yard.’
Where: 2389 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: 6.30am – 10pm daily
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.
Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.
And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.
Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
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
Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
At the risk of sounding like our parents, we remember first spotting the cool “Alfred’s Apartment” sign on the GC Highway like it was yesterday. It wasn’t. It was ten years ago and srsly, did we slip into a time machine, coz decades feel more a few years these days. Well in case you missed the memo, after providing GC gents with awesome merch, man-scaping, quality brews, and burritos on the lawn, Alfred’s is shaking.things.up. Packing up shop and moving a kilometre south, there’s a brand spanking new Alfred’s in town. Staying true to its OG foundations in ocean, adventure, culture, and class, Alfred’s 2.0 is a more cohesively designed version of its former self with a bigger injection of industrial feels.
Offering specially curated quality menswear clothing and accessories for everyday styling, an in-house barber in the form of Comradery Barbershop, and insanely good coffee, the Alfred’s boys certainly haven’t abandoned the formula which made the venue a household name. With an ever-growing influx of cool new spaces opening up on the GC, founder Edward Hatcher knew it was time to create something new and upgrade to their dream space.
Occupying the old vet site next to Foster’s Bakery teetering on the edge of Nobby Beach, Edward engaged Gunning Build Co to help translate his vision into bricks and mortar. And translate they did, with a space functioning seamlessly as a retail, coffee and barber one-stop-shop. Carefully designed to promote natural flow from one area to the next and encourage people to relax and stay as long as they like, we’re not even dudes but….don’t mind if we do!
Picture polished concrete and untreated breeze bricks galore, with lashings of clean white square tile surfaces. The colour palette is a modern masculine blend of lots of white, black and red offset by the grey hue of the bricks and the earthy toned flooring. The café area has tables and chairs so feel free to settle in and enjoy your brew and speaking of, the depth of the coffee options here is #goals. We can definitely vouch for the Iced Cold Brew Coffee, our new numero uno caffeine source, and thanks must go to Barista Bede Jurisich for this liquid gold.
Moving on to the threads et al, if you’re a fella who appreciates quality and purpose-made goods for city life and the outdoors, come right this way. There’s everything from tops, tees, outerwear and legwear, to headwear, eyewear and even cool random stuff like Alfred’s Apartment X EzyDog dog accessories. Our man folk could easily do their dough in this joint, with brands like the namesake Alfred’s Apartment, Alfred’s Country Club, Temptation Vacation and Gesture Eyewear to name a few.
The inspiration behind Alfred’s Apartment, to fill a void in the market, give back to the community, and provide access to a diverse range of products and services, is weaved throughout every fibre of the new space. We’re giving it a bloke sized thumbs up, high five, and pat on the back…and a swipe of our Eftpos card for another Iced Cold Brew #roadie.
Where: 2225 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Monday – Sunday, Café 6.30am – 2.30pm, Shop 9am – 5pm
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Here on the GC we’re a spoiled bunch – and no we’re not talking about the age old stereotype that forever haunts the only children among us #justiceforonlychildren – we’re referring to the the untold options for fun that basically smack us in the face anytime time we leave the house.
We know we’re preaching to the choir here, so we’ll cut to the chase with an admission that’s a little difficult to cough up – that the one thing our southern rivals, ahem – friends, have over our superior Queensland lifestyle is the late night eats scene leaves us.. a little wanting.
Enter Happy Endings, who have taken the recipe for success from Broadbeach’s darling laneway bar Fig + Frankie’s, and hit us with the old copy + paste, with a cool Asian inspired twist.
When it comes to a top notch bevvy, the Gold Coast sure know’s what’s up, and with over 15 years experience in the industry, owners Bella & Euan Lovell obviously also know when they are on to a good thing too.
So much so, that running joke and a convenient opening in the very same building led to the inspiration to open a second bar.
When a massage parlour above Fig + Frankie’s shut down due to allegations of, er, suspicious activities, it quickly became lore among staff and well, one thing led to another and now there’s Happy Endings for all! By way of a totally legit, luxe new bar, that is.
While we know the cheeky name will make this bar hard to go past, step inside and you’ll be greeted with an atmosphere that will make it equally as hard to leave.
With mood lighting that’s a solid 10/10, the abundance of warm finishes and lush Japanese architectural selections have created an intimate and inviting experience that feels more like you’ve just walked in off the streets of Tokyo. And who doesn’t love a bar with an aesthetic that’s as instagrammable as it’s fare?
Of course the impeccable vibes and Asian influences don’t stop there, as you’d expect they’ve dic-tated the menu too.
Luckily for us, the institution that is the late night kitchen, borrowed from the hospo culture of our Southern states has also formed a big part of the Happy Endings ethos, which can only be considered a win for us all because #hungry #bringbackthemidnightsnack.
The kitchen dream team bring experience from GC dining icons such as Moo Moo’s, Paddock and Elk, so as you’d expect after peeping the menu – #canconfirm it’s a solid 16-way tie between the eats options (and can we just say it’s lucky for the late night kitchen coz it might just take that long to decide).
Nibble your way through the Lotus Root with nori sesame mayo, Chicken or Spicy Mushroom Yakitori or Whisky Cured Salmon with mandarin + soy dressing. Something tells us the Katsu Sando (tofu or pork) and Crispy Rice + Cured Yolk with a kombu marinade will also be on high rotation.
But try to restrain yourself, because we haven’t even got to the cocktails yet and you’re going to need to save some space – if you catch our drift.
When it comes to sips, you’ll be wanting as many Tokyo Drift’s as there is Fast & Furious movies – with wasabi infused mezcal, housemade melon liqueur + pineapple oleo, 100% of surveyed critics (it us, we’re the critics) agree this cocktail is an absolute must-try.
Also, if you’re still thirsty the Wohmango! – vanilla infused gin, mango oleo, lime and Thai basil will convert even the staunchest mango objectors with it’s delightfully citrus-y notes.
There’s also beer on tap, soju, and sake for those who prefer their liquor on the.. harder side.
It’s clear that the Happy Endings crew aims to ensure everyone finishes their night satisfied, and they’ve sure got the unbeatable location, vibe and fare to pull it off.
Where: Level 1, 2707 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
When: 5pm – 12am Wed – Sun (officially opening Friday 19th May)
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.
