The Monster Children Guide To Going Out On The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a hard place to crack as an outsider.
I don’t know who is in charge of Gold Coast tourism marketing but they’ve either done a brilliant job of containing tourists to the Surfers Paradise end or they just actually don’t know where to go to have a good time. While this place and the kind of crowd that comes with the redevelopment of every good venue into same beige shit has almost ruined the vibe, there are still some spots that are a true representation of the chilled, grungy, surf town we call home - you just have to know where to find them. If the idea of the Pav scares the shit out of you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. As the WSL ascends on the Gold Coast this weekend, it’s always a bit of a tricky time to figure out where the locals go, but we got you. Here’s our list from Cooly to Burleigh. Anywhere north isn’t included because if you’ve so much as tried to go up that way with the trackworks recently, you’ll understand why.
Rainbow Bay Surf Club
The most iconic place to get a beer on the entire Gold Coast, no questions asked. Yeah the food still sucks and it’s a crime they don’t sell XXXX Gold on tap but the view makes up for it, ten fold. Usually particularly iconic when the WSL is on but with the change of venue this year, it’ll be the spot to escape the circus while still watching the pros. Vibes are always high here, you never go home sad.
poetic really
Bar Evelyn
Bit more of a dining set up but still worth it for a fancy cocktail if you’re on the south end. Also the tiramisu is literally the best in the country. Good for a lock in if you get friendly with the waiters/bartenders which is easy because they’re all hot and lovely.
Eddie’s Grub House
Insane burgers, fun as fuck staff and our only good dive bar. If you’re keen to write your Fridays off there is karaoke on a Thursday night which is always a hell time. Hot tip: The crowd at Eddie’s is always a bit unpredictable so if it’s still dead by 9pm, there’s a high chance the crowds are somewhere else.
Kirra Beach House (sometimes?)
Bit of a hit and miss spot with the actual calibre of crowd here to be completely honest but still worth a stop in. Considering what it used to be, it’s a pretty good addition to the coast. Nice food, nice view. Take it for what it is.
Balter Tap Room
We love a good brewery here on the Goldy and Balter has got to be top of the list. Happy hour from 4-6 Monday to Friday, super friendly staff, amazing food trucks and some great live music on the weekends too. Balter always seems the be the spot everyone goes to when they attempt to have a wholesome bikeride and end up having a huge one on the beers. Fun, fun, fun. Hot tip: This spot is a little more family-friendly during the day these days which is neither negative or positive, just an tip for vibes sakes.
Rosellas Bar
If you want to treat yourself to a nice cocktail, Rosella’s is the place to go. You will absolutely fall in love with the bartenders in the same way you fall in love with someone at the airport. Yes they are as hot and lovely as you’re imagining in your brain. One of the most original cocktail lists on the coast and small, intricate details across the whole bar design that make you go ‘wow they really did think about it all.’ Well worth the splurge.
Apres Surf Kitchen & Bar
I can’t think of anything positive about the trackworks other then the fact that Apres had to move further south to find it’s home in Burleigh. This is the classic, after surf, locals spot. Always a fun crew both behind the bar and in the booths. Can’t say I’ve ever had a bad night here. Hot tip: This place tends to have a later kick off around 9pm.
Burleigh Brewing Tap House
Another brewery out of the main drag of Burleigh. Definitely a local’s spot. They have an amazing selection of beers and some fun events on. Worth the venture out for sure.
Notable Mentions
If all else fails just go to any surf club. There’s one in every suburb. Prime real estate, cheap beers. Always a safe place for a good time. Failing that, a bowls club. Or just go to bed you idiot.