Eating and shopping your way around the Gold Coast’s best restaurants and boutiques can be thirsty work. Luckily, our glorious city is also blessed with a bunch of top-notch bars to quench your thirst at.
To make your next sipfest simple, I’ve compiled a bucket list of the best bars on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country to sink a drink with the locals. Just visiting? Make this your hit list. Scroll on for 30 of the best bars on the Gold Coast in 2025.
Gold Coast's Best Bars At A Glance
- Jump To The Best Gold Coast Rooftop Bars
- Jump To The Best Gold Coast Wine Bars
- Jump To The Best Cocktail Bars On The Gold Coast
- Jump To The Best Hidden Gold Coast Bars
- Jump To The Best Gold Coast Bars For Groups
The Best Gold Coast Rooftop Bars
Mr P.P.’s Deli & Rooftop
43 Nerang St, Southport QLD 4215
Mr P.P.’s Deli & Rooftop is one of the best bars for when you're floating around the northern end of the Gold Coast. Downstairs, hidden behind the guise of a deli, Mr P.P.’s cosy wine bar is perfect for knock-off drinks or a sociable Saturday night. You can come and hang with the CBD office workers for sunset drinkies and pizza on the rooftop and you'll likely walk away with a handful of new friends.
Aviary Rooftop Bar
5 Melia Ct, Southport QLD 4215
Aviary Rooftop Bar is one the northern Gold Coast's most-loved watering holes, and for good reason. The bustling rooftop bar is located in the Southport Sharks precinct and boasts sweeping views of the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Gold Coast Hinterland. Expect creative cocktails, a rotating tapas menu and regular events nights at Aviary. The sunsets from here are seriously beaut.
The Island Rooftop
3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Adjoining boutique hotel, The Island, Gold Coast’s biggest rooftop bar and sprawling alfresco patio, The Island Rooftop delivers on coolness for Surfers Paradise's after-dark scene. With DJs, a retro-styled cocktail bar, ample seating and leafy nooks, this Gold Coast bar boasts stunning rooftop views and you're almost always guaranteed a good night here.
If you're in the mood to carry on into the wee hours, from personal experience, splurging on a night at The Island is well worth it. Want to know a secret? The Island also homes a Penthouse floor with a retractable roof and terrace bar up amongst a sea of highrises. This space is available for private event hire and even more showstopping than it sounds. Trust me, my wedding reception here saw jaws on floors.
The Collective Rooftop
1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Gone are the days Palm Beach was a sleepy beachside suburb that you’d pass through enroute to the airport. Thanks to vibing hangouts like The Collective and its so-hip-it-hurts rooftop bar, the 4221 is officially on the drinking map. The perfect time to visit? Magic hour, just as the sun dips behind the hinterland and order one of their famous cocktail trees to share. Open 5pm til late weekdays and 12pm til late weekends, expect occasional rooftop takeovers featuring epic new looks, cocktails and bites from restaurants below catering to all dietary requirements.
Justin Lane Rooftop
1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Life is best lived outdoors, which is why Justin Lane’s rooftop bar rocks our world. Without question one of the best bars on the Gold Coast, this is where I love to head for Sunday sessions in the sunshine. Order a few of their sip-worthy Aperol Spritzes and then head downstairs to Justin Lane Establishment for a sit-down pizza and pasta feast. Or, if you ask nicely they may even make you a passionfruit margarita with gin and it really is an irresistable concoction.
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Last Night On Earth
50B Nerang St, Southport QLD 4215
The Exhibitionist Bar
Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Found on level five of the HOTA Gallery, The Exhibitionist Bar boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the vibrant arts precinct, the Surfers Paradise skyline and the stunning Gold Coast waterways. If that's not enough to get you excited, this epic rooftop bar also features a luscious tapas style bar menu with specialty cocktails, an extensive wine list, house-made sodas and local craft beer. Want to drop in after a browse around the free gallery for a cheeky Prosecco and hot chippies? You really can, trust me, I do it often. Time your visit right and you'll even get to eavesdrop on sound check for big names playing at the neighbouring ampitheatre before the show kicks off. Thank me later.
The Best Gold Coast Wine Bars
Paloma Wine Bar
12 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
It would be impossible to write about the Gold Coast's best bars without writing about Australia's best wine bar, according to Australia’s leading luxury food title, Gourmet Traveller. Crowned Australia's best wine bar, Paloma was the only Queensland venue to be nominated for the award. Since opening in November 2021, Paloma has made waves in the Gold Coast dining scene with its impressive minimal-intervention wine list, European-inspired menu and refined yet laidback vibes.
Destino
Sanctuary Cove, Shop 38C Masthead Wy, Hope Island QLD 4212
Don’t be fooled by the 'wine bar' denomination—Destino has a few little tricks up its sleeve. By day it masquerades as a homewares store and espresso bar, and at night it turns into a vibing wine and tapas bar, without being gimmicky. As the sun sets against the Sanctuary Cove marina, you’ll want to dig into a dip or two, or try your hand at crafting your own cheese platter—we definitely recommend you just splurge on all the cheeses.
Rosella's
1734 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Boasting an all-Aussie natural wine list, Rosella's really has something for every larrikin. VB tinnies and cocktails that feature Zooper Doopers and Nutri-Grain are also on offer at this Australiana-themed bar. I dub it an absolute must if you find yourself in Burleigh. Pull up a stool at Rosella's bar, chat to the always-friendly bartenders, sip on tipple and snack on Vegemite jaffles. What's not to love?
Garden Kitchen & Bar
The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218
There’s a lot to love about the The Star in Broadbeach, which has been attracting locals in droves for years, partly thanks to the swanky Garden Kitchen & Bar. This leafy, sun-drenched outdoor bar is a hotspot for Sunday drinks or Saturday night wines; basically any occasion where you wanna frock up and live it up. Having impressively won awards at Australia's Wine List Of The Year Awards in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024, use this as your sign to venture beyond your usual prosecco and into more adventurous drops.
The Best Cocktail Bars On The Gold Coast
The Roosevelt Lounge
75 Surf Pde, Broadbeach QLD 4218
No expense was spared to create the Roosevelt Lounge, a game-changing 1930s American-inspired lounge bar and restaurant in Broadbeach. If you’re not made of money, you’ll definitely feel like it after a night spent lounging around looking glamorous in sinkable leather chesterfields and red velvet booths with cocktails made right in front of you at your table. Finding it hard to squeeze into a pozzie in Broadbeach? I've found this cocktail bar to be surprisingly quiet on otherwise bustling nights, so drop by just in case you can slink away from the crowds for a sip or twenty.
The Cambus Wallace
4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
The Cambus Wallace is recognised, and rightly so, as one of Gold Coast’s best cocktail bars. This dimly-lit and nautical-themed bar and eatery puts the hip in Nobby Beach and makes a mean Kraken espresso martini if I do say so myself. If you're feeling cheeky, order one of their famous pickleback shots and see where the night leads. Honestly, this has got to be one of the best Gold Coast cocktail bars I've found for its tasty tipple, friendly bar staff and epic acts strumming in the corner.
Granddad Jack's
45 Lemana Ln, Miami QLD 4220
Granddad Jack's is a name synonymous with the Gold Coast bar scene—the fully functioning craft distillery houses a tasting room bar with incredible cocktails and craft brews calling your name. This unpretentious distillery bar is dog-friendly and you can also book in for a private distillery tour. Offering craft gin, vodka, qhiskey and liqueur, the cocktail menu here is next level. Each month the crew release a new limited release spirit so you can come, sip, then take to shake up cocktails of your own. How good.
Malibu Racquet Club
1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
This breezy, Cali-esque cocktail bar is located in the heart of the Burleigh bar strip and is decked with a sleek wrap-around bar, high arched windows and pops of green. The kitchen is headed up by Paul Macnish, formerly a private chef for the British royal family and the concise menu showcases raw dishes and small nibbles. It's intimate, its sun-drenched, it's begging to feature on your 'gram. Of course, the star of the show is the brilliantly creative and oh-so-photogenic cocktails—the chilli coconut marg is a must.
The Best Hidden Bars On The Gold Coast
Fig + Frankie's
4/2707 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Fig + Frankie’s stylishly converted an unassuming Broadbeach alleyway into an inviting social nook that pumps Wednesday through Friday from 5pm and Saturdays from 1pm. They’ve made magic with the hole-in-the-wall bar space, with white and terracotta washed walls, peach-hued brick, sophisticated pendant lights and indoor-outdoor dining spaces. Come for the cool-as-hell atmosphere and stay for the epic specialty cocktails and small plates—the tomato and stracciatella is truly out-of-this world.
Bar Leo
Riviera Plaza, 7/4 Panitz St, Bundall QLD 4217
The self-confessed 'hidden gem' of Sorrento, Bar Leo boasts an impressive wine list, a team of attentive staff and an airy, light-filled interior that is a welcomed addition to the northern Gold Coast's best bars. With it's alfresco, bay window or tabe-dining, sip 'til your hearts content, and then sip some more.
Little Vine Room
Shop 3D/31 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Little Vine Room feels like you've pulled up a stool at an old friend's house, but that old friend has seriously good taste, great banter and a exceptional knowledge of good tipple. Taste your way around cheeses and charcuterie then cheers your tulip glass with the best. If you dare, try the gin sour with limoncello, aperol and strawberry jam and a sprinkling of dragon fruit sherbet.
Soho Place
4/2713 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Soho Place in Broadbeach was the Coast's first official 'small bar' and it's garned a loyal following for very good reason. Operating completely without a kitchen or food menu, step through the ‘hidden in plain sight’ red telephone box entryway and you’ll be stepping into a window-less vortex where hours may mysteriously disappear.
Lockwood
7B Justin Ln, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Lockwood was the Gold Coast’s first truly speakeasy-style hidden bar. Converting what was once a storage room into an atmospheric watering hole that oozes old soul—with seductive mood-inducing blues and rockabilly tunes and some of the stiffest twist-on-the-classic cocktails in town. If you’re yet to hunt down Lockwood’s must-text-to-enter bar in the back alley of Burleigh, it's time to finally experience why the hype is real. DJs are on the decks Thursday through Sunday 8pm til late.
NAÂMi
47 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
This speakeasy bar is hidden behind the shopfront of a banh mi takeaway joint, so you already know it's going to be cool. Slip through NAÂMi's nondescript back door and you’re instantly transported to the bustling alleyways of Hanoi. This isn’t any old bar—the bespoke cocktail menu boasts twelve extravagant drinks which can only be described as multi-sensory experiences. We're talking about new sights, tastes, sounds, and textures that will completely reshape your concept of the drinking experience.
Nightjar
Justin's Laneway, 1731 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Tucked away in a back alley car park in much-loved Burleigh Heads, Nightjar, a rock'n'roll dive bar secreted away behind a rollerdoor, has got all the industrial feels. Come for the artful cocktails and pumping tunes that pair perfectly with this hidden locale's vibe.
The Best Gold Coast Bars For Groups
Sandbar
52 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
With its hip and breezy fit-out, all-round good vibes and excellent cocktails, Sandbar is well deserving of its spot among the best bars on the Gold Coast. Particularly if you're looking to sip by the sea with your mates. Offering a staggering 100-plus bottled and draft craft beer options, it’s the most extensive range of frothies on the Gold Coast. Salty sea breezes come at no extra cost.
Nineteen At The Star
Level 19, The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Everyone knows the wildest nights start the classiest, so if you’re looking to kick off your evening with an aura of sophistication, head to the mind-blowing Nineteen at The Star lounge bar on, you guessed it, the 19th-floor of The Star Gold Coast's six-star hotel, The Darling. If you can't afford to stay the night in this high-roller hotel, it doesn’t mean we can’t pretend with an evening elevated above the glittering lights of Broadbeach with a group of friends. Whether you're celebrating, reuniting or the 'three months from now but I can only do Thursday' has rolled around, this group-friendly bar has you covered. Better yet, Spritz Saturdays offer a three hour drink and share menu you've got to sip to believe.
The Loose Moose
75 Surf Pde, Broadbeach QLD 4218
The Loose Moose has without question the city’s most epic bar fit-out for groups. With its steampunk and 1920s prohibition Americana styling, plus a twist of its Canadian cousin, I'm obsessed with the long-table style cheersing that goes on here. Come for the mind-blowing list of 80 different beers and 160-plus whiskies and then stay for the finger-licking menu seven days a week.
Bine Craft Beer Bar
1/28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach QLD 4218
A trailblazer for craft beer on the Gold Coast, Bine Craft Beer Bar rocks our world with cheeky mid-week dealers, epic sliders, juicy parmigianas and regularly rotating craft beer taps. Head here any weekend night and you'll see why it's a crowd favourite among the best bars on the Gold Coast for groups. I've definitely tasted my way around a few paddles with friends while we pretended we knew what flavour notes are. You could try it for the giggles too.
Precinct Brewing Co.
17 Christine Ave, Miami QLD 4220
Precinct Brewing is the kind of bar you can take your work mates to and your mate-mates too. You’re sure to notice it—the colourful, graffiti-covered entrance on Christine Avenue boasts a vibrant kaleidoscope of dinosaurs, rainbows and snakes and ladders. The industrial-chic brewery offers an impressive 16 beers on tap, all made onsite and regularly rotating. There's also plenty of boutique vino, local spirits and cocktails for all flavour favourites.
Local Burleigh
1744 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
While Local Burleigh describes itself as 'an elevated pub', it absolutely deserves to be on your Gold Coast bar hit-list. The sprawling 250-seater venue houses four distinct spaces, including a sun-soaked dog-friendly beer garden. Local slings up an all-day dining menu and an extensive array of local drops, craft beers and inventive cocktails using locally-sourced ingredients.
Burleigh Pavilion
3A/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Boasting easily one of the best views of our stunning coast, the Burleigh Pavilion (or The Pav to locals) has fast become my go-to spot for sinking tipples while watching the sunset with a group of favourite people. With places to park your surfboard and showers to wash off the salt, this joint is beach to bar at its finest during the weekdays and 'beachside luxe' on the weekends.
El Ranchero
Mo's Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Snuggled next to big sis Mo's Desert Clubhouse, El Ranchero is the margi-slinging hot spot for tequila, Dolly Parton worshipping and sundrenched arvo sipping that you'll never want to end. With its calendar brimming with thirsty workshops, speed-friending and bingo, be sure to add this bar for groups to your radar for your next hurrah or just because bev.
Looking For More? Check Out:
- The Gold Coast's best breakfasts
- The Best Restaurants in Burleigh Heads
- The Best Gold Coast Restaurants for Long Lunches
Image credit: Hayley Williamson, Brooke Darling & Kaitlin Maree for Urban List and supplied (Instagram)
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