Gold Coast’s coffee game is strong AF.
You might think you know all the best spots for your morning brew; you’ve got your routine down, you’ve got that great relationship goin’ on with your barista, but, guess what? There’s more to Gold Coast’s bean scene than you ever knew.
Now, before you throw your hands in the air in protest, we’re not claiming the following cafés are a total secret. Heck, those who live in the vicinity are probably lucky to even call these haunts their local. For the rest of us, it’s time to jump in the car and get exploring. How many have you sampled?
Dust Temple
Sure, this artsy hangout has been in operation for three years already, but did you know Dust Temple has recently undergone a gorgeous reno? A steaming cup of joe in this eclectically beautiful café is not the only thing you can look forward to at the new and improved Dust Temple. Plans are afoot for breakfast and lunch offerings soon, plus ongoing gallery exhibitions, pop-markets, and poetry nights, and then, down the road, live music and speciality dinners. So, peeps, watch this space! With Balter Brewing HQ, Panya Artisan Bakery, and Iron and Resin also in the neighbourhood, we’re eager to see what other gems are drawn to Currumbin’s industrial zone.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Short Black and Sides
Finely groomed gents of the GC may already know this barista bar well. Tucked behind a grand wood and glass façade, and attached to one of the best barbers on the Gold Coast, is a retro coffee joint aptly named, Short Black and Sides. Serving up caffeinated brews to clients of Isle of Capri’s much-loved Barber Bros and Co. Get this, all coffees, all day, sell for just $2.50 a pop. Say what?! That never happens, like, ever. Fellas, come for the coffee and stay for a fade trim or a hot towel shave. Ladies, if you’re keen to bump into an eligible bachelor as he struts out of the barber looking his best, grab your wing-woman and head for Short Black and Sides.
Where: 15—21 Via Roma, Isle of Capri
Counter Eatery
We first caught whisper of this café when drooling all over Blackboard’s Insta feed earlier this year. It took us a few months to finally get to Counter Eatery ourselves, but we can confirm the residents of Merrimac are a lucky bunch to call this their local. With reliable brews using Blackboard beans, hearty brunching dishes made with locally-sourced produce and a European twist, and all served with a side of sunny country hospitality; there’s a lot to love about this underrated gem. Looking across to the vacant fields adjacent, it’s easy to forget you’re just 10 minutes from the madness of Broadbeach. Make it your morning stop on your next roadie to Mount Tamborine, copy?
Where: Corner of Gooding Drive and Ghilgai Road, Merrimac
Iron and Resin
Our readers voted the crew at Iron and Resin among their fave baristas on the Gold Coast. Though, for the rest of you who don’t roll on two wheels, nor live at the southern end of our fair surf city, we want to let you in on what you’re missing. First of all, don’t be intimated by the line up of badass bikes on the weekends or the tatts and beards that ultimately follow—all walks of life are welcome here. Outside is a rustic set up of picnic tables and turf, inside is one neatly fitted-out bike apparel shop cum barista bar, where the sweet aromas of Will & Co. coffee fill the air. While food trucks were once the order of the day, these gents are in the midst of a massive renovation, building a kitchen that, come spring, will be serving breakfast and lunch. All the more reason to make tracks! Just be warned, there’s a real danger you’ll come for the coffee and leave scrolling bikesales.com.au with a dream to join da club.
Where: 6 Stewart Road, Currumbin
Had your fill of coffee? May we next challenge you to 15 of the best breakfasts on the Gold Coast you haven’t eaten yet.
Photo Credit: Hayley Williamson for Metropolist