Where To Find The Best Margaritas On The Gold Coast
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List, Gold Coast, QLD
To me, a good margarita walks the perfect line between salty, sweet and zesty, with an unmistakable whisper of smooth tequila in every sip. It’s a beach holiday in a glass and a celebration with every sip. The kind of drink that turns an ordinary sunset into an occasion.
Purists insist it should remain beautifully simple: quality tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime and salt. And they’re not wrong, the original is nothing short of sublime, but I’ll happily entertain a little riff on an old faithful. A flicker of chilli heat, a splash of mango, even a coconut-laced twist—if it still nails that delicate balance, you’ll find me sipping with enthusiasm.
However it’s poured or shaken, this iconic cocktail has travelled far beyond its origins, winning over taste buds across the globe and cementing its place at sunset sessions, special celebrations and long, laughter-filled nights out. I certainly have more than a few margarita-adjacent stories of my own.
So, without further ado, here’s where to find the very best margaritas on the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast's Best Margaritas At A Glance
Best Sunset Margarita Spots
Mexicali
Level 1/2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Mexicali | Instagram
Mexicali has been a stalwart for delicious Mexican-inspired food and beverages for quite some time now, and they’ve somehow managed to maintain that same high standard Gold Coasters know and love. They’ve got a full tequila menu and an equally stacked margarita list to boot, so if you love that sweet agave-based spirit, you’ll love this place.
And just when you think it couldn’t get any better… they also offer a bottomless margarita package with their banquets. Sign me up immediately.
Burgster
4/10 Philippine Parade, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Image Credit: Burgster | Instagram
If you know Burgster first and foremost for their delicious burgers, chips and chicken wings, then you’ll be delighted to hear that they also make a truly fabulous margarita. Whether you’re chasing a classic, a coconut, something spicy or another concoction entirely, they’ll make it, and they’ll make it well.
Even better if you’re sipping at sunset, because that’s usually when most of their weekday specials kick in. In my mind, if you’re saving money on specials, you’ve got more to spend on margaritas. That’s girl math.
Pablito’s Mexican
Sanctuary Cove, 39d Masthead Way, Hope Island QLD 4212
Image Credit: Pablito's | Instagram
Admittedly, Pablito’s Mexican could probably sit on the high energy list because it has quite the vibe when it’s full and bustling, but with sunset views across the water, it’s particularly spectacular as the sun makes its way below the horizon. Beyond the gorgeous views and great atmosphere, this place also delivers on the food and beverage front in spades.
The tacos are super juicy and flavoursome, as are the generous mains and tasty entrees—the jalapeno poppers are a must. To accompany all that deliciousness are some of the best margaritas on the Gold Coast, including a lychee number that is an absolute treat.
Bar Evelyn
20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Bar Evelyn has made its way onto many of our best-of lists, and that’s largely because everything this place produces is top tier. Pizza, pasta, tiramisu—everything they touch turns to gold, and the drinks list is no exception.
They take the margie and make it their own with a limoncello margarita—tequila, housemade limoncello, lemon, sugar and salt. It’s even better than it sounds. Head there post haste and thank me later.
Billy Chow
76 Musgrave St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: Billy Chow | Pandanus Lane
Primely situated directly opposite Kirra Beach, Billy Chow champions coastal pan-Asian cuisine with a strong focus on premium, locally-sourced produce. So, where does a margarita fit into this mix?
Well to that I say, wherever it pleases, because margaritas are scrumptious and they go with everything. The coconut chilli margarita at Billy Chow is sublime, and it tastes even better alongside one of their banquets.
Bruce
1/794 Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Bruce | Instagram
Not only does Bruce sit in prime position across the road from the warm, golden sands of Currumbin Beach, but they also make a mean margarita. Of course, they whip up a fabulous classic version, but I can’t go past their one inch punch—coconut tequila, lime juice, chilli and agave.
If you’ve ever had a spicy coconut marg before, then you’ll understand the sweet, spicy appeal, and theirs is a particularly good one. Best accompanied by a killer sunset and at least three of their small plates. You’re welcome.
Little Vine Room
3D/31 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Little Vine Room is a lovely little bar tucked into the back streets of Currumbin, with tables spilling onto the pavement. It’s the kind of spot filled with regulars, because most people who visit end up coming back time and time again for the delicious wine, beers and, of course, cocktails.
My go-to drink? Your old flame—their take on a spicy coconut margarita, topped with a dried citrus slice and lit on fire right in front of you. It’s as fun to watch as it is to drink, and it goes down an absolute treat alongside a few small plates.
Best High-Energy Margarita Spots
Malibu Racquet Club
1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Malibu Racquet Club | Instagram
Head to Malibu Racquet Club while the sun sits low in the sky, grab one of the outdoor tables and, of course, a round of margaritas, and you’re in for an absolutely delightful afternoon. Trust me. This place has an extensive margarita menu, and every item on it is delicious (though I’m yet to try their classic with Clase Azul Ultra Añejo—if anyone has a spare $610 to shout me one, I’ll report back).
From coconut numbers to fruity takes like a cherry margarita, or a classic where you choose your tequila base, there’s plenty to love. The interiors are just as stunning as the drinks, so fear not if you miss the outdoor tables, I’m certain you’ll have a good time no matter where you sit.
Costa Taco
Various Locations
Image Credit: Costa Taco | Clayten Foweler Photography
Who doesn’t love Costa Taco? The only thing better than slurping down one of their juicy birria tacos or crispy baja tacos is doing so with an ice-cold margarita in your other hand. And with multiple locations to enjoy their goods, a delicious taco and marg is never too far away.
All their margaritas are made using their own smooth Costa Agave liquor, and they offer a classic, a spicy, a coconut and rotating seasonal flavours, too. Whatever you go for, it’s guaranteed to be good.
Nude Amigos
Various Locations
Image Credit: Nude Amigos | Instagram
Nude Amigos claims to have the biggest margarita list in Australia and, looking at it, I wouldn’t disagree. They’ve got every combination I could think of, and they make most of them using Patrón tequila, no less.
The margaritas here are truly some of the best on the Gold Coast, and they’ve got a pretty fabulous happy hour to match. Grab a quesadilla while you’re there and settle in for a magnificent taste bud experience.
Hail Mary
26 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Hail Mary | Instagram
Gold Coast locals already know and love Hail Mary for their fresh, juicy tacos, but it’s no secret the margaritas here are just as good. They’ve got a dedicated margarita menu with all sorts of delicious options.
While it’s hard to choose a favourite, the chilli cucumber is an absolute must-try—such a refreshing take on a spicy marg. Plus, they run plenty of weekly deals that are definitely worth taking a gander at.
Ze Pickle
37 Connor St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
This bustling burger-meets-bar joint has stood the test of time in its leafy corner location, and you know that means two things: good burgers and good beverages. The sweet joy of squashing one of their burgers so it’ll actually fit in your mouth is made even better when you’ve got one of the Gold Coast’s best margaritas to wash it down with.
Ze Pickle has a number of options, all of which are very good, but I recommend giving the gingerita a whirl for something a little different. It’s a refreshing, zingy number, perfect for offsetting the delightful greasiness of a good burger.
Padre Brewing Co.
9 Ozone Parade, Miami QLD 4220
Padre Brewing Co. may be new on the scene, and technically a brewery, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a bustling cocktail hotspot. This place is churning out some seriously good shaken numbers, enough that plenty of Gold Coasters are already singing the praises of the margaritas here.
Drinks at a brewery are almost synonymous with a sunset vibe, and that’s usually when I make my way to Padre—though I rarely leave once the sun goes down. Probably because the margaritas are so good.
Feeling hungry? If you're looking for some authentic Mexican food to soak up all those margaritas, hit up the best Mexican restaurants on the Gold Coast.
Main Image Credit: Cora Pursley