Food & Drink

The Gold Coast’s Best Cafes To Work From

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For the days when you don't feel like hitting the office, working from home feels isolating and a coworking space just isn’t the vibe—hitting a cafe with a laptop tucked under your arm can often be the answer. 

So what better way to change up your surroundings than with ample table space, free-flowing caffeine, free Wi-Fi and powerpoints to recharge? This is your sign to get up out of your office chair and check out the best's Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country’s cafes to work at, according to Urban List. 

Blackboard Varsity

7/240 Varsity Pde, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227

This forever-humming hotspot offers an impressive working setup in Varsity Lakes. Blackboard is open from 5:30am to 3pm daily and pours some of the finest coffee on the Gold Coast to fuel your next big work move.

This sprawling cafe space, with both indoor and outdoor seating, is a favourite for those working on laptops given its loaded menu and friendly team. Make sure Blackboard Varsity is marked ‘must-visit’ on your cafes to work from list. 

Why we love it: large space and close to the lake for lunch break walks

Social Brew Burleigh

Burleigh Arcade, James Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

social brew
Image Credit: Social Brew | Instagram

They say the great outdoors offers an instant hit of inspiration. So why not bring that energy directly to your desk? Nestle into a booth beneath flourishing greenery at Burleigh’s own Social Brew.

Nestled just off James Street, Social Brew is one our team's favourite, ever-bustling cafes to work from for solopreneurs and teams alike. Come for the airy interiors, stay for the impressive menu spanning tacos to pancakes, bottomless brunch to an epic lineup of juices. 

Why we love it: an inspired space lined with greenery

Commune

1844 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

There’s no denying that you’re spoilt for choice with cafes to work from on the Gold Coast. A consistent favourite for many locals? Commune. Within its poster-lined walls homes a scattered collection of pleather armchairs, stools and booths.

Or opt to dance fingertips on keys from the sun-drenched outdoor area. As an OG coffee culture pioneer for the Gold Coast, this laptop-friendly cafe welcomes working 6am to 3pm, 7 days a week. 

Why we love it: consistently exceptional cuppas to fuel the noggin

The Oxley 1823

17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

the oxley
Image Credit: The Oxley | By Ablo

The Oxley is giving luxury artisan precinct plonked in the middle of Nobby Beach, and we are here for it. A sprawling open-air cafe space to work from, it's the perfect mix of casual dining meets coffee catchup. 

Onsite Sunkist eatery offers all day breakfast from 6am right through to after work clinks until 8:30pm Wednesday until Saturday. With its onsite grocer, butcher and gelato store, there’s every reason to add The Oxley to your next must-visit cafe to work from. 

Why we love it: range of hours to suit all types of workers

Next Door Espresso 

24 Junction Road, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

next door espresso cafe
Image Credit: Next Door Espresso | Instagram

If crisp Mediterranean architecture gets your creative juices flowing, look no further than Next Door Espresso for your next cafe to work from.

Oozing with laidback bohemian luxury, this laptop-friendly favourite offers fresh eats like the loaded breakfast burrito, crumpet-meet-pancakes and even a cheeky cheeseburger. Catch rays while your to-dos are ticked off at this bright space.

Why we love it: bright, fresh, airy and sun-drenched

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Little Mermaid

2557 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

Little Mermaid’s bright and breezy setting calls for uninterrupted inspiration. Organic coffee and superfast Wi-Fi are true highlights here, so there’s no excuse to procrastinate on that deadline. FYI: Get in early to claim a powerpoint.

Choose between a varied assortment of seating too (high tops, peacock chairs, booths, or sun-drenched alfresco style), so once you’ve sent those important emails you can reward yourself with a cocktail and get your slouch on comfortably.

Why we love it: high tables, benches, swing seats and arm chairs to suit every work style

Bear Boy Espresso

Shop 66/502 Hope Island Road Helensvale QLD 4212

bear boy espresso
Image Credit: Bear Boy Espresso | Instagram

Get all cosy within the warm walls of Bear Boy Espresso. With an infinite fountain of coffee at your disposal and a wide range of seating options, find a chair that’s juuuust right.

With powerpoints scattered around the joint, plus free Wi-Fi and a large share table perfect for teams, pull up a stool at the window, on the lounge or alfresco. Wash down your acai bowl with specialty coffee, juices or a selections of beverages from the drinks cabinet. 

Why we love it: large share table perfect for groups 

Daark Espresso

2/41 Musgrave Ave, Labrador QLD 4215

Gracefully dishing out their free Wi-Fi code, Chirn Park’s bustling cafe, Daark Espresso offers the perfect people-watching spot, delicious eats and piping hot brews.

Plus, the bar opens at 10am and we’re not complaining about that. Ask at the counter for the Wi-Fi code and pull up a seat inside, by the window or anywhere around their breezy wraparound verandah. 

Why we love it: the bar opens at 10am. Need we say more?

BSKT

4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

bskt cafe
Image Credit: BSKT Cafe | Instagram

Even if somehow you don’t manage to get any work done, you are no doubt going to be eating and drinking some seriously nutritious fare at BSKT. Boasting an impressive health-driven menu and with plenty of table space, fast Wi-Fi, and even bench tops for you to get down to business, BSKT is very much one of our “work” cafe faves.

Why we love it: a stone’s throw from the beach for your break

No Name Lane

17-19 Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218

If it’s a ‘gram-worthy laptop-friendly café with free Wi-Fi you’re after, head straight to Broadbeach’s own No Name Lane. This minimalist chic Broadbeach stomping ground offers natural lighting, spacious desks, damn delightful cocktails, reuben sandwich #goals and even free Wi-Fi. Plug into one of their many power points (staff are more than happy to help if you need a hand finding them) and tap ‘til your heart’s content. 

Why we love it: close to the tram stop for an easy commute

Blendlove

1/253 Ferry Rd, Southport QLD 4215

Melting into a chair all day long can leave even the best of us feeling a bit stale. So, one of the many perks of working from Blendlove is their gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free vegan menu just waiting to make you feel all brand new. Score free wifi at the counter and work your way through their killer menu. We’re talkin’ Banoffee espresso smoothies and vegan loaded fries. Make new friends by sharing their sought after power points.

Why we love it: creative dishes in a cosy haunt

Caffeine Kings

1920 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami QLD 4220

Early birds rejoice. Pouring from 6am all week long, Caffeine Kings is the hole in the wall haunt you’ll never want to leave. Fuelling your creativity with grungy alley art, your motivation with killer tunes and your soul with unlimited cuppa Joes, this Miami laundromat-turned-cafe can do no wrong. With free Wi-Fi flowing through the airwaves (ask for the password at the counter) and power points available to recharge the lappy, enjoy all day Asian fusion breakfast and lunch with the option for bottomless brunch. 

Why we love it: stand up barrels if you want to mix things up

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Main image credit: Blackboard Varsity | Instagram

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