We’ve been absolutely spoilt with a slew of long weekends and deliciously short working weeks as of late, so why not celebrate with another one. With Labour Day happening Monday 6 May, it’s time to start planning boozy brunches, long lunches and rooftop cocktails.
We’ve rounded up the best restaurants, cafes and bars open this Labour Day long weekend.
Cafes
CARDAMOM POD | SOUTHPORT
The passionate vegetarians and vegans at Cardamom Pod Brickworks are open from 7.30am so you can get your fix of their raw peanut butter and jelly smoothie bowls, Insta-worthy acai and pink pitaya bowls, health-beneficial smoothies, fresh juices, raw desserts, meat-free savoury creations and oh-so much more in the plant-based department.
BAM BAM BAKEHOUSE | MERMAID BEACH
These guys know your coffee and pastry addiction doesn’t take a day off, so they won’t either. Bam Bam Bakehouse will be open from 6.30am to 3pm. Hint: they’re taking pre-orders too so you can avoid the queue and smash more Cinnamon Cruffins.
STABLE COFFEE + KITCHEN | TUGUN
You’d be forgiven for pulling up a chair and planting yourself here for a long brunch or lunch, because Cornerstone Stores is seriously dreamy. Stable Coffee + Kitchen is open 6:30am to 2pm on Monday, ready to serve you up some tummy-warming goodness with their wholesome new autumn menu.
BSKT | MERMAID BEACH
If you’re holding on tight to that hard-earned beach body, you’ll be well catered for at Gold Coast’s favourite healthy eating cafe, BSKT. Open 7am to 4pm you can fill up on their delish eats, like the fattoush salad, poke bowl or southwest tofu scramble with charcoal sourdough. Even better, a post-feed swim is just metres away and there's no public holiday surcharge.
ELK ESPRESSO | BROADBEACH
Block off the morning then set your GPS for Broadbeach and a table at Elk Espresso to sample their stellar new autumn menu. Think: black forest waffles with raspberry ice cream or buttermilk fried chicken waffles with jalapeno maple and blackberry butter. They’re open from 6am to 4pm.
BLACKBOARD COFFEE | VARSITY LAKES
If you find yourself in and around Varsity Lakes on Monday, Blackboard Coffee is the place you need to go for smooth coffee, naughty doughnut treats and their infamous eggs benedict on hash. Blackboard Coffee is from 6am to 2pm.
PADDOCK BAKERY | MIAMI
These guys never rest, like seriously. But that’s great for us because we can always count on them for caffeine-fixes and epic breakfast vibes. Paddock Bakery is open Monday from 6am to 3pm, with their new Lemon Cheescake Cruffin (semi-sourdough croissant pastry cruffin, filled with creamy vanilla cheesecake and candied citrus, topped with dehydrated lemon and cookie crumble) making an appearance.
BAKED AT ANCORA | TWEED HEADS
Southerners can make a beeline for Baked at Ancora for a tasty brekky. Open from 8am until noon, load up on delights like their Spanakopita roll, Okonomiyaki omelette and Oreo-stuffed, funfetti chocolate-chip cookies.
PARADOX COFFEE ROASTERS | SURFERS PARADISE
Hidden among the hustle and bustle of Surfers, Paradox Coffee Roasters is always a sanctuary from the madness, serving up some of the best breakfasts in the hood. They’re open from 8am this Monday.
CUBBY BAKEHOUSE | CHINDERAH
Our hot tip for Monday? Grab your mates and jaunt across the border to Bam Bam’s sister cafe, Cubby Bakehouse. They’re open from 5am and are offering up the chance to pre-order some of their delicious baked goods. We highly recommend the caramel and Lindt white chocolate biscuit.
The Henchman | Miami
If you’re after a smooth brew and place you can hang in the sunshine your pals and pup this Monday, the gang at The Henchman has you covered. They’ll be pumping out Byron Bay Coffee and pastry jaffles from from 6am to 2pm.
Bar & Restaurants
HYDE PARADISO | SURFERS PARADISE
Hyde Paradiso is the perfect spot for long lunches that lead into dinner with live DJs setting the mood. If you’re after European summer escape vibes this Monday but can’t afford the airfare, then this is the place for you. They’re open 12pm until late.
BURLEIGH PAVILION | BURLEIGH HEADS
If you’re after views for days, excellent cocktails and sweet live music, then Burleigh Pavilion should be your go-to. They’re open from 12pm to midnight.
JUSTIN LANE | BURLEIGH HEADS
Justin Lane, Burleigh’s OG party destination, will be pumping good vibes and views from 5pm till late. Grab a chilli marg and a couple of pizzas and relax.
ROSELLAS | BURLEIGH HEADS
Naturally one of the best places to be this Monday is Australiana-themed bar Rosella’s. Open from 4pm enjoy a their signature jaffles with Vegemite and a Nutri-Grain cocktail.
WHITE RHINO | SURFERS PARADISE
Open from 11.30am to late, expect smoking cocktails and a huge menu filled with delicious eats like seafood pasta, pizza and steaks from the crew at White Rhino.
Looking for more awesome things to do this Monday? Visit these magical waterfalls.
Image Credit: Hayley Williamson and Kaitlin Maree Photography for Urban List