Bars & Pubs

22 Of The Best Sunshine Coast Bars To Drink Your Way Through

By Urban List Writers
3rd Mar 2023

Eating and shopping your way around the Sunshine Coast’s best restaurants and boutiques can be thirsty work. Luckily, our glorious region is blessed with an extensive array of top-notch bars in which to whet your whistle.

While the definition between watering hole and restaurant gets a little blurry these days, we’ve compiled a bucket list of 22 of the best bars on the Sunshine Coast. If you live on the Sunshine Coast, we hope you've had a sip at these spots by now, and if you're passing through, consider this your must-drink guide.

The Rooftop Bar & Garden

Maroochydore

Taking the Sunshine Coast bar scene to a whole other level quite literally, The Rooftop Bar & Garden is a grand, seven-storey-high lavish bar in the heart of Maroochydore. Home to incredible views, a stunning fit-out with a retractable roof, cocktails that’ll have you ordering another on first sip, and a global menu packed with fresh flavours—it’s safe to say one visit to this incredible bar won’t be enough. 

Apéro Wine Bar

Noosaville

a Sunshine Coast wine bar

Just when we thought the Sunshine Coast bar scene couldn't get much better, a stunning European-style aperitif and wine bar opens up. Apéro Wine Bar is an elegant Noosaville bar which pays homage to the European tradition of meeting friends for an aperitif with an extensive international wine list and bites menu. Apéro's drinks list showcases French wines and classic cocktails—although you still snag spirits and beers here. The menu, designed by acclaimed chef Justin North, provides an opportunity for a 'choose your own' cheese and charcuterie adventure, with dishes weighted to work with lighter to heavier wines.

Village Bicycle

Noosa Heads

Complete with festoon lights, astro turf and some serious street art, Village Bicycle’s beer garden is next-level amazing. If you can find a spare table, that is. This Noosa bar gets packed with locals and in-the-know tourists ready to throw back a beer and some cheap nosh, but it all adds to the party-on vibe. The masterminds behind Village Bicycle are all about ‘food, booze and good times’ and this ethos resonates in every aspect of what is certainly one of the Sunshine Coast’s best bars.

Boston Shaker Bar

Mooloolaba

This 1920s Art Deco-inspired cocktail bar is tucked away in Mooloolaba’s trendy Wharf precinct and is a true hidden gem of the Sunshine Coast. Regularly boasting live music performances, the Boston Shaker Bar is an intimate, soulful venue with lots of heart. Sink into their plush red booths, order a martini (shaken, not stirred) and you’ll feel like a true VIP. Come for the live music, stay for the cocktails.

Moonstruck

Noosa

a Sunshine Coast European bar

The Sunshine Coast's quaint European-style gin and coffee bar has been making waves ever since it opened and it's easy to see why. Only the best local gins have a space on the Moonstruck shelf, including a few rare limited-edition bottles. New gins are added regularly and they’re carefully paired with the tonic or mixer that will make them shine the most. If gin isn’t your thing they’ve also got some incredible local beers and Australian wines. Great cocktails plus a cosy, European vibe; what more could you want?

Rice Boi 'Upstairs'

Mooloolaba

an Asian-style rooftop bar

You might know Rice Boi as one of the Sunshine Coast’s best Asian restaurants, but did you know it also boasts an upstairs Japanese-inspired dive bar with stunning balcony views along the Mooloolaba River? Now you do. Rice Boi 'Upstairs' Beer Garden has a full acoustic license, hosting regular live music and DJ nights and is opening for function bookings. Both Rice Boi and Rice Boi 'Upstairs' dish up their famed menu, so you can get comfortable knowing you won’t have to move anytime soon. 

Uptown Social

Maroochydore

If you’re in the mood for a modern take on an old-fashioned whiskey bar, Uptown Social could be the spot for you. Take a seat on their luxe leather sofas, marvel at the aged brass fixtures and let Uptown Social wine and dine you for the duration of your night. With cocktail names such as Flustered Princess, Spicy Lover and Captain Sensible, you already know these after-work drinks are geared to hit the spot. Enjoy ‘Social Hour’ from Tuesday through to Saturday for the perfect midweek pick-me-up, and if you do need a bit of food on the side their A La Carte menu—grilled souvlaki, field mushroom fries and vegan tacos, to name a few—look incredible.

Circa Rooftop

Maroochydore

a pink rooftop bar

Perched high at the top of The Kontiki building in the heart of Maroochydore, Circa Rooftop is a relaxed mix of rooftop bar meets cocktail lounge meets restaurant. Offering panoramic views of the ocean and hinterland, Circa’s extensive drinks and cocktail menu is inspired by the decadence of the 1920s and is certainly not to be scoffed at. Their boutique rooftop is prime for every occasion, from casual dining to cocktail soirées and the sunset views are absolutely unmatched. Hands down, one of the best bars on the Sunshine Coast.

The Nautical

Maroochydore

This nautical-themed (yes, it’s in the name) alehouse and galley takes out a spot as one of the funkiest restaurant-meets-bars on the Sunshine Coast. The galley restaurant has a focus on fresh, local seafood and we recommend popping in on a Sunday, where you can score freshly shucked oysters for just $2 before 12pm, paired with local beers. The Nautical’s alehouse is where the magic happens and boasts a curated collection of exceptional Aussie wines, expertly blended cocktails, top shelf spirits and an impressive array of local beers on tap.

Paradise Arcade

Noosa Heads

A Mexican sunshine coast bar

Pair a couple of Paradise Arcade’s tostadas with a margarita on tap and you’ll understand why we’re rating this funky Mexi-Cali restaurant as one of the best bars on the Sunshine Coast. With a super-cool interior, complete with a loft space for larger groups and a festoon-lit courtyard, this is the perfect place to spice up your summer nights. If you’re a tequila lover, this is undoubtedly one of the best bars on the Sunshine Coast for you. 

Taps 

Mooloolaba

If you haven’t seen our old friends down at Taps in Mooloolaba, consider this your first sign. The ultimate bar for meeting mates and being introduced to new ones, Taps has proven there won’t ever be a dull moment or awkward silence it can’t fix. Their eclectic grunge interior guarantees to welcome you with open arms and rest assured it won’t be long until you’ve got a cold schooner of craft beer in hand. Try your luck at giant Jenga or simply enjoy a competitive game of Mario Kart to put those new friendships to the test. As well as a host of craft beers, cocktails and pub-inspired nibbles—cheeseburger spring rolls anyone? Enjoy 50c wings on Wednesday as well as live music every weekend.

The Savvy Squire

Mooloolaba

If you haven’t been down to James Squires’ The Savvy Squire, where have you been? Mooloolaba’s very own brewery is the perfect spot for you and a mate—or ten—to hit the water and then grab a cold craft beer to end a perfect day spent here on the Sunshine Coast. With river views out on the deck, a keg wall, beer garden and beer hall all waiting and at the ready. This could be your local answer to a beer lover's dream. Sip through their tasting paddles, take note of their limited-release on-tap-only selection and order a large ginger beer on ice to ensure your taste buds are craft beer pros. A selection of beer-grazing nibbles as well as main menu favourites are also on hand should you need an afternoon or dinner-time feed.  

Solbar

Maroochydore

The granddaddy of Ocean Street night life, Sol Bar is at the centre of all great Maroochydore nights out and is hands down one of the Sunshine Coast’s best bars. The landing spot for any music heavyweights visiting the region, Sol Bar also boasts an impressive cocktail selection and you can soak up the alcohol with their great bar food menu. Their monstrously huge pizzas are seriously addictive and are dangerously cheap.

Rick’s Garage

Palmwoods

Okay, so this might be a diner dedicated to burgers and greasy American nosh at its finest, but with an awesome beer garden and an upstairs whisky bar beckoning, many a burger mission has turned into an all-night drinking session at Rick’s Garage. This old-school American diner hosts some epic weekly events, including Rockabilly Friday’s and live music on Saturdays and Sundays, so you can chill out to some groovy tunes while you sip on a coldie.

Mr Drifter

Noosa Junction

Possibly one of Noosa Junctions’ best-hidden gems, Mr. Drifter cocktail bar offers a modern twist on Tiki and has one of the coolest cocktail menus we’ve seen in a long time. How's this for your average gin and tonic—house-infused purple gin, Tahitian lime juice, soda, black tea lemon and orange foam. With a rustic timber interior, hanging vintage postcards and exposed brick walls, Mr. Drifter’s laid-back vibes are unmatched. Specialising in street foods from India to Indonesia, wrap your hands around a sticky pulled pork hawker roll or drool over their signature Malaysian roti bread.

The Good Bar

Mooloolaba

Boasting one of the best RnB sessions in the region, The Good Bar is the answer if you’re hanging around Mooloolaba with mates and searching for epic (read: huge) burgers, cold beers and fun times. Their extensive cocktail menu is not to be scoffed at and they also specialise in some pretty incredible gin and tonic combos. 

WAT Den

Mooloolaba

WAT Den is an elegant destination whisky and tequila bar, located in the bustling heart of Mooloolaba Esplanade, unique to the Sunshine Coast with a signature cigar lounge theme. Intentionally a small bar seating 40 to 60 patrons, the high-end bar is headed up by a Melbourne husband and wife hospitality duo who are passionate about providing premium and hard-to-get whisky and tequila brands.  Proudly the first Whisky Club Clubhouse on the Sunshine Coast, WAT Den has ‘liquor lockers’ for VIPs to secure their prized liquor bottles and have at the ready for their next visit to The Den. Many of their whiskeys and tequilas are provided exclusively and are unable to be purchased or tasted elsewhere. 

Drift Bar  

Caloundra

In a quaint corner of the Caloundra esplanade you’ll find the nautical-themed delights of the Drift Bar. This popular local spot is not only number one for those relaxing waterside views but the team also does a mean tropical mojito to boot. Sit back and relax at this open-planned venue whether you’re with your mates or having knock-off drinks for one, the Drift Bar knows how to sail those cares away. Enjoy a range of tasty cocktails, tap beers and live music on weekends as you tuck into your favourite pub-style meal or head down from 7am for the ultimate Bulcock Breakfast.

Pier 33

Mooloolaba

waterfront Mooloolaba restaurant

Among our list of the best bars on the Sunshine Coast, locations don’t come much better than Pier 33’s. Sitting on the stunning waterfront in Mooloolaba, in what used to be the old yacht club, Pier 33 is light and bright with a Hamptons-esque theme throughout. Sip on cocktails in the bar and lounge area, or step outside where you can grab a picnic table overlooking the marina or sprawl out on the lush lawn. Sophisticated but casual, if anywhere is made for day-drinking, it’s this place. 

Locale

Noosa

Can’t convince your man to take you to a fancy-ish bar? You can always bribe him with beer, woodfired pizza and incredible Italian cicchetti, like gnocchi tossed in a rosemary and sage cream. Incredibly romantic, the dimly-lit Locale is one of the best restaurants in Noosa but it’s their bar area, complete with gorgeous lounge booths and top-notch cocktails, that we’ve really fallen for.  

Old Soul

Maroochydore

Kick back with some funky beats in Old Soul’s lounge with a top-shelf single malt, or we dare you to try and choose just one of their cocktails. Don’t get too comfy though, because when the DJ steps it up, you’ll want to hit the dance floor quick smart. This cocktail bar and nightclub hosts some epic headliner artists and although it’s certainly not for those looking for chilled vibes, this is the place to be for a big night.

Looking for a gorgeous view with your brew? Sip sky-high at the best rooftop bars on the Sunshine Coast.

Image credit: Pier 33, WAT Den, Lumea Photo, Daniel Hine & Rick's Garage

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.