When it comes to drinking spots, we’ve all got our favourites; the trusty bars that know the wine we love, that can always whip up our regular Friday evening espresso martini or Sunday morning Bloody Mary (or is that just us?).
But what about the lesser-known bars on the Sunshine Coast? The holes-in-the-walls that fly under the radar, the secret lounges that you only go to if you’ve had a recommendation from a friend of a friend, or even the spots that you know about as a restaurant, but didn’t realise they had a wine list that would make you weak at the knees? Here are our top picks of the best hidden bars on the Sunshine Coast.
Sails Wine Bar
Noosa
Tucked away discretely behind Massimos Ice Creamery on Main Street, Sails Wine Bar is undoubtedly one of the Sunshine Coast's best wine bars. Pop into this chilled supper club lounge for a pre-drink before you head out for the night, and we promise you’ll have trouble leaving.
Their wine list is extensive, boasting one of the best cellars in Queensland, so this is the spot to impress your date with that rare bottle of Grange you’ve been saving up for. Inside this cellar under separate key are the world’s finest wines including labels such as Henschke, Penfolds Grange, Salon, Chateau Margaux and a vintage selection of Domaine Romanee Conti. It’s also available for private hire, so if you want to feel oh-so-exclusive, book Sails Wine Bar in for your next event.
Green Zebra
Parrearra
Green Zebra Restaurant is the ideal spot for a relaxed and casual dining experience away from those busy beachside hot spots. With a modern fusion of Mediterranean and European-inspired eats, Green Zebra is the hidden suburban oasis you’ve been looking for. Plating up a delicious selection of lunch and dinner options, Green Zebra’s delicious mezze plates or traditional souvlaki mains paired with any number of their extensive list of wines, have yet to disappoint. So pull up a chair, take in the waterside view and relax in the open space of one of the best hidden gems on the Sunshine Coast.
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.
Hidden Restaurants
While these spots might not be exclusively bars, they're pretty off-the-beaten-track and absolutely deserve a mention on our list.
Goodslice
Maroochydore
Tucked down a laneway and housed in an industrial shed-meets-hanging light courtyard, the vibes at Goodslice Pizza Napoletana couldn’t be more on point. As their name suggests, they are all about the pizza and it’s clear to see they mean business. Their bases are in-house made and fermented for a minimum of 24 hours to deliver the most drool-worthy slices of perfection—the Rustica topped with pancetta, potato, red onion, smoked provola and rosemary is our favourite. Pair this with a cocktail, craft beer or carefully chosen glass of wine and it’s safe to say you won’t need Dominos any longer.
El Capitano
Noosa
If pizza is your thing, then look no further than El Capitano, Noosa’s coolest hidden away pizza joint. Mosey on in with your mates after a day at the beach and prepare yourself for mouthwatering plates of handcrafted meats and mozzarella, 72-hour fermented sourdough pizzas and all the Aperol spritz your heart desires. Top it all off with a spiced mango daiquiri and a strawberry coconut sundae for the ultimate treat.
La Canteena
Maroochydore
Tucked away off Ocean Street, in one of the coolest courtyards on the Sunshine Coast, La Canteena’s high walls and black cast-iron entryway will make you feel like you’re sinking sangria in the city. Except you’re not. Head here for a weekend escape when you want to chill out to a DJ spinning tunes, ice-cold cocktails, and some seriously moreish Mexican eats. Yep, these guys do damn good tacos and nachos. And their wings? Next-level.
Image Credit: Sails Wine Bar