In a city where freelancing is as standard as the 9 to 5, no two jobs are quite alike. One thing most of us have in common, however? Our love for a knock-off drink. We’re spoilt with mild weather year-round and a bevy of bars to choose from. Why wouldn’t we call on our friends (or colleagues) and indulge in an after-work catch up – washed down by a well-deserved bev’, of course? When the clock strikes 5pm and you start rallying the troops, maybe one of these Gold Coast bars will whet your appetite?
The Island Rooftop, Surfers Paradise
It was once known as the preferred accommodation for rowdy Schoolies. Now, its position in the heart of the hustle and bustle – not to mention the Palm Springs-inspired fit out – has cemented The Island’s place as one of Surfers’ best post-work hangouts. The drinks menu will help you forget about work deadlines and Zoom meetings, while the mouth-watering food menu will keep you from forgetting your night the following morning.
www.theislandgoldcoast.com.au/the-island-rooftop
Surfers Pavilion, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Pavilion is another Glitter Strip institution that’s undergone an impressive reno. Their seafood platters and Instagram-worthy cocktails make this an ideal spot for a Friday work lunch, but it’s the wine selection and the beers on tap that will keep you there once you’ve knocked off. They have live music on Friday nights, too, just in case you really need to shake off the work week blues.
Padre Brewing Co, Miami
Post-work drinks call for something walkable, and Padre delivers: hop off at the new Miami light rail stop and you’re at Padre in minutes. The venue itself is the work of the old Ze Pickle crew, and three years of planning went into getting the details right. A dozen taps of house-brewed beer cover the spectrum from easy lagers to hoppier IPAs, and if you end up staying for dinner, the pizzas and birria tacos are built for sharing around the table.
The Henchman, Miami
Go at 7am for your morning coffee, return at 4pm for a knock-off bev’. The Henchman – the licensed outdoor café hidden away in the heart of Miami – has all your bases covered. But beyond their mind-blowing cheeseburger and delicious cocktails, it’s the line-up of entertainment that keeps us coming back for more. Between Thursday and Sunday, you can win a classic meat tray at trivia night, try your hand at line dancing and catch live performances by impressive local talent.
Paloma Wine Bar, Burleigh Heads
Looking for the cutest little wine bar to help you live out your Sex and the City fantasy? Look no further than Paloma. Brought to us by the creators of nearby Labart, one of the city’s best French restaurants, Paloma perfectly blends European style and Aussie food and drinks. Sip on a crisp orange wine, paired perfectly with a bowl of fries, and let the worries of the week wash away. When you’re done, head to one of the many bars Burleigh has to offer. Speaking of which…
Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads
If pizza, pasta and cocktails aren’t enough to get you through the work week, maybe enjoying them on a rooftop overlooking one of the Gold Coast’s favourite beaches will be? With a motto like ‘eat, drink & be messy’, it’s little surprise that Justin Lane is Burleigh’s preferred place to see in the weekend. They’re open from 5pm ‘til late from Monday to Thursday, so why wait until Friday afternoon? Pizza and a glass of wine on a weeknight never killed anybody.
Balter Brewing, Currumbin
Looking for something a little more low-key? Nestled in Currumbin’s industrial estate, Balter is a favourite after-work destination for local employees, so it’s always got a great atmosphere. If you get hungry, they have food trucks on site – you can even order straight to your table. Kick on at the Currumbin Hotel around the corner if you’re feeling adventurous.
Burly, Currumbin
An instant favourite since opening early last year – not just for their sultry fit-out, but also for their homegrown gin. Nestled in Currumbin’s The Warehouses (brought to us by the same team behind Cornerstone Stores in Tugun), Burly is the boujee tasting room for the gin of the same name. Awash with moody earth tones and funky light fixtures, the space is almost as delicious as the drinks themselves – making this the perfect place to escape the stress of the work week and ring in the weekend.
Currumbin Vikings Surf Club, Currumbin
We couldn’t round out this list without including a surf club, and Currumbin Vikings is one of the best. There’s nothing like a knock-off beer with absolute beachfront views – and we’re talking absolute beachfront. If you’re looking for something fuss-free with an unbeatable view, this is it. Why not treat yourself to a Friday night dinner at nearby Tommy’s Italian? You’ve earned it.
Are there any Gold Coast bars you love to hit up for a post-work drink? Let us know by filling out our ‘Contact Us’ form or by sending an email to publisher@scoutmagazine.com.au.
