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
You may know it as the preferred accommodation for rowdy Schoolies, but The Island has undergone a major facelift in the last few years. 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 impressive 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. Its seafood platters and Instagram-worthy cocktails make it 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.
Lost Palms, Miami
With candy pink walls and palm trees aplenty, Lost Palms in Miami offers a slice of paradise in the heart of suburbia. They’ve got a huge selection of beers (made on site, of course) so there’s something for everyone – sours, bitters, pale ales… the works. Gather your work mates and enjoy a brew (or two) while playing trivia, which is on every Thursday night from 7pm. We can’t think of a better way to break up the work week?
The Henchman, Miami
Go in the morning 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 bingo night, try your hand at paint & sip and even take part in a hot wing eating contest.
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 city’s most beautiful 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 12pm ‘til late from Wednesday to Sunday, 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 employers, 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.
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 a little more low-key, 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.