Miami
With a name like Miami, we’ll forgive you for thinking this suburb is home to glitz, bling and Brazilian bikinis. The truth is, it’s quite the opposite – an ‘if you know, you know’ pocket between Burleigh and Mermaid that’s home to some of the city’s most underrated eats and drinks. Read on for things to do in Miami, Gold Coast.
What to eat in Miami
Miami Marketta is one of the most iconic landmarks of this sun-kissed suburb, combining fiery street food, live local (and international) musicians, small business stallfronts and bonafide good times. Whether you’re catching a concert, competing in drag bingo or enjoying an intimate evening at their on-site restaurant, Mona Lisa’s Lair, Miami Marketta earns its place amongst the Gold Coast’s best venues.
For something a little more elevated, you can’t beat Bar Monte. Upscale dining meets honest Italian cooking in this perfectly-outfitted bistro, which became an instant favourite when it opened a year ago. And if you arrive in Miami earlier in the day, make your way straight to Velvet – a sultry cafe and lounge which has just opened an ‘after hours’ offering on Thursdays from 2pm.
What to drink in Miami
Miami just might hold the title for the most breweries and distilleries in one postcode. From Precinct Brewery on Christine Ave to Roji Cat Beer Bar around the corner, there is no shortage of options for the seasoned beer drinker – especially with Padre Brewery opening up last summer. They pair locally-made beer with next-level bar food (like hot pretzels you’ll be thinking about for days afterwards) and keep the events calendar full. No wonder they’ve been drawing crowds since day one.
Looking for something a little less… hoppy? Leave it to the golden oldie to perfect the grown-up cocktail. Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery was the first gin and whisky distillery on the coast, though they’ve since expanded their range to include vodka, liqueurs and limited releases, too. Together, father and son duo David and Luke Ridden recreate age-old family recipes as an ode to David’s grandfather – who passed away at the ripe old age of 93, and up until that point, had a whisky every day. We’ll drink to that!
What to do in Miami
The Miami Beach Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1947 by five men from Southport and Brisbane. In the almost-80 years since, it’s become one of the best SLSCs on the Goldie – promoting itself as the “friendliest club on the Gold Coast”, and even being named Nippers Club of the Year in 2016/17. Get in on the action with their Sunday Sessions, running from 3pm on the deck with live music and unbeatable views.
Looking to get a sweat up? The Miami foreshore is home to one of the Gold Coast’s best walking tracks, stretching from Nobby in the north to Burleigh in the south (peaking, literally, at the North Burleigh Lookout). If you prefer a more structured workout, House of Motion might just be Miami’s favourite Pilates studio, offering mat classes with a (hot, infrared) twist.
