Where to find the Gold Coast’s coolest bars

Say aloha to the Gold Coast’s favourite tropical oasis! Tucked down a side alley in Broadbeach is Aloha Bar and Dining. Once you find the secret entrance, you’ll step into a Hawaiian-themed speakeasy filled with palm trees, live music and delicious tiki drinks.

Sip on local craft beer, Australian wine and spirits, or one of the famous fruity cocktails, like the Aloha passion, which combines passion fruit liqueur and lychee liqueur with lime juice, passion fruit puree, hibiscus syrup, pineapple juice and vodka. Feeling hungry? Snack on a range of small plates including bao buns, dumplings, spring rolls and tacos.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Cucumber and jalapeno margarita ($22)

For drinks with amazing views of the Main Beach, head to The Island Rooftop in Surfer’s Paradise. You won’t just get great views though, the open-air rooftop hosts local artists to accompany the retro-style cocktails.

Unwind with a carafe from the extensive cocktail list while you jam to smooth jazz or old-school grooves. Choose from the long list of wines or a beer on tap to go with a pizza or two from the snack and share menu.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Blood orange spritz

Find the mysterious red telephone box to gain entry into the Gold Coast’s favourite speakeasy, Soho Place. The London-themed bar is hidden in plain sight and without a kitchen or food menu, cocktails are the main game.

Find top shelf Australian-made spirits, local craft beer and stellar cocktails in the dimly lit bar. The unique vibe and toe-tapping 1920s electro-swing soundtrack are perfect for pre or post-dinner drinks.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Painkiller ($17)

As the Gold Coast’s first beach club, The Burleigh Pavilion lives up to the hype as one of the best places to drink and chill. Step straight off the sand to enjoy sweeping views of Burleigh beach and take in the Instagrammable scenes, with pastel pink walls and terrazzo tables.

Enjoy ocean vibes with fresh drinks and Australian produce. The Pav’s long wine list will be sure to tickle your fancy with 90 varieties to choose from. Sip on one of the many excellent cocktails or choose a local beer.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Takes two to mango – Bacardi Oro, DeKuyper mango liqueur, mango puree and lime ($22)

The Roosevelt Lounge in Broadbeach has everything you need for a chic night out. Crystal chandeliers and candelabras light up the copper ceiling while the red velvet booths will have you wining and dining like a movie star from 1920s Hollywood.

There’s a sophisticated snack menu with tacos, jalapeno poppers and a New England bug roll for the peckish, but the Roosevelt’s known for its high-end drinks list which is filled with whiskies, cognacs, gins and bespoke cocktails served in beautiful vintage glassware.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Pavlova – vanilla vodka, Licor 43, butterscotch with passionfruit and strawberry puree, egg white and kiwi fruit ($27)