Where to get your beer fix: Gold Coast pubs and breweries

Husband and wife team Brennan and Peta Fielding met in Hawaii many years ago, and bonded over their shared passion to bring craft beer to our shores, which 16 years ago was pretty much non-existent.

Today, the Fieldings are going strong with their extensive range of bottled and canned lagers, pale ales, and IPAs.

Burleigh Brewing Co. has won a swag of international gold medals for their tasty tipples.

Visitors to the brewery and taphouse are assured of not only a decent beer (they have 9 rotating beers on tap) but also some good food (loaded crunch potato squares, anyone?) and a live music show.

What should you try at Burleigh Brewing Co.? Dish Cult recommends the Burley Old Skool English IPA

Situated in the heart of Surfer’s, the House of Brews has won plenty of food and drink awards.

Owners the Kanaghines brothers have a dream. And that dream is to pair great beer with great music. And to chuck some BBQ in for good measure.

There are a staggering 32 craft beers on tap here (and you will be staggering if you attempt to try them all – hey you can always come back next weekend, right?).

If beer ain’t your thing, these guys have still got plenty to offer you; the cocktail list is about a mile long.

And on the food front, think American grub – sticky wings, pizza, steaks, hotdogs, burgers, sliders…you sure won’t go home hungry after a visit to the House of Brews.

What should you try at the House of Brews? Dish Cult recommends the $21.95 beer paddle. How else would you be able to taste many wonderful flavours?

Head brewer Ryan Fullerton oversees the brewing at BOBs (Best of Beers), where beer lovers can try eight of their own brews along with eight other local beers. Visitors can enjoy these in the bar next to the microbrewery, or to take some home in a growler for later.

The restaurant here boasts a gourmet dinner menu, and a separate dessert menu. Try the fresh oysters, the halloumi chips, or the angus beef ragout, depending on your appetite – share plates some in various sizes.

BOBs pride themselves on offering their patrons food and drink that complement each other, to be enjoyed in sleek, muted surroundings.

What should you try at BOB’s beer? Dish Cult recommends the $44 Massaman curry lamb shank.

Fortitude Brewing Co. reckon that they are the Goldilocks of beers – just right. But don’t take their word for it, check it out for yourself.

This is the perfect spot to unwind with friends over a few drinks on a lazy weekend afternoon.

In their brewery, Fortitude makes a pale ale, a lager, a summer ale, a golden ale, a stout and what they call a ‘Pacer’ – a tropical light ale that is perfect if you want to pace yourself.

They also brew a single batch range here called Noisy Minor – meaning that there are 15 beers on tap to try.

On the food side of things, Fortitude has a great pizza menu, featuring both traditional and gourmet pizzas.

And if you find a beer here you really like, they do takeaway cans and growlers too

What should you try at Fortitude Brewing Co.? For something different Dish Cult recommends the Roots and leaves ginger beer (vegan and gluten-free).

The Bearded Dragon is one of those places that just makes you proud to be an Aussie, with all of the quirkiness that this entails.

They have a Cane Toad race every weekend. Yes. Toads. Racing.

You’re probably going to need a beer or ten to get you through this experience so head into the tavern and choose from the 15 beers they have on tap. The selection here pays homage to the settlers of yesteryear. If Kilkenny or Guinness doesn’t grab you, then try the Bearded Dragon’s in-house brew – the amusingly-named Fully Chopped.

If you decide to stay on for a feed, the British vibe continues in the dining room where you can order dishes like beef and Guinness pie, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, or bangers and mash.

What should you try at the Bearded Dragon Hotel? Dish Cult recommends the $24 Dragon’s signature lamb bangers and mash (The Butchery Canungra)