Finding the best bars Surfers Paradise has to offer can be a mission in itself. The options are endless, the neon signs all promise a good time, and every corner hums with music.
But not every venue lives up to the buzz. This guide cuts through the noise with a sharp, curated list of spots where the drinks are worth the dollars, the crowd brings the energy, and your walk back to the apartment won’t need a cab.
These are the go-to venues for anyone who values a solid cocktail, a decent soundtrack, and zero regrets by last call.
Best Bars Surfers Paradise
The bar scene in Surfers Paradise is full of energy, but the real winners are the venues close to your stay that always have something happening.
These spots combine atmosphere, good service, and drinks worth revisiting. If you want to start strong, these are the ones to know.
The Avenue Gold Coast
The Avenue is a central fixture on the strip. With DJs, live bands, and theme nights running throughout the week, it sets the pace for a big night out.
The menu covers everything from tap beer to sharp house cocktails, and prices are fair for such a high-traffic location.
The crowd is always moving, the energy stays high, and the dance floor rarely slows down. It’s one of the best bars Surfers Paradise has for anyone who wants entertainment without needing to change venues.
Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
This is where you go to ease into the night. The beer garden Surfers Paradise locals keep returning to has a laid-back outdoor setting, acoustic sets on weekends, and plenty of open space for groups.
No entry fees, easy access seating, and a casual drinks list make it a smart first stop or a final one for those keeping it simple.
Steampunk Surfers Paradise
Steampunk has its own personality, and it sticks to it. With copper pipes, vintage details, and warm lighting, it creates an industrial-chic vibe that suits the after-dark crowd.
The bar team takes classic cocktails and reworks them with a twist, making this cocktail bar Surfers Paradise visitors remember for its presentation as much as its flavour.
It works well as a destination before the clubs, especially if you prefer a seat and a conversation before the music ramps up.
Nightclubs in Surfers Paradise
The energy in Surfers Paradise doesn’t wind down after sunset. These Gold Coast nightclubs set the tone for a night that builds with every track. Each venue holds its own with a strong identity, a loyal crowd, and a dance floor that stays in motion.
Empire R&B Nightclub
Empire is one of the few true R&B nightclubs in Surfers Paradise. It stays in its lane and does it well. Dedicated playlists, genre-focused sets, and a packed floor define the experience. The doors open early, and by 10 pm, the room is already pulsing with movement.
Instagram: Empire R&B Nightclub
Casablanca Gold Coast
Casablanca brings high energy and a sense of occasion. With a Mediterranean-style layout and a DJ booth that commands attention, it draws a steady line outside and a busy floor inside.
The music leans into Latin rhythms and commercial house. For those narrowing down nightclubs in Surfers, this one earns a top spot.
Instagram: Casablanca Gold Coast
Cocktails Nightclub
Cocktails nightclub continues to pull a crowd with themed events, no-fuss entry, and familiar favourites behind the decks. It has built a steady following with its late sets, solid sound, and no over-the-top dress code. As far as club Gold Coast options go, this one stays consistent.
Retro’s Cocktail Lounge
Retro nightclub regulars know exactly what they’re walking into. Neon lights, a soundtrack of 80s and 90s hits, and a space built for shoulder shuffles and sing-alongs. It’s loud, lighthearted, and packed with personality. No pretence, no pressure, just a good time.
Rooftop Bars Gold Coast
On warm evenings, rooftop venues hit a sweet spot. They give you space to ease into the night, a view worth pausing for, and a soundtrack that doesn’t rush the mood. These two rooftop bars are within walking distance and strike a clean balance between style and comfort.
Lulu Rooftop & Bar
Lulu brings a polished, coastal aesthetic that works well against the city skyline. The layout favours soft curves, moody lighting, and a quiet confidence in its design.
The crowd arrives dressed for the evening, cocktails come out with care, and the playlist holds a mellow pace before the dinner rush.
As a top pick for any Gold Coast rooftop restaurant list, Lulu makes a strong case. On weekends, reservations are wise around sunset.
The Island Rooftop
The Island leans casual and upbeat. Booths line the edges while DJs run the soundtrack. Drinks cover the essentials with ease, and seating gives groups enough space to linger without a time limit.
It stands out as a bar that Gold Coast locals use to start the night with minimal planning. For anyone searching for pubs with live music – Gold Coast, it checks the box without tipping into full nightclub territory.
Plan Your Night Out
With the right list, planning becomes the easy part. Kick off with rooftop cocktails, settle in with live music, or hit the dance floor when the tempo lifts. Every spot mentioned is a short walk from St Tropez Resort, which means no rideshare costs and no parking stress.
The nightlife in this part of the coast works because the venues do. Each one brings its own atmosphere, and you’re never far from the next move. Surfers Paradise’s best bars and nightclubs are all within reach, and there’s something on every night.
For more tips on how to round out your trip, visit our attraction page in Surfers Paradise. There’s always more happening close to home.
Why Surfers Paradise Shines After Dark
When night falls on the Gold Coast, the rhythm shifts. Streets light up, music flows from patios, and each venue adds its own pulse.
There’s something for every pace: Gold Coast nightclubs with packed floors, rooftop bars with skyline views, and pubs that balance energy with space to unwind.
Loose plans work best here. With the best bars Surfers Paradise is known for and Surfers nightclubs that keep the night going, you only need to step out the door. The rest tends to sort itself out.
Your Coastal Base Near the Buzz
Skip the late-night logistics. St Tropez Apartment keeps you close to the beach, the bars, and the best of Surfers Paradise nightlife. Walk out for cocktails, walk back without a second thought.
Each apartment gives you room to reset. It’s ideal for couples, solo stays, or anyone needing family accommodation in Surfers Paradise that’s both central and peaceful.
Browse your stay at St Tropez Apartments and settle in near the action.
Image credit: Lulu Rooftop & Bar