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

The post Best Bars Surfers Paradise for Late Night Drinks appeared first on St Tropez Resort.

These surfers’ paradise restaurants keep things simple. Sizzling teppanyaki shows, margaritas by the water and meals that hold their own in any foodie city. Each one adds serious flavour to your holiday, even if you’re still in thongs.

Surfers Paradise Restaurants Worth Your Appetite

Knowing where to eat in Surfers Paradise makes all the difference. Craving flame-grilled steaks, fresh seafood or sky-high burgers? 

This part of the coast has them lined up and ready. These surfers’ paradise restaurants keep dining decisions simple, with most venues walkable or just a quick Uber away.

Expect a strong mix of:

• rooftop tacos with a view
• burger joints that draw a loyal crowd
• modern grills and buffet dining with live chef stations

Big Flavour, No Fuss

Casual dining in Surfers Paradise doesn’t mean cutting corners. These spots bring bold menus, easygoing atmospheres and solid value. They are ideal for families, groups, or anyone chasing a relaxed bite without dressing up or overthinking the plan.

Longboards Laidback Eatery & Bar

Longboards belong on any list of Surfers Paradise restaurants. Just off the beach, it pulls in a steady crowd for oversized burgers, surf shack energy and outdoor tables. 

It works well for lunch after a swim or a chilled-out dinner. The Big Kahuna burger is a local talking point for good reason.

The Yankee’s Restaurant & Bar

This American-style diner runs on wings, ribs and chilli cheese fries. The Yankees suit easy group dinners, late-night bites and laid-back afternoons with sport on screen. 

It stands out as one of those places for dinner that Gold Coast visitors tend to remember for the food and the no-pressure atmosphere.

TGI Fridays Surfers Paradise

Located at Chevron Renaissance, TGI Fridays brings big portions and fast service to the table. Families rely on it for the kids’ menu, crowd-pleasing mains and casual setting. It’s dependable, familiar and easy to enjoy without much planning.

El Camino Cantina

Bright, loud and unapologetic, El Camino turns up the volume on Tex-Mex. Loaded nachos, frozen margaritas and colour in every corner make this a standout for groups wanting to set the tone for the evening. You’ll find it inside the Paradise Centre, close to everything and hard to miss.

Polished but Relaxed

Some dinners call for something a little extra without turning into a big production. These venues strike that balance. The food is sharp, the settings are well-considered, and the experience stays relaxed. Perfect for date nights, small groups or anyone wanting an atmosphere without the formality.

Clifford’s Grill & Lounge

Clifford’s serves modern Australian cuisine with confidence. Flame-grilled sirloin, crafted house sauces and cocktails that don’t miss the mark keep this spot on the radar for locals and visitors alike. 

The fit-out is stylish but not uptight, and the location near the beach makes it even easier to say yes to a night out. It stands out among dinner places; Gold Coast guests recommend it for flavour and flow. Tables fill quickly on weekends, so a booking helps.

Alma Surfers Paradise

Alma brings Mexican flavours into a coastal frame. Ceviche tostadas, chicken mole and mezcal-driven drinks anchor the menu, with balcony seating that works well for couples or relaxed dinners with friends. 

The room carries warmth without trying too hard. Alma Surfers Paradise has carved a place among venues that get the details right without losing the vibe.

Bazaar Gold Coast at QT

Bazaar Qt buffet turns the buffet experience into something worth repeating. Chefs prepare dishes live, menus rotate with global influence, and nothing feels pre-packed. 

It’s well-paced, generous and made for diners who take their time. As one of the places for dinner, Gold Coast regulars remember, it has earned its reputation without needing gimmicks.

Meals With a Show

Some venues serve theatre on a plate. When the cooking comes with showmanship, the meal becomes part of the night’s main event. These spots lean into performance without compromising on what’s on the plate.

Misono Japanese Restaurant (JW Marriott)

Misono turns teppanyaki into sharp choreography. Chefs slice, flip and flame their way through multi-course meals with precision and a sense of fun. It’s loud, interactive and worth gathering a group for. 

Every seat feels close to the action, and the pace keeps the table entertained between bites. For couples or friends looking for something playful but polished, Misono Japanese Restaurant Gold Coast sets the tone. The venue is best reached by car or Uber.

Surfers Pavilion

Surfers Pavilion leads with its view and keeps attention with fresh seafood and an all-day energy. The oyster bar fills early, especially in the afternoon sun, and the cocktail list carries a coastal lean that suits the setting. 

Music rolls in by the weekend, giving it that local favourite feel. Surfers Pavilion draws a steady crowd who know where to sit, what to order and when to arrive.

Where to Eat in Surfers Paradise

For solo travellers or slow-paced grazers, Surfers Paradise serves up light bites and good timing. Early mornings suit a strong brew and a beachside breakfast at one of many Gold Coast cafes scattered through the precinct.

In the late afternoon, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets start to roll out along the Esplanade. It’s an easy mix of street snacks, handmade finds and music on the breeze. The kind of stop that fits between swims and strolls.

If you’re weighing up where to eat Surfers Paradise style without locking in a table, these casual spots make it simple. Pull up a chair outdoors or wander with something in hand. Good food here often lands when you least expect it.

Flavour Meets the Itinerary

Food shapes the way your holiday unfolds. It sets the pace, brings people together, and often becomes the standout moment of the day. Great meals give you stories worth repeating. 

Some of the best casual dining Gold Coast has to offer is just minutes away, with character and convenience baked in. If you’re searching for places for dinner, Gold Coast travellers recommend time and again, you’ll find them here. 

Every meal adds something to the day, and planning around food just makes sense.

Make Every Meal Easy

St Tropez puts you in a spot where good food stays close. The Surfers Paradise restaurants listed above are all within walking distance or just a short ride. 

You won’t need to plan your day around dinner. The choices are plentiful, the pace stays easy and getting there won’t slow you down. This is what staying well-located looks like.

Stay with us at St Tropez and enjoy flavour, convenience, and comfort all in one place.

Image credit: Longboards Laidback Eatery & Bar

The post These Surfers Paradise Restaurants Are Worth Every Bite appeared first on St Tropez Resort.