Gold Coast After Dark: Top 5 New Nightlife Spots

Etsu Izakaya

The Gold Coast's vibrant nightlife scene is quickly evolving with young entrepreneurs and proud locals the driving force behind new trendy restaurants and bars lining the coast.

Each venue is unique in character, creating a place for people to share good quality food and carefully-curated cocktails or craft beers while listening to live music.

“I am really excited about the future nightlife of the Gold Coast. The scene is just evolving really rapidly,” says Mitchell McCluskey, Owner of Etsu Izakaya.

Get a sneak peek of the new nightlife scene on the Gold Coast by watching the latest VisitGoldCoast.com video and whet your appetite with these top 5 nightlife spots to check out after dark:

Etsu Izakaya │ Mermaid Beach

Step through the non-descript wooden doorway with a red paper lantern dangling next to it and enter the bustling, colourful cavern filled with lively chatter from friends sharing some seriously good food. On the menu you'll find classic Izakaya fare paired with an impressive range of Japanese whisky, sake and Japanese inspired cocktails.

Bonita Bonita │ Mermaid Beach

Behind an ordinary façade, you'll find a funky taqueria and bar come artspace that is filled with life. There's a buzz in the air as groups of friends fill the tables to feast on some of the best Mexican street food on the coast. It's fresh and served with a Gold Coast twist. It's the perfect spot to get your night off to a great start by stuffing your hungry belly with tacos, tostadas, quesadillas and more before you head next door to quench your thirst at BonBon.

The Cambus Wallace │ Nobby Beach

In remembrance of The Cambus Wallace - a ship loaded with beer, whiskey and explosives that foundered off the Coast of Stradbroke Island in 1894 - the shelves of this nautical-themed bar are stacked with whiskey and over 20 types of rum. The kitchen serves casual share food, including a great value charcuterie/cheese board.

Justin Lane │ Burleigh Heads

Ask any local where to find the best pizza and they'll send you to Justin Lane: The pasta is made fresh in-house daily and the sourdough pizzas are to die for. It's also home to Burleigh's first (and only!) rooftop bar – the perfect spot to mingle with a hip crowd, enjoy a sun-drenched summer session or kick off a great night.

Black Coffee Lyrics │ Surfers Paradise

Café by day, restaurant and bar at night – Black Coffee Lyrics may be a little tricky to find at first but once you're there, you'll be squealing with excitement as you wrap your lips around one of the best Espresso Martinis in town.

Gold Coast Skyline

This isn't your usual Surfers Paradise nightlife haunt. Dim-lit and packed to the rafters with books, photographs, paintings and more books, this funky neighbourhood haunt buzzes with live music, the chatter of friends enjoying a drink (or two) and the clatter of kitchen staff preparing tapas, burgers, pizzas and more.