The 10 Best Bars In Australia's Sunshine Coast

If there’s one thing the boys and girls of the Sunny Coast love more than the sun and the coast, it’s having a good time. Here are 10 of their favourite spots to let their hair down for a relaxing afternoon session or a liver-health-testing greet-the-dawn night out.

1. Good Bar

Bar, American

The name says it all. Good beers on tap, good hip-hop on the stereo, good burgers on the grill—what else do you need to know? It’s good!

2. 26 Degrees

Bar, Contemporary, Australian

If you’re looking to impress on your next early-afternoon Tinder date, there are few places better than this elegant poolside wine bar. Woo your would-be-lover while sipping Rosé amidst these effortless glam-resort stylings. Just be mindful that they don’t have typical ‘bar hours’.

3. El Capitano

Bar, Pizzeria, Italian

Noosa has some of the best beaches in the world and best restaurants in the country, so it’s not surprising that one their best bars celebrates everything oceanic. They’ve taken the nautical theme to the extreme at El Capitano—anchor motifs and coiled rope dominate—but it totally works. Don’t leave without getting intimate with their sourdough pizza menu.

5. Orléans Restaurant and Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Central American, Contemporary, Soul Food

Every night out can feel like Mardis Gras when you’re drinking at this soulful New Orleans-style bar. The cocktail menu is inspired and creative—we can’t recommend the Whistlin’ Dixie enough—and will prepare your taste buds perfectly for the move from the bar to the restaurant. Seriously, don’t miss a chance to indulge in their New Orleans-meets-French-cuisine approach.

6. Paradise Arcade

Bar, Restaurant, Mexican

Take a little jaunt to Noosa for this super casual, super fun Cali-Mexico-inspired bar. Everyone’s there for the vibe, the margarita on tap and the mind-meltingly-memorable grilled fish tacos.

7. Brouhaha Brewery

Bar, Restaurant, Australian

If you need a break from all the browned beach bums, head into the hinterland to experience the Sunshine Coast’s other beloved stereotype: the blissed-out bohemian. You’ll meet some primo specimens at Maleny’s Brouhaha Brewery, an effortlessly cool venue that’s all natural timber and lazy afternoons. They pour pints straight from the tank here, so get ready to settle in.

8. Dirty Moes

Bar, Restaurant, Central American, Contemporary, Soul Food

Dirty in name only, this Mooloolaba favourite has the cool-but-related charm of the hippest Silicon Valley startup. With communal tables, exposed brick and modern light fixtures, you’ll be motivated to get out there and make change happen—if you could only drag yourself away from the Deep South-inspired cocktail list.

9. The Basement

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Australian

This Nambour establishment reinforces the lessons from those Aesop’s Fables we heard growing up. When everyone else saw a derelict hotel basement, the lads from Your Mates—the Coast’s preeminent purveyors of brewed beverages – saw the latest underground drinking sensation. Some would say it’s industrial, others would say it’s grungy—all we know is that it’s a perfect place for a great time.

10. Locale

Bar, Restaurant, Italian

This Noosa-dining destination often features in best-place-to-dine-out-on-the-Sunshine-Coast lists. While the Italian menu would give your Nona a run for her money, the bar is equally as impressive, with a sleek sophistication that adds a little something extra to your leisurely nightcap.

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