Caribou Café

This business has now closed. 

Caribou Café is another Tugun gem located on the popular café strip of Golden Four Drive, marked by its simple black and white signature Antler logo, chalkboard artistry, cool mint décor, and funky cactus accented timber leaf wall.

Situated a block from Tugun beach and a few blocks from the airport, Caribou draws visitors into its friendly village vibe providing plentiful indoor and outdoor (dog-friendly) seating from which to sample the made-in-house menu of locally sourced fare.

A steady stream of locals round the corner of Toolona Street and saunter into Caribou to pick up a superior Social Espresso roasted coffee blend (from Burleigh) and to check out which of the daily blackboard specials, like the Vegi Bruschetta or Ruben Toastie, tickles their fancy.

Friendly owner Tiarna greets loyal clientele by name, and proudly explains to new visitors the thought that has gone into the fresh menu which provides for all dietary requirements with predominantly organic and locally produced meat (from Jack Spratt’s), seafood, baked goods and vegies. On display you’ll find a beautiful selection of house-baked slices and cakes, such as Caribou’s famous Anzac caramel pies, alongside raw cakes from RawSweetTreats and locally baked brioche, flatbread and buns.

With all-day breakfasts featuring delights such as a hot smoked salmon bowl with Nam Jin and tamari seeds, ricotta hotcakes with coconut curd, strawberries and toasted lime zest, truffle mushrooms with poached parmesan eggs and sauteed greens, or the simple gluten-free house-made granola, Breakfast Bruschetta, Eggs Benedict and Smashed Avo, you simply cannot go wrong. At lunchtime let your appetite lead you to the delights such as the Philly Cheese Steak, or the Wagyu Beef Burger, the Buddha Bowl or Pesto Chicken salads.

Caribou’s beverage options beyond their special coffee blend include shakes, juices, classic smoothies and speciality options like Mango Coco with macadamias and dates in coconut milk, Acai Blitz with berries and bananas, Raw Cacao with peanut butter, maple syrup and almond milk, Green Goodness with mint and Sunshine Blitz with passionfruit.

Look for the antlers and the huge chalkboard welcome and find yourself a lovely real-food sensory treat.

By Michaela Lyons