Sandbar

Perfectly located on the corner of The Esplanade and Elkhorn Avenue across from iconic Lifeguard Tower 35, Sandbar is one of the longest-running beachside establishments in Surfers Paradise. 

Fitted out in breezy blue and white – from the shady umbrellas to the woven chairs and bench seats – complemented by teak tables under floating fishing lanterns, this laidback venue has a definite holiday feel.  

It’s a cross between Bali and the French Riviera but either way, Sandbar is the hippest hang for breakfast, lunch or cocktails in Surfers.

Sunseekers love a breakfast in Sandbar, stopping, sitting and sipping superb coffee care of Julius Meinl’s 1982 Premium blend of Highland Arabica beans from the best coffee growing areas of Brazil and East Africa. Complementing the great coffee, Sandbar offers contemporary breakfast dishes like their Beachside Big Breaky and the Tower 35 bacon burger alongside classics like Eggs Benny and Smashed Avo. And don’t forget to check out the breaky special! 

The smoothie bowls are popular, as are the bowls of paradise, but if you’re looking for something special, try the Smashed Minted Peas and Kale with poached eggs, spiced toasted seed dukkha, grilled halloumi, beetroot hummus and herb oil on sourdough. The Chilli Crab Scrambled Eggs and Fairy Ricotta Hotcake with maple syrup and berries are also difficult to pass. There are also thoughtful options for kids including smashed avo soldiers and chai pudding.

Lunch and dinner diners will be impressed by the extensive selection of creative social plates, mains and pizzas. You’ll be spoilt for choice with starters like the vegetarian arancini and coconut prawns. The chargrilled options are mouthwatering and the seafood choices hard to go past. Try the grilled Barramundi or Crispy skin Salmon if you feel like spoiling yourself.  There are vegan and gluten free options amongst the classic Margherita and Pepperoni pizzas and there is a delightful kids’ menu that has all the favourites.

Sandbar is popular for its multiple happy hours (check their website for times) and live music Wednesday through Friday. Offering more than a dozen tap and craft beers and an extensive selection of sparkling, white and red wine plus spirits and killer cocktails, you’ll find yourself returning to Sandbar’s salty sea vistas again and again.

By Michaela Lyons

The menu may have changed since our visit.