Spec Bar And Tapas Miami | Must Do Gold Coast

SPEC is a hidden treasure of a funky bar, tapas and beer garden tucked away behind all of the tram works just off the Gold Coast Highway in Miami.

Out front is an astroturf courtyard and deck (where pooches are welcome) and inside past the rustic barn-style door is a stunning industrial chic space with Mexican street art along one wall, and out back is a funky beer garden.

Whie the vibe at SPEC is chilled and laidback, the food is quietly next level, with a delectable range of Spanish-Mexican style tapas dishes, tacos and larger share plates on offer.

Recommended from the tapas list are the cheese balls (crispy dough filled with mozzarella, served with aioli); Jalapeno poppers (crispy coated Jalapeno stuffed with risotto & cheese, with tabasco mayo); home made arancini; grilled prawn skewers with slaw and mojo sauce; and must-try grilled corn cobs with mayo, chilli, parmesan & herbs.

Tacos are outstanding, with a choice of classics such as carne asada (slow-cooked beef), fried halloumi, grilled marinated chicken or crispy tofu; and premium tacos such as birria (slow-cooked beef & lamb, Mexican cheese,coriander & a side of sopes); pesca (fish of the day, slaw, pickled onion & mojo picon sauce); and king prawns with slaw, pickled ginger & kenko mayo.

Larger share plates include patatas bravas; chicken wings (with BBQ, chipotle or habanaro sauce); gringa (crispy tortillas with slow cooked brisket, pineapple & cheese with spicy house peach and habanero sauce); and chilaquiles (crispy tortillas cooked in house smokey chipotle sauce, filled with shredded beef, guacamole, sour cream and feta). And for dessert it's hard to go past the house made cinnamon-dusted churros, served with ice-cream and chocolate or caramel sauce.

Drinks- wise, there's a selection of tap and bottled beer including local craft beers, Victoria Bitter, Corona and Mexican Lager while the concise (and affordable) wine list includes house white, rose and red and there's also red sangria by tha glass or jug.

The selection of Mexican-flavoured cocktails includes classic, chilli or coconut Margarita; Mexican Mule, Ananas, Tequila Sunrise and Paloma ( tequila, lime & grapefruit juice, syrup, soda water and lime slice) and there's also a choice of shots such as Baby Margarita, Mexican Coke, Cool Colada and Jager Bomb.

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Images 3 (beer garden) and 4 (cheese balls) courtesy of SPEC