Backbone Bar

Backbone Bar is a laidback convivial neighbourhood bar and eatery with an in-house Japanese kitchen located on the highway side of Tugun's main shopping village.

From the front it looks like your standard neighbourhood bar, with burgers, fish'n'chips and pub grub, but there is also a Pan Asian menu with a mostly Japanese flavour that is its own drawcard.

Seating is mostly on the covered astroturf terrace, spilling over to a handful of tables under the umbrellas along one side and all drink and food orders are taken at the bar and kitchen counters.

Drinks here are all about the beer, with up to 24 local craft beers on tap rotation, from the likes of Tugun Brewing, Black Hops, Currumbin Valley Brewing, Fonzie Abbott and Ballistic Brewing Co and a special tinnie vending machine where punters can help themselves. Wine is also available (by the glass or bottle) as are a range of spirits.

The Asian food menu (which also has a decent smattering of vegan and gluten-free dishes) features light bites like agedashi eggplant, duck spring rolls and crab or vege croquettes, along with dumplings (crispy skin dim sum or pork or chicken gyoza).

There's also a selection of bao (beef brisket, chicken karaage, pork belly, haloumi or mushroom) and large plates such as pork or vegetarian okonomiyaki; katsu or karaage or Korean beef bowl; pork or vegetarian fried rice; and Japanese katsu curry.

Good to know - There is also a kids menu with a choice of chicken bao, karaage and chips, popper and ice-cream. Backbone Bar is dog friendly, with pooches welcome to join theirowners on the terrace.

Need to know - There is a limited amount of off-street parking adjacent, otherwise on street parking in the streets nearby.