Wet your whistle at these Sunshine Coast bars
List
By Sarah Bristow
Fancy a drink? On the Sunshine Coast you’ll find no shortage of watering holes to quench your thirst. While Noosa and its neighbours have a reputation for beautiful beaches, the region isn’t shy of a bar or two, with a growing collection scattered from the Sunshine Coast's south in Caloundra to the top tip. Make like the locals do and forgo the tourist strips for these lesser-known drinking dens - you’ll find gathered here the Sunshine Coast bars the locals approve of.
The Pocket Espresso Bar, Moffat Beach
Photo by The Pocket Espresso Bar via FB
Tucked into Caloundra’s Moffat Beach is The Pocket Espresso Bar. A favourite of locals at all hours of the day (and night) this eatery once focused on caffeinating residents before expanding into the dinner trade on weekends. From Friday through Sunday, sit back in the eatery’s courtyard, partnering your fish tacos or beef burger with one of the creative cocktails on offer.
Pier 33, Mooloolaba
Nudging the Mooloolaba Wharf you’ll find the Hamptons-style institution Pier 33 in the former home of the Mooloolaba Yacht Club. Much loved for a Sunday session, the drinking hole sits right on the water, mingling with the neighbouring trawlers and private yachts. Fresh seafood is unsurprisingly the focus here, joined by a hefty wine list and a curated selection of classic cocktails.
Village Bicycle, Noosa Junction
Photo by @visitnoosa
Hastings Street may attract tourists in their droves, but that’s not to say that nearby Noosa Junction isn’t well worth a visit. It’s here where you’ll find the much-loved Sunshine Coast bar, Village Bicycle. Home to Noosa’s only beer garden, this eclectic drinking den heaves seven days a week, thanks to its impressive array of craft beers and late-night feeds.
Rick’s Garage, Palmwoods
Make way for the hinterland’s Palmwoods and you’ll find Rick’s Garage, a haven of rockabilly music, hot rods and pin-up dress. While burgers and beers are the eatery’s specialty, whiskey lovers will want to head straight upstairs where the dedicated bar sits. From Thursday to Sunday you can tuck into one of the 170 Premium Spirits which line the walls, all the while listening to live music.
Hong Sa, Yandina
No visit to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a visit to the much lauded Spirit House, or its drinking den Hong Sa. For the occasion where you’re not quite hungry enough to indulge in a full meal at the famed eatery, partake instead in a cocktail and Thai-inspired snack at the adjoining casual bar. Small plates of Spirit House classics adorn the menu here, joined by creative tipples incorporating house-blend gins and bourbons.
Rice Boi, Mooloolaba
Sitting above Mooloolaba Wharf resident Rice Boi is Rice Boi Upstairs, a Japanese-inspired dive bar that’s become a firm favourite among Sunshine Coast residents. Boasting balcony views out onto the surrounding water as well as a waterfront beer garden, it’s here that you can tuck into the delights of the downstairs street food-inspired menu and a vast cocktail and wine list.
The Rooftop Bar & Garden, Maroochydore
Bask in the balmy weather of the region during your visit at The Rooftop Bar & Garden. As its name suggests, this open-air drinking destination sits perched on the top tier of a seven-storey building, and is the first rooftop bar on the Sunshine Coast. But the menu of this sleek establishment is just as enticing as the view - think Japanese-infused oysters and spritz galore.
Solbar, Maroochydore
There’s no better place for live music lovers to dwell than Solbar. Among the Sunshine Coast bars, this is one of the most devoted to melody. Pub grub dominates the restaurant menu, with no shortage of beer brands to accompany (craft beer included). It’s particularly popular mid-week, when Pizza and Tinnies accompanies open mic night.
Brouhaha, Maleny
Forgo the coastline for some time in the hinterland with a trip to picturesque Maleny. The rolling hills of this popular district have become home to Brouhaha Brewery, a group of beer experts creating brew with ingredients sourced locally where possible. While classic beers abound (Maleny Lager included), so too do some innovative new offerings, like the Blood Orange Saison and Strawberry Rhubarb Sour.
