Best Mackay restaurants, cafes and bars to feast your way through

Ask any local where they go for their morning coffee, and they’ll tell you Woodman’s. This speciality coffee shop slings brews from Melbourne’s Axil Coffee Roasters, and it’s sure to start your day the right way whether you’re sipping a single origin batch brew or a matcha latte, especially if you wash it down with the maple bacon waffles.

Order: Twice-baked almond croissants.

Where: 47 Gordon St, Mackay.

Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Markets

Grab your tote and take a trip to the farmers market to experience Mackay's regional food culture up close. Pick up a coffee and a few treats, and, if you’re staying in self-contained accommodation, buy your fresh fruit and veg here too. The market is held every Wednesday (7am-11am) at Bluewater Quay.

Buy: A sweet Queensland pineapple for brunch snacking.

Where: 10 River St, Mackay. 

Lunch

Twenty50 Nice Cream and Espresso Bar

Sustainable food tastes even sweeter at Twenty50 Espresso Bar; a locally-owned cafe dedicated to serving the best coffee and comfort food with a delightfully healthy, plant-based twist.

Come here for burgers, breakfast, juice and smoothies, but not as you know it: with vegan and vegetarian options across the menu board, and many drinks and dishes featuring Nice Cream - an indulgent dairy-free, gluten free and allergen free dessert.

Order: A superfood bowl and Cookie Dough power shake.

Where: Shop 1012, Northern Beaches Shopping Centre, 10 Eimeo Rd, Rural View.

9^th Lane Grind

This funky café has a killer breakfast menu, with mouth-watering lunch options to match. And if you didn't make it to the farmers market, make your way here on Wednesday for their market day special, featuring produce from local growers. Save room for the enticing desserts cabinet: no surprise given that Mackay is one of Queensland’s sugarcane epicentres. 

Order: The KFCB (Kristy’s Fried Chicken Burger) with smashed avocado, kale slaw and sriracha mayonnaise on a charcoal bun. 

Where: 43 Wood St, Mackay.

Austral Hotel 

Queenslanders know a good steak, and a great spot to order a slab is Austral Hotel and Steakhouse. Known by locals as the place to go for premium beef (there are 10 different cuts available), you won’t leave this place hungry. Afterwards, enjoy a round of pool or catch the cricket on the big screens.

Order: The grazier’s T-bone topped with garlic prawns.

Where: 189 Victoria St, Mackay. 

Eimeo Pacific Hotel

Perched on the headland above Eimeo Beach, this old pub is a local’s hang-out and a must-visit on your holiday in Mackay. Here, the ocean views AND the bistro menu are a knock-out. Think crispy pork belly, chicken parmigiana, fish and chips or Thai chicken curry. 

Order: The local grilled barramundi with a specialty Eimeo Lager.

Where: 1 Mango Ave, Eimeo. 

Afternoon Tea

Sarina Sugar Shed

It’s not your typical place to have a bite, but a tour and tasting at Sarina Sugar Shed is a great way to spend an afternoon in Mackay. 

Learn about the sugar mill and distillery, as well as Queensland’s sugarcane industry, on a one-hour guided tour that includes samples of fresh sugar cane, molasses, sauces, and other goodies such as rum, schnapps and ginger beer.

Order: Indulge your inner child after your liquer tastings with handcrafted ice cream and fairy floss.

Where: Railway Square, Sarina.

The Old Station Teahouse

Pretty, quaint and classic, The Old Station Teahouse is where you’ll want to take your mum for a Sunday cuppa. A former railway station that was relocated to the rainforest, the teahouse is a lovely spot to call into after seeing the kangaroos and wallabies on Cape Hillsborough Beach. There's cakes made lovingly onsite, pies, sandwiches and woodfired pizza, along with barista coffee and artisanal teas. The kids will love the sprawling gardens, and dogs are welcome too.

Order: A Devonshire tea, with a chocolate pecan brownie to go.

Where: 231 Cape Hillsborough Rd, Ball Bay. 

Dinner

Shamrock Hotel

Catching up with mates over dinner and a drink? Head to Shamrock Hotel for a casual evening of pub-style food, and plenty of fun in the sports bar if you want to watch the footy. 

Order: Shamrock pie of the day with peas and creamy mash.

Where: 165 Nebo Rd, West Mackay. 

Paddock Brew & Company

Mackay might have been the last place you’d look for American BBQ, but that all changed when Paddock Brew & Company came on the scene. The USA-inspired smokehouse and craft beer bar brings a paddock-to-plate philosophy to the table, sourcing local produce and meats to cook low and slow for 16 hours. 

Order: Pit Master’s Selection, which includes chicken, brisket, pulled pork, hot links, wings, stuffed potato and southern slaw.

Where: 94 Wood St, Mackay.

Il Bacco Italian

Whether you’re after a giant bowl of pasta or a rich osso bucco, Il Bacco is the place to go for your Italian fix in Mackay. The family run restaurant is known for its traditional cooking, with influence running the length of the boot from Sicily to Tuscany, alongside a solid menu of Italian wines and beers.

Order: Duck ragu with goats cheese fondue and pistachio pesto.

Where: 31 Brisbane St, Mackay.

Night cap

The Dispensary

No matter what time of day you’re after a bite or a beverage, The Dispensary has you covered. It’s open from 6am so you can grab an early coffee and breakfast, and the kitchen is pumping through lunch and dinner.

Our favourite time? Head into the dimly lit bar come evening to taste Mackay's most extensive wine and whisky collection.

Order: Confit lamb, zucchnini flowers and a cheese plate, complemented with your favourite cocktail. 

Where: 86 Wood St, Mackay.