Those looking for handcrafted cocktails and expertly curated wine list will be pleased to know you don’t have to go far to find a buzzing bar vibe here.
Unleash your taste buds and raise a glass to the local makers and shakers mixing up good times on the Sunshine Coast with this list of new bars worth pulling a stool up at.
WAT Den, Mooloolaba
Rolling ladders against a wall library of specialty whiskies and tequila mixed with a side of beach views - that’s the kind of vibe you can expect at Wat Den in Mooloolaba. This spirit bar is the first of its kind on the Sunshine Coast, dripping in opulence thanks to its signature cigar lounge aesthetic with rich, dark panelling and dimmed wall lights. Whether you’re here for a nightcap or pre-dinner ritual, work your way through a curated menu crafted by the likes of co-owner Felipe Bley and featuring WAT Den’s very own syrups and infusions, juice lemons and limes.
WAT Den. Credit @chevaunehindley
Apero Noosa
Much like its name would suggest, the philosophy behind newcomer Apero Noosa is anchored in the European tradition of gathering for an aperitif, and naturally, a bite to eat. Taking walk-ins only, grab a seat at the bar and dig into anything from the creamy deliciousness that is Riverine buffalo blue cheese with nigella lavosh bark, fried chicken topped with caviar or even Mulloway fish croquettes. Here, the wine list has a whole lot of range so choose your own culinary adventure with anything from a bottle of Billecart -Salmon ‘Clos Saint -Hilaire’ Brut Millés '06 for $1999 to a number of varietals by the glass for $14.
Apero Noosa
Atelier Wine Bar, Noosa
Dip your toe further into our wine and dine culture with Noosa’s brand-new cellar-door inspired wine bar, Atelier. The concept here is that you pull up a chair at the 16-seat French oak table to sip on rare and premium wines by the glass (half and full-size options available) while knocking back cheeky caviar bumps with frozen vodka shots and lobster rolls. You’ll be on cloud wine!
Atelier Wine Bar
Spill Wine, Maleny
Tucked deep into the heart of Maleny is the fresh boutique wine shop and bar, Spill Wine. The tipple aficionados here are committed to popping the cork on smaller and independent producers, leaning more towards natural, organic and biodynamic vino from Australia and around the world. The 270-strong line-up of wine is housed on a wall of shelves dedicated to all kinds of juice, and you’ll also find the ultimate snack menu riddled with goods from LP’s Quality Meats and Saison Meats.
Cheeky John, Maroochydore
For cold drinks and sticky chicken wings, get your foot in the door at Cheeky John in Maroochydore. Not to be confused with its cafe counterpart, John Kyle Espresso, this bar is an ode to weekends, late nights, local beer, aromatic cocktails (think Tiki sours and Jaffa Old Fashioneds), share plates and of course, funky tunes. Poised to reopen in spring, this is one you’ll want to mark your diaries for.
Cotton Tree Beach Bar, Maroochydore
Cotton Tree Beach Bar
Taking up space in an unrivalled coastal location, Cotton Tree Beach Bar is serving summer vibes year-round with a side of salty air. Adorning all the tropical allure with palm wallpaper and rattan chairs, your eternal sea-esta can take full swing thanks to a menu devoted to crispy fried mahi mahi tacos, poke bowls and battered coral trout whipped up with malt vinegar seasoning, fries and buttery smashed peas.
Black Flag Brewing, Coolum
Blackflag Brewing, Coolum
If there’s one brewery that’s raised the bar, or flag—so to speak, you can bet your kegs it’s been BlackFlag Brewing. A beacon of craft beer excellence, the crew behind one of the Sunshine Coast’s most famed hoppy place has officially opened its new headquarters at Coolum Beach, taking up a whopping 2100 square metres.
