12 of the Best Gold Coast Coffee Shops

By Sophia Watson

The great thing about Australia’s much-lauded coffee culture is that each state, region and even town seems to have a micro-culture all its own. In the cruisy beach region of Queensland’s Gold Coast, you’ll enjoy the high-quality coffee Australia is known for, with a distinctly casual, ‘no worries’ vibe. Check out these quintessential Gold Coast coffee shops.

NEXT DOOR ESPRESSO

Where: Unit 1/24 Junction Rd, Burleigh Heads

If it’s bohemian luxury you’re after, look no further than the lush and breezy paradise that is Next Door Espresso. Any good coffee aficionado knows that a cup of coffee is about much more than just a cup of coffee. Next Door Espresso is all about creating a ritual like no other to get the most out of your daily coffee moment. A stellar way to experience Australia’s famous coffee culture in true Gold Coast style. 

PADDOCK BAKERY

Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Housed in a lovingly restored 70-year-old Queenslander home, Paddock Bakery is passionate about the ultimate combination of great coffee and mouth-watering baked goods. At the heart of the operation is their woodfire oven, the source of their iconic pastries and breads, made from iconic red Australian bricks salvaged from homes all around the country. With a bespoke, hand-crafted approach to everything they do, you won’t find a better coffee-and-doughnut experience than this rustic, high-quality café. 

THE MILKMAN’S DAUGHTER

Where: 2/43 Alfred St, Mermaid Beach

Looking for an ethical and socially conscious coffee hub? The Milkman’s Daughter will definitely scratch that itch. Driven by the philosophy of “eat consciously, live consciously,” this 100% vegetarian café is about being awake and aware. If you’re not in a rush, this is the perfect spot to really sit with your thoughts and enjoy your ethically sourced coffee in a lush urban rainforest of greenery and nature.

BSKT

Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach

Pronounced ‘biscuit’, BSKT is one for the health and wellness crowd. Simply, their focus is on making individuals and the planet healthier. Early Egyptians and Romans used biscuits as their option for sustenance and good health on long journeys. BSKT was founded on these same beliefs, driven by the need to fuel a food and health revolution by using the highest quality foods available. You can expect foods of superior nutritional integrity and a delicious coffee roast to go with it. 

DUST TEMPLE

Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters

Dust Temple is one for the edgy creative types and hardcore coffee lovers. The café itself is an uber-cool and gritty repurposed warehouse sitting among the burgeoning and buzzing artistic industry of Currumbin. A fresh croissant, a strong coffee, a chorus of interesting intellectual conversations, the melody of a local guitarist – and more – are just some of the reasons you’ll ignore that text message notification, log off and check in with your creativity at Dust Temple.

ELK ESPRESSO

Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

If you're walking straight off the beach, having a catch up with your bestie, or just sneaking away from reality for a little me-time, Elk Espresso is always a solid option. Elk pride themselves on pouring quality coffee all day long. Using Proud Mary beans for their signature house blend, the café features roasters from around Australia with alternative and innovative brewing methods.

NO NAME LANE CAFÉ & BAR

Where: 17-19 Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach

If you're looking for some of the best coffee, breakfasts and cocktails in Broadbeach, you'll find it all under one roof at No Name Lane. Though their main focus is feeding your specific caffeine nuances, you’ll also find a boutique-style menu brimming with tasty dishes; think fresh tropical fruits, savoury produce and much more. Designed to mimic the iconic Melbourne coffee scene interior, you’ll enjoy this exceptionally cool north-meets-south Aussie café that morphs from coffee to cocktail in a matter of minutes.

SOCIAL BREW

Where: 34-36 James St, Burleigh Heads

A treasured favourite among the locals, Social Brew is a plant-lined urban jungle and a caffeinated haven, offering four different bean combinations as well as a house cold-drip coffee to curb that signature Gold Coast heat. Social Brew is easily one of the most popular brunch spots on a weekend, so be sure to head in early to grab yourself a spot in this buzzing Gold Coast café. 

CAFÉ DBAR

Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta

Get a real Gold Coast start to your day at Café Dbar. You’ll be blown away by the scenic and casual dining experience from their panoramic dining rooms nestled on top of Point Danger, in the iconic beachside suburb of Rainbow Bay. Offering a selection of fresh ingredients sourced locally, the influences of paddock-to-plate shine bright in their breakfast and lunch menu. 

BAM BAM BAKEHOUSE

Where: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Bam Bam Bakehouse first came to life back in 2015 and since then its talented team of bakers, pâtissiers, chefs and makers have turned the Mermaid Beach bakery into a cult-followed pastry destination and café. Driven by a love of French-style artisan baking, everything at Bam Bam is handmade from scratch in small batches throughout the day so that whenever you arrive, you’ll be able to enjoy their baked goodness at its freshest and most delicious. The hero of the bakery is their humble croissant. Be sure to grab a coffee and one of these buttery beauties for a perfect start to a sunny Gold Coast day. 

COMMUNE BURLEIGH

Where: 1844 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

A lively little café with quirky vintage décor and a devil-may-care attitude, Commune in Burleigh Heads is all about light meals and quality coffee with a strong focus on organic produce. A cult favourite among locals and visitors alike, Commune will win you over with their amazingly fresh and natural menu, expert brewing and left-of-centre aesthetic.

ESPRESSO MOTO

Where: 2/1389 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

First opened in 2014 as a café out front and a racer shop out back, the motorbike shop theme travels throughout Espresso Moto with its charming vintage motorbike décor. This is the ultimate good vibes coffee shop, where everything is made lovingly in house and people feel welcomed and relaxed while enjoying a great cup of joe and some really excellent food. It's the perfect all-rounder option to suit one and all.