12 Great Bars on the Sunshine Coast
Whether you're after craft beer, cocktails, or a casual drink with a view, the Sunshine Coast has plenty of spots to choose from. Here are 12 bars worth visiting across the region, from beachside venues to local favourites tucked into quieter suburbs.
1
Bars Kawana Waters1. Your Mates Brewing Co.
If you're keen on craft beer, this Kawana Waters brewery is a natural stop. It's the highest-scoring venue on this list, making it a solid first choice for a laid-back drink with a focus on local brews.
View venue4.7(1,165)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look2
Bars Mooloolaba2. Boston Shaker Bar
Head to Mooloolaba for cocktail-focused drinking. Boston Shaker Bar scores well and puts the emphasis on mixed drinks, making it ideal if you want something more crafted than a straightforward beer or wine.
View venue4.8(310)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look3
Restaurants Marcoola3. High Tide Bar, Grill & Cafe
This Marcoola spot doubles as a restaurant and bar, so it's handy if you want to eat and drink in one place without moving venues.
View venue4.5(1,063)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look4
Restaurants Montville4. Montville Cafe Bar & Grill
Another combined cafe, bar, and grill setup, this Montville venue works well for a relaxed meal with drinks in a hinterland setting away from the beach hustle.
View venue4.4(1,826)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look5
Bars Mooloolaba5. Inca Tapas Bar
Also in Mooloolaba, Inca Tapas Bar offers a different vibe if you want to graze on small plates while you drink, ideal for sharing and socialising.
View venue5.0(113)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look6
Bars Mooloolaba6. The Beach Bar & Grill
A third Mooloolaba option with a beachside focus. It combines bar and grill services, making it a solid choice if you're already in the beach precinct.
View venue4.4(1,086)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look7
Bars Noosa Heads7. muse Noosa
If Noosa Heads is your destination, muse offers a contemporary bar experience in one of the Sunshine Coast's most popular beachside suburbs.
View venue4.9(148)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look8
Bars Noosa Heads8. Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club
Another Noosa Heads venue with a community focus. The surf club atmosphere appeals to those wanting a more casual, local feel with a bit of history.
View venue4.3(3,132)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look9
Bars Noosa Heads9. Theo's Social Club
A third Noosa Heads bar option if you're spending time in that area and want variety. The 'social club' positioning suggests a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
View venue4.9(129)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look10
Bars Maroochydore10. Buderim Distilling Co
Based in Maroochydore, this distillery bar is worth visiting if spirits and local distilling interest you, offering something distinct from standard beer and cocktail venues.
View venue4.9(112)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look11
Restaurants Buderim11. The Alex Bar & Grill
Located in Buderim, this venue combines bar and grill services. It's a good option if you're exploring the hinterland suburbs beyond the immediate beach areas.
View venue4.5(557)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look12
Restaurants Kawana Waters12. Club Kawana
A second Kawana Waters venue, Club Kawana offers a club-style bar atmosphere if you're in that part of the coast and want a different setting from a dedicated brewery.
View venue4.3(1,236)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your Mates Brewing Co. | 67/100 | 4.7(1,165) | $$ | Kawana Waters | — |
| Boston Shaker Bar | 64/100 | 4.8(310) | — | Mooloolaba | — |
| High Tide Bar, Grill & Cafe | 64/100 | 4.5(1,063) | $$ | Marcoola | — |
| Montville Cafe Bar & Grill | 64/100 | 4.4(1,826) | $$ | Montville | — |
| Inca Tapas Bar | 63/100 | 5.0(113) | — | Mooloolaba | — |
| The Beach Bar & Grill | 63/100 | 4.4(1,086) | $$ | Mooloolaba | — |
| muse Noosa | 63/100 | 4.9(148) | — | Noosa Heads | — |
| Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club | 63/100 | 4.3(3,132) | $$ | Noosa Heads | — |
| Theo's Social Club | 62/100 | 4.9(129) | — | Noosa Heads | — |
| Buderim Distilling Co | 62/100 | 4.9(112) | — | Maroochydore | — |
| The Alex Bar & Grill | 62/100 | 4.5(557) | $$ | Buderim | — |
| Club Kawana | 62/100 | 4.3(1,236) | — | Kawana Waters | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which Sunshine Coast bar scores highest on this list?+
Your Mates Brewing Co. in Kawana Waters has the highest score at 67, followed by Boston Shaker Bar in Mooloolaba at 64.
Are there bars in the hinterland, or just at the beach?+
Yes, Montville and Buderim both have bar venues listed, offering an alternative to beachside drinking.
Which suburb has the most bars on this list?+
Mooloolaba and Noosa Heads each have three bars listed, making them the most represented areas.
Can I get food at these bars?+
Several venues explicitly combine bar and grill or cafe services (High Tide, Montville Cafe Bar & Grill, The Beach Bar & Grill, and The Alex Bar & Grill). For others, it's best to check directly about food options.
Are these bars suitable for groups?+
Most appear designed for group socialising. Tapas bars like Inca are particularly suited to sharing, while larger venues like club settings tend to accommodate groups comfortably.
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