We work hard all year to enjoy a few special days with our friends and family, and if you’re like us the last thing you want to do is spend more time in the kitchen than need be, especially after that Christmas Day Marathon.
So we’ve hit the road around the South East to find some great little spots to take our friends, family for a nice meal, a quick bite to eat or just a coffee and a chat this festive season without having to do the dishes.
THE LOCAL
Our first stop on this festive journey is The Local at Paradise Point opening earlier this year with a focus on bringing locals together, This lovely venue which has a large al fresco dining area overlooking the Broadwater, brings that sophisticated pub feel combined with that great local service and spectacular food, throwing in twice-weekly some great live music.
The food is a standout and a must try, they have many offerings including $20 two-cource lunch specail including a house wine or a soft drink and a $29 two course dinner option that is available Sunday – Thursday.
If you’re partial to a tipple the venues diverse wine list with a great selection of Australian and New Zealand wines will have you feeling content, If its something of the beer variety you’re looking for check out the great selection of local beers on tap.
The Local @ 44 the Esplanade, Paradise Point, 4216 Is the perfect place to stop in for a sunkissed afternoon overlooking the Broadwater.
BOARDWALK RESTAURANT
If you find yourself heading up the motorway for the holidays, we’ve also scouted the perfect place for catching up with your friends or family; The Boardwalk Restaurant is a must visit.
With a great view of Lake Eden and adjoining the North Lakes Hotel, Boardwalk boasts a stunning outdoor terrace perfect for those Queensland sunsets and with a great range of food and drinks on offer and indoor playroom for the little ones it’s sure to make for a great evening for all.
They even have some meal deals for the little ones on the weekends or may we suggest trying some of the holiday specials, if it’s a bit earlier in the day and you’re out and about for a good breakfast why not pop in for the buffet between 7-10am.
But we highly recommend heading in for an afternoon beverage grabbing some of the famous chicken wings and nibbles and taking in the lakeside views.
Boardwalk Restaurant is at 22 Lakefield Drive, North Lakes Qld 4509
Eat +
Our next stop is Eat + a little coffee shop for good, Spencer and the team are out to focus on being a positive influence on the community and delivering some great food and coffee in the process.
They are bringing some great food offerings for all food groups, with their in-house chefs offering a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options.
Everything is sourced locally from their Burleigh Baker through to the local butcher and candlestick maker, oh sorry I mean the fruit and veg suppliers.
They also offer a variety of ready to go meals and cakes for those of us on the run, So why not pop in see why they are certainly creating a buzz, grab a coffee or one of their whole juices and sit back and relax.
Eat + Cafe is located at 4 Sir John Overall Drive Helensvale
ACACIA ESPRESSO BAR
Our last stop is a small espresso bar based in the cultural hotspot of Acacia Ridge in Brisbane. The crew at Acacia Espresso Bar are all a well-grounded, humble and focused team all aimed at being part of the local community.
They keep the community running providing a little shot of espresso in the arm to the community every morning and throwing in some of that good old fashioned customer service.
You can get your hands on a range of snackable options or just grabbing a cup to go but this trendy little cafe is definitely worth popping out of the way and stopping in for an eat and a treat.
Just let Jeremy and the team just put a little shot of sunshine in your arm and reminds you that it’s worth taking a slight detour and supporting a local cafe.
They will be taking a little bit of a well-earned rest over the festive season from the 24th to the 2nd but stop in anytime either side of then and check it out.
Visit Jeremy and The Team at Shop 7-28 Elizabeth Street, Acacia Ridge – Around the back of the complex
