Overview
It's true when you're on holidays, kicking back in far-flung locations with a drink in your hand. It's true if you're a Brisbanite heading down the coast for a day, weekend or short getaway, or if you're a Gold Coast local as well. That unfaltering reality? That everything tastes better when it's paired with beach views — which a heap of well-known hospitality names are testing out in Surfers Paradise.
First, axe-throwing bar Maniax announced that it was branching out to level one of the Paradise Centre in Surfers Paradise, setting up shop there at the beginning of August. Then TGI Fridays revealed the same, although exactly when in the coming months that chain will open its new venue — its Australasian flagship and first-ever beachside venue, in fact — is yet to be revealed. The next one to join the fun: lively Tex-Mex brand El Camino Cantina, for OTT margaritas while staring at the waves.
Launching on Friday, September 9, El Camino's Surfers Paradise outpost will mark its 13th nationwide and sixth in Queensland, including at Bowen Hills, Chermside and South Bank in Brisbane, and also Robina on the GC since 2020. If you've been to one of its venues, you know what to expect menu- and vibe-wise, but this is the only Sunshine State spot with that beachy backdrop.
For newcomers to the chain, think loud, bright and filled with giant cocktails, rock 'n' roll jukeboxes, free sombreros and other Tex-Mex fare. Skulls, crosses, cacti and lightning bolts also feature heavily, alongside a corrugated iron bar decorated with flame graffiti — and the new joint will also boast a custom-designed mural by Ben Brown featuring a surfing skeleton.
El Camino's Surfers Paradise digs will seat 250 patrons, including the 30-seat al fresco dining space, with booths, high-top tables for large groups and swing-style seats all available — the latter playing up the beachfront angle.
Slushie machines, a big feature at the chain's other venues, are part of the fitout as well. Cue big nights and brain freezes. El Camino's margaritas come in multiple sizes and renditions — such as a tropical Red Bull flavour, which really says it all. Other options include a host of beers from near and far, and a sizeable collection of mezcals and tequilas.
The food lineup is as fun and casual as the drinks, spanning fiery buffalo wings, sizzling fajitas, plump burritos, and soft shell tacos loaded with punchy flavour combinations. The Surfers Paradise joint also boasts El Camino's signature specials, including $2 tacos on Tuesdays and ten-cent wings on Wednesdays.
And, it'll be the brand's first to also serve up breakfast, with brekkie tacos coming packed with grilled sirloin and scrambled egg, refried black beans and queso fresco, and streaky bacon with jalapeno and cheddar.
Also, from opening for six weeks until mid-October, the new spot is also hosting a margarita festival. Called Ritapalooza, it's serving up those frosty, boozy beverages in 24 different flavours. On the limited-edition menu: Wizz Fizz, Jelly Belly, Skittle, fairy floss and grape Nerd varieties, as well as Hubba Bubba, marshmallow and fairy bread.
Find El Camino Cantina on level one in the Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, from Friday, September 9. Ritapalooza kicks off the same day and runs for six weeks, until mid-October.