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Restaurant

Backbone Bar

Unit 9/489 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun QLD 4224, Australia

Recommended by 60 people

Updated

Find Backbone Bar

Unit 9/489 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun QLD 4224, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 467 649 202
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Backbone Bar

Tugun locals drop into Backbone Bar for cold independent craft brews paired with freshly made Japanese tapas. The taps rotate constantly through regional kegs—mapped out clearly on the wall—while the kitchen turns out tofu okonomiyaki, crisp crab croquettes, and duck spring rolls alongside dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus. Between pints, patrons hit the retro pinball machines to sound out casual afternoons.

  • Rotating Independent Taps: Over 20 rotating taps spotlighting independent regional breweries, accompanied by an illustrated wall map.
  • Japanese Tapas & Dietary Menus: House-made okonomiyaki, crab croquettes, and duck spring rolls with extensive dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus.
  • Retro Pinball & Entertainment: Classic pinball and arcade setups paired with regular live music in a dog- and family-friendly space.
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What's On at Backbone Bar

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Backbone Bar

Discover why locals choose Backbone Bar for independent craft taps, authentic Japanese tapas, and retro arcade entertainment.

  • Extensive Independent Craft Beer Selection

    Backbone Bar pours independent local brews across 20+ constantly changing taps alongside extensive cans, backed by staff guidance and regional brewery mapping.

    Core beers plus 20+ constantly changing taps, huge variety of cans also.

    Billy Mckindley

  • Authentic Asian Tapas & Inclusive Dietary Menus

    The kitchen prepares authentic Japanese tapas, okonomiyaki, and Asian bites alongside dedicated menus for vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements.

    Unbelievably delicious tapas menu. Not only that but the separate menu catering for vegans and GF folk is quite extensive!

    Adam Scott

  • Retro Pinball & Live Local Music

    A laid-back setting pairs vintage pinball and arcade machines with a stage featuring regular local live music performances.

    Live music, pinball machines and a Gelato bar. But the beer selection on tap and off is mindblowing.

    John Cashman

  • Unpretentious Coastal Neighborhood Atmosphere

    Guests enjoy a welcoming, down-to-earth environment that skips the pretension often associated with Gold Coast nightlife.

    very nice place to meet people for casual catch up without the pretension of many other places on the Gold Coast.

    Tomas Ratoni

  • Family-Friendly & Dog-Welcoming Setup

    The venue warmly welcomes families with young children as well as dogs in its outdoor spaces while keeping kids engaged.

    Great spot for families with parents who are fans of craft beers & Japanese food. Kids entertained by the pinball machines & planes coming in to land.

    M S

  • Effortless Group Convenience & Casual Amenities

    Thoughtful outdoor seating, ample nearby parking, and muted sports screens provide an easy, comfortable destination for gatherings.

    The owner is a big supporter of local artists and musicians, theres lots of parking and the outside area is dog friendly.

    Greasy Belcher

Customer-favourite Japanese tapas and casual pub fare

  • Tofu Okonomiyaki

    would 100% recommend ordering the tofu okonomiyaki if you ever are in Tugun.

    Emily Nielsen

  • Battered Fish Burgers with Chips

    Each burger had a whole fillet of fish on each burger so very generous. The fish was perfectly battered and the burger tasted delicious (loved the red onion, rocket and sauce). The chips are thick, crunchy and super tasty.

    Michelle Hewett

  • Japanese Curry

    My dad ordered the Japanese curry - he said it was really good too.

    Emily Nielsen

  • Korean Chicken

    Great lotus chips, korean chicken and omelette.

    Chloe Dodunski

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful amenities and details that elevate the relaxed taproom experience

  • Local Brewery Tap Map

    A dedicated wall map displays the origins and locations of the local breweries featured on tap, helping guests explore regional craft selections.

  • Free Sparkling Water

    Free sparkling water is offered to diners, providing a thoughtful and refreshing complimentary detail at the table.

  • Retro Pinball and Arcade Games

    Retro pinball and arcade games offer hands-on, nostalgic entertainment for kids, families, and casual players.

  • Sound-Off Ceiling Sports Screens

    TVs show sports muted with screens positioned high near the ceiling so guests can watch without disrupting the music or conversation.

Before you head over

Practical advice on beer choices, dietary menus, and service style at Backbone Bar.

  • Navigate the Craft Taps

    Check out the brewery map on the wall and tap into the staff's knowledge to navigate the 20+ rotating independent local craft taps and cans.

  • Ask for Dedicated Dietary Menus

    Take advantage of dedicated separate vegan and gluten-free menus alongside Japanese tapas and pub fare when ordering for mixed diets.

  • Order Directly at the Bar

    Place food and drink orders up at the bar rather than expecting table service in this relaxed neighbourhood boozer.

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