It takes a lot of moxie to set up shop amongst the Gold Coast’s biggest hospitality hitters.
Joining the neighbourhood of long-established names like Justin Lane, Rick Shores and Ze Pickle is an endeavour not for the faint of heart or unoriginal mind.
Kiss the mantra ‘if you build it, they will come’ goodbye; because to stand out amongst the best, you have to build the best.
Receiving this message loud and clear is the gang behind the new contemporary Korean vibe-box that is Suzy BBQ, Burleigh.
Being the first of its kind in the southern end of the Gold Coast, she has quickly become the name on everyone’s lips.
Lighting up a spot on the strip with coloured neon, smokey scents and the grooviest hums, this K-BBQ slash bar is an all-time great time.
Get drawn inside to find an eclectic room of wooden high tables surrounded by funky Korean memorabilia, mantlepieced delicacies and fizzing jars of pickled vege.
For any newbies to Korean BBQ, this style of cuisine is designed to have patrons cook their own meal at the table on built-in barbeque grills. Although perplexing at first, after a few tong test-clicks, this DIY style adds a depth of theatrics and a thrilling sense of culinary accomplishment.
Alongside the sizzling slices of primo meat and veg is a complimentary lineup of traditional sides to mix and match; including kimchi, radish, pickled onion and cold pasta that may sound out of place but, trust, fits so well.
What makes for a stellar environment for playful dinner dates also allows group bookings to thrive. Open late seven days a week, Suzy is quickly becoming the spot to set up for a lunch that rolls into drinks, onto more drinks until you’ve joined tables with your neighbour and the night goes down as one for the history books.
Gaining a reputation for their immaculate late-night vibe, Suzy’s secret weapon comes by the bottle in the form of Soju: an easy-sinking spirit that is the national alcoholic drink of South Korea. Designed to sip over a meal, or bomb into a beer, its fruity taste pairs perfectly with the spicy-sweet flavours of the menu.
Always ready to join in on a friendly shot of Soju is the crew behind Suzy. From a blended team that brings local venues Light Years Burleigh, Panchos Mudgeeraba, and national brand Bae Juice, they are experts at working the room to deliver personal service with a strong side of familiarity.
Having carved out a lane of their own through flavour, service and style, Suzy has crafted an out-of-this-world atmosphere by blending the static streets of Seoul with the relaxed ethos of Burleigh Heads.
No easy feat, but one that will surely cement their place amongst the Gold Coast greats in no time.
