Choofas Smokehouse & Seafood

Choofas Smokehouse & Seafood brings slow-cooked barbecue, steaks and locally sourced seafood to Griffith Street in Coolangatta. The restaurant describes itself as casual dining with a relaxed feel, with food available to eat in or take away. Its menu covers smoked meats, burgers, steaks, seafood, chicken and salads, while platters are available for groups or anyone wanting a larger spread. The venue also highlights a large selection of gluten-free options.

The smokehouse is central to the Choofas story. Founder Scott spent years working on the flavours developed during business trips to the United States, eventually creating the venue’s own Dark Dry Rub and sauces. He also designed a commercial smoker with close temperature and smoke control, allowing the beef, pork and chicken to be cooked slowly for tenderness and consistency. Seafood is an equally important part of the offering, reflecting the owners’ interest in fishing and a focus on fresh, locally sourced produce. The restaurant’s Seafood Chowder is specifically promoted as a signature choice for seafood lovers.

Choofas also has a substantial drinks offering through its Horn Bar. The bar stocks more than 100 rums, bourbons and whiskeys, alongside local gins, Australian wines, craft beers, beers on tap and cocktails. Happy hour runs from 3pm to 5pm Wednesday to Monday, with the venue closed on Tuesdays according to the supplied site information. This makes it suited to a casual meal that carries on into drinks, rather than being strictly a quick dinner stop.

The Coolangatta venue has a sizeable dining setup, with seating for up to 140 guests, all-weather dining and table service. Private dining areas are available for functions and parties, and large groups are welcome. That combination of broad menu, platters and flexible seating makes it a practical option for family meals, celebrations and group gatherings, while the bar and relaxed atmosphere also suit a more informal meal for smaller parties. Choofas began as a takeaway in Tweed Heads in 2015 before moving its focus to Coolangatta, where the current Griffith Street venue opened in 2019 after an earlier beachfront location.