Stairwell Coffee

Stairwell Coffee is tucked down an alley near the Hilton in the heart of Surfers Paradise, a hidden-gem coffee spot that rewards those in the know. In the middle of the Gold Coast's busiest tourist precinct, it offers a quality coffee escape away from the bustle — the kind of in-the-know little spot that's become a genuine local favourite.

The appeal is that combination of genuinely good coffee and a hidden, characterful location, a refreshing change from the crowds of the main strip. For anyone after a proper cup in the heart of Surfers, finding it is part of the charm, and the strong following speaks to the quality in the cup.

With a 4.8 rating from more than 600 reviews, it's clearly hitting the mark. Menus, opening hours and offerings change, and a small, popular spot gets busy at peak times, so it's worth checking current details before a special trip — though for a coffee on the go, it's often just a matter of finding the laneway and seeing why it's so well rated, perhaps with a short wait at the busiest times.