Varsity Lakes Tavern image

Varsity Lakes Tavern

Restaurant Bar Pub Bar and grill Bistro Sports bar

Burgers & hearty bistro meals served in a sprawling, modern space with a kids' playroom & TV sports. People often mention good, great, staff, service, time, area, ribs, friendly, event, meals,


Address

2 Santa Maria Ct, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220, Australia

Website

www.varsitylakestavern.com.au

Contact

+61 7 5576 2644

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (17) great (15) staff (10) service (10) time (10) area (9) ribs (8) friendly (7) event (7) meals (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Lisa H. 10 months ago on Google
    Service with a smile & invited to their weekender events by friendly team members promoting the weekends fundraising event. Cosmos we’re extraordinary and brought to us as it was off peak and a colleague and I were celebrating a wonderful working week. Thank you team, such a lovely local hang out spot.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Spooka F. 2 years ago on Google
    Great spot, food is good got the full rack of ribs pretty tasty, the only thing my mother inlaw got half rack of ribs and that was disappointing as she was still hungry after dinner which if you have a look in the picture I've posted it was smaller then the smallest in the photo
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sylvia C. 2 years ago on Google
    Old pub with nice pork ribs Curry was very soso….. Came here due to the salsa night Pretty busy with local families
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 nicky p. 11 months ago on Google
    Nice place very popular. The Senior menu is good and not stingy. Beer / drink prices are reasonable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Jonathon P. 1 year ago on Google
    Was expecting great things based on other reviews but that was not our experience. We tried 3 mains: rump steak, 1/2 rack of ribs and brisket sandwich. The rump was quite tough and definitely not medium rare as ordered, had quite a bit of gristle too. The brisket sandwich had plenty of brisket but wasn't very flavourful and the sandwich was overall very dry. The ribs were pretty good but the accompanying slaw and sauce was not. None of us finished our meals. Not likely to return for food. Nice venue with pleasant staff and service though and free pool tables on Sundays. Bit suss on the number of first time reviews left too... probably should have noticed that sooner
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christmas S. 10 months ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful meals! Eye fillet steak cooked to perfection, the service was fabulous and the (sound proof 😆) kids play area is just the best. Always fabulous to go out for dinner and have the kids enjoy it just as much as us. We can thoroughly recommend Varsity Lakes Tavern!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MickMac 1 year ago on Google
    It's a great venue to meet friends and have a nice meal with plenty to choose from off the menu. There are Pokies a tab and sports bar with a pool table.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jenna S. 1 year ago on Google
    Meals were good. Service was fast. The bread and dukkah was really nice. I didn't rate the roast pork though. They only accept cash at the til unless you pay via the QR code link which I thought was a little inconvenient.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kris D. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience food looks like the pictures, great food, kid friendly area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keira D. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic venue! As I was on holidays and visited, I couldn’t pick out one thing wrong! The staff went above and beyond there needs and we’re very lovely! The food was brilliant and the hygiene and cleanliness was very good! This place as a whole was excellent I will definitely be going back, And would love to take friends and family 😁
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leish93 4 months ago on Google
    I would recommend this place they make the BEST southern fried chicken burgers ❤️. And has a nice environment.

  • 1/5 Libby H. 4 months ago on Google
    DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!! Absolute waste of time. For starters 1 hours for meals to arrive which one of the first mains arrived then our entree came. Then two steaks showed up one was well done and one was rare when both should have been medium. Also ordered a burger which was wrong then they proceeded to forget about cooking any burger so everyone at my table had finished their dinner and I still had no burger. It wasn’t until 40mins later when we went up and asked about it they told us they forgot. Quite a few people had the same issue and were complaining. Wouldn’t waste your time or money.

  • 5/5 Shane D. 4 months ago on Google
    Had a great time here. We had a variety of food from the very large menu. Our steaks were cooked just right, the loaded potato was very tasty. The girls had a few cocktails which they really enjoyed and the beers were good.

  • 4/5 Ned K. 7 months ago on Google
    Delicious birthday dinner for a friend. All our meals were spot on. Will return.

  • 5/5 Jarod Booth (. 7 months ago on Google
    We have been coming here for years as it's our local pub and it has improved vastly since its establishment. The new options and rotating menu always please especially recently. I had the full rack of ribs when I went last and it was fall off the bone goodness. If you like your ribs saucy I would recommend getting some extra on the side as there was just enough to coat the ribs and nothing more. I enjoy myself every time I come here and the staff are always so welcoming.

  • 5/5 Jennie F. 9 months ago on Google
    I went there today for the $15 pot & parmy. Wonderful food and fantastic service from the young lady that was working in the sports bar 21/6/2013 (only putting date in hoping her bosses may see). She was very pleasant to us all and seemed to know the locals well. Great service by her today.

  • 5/5 Tonyw T. 9 months ago on Google
    I have been a long, time patron of Varsity Tavern and want to acknowledge the great Job the team does. When you walk into the door you are immediately made to feel welcome by Rob (I believe he is the best barman on the coast) and management (Tina and others) who will go out of their way to resolve any issues you may have. Thanks to Nikki, Aleisha and the rest of the team in the kitchen for consistently delivering good quality and excellent value meals and service. There are many others that make sure the venue is clean and presentable. Thanks for the efforts of the whole team that ensure I consistently have good experiences whenever I visit.

  • 5/5 Karen R. 1 year ago on Google
    1st time there.. my mum and dad took us there for lunch..since they moved up from Sydney last year , they love. Staff very friendly and helpful.. The meals were big and beautiful.. Thank you all for making our experience there memorable.

  • 4/5 Michael S. 4 months ago on Google
    My wife and I had the shared feast platter ($48). A good value meal with balance between salads, breads, fried and baked items. Ribs were juicy and tender. Portions were generous.

  • 5/5 Tim H. 9 months ago on Google
    Loved the sports bar facilities! Free pool, really competitive specials and the variety of live sport available to watch was entertaining. Great for a Sunday session. The staff were really friendly and seemed happy to be there. Our new local for sure!

  • 5/5 Tania G. 3 months ago on Google New
    Great regular pub. Big sports bar with good atmosphere and 2 pool tables and table tennis. $5 pints which is as cheap as it gets. We go here regularly

  • 5/5 Morgan M. 9 months ago on Google
    We celebrated our daughters baptism yesterday and the staff were so helpful and accomodating. We loved the private outdoor terrace and the platters of food were so delicious. We received great feedback from our guests. The team went above and beyond for us and even set up the area with some balloons to make us feel extra special. Varsity Tavern is a great place for a casual event, as they took the pressure off us and we were stoked that there were no hire fees for this particular area. Highly recommended!

  • 4/5 Grin K. 1 year ago on Google
    Always good for a feed, and usually pretty busy (including a fair few kids, in our experience). We've never had a bad meal from here - and we've not had a chance to try it yet, but apparently the apple pie is awesome.

  • 5/5 Mandy J. 1 year ago on Google
    Came into the pub for the first time with my family last night for dinner and really enjoyed the food - the Tuscan chicken was delicious. Service was great, the girl with the red hair was very attentive and made sure we were well looked after. Will definitely be returning soon!

  • 5/5 Caryn L. 1 year ago on Google
    We liked this place so much we visited twice!! The most wonderful steak meals! Best I've ever had, said my man!! A delicious comprehensive menu with something for everyone. Speedy service too, even when the kitchen was flat out. We will be back next time we are in the area most definitely. Thanks Team!

  • 4/5 Julie F. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice inside. Went for lunch. Decent seniors menu for my parents. Friendly service. I had the shroom burger and my partner had the veg curry. Both really good.

  • 5/5 Barry P. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly staff, well priced drinks and the food was tasty and plentiful. Would recommend for anyone planning a function or private party. Special shout out to Tina for her help in organising the event!

  • 5/5 Mariah A. 1 year ago on Google
    Always have a great time here. Jugs of CC and free pool tables on Sunday! Foods always great, but their roast pumpkin side dish was mouth-watering 🤤. Thank you Rob, Tina and Mick for the fantastic service as always.

  • 5/5 Jemima D. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a great family venue! We come here weekly for great service and yummy food! Kids love the play area and the staff are so friendly. Definitely recommend

  • 2/5 Shane R. 1 year ago on Google
    Ordered the chef's special " double cheeseburger" , highly disappointing. My son got the kids cheeseburger which was good and had completely different meat Patty. The chef's special double had what I can only assume was highly processed probably frozen meat. Seems like they made a well priced special double burger and cheaper out on the meat . Wouldn't recommend eating here , the food is so hit and miss .

  • 5/5 Anita L. 2 years ago on Google
    awesome little pub... great drink specials and the staff are really friendly with good banter. Shout out to Charlotte and Robbie for always cracking great jokes. the sports bar is also really good for pool and a relaxed arvo bevvy.

  • 5/5 Kylie F. 1 year ago on Google
    BRILLIANT EVENT SPACE - HIGHLY RECOMMEND! We booked Varsity Lakes Tavern Event Space - The Grillhouse Area for our Son's 21st Birthday Party Event! I cannot recommend highly enough what a success this event was and it ran so smoothly thanks to everyone at Varsity Lakes Tavern. The staff - nothing was too much trouble - ever! The food platters came out and they were super delicious and guests enjoyed everything - no waste. They have lights, disco balls, dance floor. Space for a DJ. Gorgeous, stunning and long lit up classy bar. Plenty of room. Curtained off/ signage supplied saying "private function". We supplied a full bar tab and on arrival there were lovely signs listing out everything on offer for our guests. Comfy lounge areas, lots of room, not stuffy. Smokers area just outside so guests don't feel disjointed from event. No venue hire cost! I called around the Gold Coast to numerous spaces and I am so so glad we locked in Varsity Lakes Tavern. Pick the food/agree on bar tab amount and can top up on the night if necessary/bring all your balloons/decorations/ cake in fridge/can set up before event/we had also a photo booth event company set up/staff were VERY knowledgeable in all sound equipment lights etc. Honestly, the best night. 5 STARS ALL THE WAY!!

  • 4/5 Kaptain K. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent tavern with a number of different bars and areas. Including a bistro, tab with indoor and outdoor seating options. Nice modern fitout with a good selection of drinks. Food was pretty good too including fast service, when we visited in April 2022. Worth checking out if you are in the area.

  • 5/5 Lauren H. 2 years ago on Google
    Have been to the tavern on multiple occasions for a laid back lunch. Staff are always super friendly and professional. Meals have been delicious, served quickly and large portion sizes. The fish and chips and lasagne have been stand out. Also a great place if you are dining with kids as they have an indoor play area so they can keep themselves entertained while you eat.


Call +61 7 5576 2644 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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