If the thought of downing a margarita of two with the girls appeals, then listen right up.
The site that once housed Cardamom Pod has been reborn as Mexican restaurant, Nude Amigos. From the folk at Kin, Burleigh, comes a clean, bright venue bathed in light but discreet enough to house a lunchtime tipple with a few mates.
“I saw an opening in the market in Broadbeach for an authentic Mexican restaurant,” co-owner Sara Hawkins tells us.
“When this site became available in November 2022, I fell in love with its cool location and park outlook and started negotiations,” she says.
Even when things didn’t go as planned, Sara persisted, opening her restaurant over nine months later.
Decked out in a coastal cream and white palette with a thatched back-lit bar running almost the length of the restaurant, the dining area flows seamlessly to alfresco tables where dogs are welcome, and privacy is assured behind a hedge. Beyond is Victoria Park, and the welcoming Broadbeach sign, a midpoint on the coast filled with action and adventure.
This is pure date night territory, a margie to start with a few snacks before you venture elsewhere…or not. (We’ll let the name do the talking!)
Perfect for a private party, because who doesn’t love Mexican food, we relax into the comfy chairs and tuck into tacos filled with crispy fried tempura fish and charcoal Achiote chicken topped with slaw, Jalapeno mayo, Pico de Gallo and queso fresco. Another round of margies later, we move on to Azteca Flaming Steak bathed in a chipotle mezcal butter, and King Prawn Pineapple, half a pineapple filled with king prawns, sautéed capsicum and onion, coconut cream, coriander and chipotle chilli topped with melted cheese and served with warm flour tortillas.
All our favourite Mexicans are on the menu, such as guacamole, quesadilla, tacos, and sizzling fajitas.
But let’s talk about a few details, such as homemade corn chips #yesplease and margaritas #everydayisamargieday made only on Patron with house made syrup and fresh lime. The margaritas are absolute winners, in our books, especially since they’re so well made.
We don’t make it to desserts #becausemargaritas but if you do, you can indulge in Mango margarita cheesecake, Tres leches (Milk) cake or Peach cream chimichanga.
As a tribute to its predecessor, Nude Amigos offers a whole vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu, including a banquet, as well as a children’s menu for smaller amigos.
With Nude Amigos’ aspect bringing a privacy uncommon to Broadbeach, what a great idea it is to make the most of Happy Hour all day Sunday (along with pinata) and from 4.30 – 5.30 on other evenings. Then, a Classic Margarita is $10, lager $7 and house wine $10 per glass. Dig into guacamole or a trio of dips and house-made topotos, the smoked sour cream an absolute winner.
“Come and have a great time with your friends,” says Sara, but don’t take the name too literally! It’s all about having a bit of fun.
Naked Amigos, 70 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, QLD 4218 Ph: 0458 203 026 Open: Lunch: 12 pm – 3 pm – Wed to Sun Dinner: 5 pm – 12 am – 7 Days a week
NOTE: Good Food Gold Coast dined as guests of Naked Amigos.