Mug & Beans Cafe

95 Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215, Australia
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop , Ice cream shop , Lunch restaurant
(182 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Mug & Beans Cafe sits quietly along Marine Parade in Southport, offering a relaxed spot for locals and visitors to dip into a casual breakfast or midday coffee break. It’s the sort of place you’ll find busy on sunny mornings, with people settling into the cozy indoor space or grabbing a picnic mat to enjoy their croissants and coffee outside while watching the water.

The café atmosphere pulls together a friendly, unpretentious vibe, where the staff’s warmth adds to the easy-going pace, even when the place gets busy during long weekends or holidays. Expect a steady hum of conversation accompanied by thoughtfully curated background music that fits well without taking over.

The menu leans heavily into brunch and lunch staples, making it a practical stop for everything from scrambled eggs to classic eggs Benedict. Coffee is clearly a focus here with creamy blends and familiar milkshake flavours like Nutella or cookies and cream proving popular, especially as takeaways to enjoy while strolling nearby. Smoothies and burgers also feature, reflecting a menu that suits both quick bites and leisurely sit-downs.

This is a place where locals often return for a simple, well-crafted latte or chai latte and casual catching up, while families and small groups come for the more varied food options. The best time to visit is probably mid-morning on a weekday or early weekend, when the glare of the waterfront sun lights up the outdoor seating and the pace remains friendly rather than frantic.

Some visitors note that the café could benefit from more striking signage or menu displays to catch the eye from the street, especially given the quality of its offerings. However, once inside, the combination of a no-fuss menu, attentive service, and comfortable setting makes it a go-to spot to refuel whether you’re starting your day or taking a break from a Southport stroll.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves coffee
Sells prepared foods
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot
Plenty of parking
182 Reviews
Dominic Stowers

27 Nov 2025

Mug & Beans cafe provided me with a fantastic experience. The service was friendly, and the Spanish waiter added a personal touch to my visit. The food and drinks were of excellent quality, especially the curly fries and coffee. I couldn't resist trying their Nutella milkshake, which was absolutely delicious as a takeaway. The cafe's ambiance was cozy, with nice music and just the right amount of people. Its location near the cycle pathway and waterway added to its appeal. Overall, Mug & Beans is a great stop for food, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere, especially when on your morning walk.

DR Conly

16 Nov 2025

Came here on. Labour Day. The. place was packed with probably over 100 diners. Had to wait about 55 mins for our food but I understand the cafe was under the pump. The food was delicious & smoothies the best I've had. Anyone who complains about the service today probably enjoys being horrible. Hats off to the staff who had to deal with so many impatient people. I know I will be back.

Amber Duncan

14 Nov 2025

The best little gem Cafe Lovely coffee, delicious croissants and they even give you picnic mats to enjoy it in the sunshine overlooking the water! A friend and I just stumbled by this place on one rainy day walk, we loved it! Staff are so friendly and the ambience is totally sweet.

Zarli Vandenberg

14 Nov 2025

We had the eggs Benedict and chicken and pesto croissant this morning with iced coffees. Drinks were nice, nothing special. Food was also nice, nothing special. Service was good

Biz reviews Australia

11 Nov 2025

First time visitor today . Greeted with a huge smile by the young lady at the counter . Superb creamy coffee . Will be back for brekky. Just a small comment to make . As a sign guy ...there is nothing to entice any customer into the cafe . Truly missing a nice big photo board of your great creamy coffee or your food specialty . Get the taste buds activated as customers walk past. Believe me it really makes a big difference instead of just words . Food for thought !!

Carol S

03 Nov 2025

Just another busy Saturday on the sunny GC, we happened to find a spot to park and try out this little gem. The location is the outstanding feature, right on the water, looking out to the water towards Seaworld. Plenty of action on the water to watch whilst waiting for food. The coffee machine was broken when we visited, making me feel disappointed, although hubby says the coffee here is usually good. The food: nothing spectacular, burgers and brekky on the menu. That said, freshly prepared and just as described. Our puppa also enjoyed being able to hang out with us in the shady, outdoor dining area. A great location with parking nearby.

Jessica Lee

02 Nov 2025

We ventured out to celebrate my brothers one year anniversary of his death and found this cute cafe. The fish n chips were amazing n the service was fantastic and the views were perfect. Thank you so much for such a fantastic experience. We will defently be visiting again.

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