MIDNIGHT MUNCHIES
TOP 10 LATE-NIGHT FEEDS
1 NOT TONIGHT
SOUTHPORT Pay no attention to the name, it seems tonight – or any night – is perfect for a late-hours feed at this Southport cafe.
And given its unique location, overlooking the historic Council Chambers and right on the doorstep of the G:link, it’s not hard to see why it’s popular with night owls.
“We get a lot of people coming in after a night out in Surfers – or more likely on their way in – since we’re basically at the light rail station,” co-owner Julian Luckhardt says.
“It’s a great spot to split a share plate or have a drink. We offer a few cuts above your kebab shop.”
After almost two years in their Southport sweet spot, Julian and business partner Aaron Woollams say their restaurant is also capitalising on the turning trend towards the CBD.
Julian says despite a tough year operating during light rail construction, the eatery is now reaping the rewards: “It was hell while they were building the station but now we realise we’re in the perfect spot.
“Southport as a whole is really undergoing a transformation and we’re stoked to be at the centre of it.
“Burleigh and Mermaid have the trendy tag right now but they’re not connected to the night hubs of Surfers and Broadbeach like we are. There’s a real cosmopolitan culture of the sort of late-night crew who come out.”
Aaron says Not Tonight’s menu differs slightly from its standard fare in the later hours but they are about to change it up.
Share plates and tapas remain the most popular eating format for revellers, he says.
“Our chef doesn’t stay until close but we spend a lot of time on prep so there are always sophisticated options to offer,” Julian adds.
“Earlier in the night we can do heartier meals for the really hungry but it’s still tapas that are the flavour of choice for most diners.
“People just love to share. Then there’s no fear of missing out, either. It’s also conversational, which is the sort of cruisy vibe we’re after.
“We’ve really been inspired by this vote, as well. We were so pleased to win that we’ve decided we should pay even more attention to the late-night menu so stay tuned and come in and check it out.”
Julian says Not Tonight is open until late Wednesday through to Sunday, offering brunch and lunch from Thursday.
While Friday and Saturday nights are almost always busy, midweek can be surprisingly packed as well, he says: “Weeknights are unpredictable but some of our Wednesday nights have been ridiculously busy,’’ he says.
“It’s a sort of hump-day celebration, I guess.
“The weekends are pretty much packed all of the time. It’s a good vibe. It’s not a wild and crazy atmosphere, it’s people just out to relax and enjoy a good feed and maybe a cocktail.”