Sometimes, cutlery just gets in the way. There’s a certain primal pleasure in eating with your hands - ripping into saucy ribs, lifting a loaded taco or biting into a burger so stacked it demands two hands and a dozen napkins. These venues embrace the deliciously messy side of dining, creating memorable food experiences where licking your fingers is not only accepted, it’s encouraged.
Whether you're on the beach, in the city or chasing a food truck across town, here’s where to go when the mood calls for flavour without the fuss - just be ready to roll up your sleeves.
The Hayberry Bar & Diner – Crows Nest, NSW
In the heart of Crows Nest, The Hayberry Bar & Diner blends Americana with a laidback Sydney swagger. This local institution, run by a crew of neighbourhood mates, is the kind of place where low lighting, rustic timber and live rock ‘n’ roll create the kind of atmosphere you don't want to leave. With a rotating schedule of live music and a curated drinks list, The Hayberry is pure vibes and it doesn’t hurt that it’s become a mecca for locals looking for a hit of down-and-dirty diner food done right.
When it comes to eating, forget table manners. Dive into plates of buffalo wings drenched in blue cheese sauce or spicy beef nachos loaded with citrus sour cream, guac and melty cheese. It’s the burgers that truly make the statement. The spicy Texan is a banger: juicy beef patty, molten cheese, crispy bacon, jalapeños, caramelised onions, lettuce and signature Hayberry sauce, all barely contained between two buns.
Want to find out what everyone’s raving about? Book your table today and bring your appetite.
The Bayswater Bar & Grill – Hervey Bay, Qld
Perched along the esplanade with unobstructed views of the iconic Urangan Pier, The Bayswater Bar & Grill isn’t just about the food - it’s about the whole package. Wide-open decks invite sun-drenched sessions, while the sleek bistro and pool bar deliver a polished yet relaxed coastal vibe. With a menu that champions the bounty of the Fraser Coast, this is the kind of venue that invites you to slow down and soak up the scenery with something delicious in hand.
When it comes to hands-on feasting, the grilled seafood plate is a knockout. Think salsa verde prawns, seared scallops, Kilpatrick oysters, crispy skin barramundi, bug tails and Panko-crumbed calamari - all served with golden fries and a crisp house salad. Every bite is a reminder of how fresh seafood should taste.
Ready for a seaside feast with your fingers? Book now and grab a seat on the deck.
Loaf Café Stanwell Park – Stanwell Park, NSW
Tucked into a quaint cottage just minutes from the beach, Loaf Café is what every coastal café dreams of being - casual, charismatic and quietly excellent. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before a surf or lingering over lunch post-swim, the vibe is breezy and the sandwiches are next level. A local favourite for both caffeine addicts and sandwich snobs, Loaf specialises in honest food made well, with a cheeky sense of humour to match.
This is handheld heaven. Start your morning with a breaky burrito that packs in crispy bacon, hash browns, sautéed mushrooms and chilli aioli wrapped tight in a toasted tortilla. Come lunchtime, it’s all about the smash burger - double beef, oozing cheese, pickles and secret sauce - no forks in sight, just full bellies and flavour explosions.
On the hunt for your next great sandwich moment? Book your table and let Loaf take care of lunch.
The Kiosk Newcastle Beach – Newcastle City, NSW
With sand between your toes and sea spray in the air, The Kiosk at Newcastle Beach is the kind of place that feels like an extension of your coastal lifestyle. The timber-clad kiosk blurs the line between café and beach shack, offering killer ocean views, a casual vibe and the kind of menu that makes you want to stay all day. Whether you're grabbing a bite post-surf or watching dolphins from the deck, this is Newcastle living at its best.
Among the salty highlights, the Shark Alley burger stands tall. Beer-battered fish, crisp slaw and tangy tartar sauce all stacked in a toasted bun - no cutlery required, just both hands and a healthy appetite. Perhaps go full family-style with the beach picnic packs loaded with fish, chips, prawns, calamari and potato scallops.
Thinking of heading beachside? Book ahead and bring the crew - this one’s worth planning for.
Da-Bomb Street Food – Berry Springs, NT
Darwin’s street food scene doesn’t get more explosive than Da-Bomb. This mobile smokehouse-slash-food truck is a meaty oasis, churning out a steady flow of slow-cooked, spice-rubbed, saucy deliciousness from the streets of Berry Springs. You’ll smell it before you see it - rich wafts of barbeque, chilli and garlic float through the air, drawing hungry punters like a flame draws moths.
This is the real deal for carnivores. The brisket chilli dogs are a must - oozing with smoky meat and fiery sauce, nestled in a soft roll that barely holds together. The real star? The brisket and pulled pork burgers, drenched in housemade sauce, stacked high with slaw and dripping with umami. Tacos and ribs round out the hands-on menu, with fresh tortillas pan-fried in BBQ fat and served with punchy salsas.
Feeling hungry yet? Track them down and book your next meat feast on wheels.
Whether you're craving seafood on the sand or burgers by a jukebox, these venues deliver flavour, atmosphere and a side of unapologetic indulgence - no forks needed.
