Famous Yatala Pies

Famous Yatala Pies is a pie stop people think of when they're driving through Yatala, and it's easy to see why it's a regular pause for locals, road-trippers and anyone heading to a game on the Gold Coast. It's a pie shop first, with a drive-through window for when you'd rather not leave the car, plus dine-in seating and a coffee on offer. Breakfast is served too, and the doors stay open from early morning until evening, seven days a week, though it's worth checking ahead.

The range of pies is wide. Locals talk about the curry and pepper pies, steak and mushroom, chicken and mushroom, and steak, bacon and cheese with a mash topping. There's apple pie for something sweet, and sausage rolls are also on the menu. The family pies suit a group, and one visitor said they ordered nearly every flavour to share and came away happy, with the pies arriving piping hot. Another local keeps it simple: a pie, a bag of hot chips with gravy and a coffee is about as Australian as lunch gets. A tip from a regular: ask for chicken salt on the chips.

It gets busy, especially around lunchtime, but we hear the queue moves quickly and there are usually seats free. People often mention that the fillings are generous and the pastry is well made, with chunky steak where the menu promises it. One person felt the pastry was a touch thick and chewy, and another thought the pies aren't quite what they once were, though still cooked properly and filling. The friendly counter team also gets a mention, with Meg, Brodie and Chloe singled out for looking after customers right up to closing.

Access is straightforward, with free parking, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet, and card and tap payments. For a hearty, good-value feed on the road in Yatala, Queensland, this is a dependable stop.