Quaint. The coffee shop and bar are well out of sight from the streets on either side of the passage that connects them. Disability access is from the Elizabeth St side. Look for the sign boards to guide. You go here as the coffee is good and it has a pleasant vibe in a secluded spot. They have been here for a long while so doing something right. Worth exploring. read more

John Mills Himself - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

What a fabulous find down the alleyway! Big kudos to my friend who suggested this location. It was the first night they were a bar so we decided to check it out! They were super friendly and let you enjoy the space and your company. They serve you water as soon as you are seated and then ask you what you'd like. I had the Lucy while my friend had the Coffee Ale. The sizes come in Pony, Mare, or Stallion! My friend loved the coffee ale. I'm not the biggest beer fan but the Lucy was light. We started to chit-chat with the bartenders and they showed us this chili vodka! He had me at "Chili..." My friend had the Bloody Mary and she kept raving how it was tomato soup for adults. She loved it! The bartender was great and nervous about creating a drink for me. We went with a pineapple chili vodka with a touch of mint. Yum! It needs some fine tuning but the foundation is set. We were having a great time and as if beer to vodka wasn't enough, we moved right along to tequila! Yes, some quality tequila and verdita. I'm a huge fan and they explained to us how quality tequila is for sipping. We didn't want to leave but the time had come. Thankfully, I know I'll be coming back very soon. Thanks for a great Introduction. read more

John Mills Himself - Who doesn't love a place that will experiment with you. Pineapple vodka chili! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

There's no star rating change but I finally trundled along to check out JMH by night, aka the bar side of this little dual purpose venue. Arriving shortly after 6:30pm, the people I was meeting mentioned there'd already been a flurry of people but from here on in it really started to dwindle and it was as if we were in our own private bar. The menu is completely local and there's even notes to let you know how far the beer / wine or spirit has travelled to Brisbane. If it isn't Australian, they're not serving it. For example, one of our party asked if they had any cider. Unfortunately, we were told, they were yet to find a great Australian cider and as such weren't offering any right now. I ordered a "Bees Knees" cocktail ($18) which is a delicate and wonderfully balanced blend of The West Winds Sabre Gin, lemon juice, honey and freshly cut Bee One Third honeycomb. What a delicious drop it was. The atmosphere that Helen and Bill have created in JMH is truly great and it's my kind of bar. You can chat with friends (and hear the conversation), talk to the bar tenders and really get to know what their favourite drinks are. read more

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I love a hole in the wall coffee shop. I'm not sure if it's because I'm a Melbourne girl or that my body is around 80% coffee by now, but seeking them out in every city is a favourite pass time of time. So when heading to Brisvegas and exploring the city with a fellow coffee lover, I eagerly anticipated where we would be taken. Well colour me impressed. When we arrived to John Mills Himself I spotted a couple of things that bear striking resemblance to my favourite coffee shop back in Melbourne and discovered they offer the same roasts. Seven Seeds as house, with a rotating roster of local roasters (try saying THAT three times fast) as guest coffees. They also offer filter on aeropress and V60, bottled iced filter and appeared to have a range of teas and chai. Cute hipster fit-out (without being too pretentious or ironic) and juuust enough room to squeeze in the hoards of people looking for a caffeine fix. It gets better though. I would have happily given my 5 stars and called it a day, but we went back at night for cocktails. Yep, this coffee shop classes things up in the evening with bow-tie donning bartenders ready to mix up something delicious. These guys clearly care a lot about being local, with their menu offering 100% Australian or Australian-owned alcohol, listed by distance from Brisbane. The bar staff were friendly and the mood was delightful and relaxed on a quiet Wednesday evening. They even had little $3 pots of beer and cider so you could sample your way through the menu while staying classy. Excuse me while I go spend the rest of my trip here. read more

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I am gobsmacked. This place is amazing!!!!! I struggled for about 30 minutes to find this place yesterday but it was sooooo worth it. Lavender hot chocolate & chai hot chocolate are both winners in Sara's books. By far the BEST hot chocolate I've ever had in my life. I can't write a review great enough. It's always busy but both times they have got my orders out in under 5 minutes. Always have time for a hello and always bring me water. This is my new favourite coffee shop. I am in awe. read more

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Bruce Wayne by day, Batman by night. Cafe by day, bar by night! I visited the venue in both its forms, the cocktail bar version was what really impressed me. Particularly the Gina Rinehart lemon curd cocktail, which was essentially a lemon tart squeezed into an oh so delicious cocktail. I'd fly back to Brisbane just for one sip of that drink again. The bar staff definitely deserve a shout out for being friendly, and awesome enough to give their cocktails funny names. And also a shout out to Lani P for shining the Bat Signal on this spot for me. read more

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Oh my goodness! Bunker has arrived in the CBD! Now I can stop venturing over to Milton to get some honest to God great coffee. I like my coffee with low acidity, less bitter and smooth. Also, I'm fairly picky about the temperature because long black coffee doesn't have the added milk to cool it down. There are just so many places in the city that hand me a scalding cup of coffee that my hands can't handle let alone my lips! JMH thus far has hit each of my picky points right on the dot. At the moment, they're experimenting with a couple different coffee bean blends (including Uncle Joe's - my favorite) so the taste has been a bit different each time. They use different coffee bean proportions to fit each order so my long black is light and easy to drink. Sounds like JMH will be a regular spot going forward! read more

John Mills Himself - Yessir John Mills himself. That's his John Hancock err... Yeah we'll go with that. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

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Looking for the best coffee in Brisbane's CBD? You've found it here! Associated with Bunker by the Milton train station, John Mills Himself has established itself as one of the best, if not the best coffee stop in the city. Fitting right into Brisbane's cafe scene, this cafe by day and bar by night is one part rustic one part era. The brick interiors and dim lighting, along with its set up transports you into an intimate nook in the city. With that being said, it can be a bit difficult to find. I always walk down through the parking lot on Elizabeth street side, but I'm pretty sure you're not really supposed to... Their baristas are knowledgable and their coffee is always smooth, always aromatic, and never acidic. They also bottle coffee for those who are interested in coffee afterhours (which I never understood about Brisbane cafes - I want coffee later in the day too!). By night, they are a bar that I unfortunately never got to try, but they look like they have a good selection of libations! Only downside is they don't really have tables, and space is limited, otherwise, A+ on the coffee, service, and ambience! read more

Livingstone I presume? After three years of searching this big Brisbane jungle I have finally found this lost shop of coffee(and Gin after 4) I really needed that coffee today as I was determined to push until it was found. I made it! Was it worth it? YES! As I left I dropped pieces of stale bread so I could find my way back. Apart from the incident with a Koala I have no complaints. Bloody well kept secret that thrives on the reputation of a well sourced bean and a good game of hide and go seek. read more

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Funkiest rectangular box I've ever set foot in. The simplicity of this place is endearing. 4 walls. A pretty long bar. 4 tiny wall-mounted tables. A big mirror. A piano (I'd love to hear it used). John Mills is by now well known for its back-alley location, great coffee, great staff, and great cocktails. The beers on offer may be underrated. Some great hops out there, including the thick stout. Any place that is so small that it thrives on quality (rather than survives on quantity) is worth a visit in my book. read more

John Mills Himself - I came for coffee (great) but left with a desire to try their draft beers. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

8 ozs of smooth coffee goodness. I couldn't wait to try this as I have seen the reviews for the Bunker and John Himself. My expectations have been met and exceeded. I am uber happy that I am working in the city again and can put this on my list of regular coffee pit stops. I am looking forward to winter visits as it is tucked away from the George Street breezeways, offering a warm safe haven. Hoever it is a little the opposite on hot days as it is a bit of a hotbox desptite the air conditioner. The interior is a lovely reference to old Brisbane with the art deco welcome tiles, brickwork and high ceilings. read more

John Mills Himself - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

Nice atmosphere and great coffee. The owner has done a great job converting an old store room to a fantastic new space. There are exposed beams, old brickwork, and comfy seats to rest on while you admire everything. Relaxing jazz music sets a nice mood. To get to the front door, go down the driveway at 55 Elizabeth St. read more

John Mills Himself - Nice hidden cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

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Cocktails for $15-20, worth it? Unsure. If you compare them to other similarly priced places they the answer would be an astounding yes. The cocktail maker extraordinaire knows what he is doing from smoking the honey, to mixing the perfect blend of honey infused cocktails for a taste sensation. I recommend the Va va gina... Gina Rinehart lemon curd cocktail. It's hidden, it's secret... they sell flowers outside? I'm not sure being this secret is all that great, the place is small, 6 people sitting at the bar and 3 other people placed randomly against the back wall will fill this place to the hilt. It's a good quiet romantic drink with 2... not a group. Worth checking out. read more

John Mills Himself - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

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Great coffee. Little hole in the wall place that my friends and I absolutely love. They're always busy but the line moves quickly. Def worth a visit! read more

As a self confessed coffee nerd from Melbourne I'm so in love with this cafe. Amazing coffee, great service and some delicious cakes on offer. Due to the crazy heat in the afternoon and rush to get to the airport I grabbed a cold milk coffee and cake. Couldn't have been happier after finally locating this place. I'll definitely be back here on my next Bris-vegas trip. read more

Whilst I love that such places are making their way into the heart of Brisbane and giving it a rich tapestry, I must say I was a little disappointed of my visit in which I finally made it there on a Thursday evening. Once we found it down the drive way off Elizabeth street, I was a little excited as I'd been meaning to drop by for ages. We were greeted a little lack lustre by the bar chick and she seemed a little annoyed to be drawn away from her phone. My partner & I were the only people in the bar and we whilst we loved the coziness & point of difference of the bar, the service was low & atmosphere was also lacking a little too... We just ordered a red wine from the granite belt as we were doing a mini urban crawl and it was terrible - I wouldn't order it again there. I will try again here to better my experience , but bathtub gin might be a more likely & possibly better choice. read more

I feel the need to express my appreciation for the existence of this place, in amongst all the other positive reviews. I have yet to find a place which combines awesome coffee with an equally awesome bar concept so well together. It provides the perfect balance, with friendly service (both day and night) and all within a cozy setting making things feel slightly exclusive and secluded. The coffee (using excellent Bunker coffee I believe), is one of my all time favourites in Brisbane. However I do find that the coffees tends to be slightly lighter than I like (I usually order 12oz lattes), but nothing an extra shot of coffee can't fix. And while I am not a heavy consumer of alcoholic beverages, the range of local beers and spirits is impressive, with notes on actually how far each item is from Brisbane. The main highlight for me is the excellent selection of cocktails the skillful JMH bar tenders can make. My favourites? Definitely the Bloody Mary (one of the best around I reckon), Bees Knees (has an actual honeycomb in it) and the tequila shot with the verdita shot. The majority cannot be wrong (well at least in this case anyway). JMH is definitely worth the visit whether it be to stay awake during the day, or for celebrating (or drowning one's sorrows) at night. read more

I love showing off "hidden spots" to visitors. Not that we had many, but I was honoured to come across John Mills Himself while my parents were in town. They were definitely impressed by the location. They are cool like that. I felt the guys behind JMH were very pleasant, and gave quick service. They were kind to bring over waters for us while we shared a hot chocolate with ginger. I'm definitely impressed by the offerings and I look forward to coming here more often. read more

Love the location, love the fit-out but sadly I can't say that I was in love with my first takeaway flat white from JMH. I didn't think to check which beans were on offer today - it certainly tasted different to anything else I've had lately but the bottom line is that my 12 oz FW was a little too weak for my liking. Pricing is about right at $3.50 for an 8oz and $4 for a 12oz. I'm going to give this another go simply because I love what they've created here and it makes me feel like I'm in Melbourne ( miss u Melbs ) and a string of 5 star reviews surely can't be wrong! What's more I can't wait for the onset of winter to try their array of hot chocolate combinations. read more

John Mills Himself - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

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I have been fortunate to visit John Mills in the day for a coffee, and in the evening for a cocktail. Day trip: John Mills is a bit unassuming. You have to really KNOW about it to be able to find it. There's a tiny sign off Charlotte street and you have to navigate through a building with a Koala rescue organization (and pass a giant koala) in order to find it. OR, attempt to find it off Elizabeth street. I ordered my coffee, service was good and fast, and coffee was tasty. The space isn't massive, and at the time I went there were no free bar stools, so I had my coffee to go. The cafe also sells coffee in bags so you can brew at home. Night trip: I just had to see if the cocktails matched the goodness of the coffee, and it did. My first cocktail was the Bees Knees, and it speaks for itself! It's a gin cocktail that is a bit sweet, really tasty, and has a honeycomb as garnish- what!?!?!?! My second cocktail was the Va Va Gina (Rinehart) and had vodka, lemon curd and lemon juice- also VERY good. The cocktail artist was also very attentive and always checked in on my friend and me. To sum it all up-GO HERE! You'll be glad you did! read more

Taken here by a true local, couldn't have found it by ourselves! We had beers and a margarita, great service, excellent flavours and a nice spot to hang out! read more

John Mills Himself - Inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

I love having these guys so close to work. The coffee and hot choc range is great! I just wish they would add a lactose free option to the bottles iced coffee and mocha range. read more

John Mills Himself - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

There are a few things that are perfect about John Mills Himself. Firstly, possibly most importantly to me the coffee is spot on. Every time. Secondly, the specialty hot chocolates made to order with real chocolate, steamed milk and an optional flavour be it tried and true (rose/peanut/chai) or adventurous (basil/sesame/pepita) if you're so inclined are fabulous. Thirdly, the guys at jmh never fail to cheer me up on a terrible work day. It's often the highlight of my day and not just for the almost necessary caffeine hit! The space itself is long and narrow; even though it can get busy it is definitely worth the wait, whatever your choice is. If you're really lucky someone will be playing the piano. At night my favourite cafe is a bar where the cocktails are fresh and interesting. I'm not a huge fan of beer or wine but everything is local and that is pretty awesome in my books. Even though I don't go every day after dark and I'm not yet a permanent fixture, everyone has been patient with my inability to make a decision. My only solution is to keep going back to try all of the cocktails. A task I'm looking forward to if I'm completely honest. read more

The coffee scene in Brisbane has been booming over the last few years. Not only have great cafes been popping up everywhere from the north to the south, but more importantly boutique roasters are popping up all over the place as well. John Mills Himself is smack bang in the middle of the Brisbane CBD. The somewhat strange name comes from the heritage listed building in which the cafe is located, don't let that fool you though this is a place you simply MUST visit if you are into coffee. JMH is a collaboration between the boys from Bunker coffee and Street Food Australia, but the coffee offerings rotate through a variety of local roasters. During my visit there were coffees available from both Cup Coffee and Uncle Joe's/Third Crack Coffee Brokerage. So I quickly ordered a latte planning for another coffee after that before realizing I had no more money on me at the time. Fortunately the coffee was expertly made, and all of the public servants that were patiently waiting from the nearby office appeared to agree. Other offerings available include a range of cold press coffees of varying strength, hot chocolates and some small snacks and nibbles. The atmosphere is great and the space both suits the heritage building whilst looking fresh and new. Even though the venue has been open for less than a week there was already a little bit of a line out the door, but the baristas are fast so don't expect to wait very long. I look forward to heading back as soon as possible to see what is on offer. read more

The best coffee is Brisbane CBD. There is often a line at the counter and for good reason. These guys know coffee. They are constantly rotating between house blends and have 1 or 2 single origin options too. As well as great coffee they serve a variety of hot chocolates and tea and a selection of bottled iced coffees and iced chocolates. The cafe is small and the tables are little more than shelves for your coffee next to bar stolls but John Mills is the real deal. read more

Not gonna lie, I had a hard time finding it at first...but I was looking around at night to be fair. Ok, fine...I'm making excuses for myself. Anywho, I found it! And I love it. Super cute little spot. Plus, who doesn't like a place that most locals don't even know about?! I had a lime sea salt hot chocolate (one of the many flavors you can choose) and let me just say, I made an excellent choice. So different, and so good! I'll definitely be back for a chilled out coffee sesh, or better yet maybe in the evening to check out the bar! read more

This place is practically the poster café for the Look at this F*cking Hipster website. Tucked away in a laneway off a carpark (I said it was hipster!), is this little coffee shop gem. Staffed by people with moustaches so large they have to drink their coffee with a straw (I'm not joking), you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped onto the set of a Wes Anderson film. As a non-coffee drinker, it's really lovely to go somewhere that coffee is not the feature of the restaurant. John Mills Himself has a hot chocolate menu - with such exotic flavours as lavender hot chocolate. Choose from milk, dark or white hot chocolate, and add your flavour. The end result is a smooth blend - I had the lavender dark hot chocolate. I've always been a fan of lavender boiled sweets, but this was different altogether. It gave the drink a pleasant savoury aspect. I will definitely try it again. The prices are also pretty good - we got two tall drinks for under $10. I will be back, but I might put on my hipster novelty jumper first. read more

When I learned there was a new coffee shop in the city I had to check it out. I have been burned too many times by other coffee shops in the city, so I am on the lookout for a regular haunt. I had some vague directions from a friend, go to the comic book store and turn left down the alley way, keep walking and boom you're there. Cool, easy enough to find. I must admit, I was questioning my navigation skills as I got halfway down the alleyway, surely I was in the wrong place. Nope, there it was in all it's glory - John Mills Himself. The shop itself looks great, very clean and welcoming, and unlike some other coffee houses I have visited, I didn't feel at all out of place and was immediately welcomed by the staff. Being that it was late on a friday afternoon there was only a small handful of other patrons, which was cool because I am a little awkward in new, crowded environments! I ordered my usual drop, Largest Skinny Latte possible with 3 sugars, takeaway and waited only 5 minutes which pleased me immensely, too many times have I awkwardly stood around waiting 15-20 mins for a coffee in a dead coffee shop. I'm not sure what happened but the coffee I received tasted solely of milk. Being that I am a little bit of a coffee snob, I didn't say anything for fear of me just having stupidly high standards. A couple of minutes later, my sister (who ordered the same as me) pointed out that hers was all milk and no happy either. Okay, maybe we just like a stronger coffee. Mental note: next time order triple shot and see how we go. I had not seen the reviews for John Mills before checking it out so I am a little on the fence with this one now. I will give it another go next time I am in the area. I feel a little left out with everybody else raving about it so much! read more

The best coffee I the CBD. Very friendly staff and super quick service. There's nearly always a line at peak hours, but once you get to the counter there is never a long wait for coffee. Do yourself a massive favour, and try one of the bretzels which normally reside on a post on the counter. The bretzel guy is on holiday at the moment and I am jonesin' for my bretzel fix! Luckily I am informed that he should be back in a couple of weeks. Edited - happy days, the bretzels are back!! read more

John Mills Himself - Dense, sweet, salty and delicious. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

Cute little bar tucked down an alleyway - don't worry you won't be killed on your way down to the bar, though that was the only thought going through my mind finding this place. It is well worth finding. Tiny place, so don't try and book your office Christmas party here but perfect for a coffee during the day or a few drinks after work. I recently had the Bees Knees, which is a honeycomb cocktail (Served with a real piece of honeycomb) and it was awesome! I definitely recommend it and will be back. read more

A cracking addition to Brisbane's small bar scene. By day it pumps out coffees to perfection featuring toasts and blends from some of those on top of their game. The transition to more of a bar-type venue just happens, with the flow and choice of customers. The wines and beers on pour are all locally sourced, beers within 200KMs and wines within 250KMs - excellent opportunities to tap into the local grain and grape scene. read more

Decent consistency across baristas, passionate and friendly. I've had two very good espresso that have made me really stand up and notice, the other times have been above average. Other than that, great fit out, good place to take friends to wow them and a neat little concept. read more

Absolutely loved this place plate! The atmosphere is cozy, the employees are incredibly polite, nice, and very helpful with your drinks. I got there unfiltered coffee in a small bottle with a quiche and it was unbelievable! If you're looking for a spot for a great coffee and a good small breakfast and to hang out for a moment this is definitely your place! Highly recommend read more

Very. Good. Coffee. The cafe is deep within a heritage listed building but is well worth the trouble to find it. My flat white was very good and my friend particularly enjoyed the cold press coffee. The environment is very casual but welcoming, would love to come here for a couple after dark for some of the cocktails. read more

Great service, everyone here is so friendly and the hot choccies are wonderful. It's a tiny velue that gets very busy but the line goes quickly. Loved the selection of fancy hot chocs although they were just infused with essential oils however great value considering. read more

John Mills Himself - My delicious bergamot hot choc for only $4.50. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Brisbane, QLD

A really fantastic use of space down a lane in the cbd. Beautiful refurbishment gorgeous old bricks, plenty of character. Service is fast and friendly. Coffee is good, real good. Made with skill, served at the perfect temperature. Small area inside for seating, alone the walls or at the bar. A really funky spot. read more

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First saw this place promoted through social media. It appeared intriguing as a basement bar tucked away in the CBD. Finding it proved challenging to the point where it's status almost reached Fight Club levels. I could here Brad Pitt mocking me with 'The first rule of John Mills, we don't talk about where John Mills actually is' Then wandering past on the way home from work we saw part of a sign......down an alley..... After months of searching there it was! On entry, the recycled brown paper menu design with the rustic yet fresh, cellar sized bar was the first hint of the ethos. Beers, wines and spirits were listed in order of kilometres from our location. Australian products offered by bar staff who knew their back stories and proud to promote their appeal. A wonderful off beat place to enjoy Aussie delicacies. Good luck finding it, it's worth the search. I won't give any instructions though, we are trying to save it for the few while it can last. A hint though: perfect first date option. They will be blown away with location (and the fact that you know where it is), patriotic themes and intimate mood lighting and chill tunes read more

Best hot chocolate in town with a wide range of different flavours. Tried the peanut butter hot chocolate this time and definitely going back for more. read more

I wouldn't consider myself a coffee snob by any means, but as far as coffee goes, this is my go-to in the CBD. The fit-out is industrial and sleek, and the staff display a wide knowledge of coffee and their different varieties of beans. The amount of space inside leaves a little to be desired, but considering the location, quality, and overall feel of the place, this is easily overlooked. I've also heard they open late some evenings for drinks, but I've yet to make it in for that. read more

There is now no excuse to have bad quick coffee in Brisbane. The service is fast, efficient and the staff look like they actually enjoy working there or it's actually the coffee :) You can get different types as well as hot chocolates and quality cakes that look appetizing, but I have had a self ban on. A little hard to find, but a gem woth finding. read more