Serving Blackstar coffee (perhaps serving the best coffee in the area now), leavain breads and a…read moresimple home style menu including an all day breakfast, I've popped into Cafe Auchenflower a few times now. Granted, it's mostly been for a sneaky take-away coffee but recently we stopped for 'elvensies' and the hummingbird cake was all you could want for a morning tea. This is a family-friendly cafe so if you have kids they're more than catered for - 100s and 1000s on the kids cups and a drawing area for their imaginations to run amok. Should kids not be your thing, be prepared for the little rugrats to be, well, be kids - making noise, running around and burning energy. If you can deal with that then you're in for a treat in a cafe that was once a dark and dreary looking antique store.

This cafe was a pleasant find. I had originally made plans to meet a friend for breakfast at a…read morenearby cafe, as that cafe's website stated it was open Sundays. We arrived to find that it wasn't. A decision was made to walk to Rosalie, but we didn't even make it more than a block before seeing the welcoming sign 'open 7 days'. It's al small cafe, but with only a few tables it feels bright roomy. It is also air conditioned, which is a bonus as we head into the nasty summer months. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Menus were already on the tables and they were trialling table service, which was executed promptly. Coffee was made well and the breakfast was filling, reasonably prices and well presented. I had the vegetarian breakfast of haloumi, tomato and spinach with toast. My partner had the mushrooms and we both had no complaints. A few flies buzzing around was the only frustration, but something that it difficult to avoid at this time of year. I look forward to going back and trying other options.

This cafe, awkwardly positioned in a pocket of Pickering Road, might seem familiar. Their interior…read morehas been done before - mismatched plates and cups, famous people as table numbers, kitsch china figurines and oddly, many lifesize jars of Nutella. But give it a chance. What gives this spot a point of difference, in my opinion, is their choose-your-own-adventure style breakfast menu. They give you the base (eggs and toast - $8.90) and the rest is up to you. Pulled pork (china town style, hoisin meets char siu and dances with soy), vegetable fritter, Haloumi, mushroom, hollandaise? The list is seemingly endless. I arrived to try it all out at 11:30ish on a Friday. It's not overly busy but noisy. You've been warned. The concrete shell of this store means sound proofing isn't an option. Their specialty drink appears to be a cappucino (Genovese beans) with weird and wonderful flavours like nutella or such mixed through. I stick with a flat white that's easy to drink but lacking any oomph. I had read a review previous to going that said ask for a double-shot if you prefer a real coffee kick and I'm inclined to agree. As tempted as I was by the sides menu, I opted for a 6-in Steak & Philly Sub ($10). I've never had a philly steak before but when my plate is served I'm a little lost as what to do with the second slice of baguette. Served as an open sandwich, I'd happily pay a little less for not having the lonesome slice of bread or pay a little extra to have more topping to use on the other slice. I'd actually also love to know if I could have swapped the baguette out for it all served on a bed of spinach. I quite like what's going on at Hansell & Gretel. It's not new but it is a new take on breakfast for this particular area which (and they're directly across the road from iconic Grub Street) I think makes it an interesting game of play for locals! I liked that it wasn't stuffy or pretentious, just familiar food done reasonably well.

Hansell & Gretel is a fairly new spot in Gaythorne, open for breakfasts and lunches every day of…read morethe week. It's small, unpretentious but a bit quirky, and does good food and coffee with friendly service and reasonable prices. The menu selection has some interesting things on there (each has a fairytale-themed name - cute), with a mix of savoury and sweet options, but what is excellent is the long list of extras that means you can tailor your meal to suit. I like being able to add avocado and haloumi to everything! There is also a small, slightly more lunch-focused section of the menu which has things like a burger, philly cheese steak sub, and banh mi. I'm told the philly cheese steak sub is good, it definitely is big! I haven't tried any of the sweet menu options yet, but so far the savoury things I've tried have been yum. They have a decent looking selection of cakes/muffins/etc, many of which are gluten-free or dairy-free (or both). Hansell & Gretel is right next to train (Gaythorne station) and bus (390), but free street parking is also available down nearby side-streets. Seating is both inside and outside, I just wish the outside seats got sunshine in winter! It should be a cooler outdoor spot in summer though to make up for it. Latest update: something has changed, and it's more than the refreshed menu with higher prices (that now exceed the value for money tipping point in my opinion - I know the Woodchopper's Breakfast is huge but it's also $28 and for breakfast I just can't bring myself to pay that). I can't quite put my finger on it but H&G is definitely not as great as it used to be, unfortunately. The coffee is still good, they still play good music, and the sweet treats cabinet still rates highly, but my brunch devotion has waned in favour of other places in the area.

Bellissimo Coffee, one of the stalwarts of the "bean" business on Wandoo Street (Fortitude Valley)…read morehave finally opened up another roastery and cafe, specialising in all the things they've become known for - on the other side of the river; Bulimba. Such is the nature of success, and hard work. I have been to their main "flagship" store many times, when Campos has been closed, and have always left satisfied. Besides being "gold medal" winners, and purveyors of excellent coffee, I think that's one of the reasons why they are so popular; is that Bellissimo Coffee, never EVER close. NOPE. Not for Christmas, or New Year's day! We came to the Bulimba store, on one of the hottest days of the year, after they had "officially" opened after Christmas. Located towards the City Cat end of Oxford Street at the old Martial Arts Dojo. The warehouse is still looking a little industrial, but outside it does resemble a no-fuss coffee shop with plenty of seating. Our friendly and informative host, Edwin, was kind enough to tell us a little about their coffee. They still have their Premium blends, Ultimo and Italian Dark Roast, as well as their single origins from El Salvador and Colombia. Being such a hot day, we were immediately drawn towards the fridge, appearing like a mirage in the desert. I asked for something cold and strong, and Edwin recommended some of their cold pressed coffees, in particular the Cold Drip Coffee (Single Origin) El Salvador. Dripped for over 15 hours, it was so smooth and clean on the palette. That, and it literally picked me up and slapped me in the face! Wow! If Red Bull gives you wings, I think that gave me a jetpack! Loved it. Perfect for a hot day, that drained me of all my energy. You know what I like about dripped coffee? Its not so much the process or the fact that its a strong coffee. I just love the Breaking Bad looking flasks and lab glass. Maybe because it appeals to the nerd in me who studied Chemistry in high school. Bellissimo Coffee in Bulimba is a great addition for the company, and I can see it having a huge following in the future, similar to the Fortitude Valley store. Great service, knowledgeable and personal.

Having been recently enjoying the coffee from their Wandoo Street cafe (and the fact they're open…read morepast 3pm), I made a mental note to stop by their Bulimba warehouse when I was next in the area. Cue that opportunity presenting itself this week. I stopped by around 9:30am to only a handful of punters enjoying a morning brew. There are new signs up saying that you can no longer sit in the beautiful air patio that Kristen M mentions but it's not their doing. Seems there's council and red-tape involved. It's a shame. On the beautiful Spring day it was, enjoying your coffee (s) and a bite to eat out there would have been marvelous. In any case, I ordered an iced latte which was served promptly. What I like about Bellissimo's blend is that it is strong enough to cut through the amount of milk in a drink like this and I'm excited to try it as an iced long black. The space itself is a warehouse and as such the trimmings are functional but minimal. This, I'm assuming, is their main roasting location and as such the space reflects a work space that just happens to also serve coffee and small cafe bites (cakes, muffins and such).

Look for the thai restaurant neon sign near Windsor train station and you've found The Low Road…read moreCafe. For locals and commuters you're in for a treat with fresh Genovese coffee being poured and an interesting and unsurprisingly quirky menu on offer. I had stopped in for breakfast and was greeted with choices including a Breakfast Salad (haloumi, leaves, dukkah egg, asparagus) and more standard options like avocado on toast. In the end I set my sights on the Breakfast Banana Split - fresh banana, berries (raspberries and strawberries), toasted museli, grated dark chocolate, toasted coconut and, frozen whipped banana). Served in a sundae glass it felt a lot more "naughty" and calorie-laden than it actually was and the frozen whipped banana (a great recipe with ridiculous ease) gives this a creamy sensation without the regret later in the day! Verdict: The coffee is consistent and for commuters stoping enroute to the train, this is key. The menu is cute and quirky and from my experience today backs it up with the goods. Four weeks in since opening, locals have clearly adopted this new kid on the block as their own and there's already customer / barista first-name-basis relationships in action. But, to be honest, it didn't blow me away. It's a great staple for locals but not for a trip to visit here alone.

Low Road is the place to go for coffee that is made by people who give a shit about coffee and food…read morethat is simply deliciousness. I wish to preface my review by saying I know the owners so I'm somewhat biased but still doesn't change the fact that Low Road cranks out great food and awesome coffee out of a kitchen the size of a shoebox. These guys tell and serve it to you like it is. Order off the menu. Additions cost $, deal with it. Don't be on the phone when you order and don't bring you three wide pram and park in the middle of the main thoroughfare. If you are one person, sit at a table appropriately sized for your oneness. Coffee is Genovese and is consistently great. Food is tasty and reasonable portions for reasonable prices. There are often specials on the board so check those out.

Great friendly service, good variety of food. good atmosphere, buy my coffee everyday from here…read more Debbie

Lilypad was amazing. Best Capp and Avo toast I have had. My wife and I flew in from Hawaii last…read morenight and Lilypad came up on google maps as the closest place to grab breaky near our hotel. Both of us got the Avocado toast, she got a mocha and I grabbed a cappuccino. The service was great and when we sat down they brought out complimentary home made cordial. Loved the aesthetics and atmosphere!! Billy Aloha approves

Recently bought by the barista himself this place is a real local "pop in for a take away coffee"…read morekind of place. The barista is friendly and know's his regulars which is always a good sign. If you choose to stay for a while the cafe is decked out with eclectic furniture, choose your own mug and the morning sun. Only a small food selection of toasties & muffins but its more about the coffee. Give it a shot if you haven't been by for a while.

Blue Poppy is a small suburban café nestled into the otherwise unassuming Asquith Street, quietly…read moreremoved form the busy Richmond Road. During the week Blue Poppy offers the usual range of espresso-based coffees and teas, as well as a number of juices (and poppers!), pre-packed sandwiches and usual café fair that is thick cut banana bread and other small sweets. During the week only pre-prepared food is available, though they do offer a cooked breakfast on weekends. The banana bread that I had was nicely toasted, and pretty thick given the price. The coffee, made from di Bella beans, is excellently pulled. There is no bitterness in the espresso and the beans are well balanced. If you can get in between 7.30-8.30am, the coffee comes in at an astounding $2 for the regular (single shot) size. Cold pressed iced coffees and iced chocolates are also available in the fridge. The place has a warm suburban feel, and the staff are exceedingly friendly. Despite being staffed by a single person, the service is prompt and quick. Dog friendly, though the dogs are kept outside.

Awesome little coffee and smoothie bar with Fantastic yummy food. Had a berry smoothie with vegan…read morechocolate brownie was amazing. Great atmosphere with outside seating. Funky place in lawnton. This my favourite coffee place, the coffee is amazing

This is a great little suburban coffee shop, with EXCELLENT coffee. I am over the moon with their…read moreCold Brew....."THE" BEST ICED COFFEE....... ever! "If you like Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain," then come to the Wilderness bar .... and Escape. No seriously, if you're NOT into SWEET, then Dana's famed ICED COFFEE is the thing for you. What it is: Delightful Coffee, ice cold, strong, white. What it is NOT - not sweet, nor the bitter bite, and :o NO ICE! Very smooth. It's like an iced Flat White, it is seriously THE. ONLY. PLACE in the world where you'll experience this connoisseur Cold Brew Coffee. From now on I'm INSISTING on a "Dana" wherever I order iced coffee. Even if I have to teach every single coffee shop how to get it right. GO ON - get a DANA, you want it ;)

This cafe is open always. With limited seating, this is more a place for takeaway coffees. There's…read morea long couch, a few stray seats and milk crates outside. Mind you, the leather couch was low, soft and comfy. The decor features framed vinyl, artwork and various skate decks from different hardcore, metal and punk bands i.e. Amity, This is Hell, etc. I feel like this place should feature gig posters promoting the hardcore scene. I'm sure there'll be more over time. There's a few alternative music magazines on a table for reading. As a fan of hardcore music, I like this place a lot down to the graffitied walls and pin-up art. The music is loud and heavy and I like it. I can imagine a few people would complain. Not the place to come for a meaningful conversation or to write your novel. No food yet, but there's plans to get a small range of muffins to munch on along with your coffee. Coffee is currently $4 for a large. We visited around 10.30pm at night. It's popular among the police and ambos at this time of the night. I imagine during the day it's more popular for those "in the scene". Not the best coffee in the world, but nicer than any other options at that time of the night. Plus, it's a good place to wake up if you're wanting to pull an all-nighter!

Does Brisbane need another coffee shop? Well hell yes! If you answered no to that question, please…read moreleave immediately and go sip your lemon and peppermint tea elsewhere. Death Before Decaf is the latest addition, located on Brunswick Street New Farm, open for about 1 week. The name describes how I feel and react when I hear people order "Decaf". Seriously? It's like ordering chocolate, and asking don't add the chocolate. Death Before Decaf is the kind of place Brisbane needs, because its open 24/7, and we don't too have many places, if any, open for the long haul to service the needs of an ever demanding caffeine addicted public. The décor is edgy, with a twist of tattoo, punk, metal, street, and some cool graffiti-esque artwork on the wall. The vinyl, posters of hardcore metal, skateboards adorning the wall, all add to their rockstar feel. The comfortable leather couch and deer head on the wall seems out of place and more at home at a venue like Alfred & Constance, but I like the over-all aesthetics of the place. They serve Bellissimo Coffee (The Ultimo), which I actually drink at home too, so I do like the coffee. Due to the limited seating available, this place works well for take-away coffees, and at $3.50 for a small sized cup, is well worth it. Hardcore heavy-metal music isn't my thing, but I'm still a fan of Death Before Decaf. Good news is that Snacks will make their way to the Death Before Decaf counter in the coming months, so looking forward to that!