Ok, guys. We get it. Last weekend was HOT. Like Hemsworth hot. So we get that you’re probs keen for a 48-hour aircon love-in this weekend, but it’s time to snap out of the Netflix daze, slap on the SPF50+ and get out to one of Brisbane’s best restaurants or cafes—no point wasting your two days of freedom.
Luckily, we have just the list of cool dining destinations to tempt you out of your climate controlled cocoon. Here’s 6 Brisbane restaurants and cafes to check out this weekend
Miss Bliss Whole Foods Kitchen
West End
Generally, we would advise against drinking the Kool-Aid, but at Miss Bliss Whole Foods Kitchen in West End, we insist you do. Their refreshing and creative homebrewed blends of iced tea are the perfect antidote to this blistering heat. While you’re there, why not grab a guilt-free bite of their deliciously moist raspberry and coconut loaf. If you like your service cheery and your food and bev adorned with edible flowers, then pop Miss Bliss at the top of your weekend to-do list.
Ben's Burgers
Fortitude Valley
When nothing but a burger will satisfy your insatiable weekend hunger (read: hangover), everyone knows that Ben's Burgers is the only answer. Tucked down the delight that is Wynn Lane (one of Brissie's first ever laneways, no less) pull up a stool under the umbrellas and order yourself a frosty beer and a cheesy with extra jalepeños. Well done, you.
Humpybong Espresso & Bar
Stafford
Attention Northside DIYers. If you plan to brave the Bunnings bedlam this weekend, bypass the sausage sizzle and pop round the corner to secret Brisbane café, Humpybong Espresso & Bar instead. Discreetly tucked away in an industrial cul de sac, Humpybong boasts dual identities—kind of making it the Batman of Northside haunts. Thriving cafe by day, it transforms into a relaxed neighbourhood bar at night serving up craft beers on tap and quality bar grub like pulled pork nachos and American-style cheeseburgers.
Pitch & Fork
Toowong
They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but Toowong’s Pitch & Fork proves otherwise. The latest venture from the folks that brought you Corner Store Cafe, Pitch & Fork takes up residency down the road in the newly refurbished Wests Rugby Club. The exposed brick archways make for a striking al fresco dining experience while the food more than lives up to its sister cafe’s high reputation. The menu is fresh and inventive. Our pick of the breakfast bites? The Bacon Croquettes: seriously groan-out-loud good. Service is prompt and attentive. The space: airy and collegiate-cool. Gather up the Breakfast Club gang and get there pronto.
Little Genovese
Coorparoo
Sorry to spoil the party, Coops, but the secret is out. Loved by locals but widely undetected by outsiders, Little Genovese is the little engine that could. Known for serving consistently good coffee, their causal but impressive food offering, an inclusive attitude (prams and four legged friends welcome—rejoice!) and friendly staff, Little Genovese has all the makings of a weekend winner. Just don’t be surprised if you get a few shifty eyes from locals peeved that their beloved hidden gem has been unearthed.
Burger Project
Southbank
Brisbane’s love affair with the burger intensifies this weekend with the opening of the much anticipated, Burger Project. The culinary creation of Aussie icon, Neil Perry, Burger Project promises to deliver fast food using slow food values. We’re talking juicy hand-made patties, exciting flavour combos and crispy hand-cut chips. If the burgers aren’t enough to tempt you out of the AC, perhaps the dessert offering will. Rich & creamy soft serve churned in-house, piled with toasted coconut & crushed meringue. Yep, we’ll meet you there in 10.
Ben's Burgers | Image credit: Yaseera Moosa