Been over to Woolloogabba lately? If not, you might not recognise the ‘burbs Logan Road dining precinct—we’ve said goodbye to a few favourites (RIP The Pearl), welcomed some newbies (oh hey Mac From Way Back) and are looking forward to some new additions (see you soon Mr Badger…). One fave venue that’s still around is Canvas, a vintage-inspired cocktail and tapas bar with a hidden courtyard.
It may have been around for going on 10 years, but this cosy bar is looking better than ever after a recent refresh—as is that courtyard. Sure we know it’s mid-winter right now, but there’s something about sipping cocktails under fairy lights and greenery outdoors that feels a little magical, especially if there’s a cheese and charcuterie board involved. But if you do prefer to stay indoors, don’t worry—there’s a leather chesterfield or plush booth inside with your name on it.
We’ll get to those cocktails in a moment, but first, let’s talk food. The menu here is all about tapas, so prepare to be wracked by indecision as you try to decide between fried crumbed haloumi, crispy skin pork belly, crunchy croquetas with chipotle mayo and duck and pork terrine. And then there’s the share plates: karaage calamari, tempura eggplant, twice cooked lamb leg, ceviche swordfish...what to choose? Skip the stress of ordering and just get the tapas banquet instead—$45 a head (minimum four people) will score you a selection of snacks, tapas and shares chosen by the chef himself for the whole table. Done—now onto drinks.
Canvas have always been known for their uber inventive cocktails, a reputation the team took with them to their sister venue, Electric Avenue and Mrs J Rabbits next door. And if looking at a cocktail list always leaves you puzzling over what exactly orgeat is, and whether you’re going to like the combination of rum and grapefruit, you’ll love the menu here. Each cocktail has a descriptor to give you a hint on what to expect—whether it’s citrusy, herbal, booze heavy, tropical, refreshing or like dessert in a glass.
If you like a tropical punch, try the Jungle King, with rum, mango, pineapple, grapefruit, lime, grenadine, Dom Benedictine, aromatic bitters and a toasted marshmallow for good measure. Prefer them sweet and silky? Go for the Land Of The Long White Cloud, with vodka, feijoa, peach, lemon, cranberry, whites and an orange and star anise glaze. And for the booze hounds, we recommend the Southern Glory—tequila, vermouth, vanilla, orange bitters and aromatic bitters served up with crispy prosciutto.
Of course, there’s plenty of wines and beers to round out the list, including an ever-rotating selection of tap beers. And if you’re penny pinching, you might be happy to know that on Tuesdays Canvas dishes up their tapas plates for just $10 a pop—so you can afford more of them.
Whether it’s been a while or you’ve never darkened Canvas’s door, make your way to Woolloongabba and nab yourself a table soon—they’re open Tuesday to Saturday.
Read up on Electric Avenue's secret Narnia-inspired bar right next door here.
Image credit: NIRA Creative