underground coffee . Brew .
With Brisbane’s growing alley-way culture, it was only a matter of time before I ventured down one of these once-dangerous dark paths in search for a hidden gem. Thursday afternoon brought me off the main mall towards a deceivingly open-looking little coffee-house called Brew, located in Lower Burnett Lane in the heart of the CBD (around Subway, Mos Burger & Rocking Horse).
The friend I was meeting had been coming to Brew during her last year of studies and said it was the perfect place for her and her uni buddies to escape for a coffee, lunch or a study sesh. It’s since then become a popular option for students and professionals alike with such a convenient location and quick, tasty food.
Food at Brew is a simple affair. Breakfast (7am-11am & all day Saturday) consists of mostly toast but you can find a mushroom, halloumi or egg option too. For lunch (11am-5pm) are toasties, salads and Spanish meatballs or stew while dinner (from 5pm) has an even more Spanish feel with tapas & share platters on offer. The menu may be small and simple but satisfying. Lunch is light and tasty and even as I type this I find myself craving more meatballs.
Most of the reviews on Brew describe its feel as very ‘Melbourne’ which I agree with. The lane-way location along with its inviting but dim, cosy interior (especially with Winter approaching) only adds to this impression. The furnishings are mix-matched with wooden benches and soft couches accommodating singles, pairs and groups. The art is abstract, the lighting is raw and the staff are chilled. A lot of people have complained of slow service but our food and drink were brought out at a decent time. The staff could be a lot more personable however, which I think would only add more to such an underground establishment.
The Specifics
My food will cost: breakfast $5-$17 / lunch snacks $4.50-$8 / lunch $8.50-$14 / dinner snacks $4.50-$12 / dinner $6-$28 (tapas and platters)
My beverages will cost: coffee $3.50-$4.50 / wines $8-$10 / beer $7-$12 / cider $8-$33 / spirits $7.50-$17 / cocktails $15-$18
Good for: students and professionals alike. A quick sandwich for lunch or your morning coffee, or laze on the couches for a good old fashioned gasbag
Yum: Spanish meatballs and the vegetarian toasted sandwich (pumpkin, feta, eggplant..)
My tastebuds say: Simple but tasty
My wallet says: I like you
Atmosphere: cosy
Useful Stuff
w: http://brewgroup.com.au/
p: +61 7 3211 4242
a: Lower Burnett Lane, CBD 4000
ot: mon 0700-1600; tue-wed 0700-2200ish; thur-fri 0700-0000; sat 0800-2200ish; sun closed
how do i get here?: catch anything into the city and walk to Albert St at the Queen St Mall end. Find Brew in the little alleyway across from Subway
Live music on Thursdays!
Feel free to book your function every night except Friday & Saturday night.
Date of Visit: Thursday 26/04/2012
Written: Sunday 26/04/2012
