. The Corner Store Cafe .
Brisbane seems to be full of hit-and-miss cafes, lacking one that produces consistent quality of atmosphere/food/beverages/service. They almost always excel in one area but then fail in another. I was looking forward to my experience at the Corner Store Cafe, located in the suburban area of Toowong on Sylvan Road and had high expectations of what sounded great and looked the part.
True to its name, The Corner Store Cafe is set up like an old-school, country corner store with a local, suburban feel combined with modern elements. This place would be perfect for a Maxwell Williams marketing campaign. Light and refreshing with outdoor ceiling fans, wooden furnishings and white decor, the outdoor area is open and relaxed – perfect for an afternoon cuppa or breakfast. Indoor seating is also available with a large, wooden family-style dining table inside for a large group. Bring your laptop or a book on a quiet weekday afternoon but don’t even attempt this on the busy, busy weekend.
Lunch was a little disappointing. Expect your burger ($15.50) to come out as is, without a garnish or a side – surprising for such a stylish cafe as this. Although the quesadillas look more promising, everything is a little exxy – also a little surprising for the suburbs. *Breakfast is definitely the better option. Order their mushrooms with feta, beetroot and pine nuts ($18.50) or muesli with pear, cinnamon and yoghurt ($12.50). The zucchini & haloumi fritter ($18.50) also sounds delicious.
Unfortunately, the service is not what you’d expect from your local corner store. The staff may be trendy and suit the CSC image mixed with their own personal style, but rather than offering personable service, they seem to be more concerned with anything but their guests. Don’t be surprised should you receive an *unwelcoming welcome, or be ignored. There appears to be no system, order, passion or initiative. Expect dirty tables, neglected trays and staff that are social – with each other.
The Specifics
My food will cost: breakfast $5-$18.50 / lunch $15.50-$20.50 / sides $4-$5 / kids $5-$9
My beverages will cost: coffee & choc $3.30-$5 / babycino $1 / tea $3.8 / juice, smoothies & frappes $7 / shakes $3.8-$7 / other cold drinks $2.5-6 / extras $0.50
Useful Stuff
w: http://www.cornerstorecafe.com/
p: +61 7 3870 2223
a: 113 Sylvan Road, Toowong
ot: mon-sun 0700-1500 (breakfast until 1100 weekdays / 1200 weekends)
Street parking available.
Date of Visit: Thursday 21/06/2012
Written: Saturday 30/06/2012
*Revisted & revised: Friday 06/07/2012
