Who prepares the best coffee in Brisbane? How to find a good coffee shop can be a bit of a riddle, so we’re here to help!
There’s plenty of talented roasters around Brisbane and the surrounding metropolis, so here’s your opportunity, coffee folks in the know! If you’re tired of using the office coffee machine, share the top coffee shops in the city for great java below.
Make sure you explain why your recommended bean-purveyors are so fantastic. The city’s fellow java enthusiasts will thank you.
{ 81 comments… read them below or add one }
Bets coffee that I have had in Brisbane was at the the Brisbane Mariott one Saturday morning.
Urban Grind – coz the coffee is great, owner is a top bloke (and he’s on Twitter), and they’ve got free wi-fi;
Dancing Bean – great technique, which is important, nice guys, and a wonderful local story to go with it all;
Naked Coffee – add points for quality and technique, lose points for lacsadaisical service and a pretentious clientele.
The Coffee Guy at Wooloowin coffeeguy.com.au
For that daily coffee, I love Cool Beans and Baguettes in the food court of Brisbane Square (266 George Street). Staff are lovely, coffee is consistently good and the service is fast. Just what you want every morning.
For a coffee out with friends, I tend to like Ned’s on Fairfield Road, Yeronga at the Village shopping centre.
Urban Harmony @ Coorparoo – unusual shop – don’t let that put you off – the use Byron Bay Coffee Co. beans – absolutely fantastic.
I have to say Gloria Jeans at Borders in the city because my sister is the Manager, plus it’s right next door to Borders – perfect
Morgs at Urban Grind in New Farm makes a great brew and my other favourite is a tiny little place in Ashgrove called Jeremiah’s Cafe – they make a little latte!
Alan’s Coffee on George Street down toward the Transit Centre near the Magistrates Court Building. Superb coffee!
Urban Grind – always has been, always will be the best coffee!
Urban Grind in New Farm is excellent if I can make it out there, but in the city I’m a huge fan of Café Levanto on Mary St.
I love Sugar N Spice on Adelaide St – they have some fantastic specials there.
Seriously, Gloria Jeans? Ew.
What is that little red cigar shop near Southbank, off Melbourne Street – Paladar Fumior Salon or something? I can’t spell it and I can’t name the street it’s on, but oh my God does that guy make divine coffee. It’s like an orgasm in a cup.
Warning: he doesn’t do caramel or flavourings or anything cute and yuppietastic, and he’ll stare at you with that polite-trying-not-to-smirk face if you ask for it (I learned from experience). Just plain coffee.
heaven.
Also on the guy who runs that shop – he sent my friend who’s overseas a packet of his coffee beans, just because she sent the shop a postcard saying hi from London (it’s a thing the shop does.)
Sugar n Spice on Adelaide! Great coffee and the people who work there are awesomely friendly :)
MMGC – I know the place you mean – it’s great. The coffee is amazing and the guy who runs it is super nice.
My vote would go to Espresso Garage in Southbank though. Owned and run by a super cool guy. Another hole in the wall type place with really friendly nice staff and consistently good coffee. Can’t fault it.
Ciao Bella in Mcaurthur central in the CBD. Great coffe.
The BEST coffee in the city is Cool Beans and Baguettes in Brisbane Square (Radcliffe Place). Staff are lovely, very friendly, down to earth people, the type of people you would want to socialise with on a Friday night. The coffee is always exceptional and it’s service with a smile. They know their regular customers by name & coffee.
Plus having a goregous guy make your coffee every morning isn’t too bad either! Makes coming to work every day that much more enjoyable!
I agree, best coffee ever is Cool Beans in Brisbane Square and yes the Barista is a hottie!! He can make my coffee anytime!!! Wonder if he likes Australian girls!!?? Mmmm…
Zarraffas Myer Centre FTW!
Veneziano in west end.
Merlo on James st. While you’re waiting for your beans to roast they whip you up a freebie to die for espresso
My absolute favourite place to go for my daily coffee fix is definitely Cool Beans in Brisbane Square. Coffee is always good, staff are super friendly and service is awesome. Absolutely the best coffee in the city by far. The staff is amazing and always go that extra step with a smile and a chat. If you’re having a rough day, a visit to this cafe will always put you in a good mood! Wink wink!
MERLO BOWEN HILLS!
I love The 3 Monkeys in West End just behind the Coles. The atmostphere is quirky and fun, the coffe is fantastic and hot, and the staff are all friendly! I could spend all day in there drinking coffee and reading my book and no one will come over and surreptitiously “clean my table” as if to say “are you leaving yet”?
But, I also agree with MMGC if you are looking for a great coffee on the go, the Paladar Fumior Salon (or what ever that awesome place is called) is the best coffee I have had since returning from Rome!
The Black Star on Thomas Street in West End and a newish place called Ugees on Boundary. Somebody mentionned “three monkeys”, had one of the worst coffees.
The most amazing coffee in the city is COOL BEANS cafe in Brisbane Square. Every coffee is made to perfection and the staff are so lovely and genuine, it’s hard not to keep going back for more! They make a point of saying hello, asking about your day and taking a genuine interest in you. Walking into this lovely cafe and being greeted with a smile every day together with the exceptional coffee is a winning combination!
Totally agree with all those who said Cool Beans in Brisbane Square – honestly I have worked in the city for 16 years and have been to many coffee shops all over the city – the best coffee I have ever tasted and the best service I have ever received is from the guys at Cool Beans Brisbane Square. They have DiBella coffee which is so good, but the way the baristas prepare your coffee together with the friendly service you receive makes it the best little coffee shop in the city.
Vinnies at Newmarket – Leo always serves a great coffee, every time without fail.
The best and most consistent coffee from a franchise (if you could call it that?) is Merlo’s.
Gloria Jeans coffee is a dog, can’t believe someone would even suggest it as one of Brisbane’s best coffee, even if “vested interests” are mentioned.
lure – paddington
Alen’s espresso on George street!
As Sam says – Alen’s. Top drop, great service. Always a smile and they remember your name!
Definetely Idea Caffe’ in woolloowin 38 shaw road
Mias gift and coffee on kelsey street coorparoo! The best coffee ive ever tasted. Great breezy balcony to sit on. Fantastic service. Usually baristas dont interact with customers but the lady at Mias does.10/10
Mug Shots Coffee at Sandgate – the beans are roasted on site so it’s always beautiful and smoothe
A second for Mug Shots, I’ve never had a bad cup no matter who is working, and the muffins are spectacular.
Raw Espresso Bar at Freemason & Fox Building Ann St
They use an organic coffee called Green Bean which is something new…
has a rich earthy flavour that is really tasty.
The Barristers are cute, very quick and make awesome coffee all day.
you feel like having another one when you finish..
definitely Lady Marmalade at Stones Corner
definately agree with Lady Marmalade, Stones Corner. Great funky shop, awesome coffee, friendly staff and the sangas rock too
Yeah guys I third that – Lady Marmalade cafe is just a nice chill corner, away from the craziness in the Valley or CBD. I dig the awesome sandwiches and the sense that Stones Corner is becoming a destination for great breakfast and great food
Just discovered 33 Squares in Longland St Newstead. Absolutely great coffe and had eggs with these amazing baked pretzels. Apparently they are not yet serving these every morning but when they do it will be my new breakfast spot. Oh I think they are opening on a Saturday from the 26th. A must try
Where do you get good organic coffee in the Brisbane CBD near Ann Street?
I used to be a barista trained by a crazy strict Italian coffee purist and you have to admit good coffee in Brisbane is hard to find. I am a big fan of many Merlos and Campos coffee because I am sick of trying to find a well made coffee. Atomica’s at West End (organic milk at least), Our Haus at Morningside, Campos in Elizabeth Arcade, Merlos anywhere in the city, Alen’s on George St, all very good. But oh my goodness, you must try a coffee at Montrachet in Paddington, I have never had a coffee like it, and the service (and food) are brilliant. Thanks for the tip on Cool Beans, will try it!
Donut King Wynnum, lovely staff and I get brilliant standard coffee every morning, they even do the little pictures on top for me hehe
But seriously Gloria Jeans is terrible and always tastes awfully burnt!
Number 1: Black Star in Thomas Street, West End
Number 2: Veneziano on Montague Road, West End
Coffee guy at wooloowin gets my vote. Brother espresso in spring hill is up there as well
Best coffee is Bleeding Heart on Ann Street in the city. Organic coffee and do great coffee happy hour of an afternoon. Nikki who makes coffee is great too.
Lady Marmalade in Stones Corner if you want food to go with that coffee, but best brew would be Grinder Coffee in Stones Corner. A little hard to find though.
SIP on Queen Street is by far the best coffee in Brisbane. It is operated by the most unpretentious people who are very friendly and consistently churn out highly quality coffee, cup after cup.
These guys are tucked away, hidden from the street but definitely worth the extra 20 metres past Merlo to get to Brisbane’s best coffee!
I’ve just found a small hole in the wall close to my work on roma st. The coffee is unexpectedly great. It was smooth and i got an art on top as a bonus;) think it’s name was coffee booth.
And agree, no Gloria Jeans please!!
epresso.com.au
68 Commercial Rd, Teneriffe
Brett is great on the ourys and makes a mean muffin!
The girls @ Press also serve a great cafe!
James Lane, New Farm
CupCoffee in west end!!!
Urban Grind in Paddington for sure! Morgan and Rachael are absolutely lovely and their coffee is outstanding.
Can’t believe nobody has mentioned One Drop at North Tower, 505 St Pauls Tce, Valley. Unbelievably smooth without a hint of bitterness. I’m yet to taste coffee in Brisbane that comes anywhere near it for quality.
Don’t get me wrong – places like Coffee Guy at Wooloowin and SIP in Queen St make awesome brews as well, but for mine, noone can touch the lads at One Drop. Anyone else think so?
Mias cafe and gifts in coorparoo, fish cafe manly and manly village pizzeria and trattoria in manly do great coffee! Nice to get a soy flat white that isn’t burnt!
Blackstar at West End, without a doubt. Their food menu is okay but if I was buying beans anywhere it’d be there.
this list needs dates. Urban Grind is now back at Paddington, so those who loved the “new farm urban grind” are either 2 years ago or haven’t been there in a while…
I’d give my vote to Merlo for consistency and for Dean Merlo being part of Brisbane hospitality royalty – his father changed restaurants and he changed coffee for Brisbane.
However agree that One Drop is great! There are so many places to try and, like wine, I would never limit myself to a single favourite. These lists are ridiculous sometimes.
I have one day (Saturday) to see Brisbane and its surroundings. Would there be any local willing to guide me around?
CAMPOS COFFEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do love One Drop’s coffee. Go there most days and shun the other options in Green Square. And the boys are lovely, that helps.
Fussy coffee drinker, that is me and a lukewarm coffee is a no-no!
For the present – rate 1) Elixir in Stafford (good service as well)
2) Corner Coffee Cafe at Toowong then the rest like Black Star, Cup, Bellissimo, Campos,
One Drop (had cold cup of coffee instead of very hot), Lady Marmalade (not impressed by their coffee), Bunker (uses same coffee as Black Star?), Le Bijoux in Racecourse rd (not too bad).
Yet to try others mentioned like Dandelions and Driftwood, Pourboy etc.
Anywhere Coffee Club ISN’T!!!!!
I hate coffee that gives me third degree burns. Other than that I love coffee so it doesn’t matter to me. I even love Nescafe Gold instant coffee.
dude…
Definetly Sabor On Hudson at Albion is amazing coffee. Always service with a smile. Wonderful Halloween Effects
OKAY—– drop nuts and go forth!
**Boys House of Coffee, Kelvin Grove.**
The owner has been a barista for over 18 years, his blood BLEEDS coffee. The barista has hand picked/ crafted his coffee blend with the utmost due diligence over the course of 15 years.
Just go ONE time, if you truly want a mesmerizing coffee.
lanilives.tumblr.com
@Droppin’ NUTS():I want to try that coffee with my wife, every morning my coffee make my day complete.
Toohey road carvery in Salisbury has the best coffee by far. I’m a coffee snob and this is the best coffee I’ve found in Australia. Awesome water filtration system and roasts his own beans.
Toohey Road Carvery! What a surprise! Boastful signs all over the shop front… BEST COFFEE this & that. I went in expecting the usual average coffee, washed out bitter after taste. Instead, it was by a country mile, the best coffee I have EVER had, without exception. There is more machinery in there than any other 6 Cafes… grinders, water filters, even a coffee roaster on the counter. Obviously they’ve spent big dollars. I’ve seen that before, only to get rubbish coffee.
What is their secret James?
I’m going back again next time I’m on the southside.
Toohey Road Carvery only just opened up sometime around mid 2011. The coffee really is that good, and only $3 for an espresso. Amazing coffee considering it’s buried in the burbs on the southside.
Homeground on Brunswick! You gotta try the single origin! Ron is pretty cute too!
There is a new Cafe at Wondall RD Wynum West that is worth a look. It’s called Jimbo & Co. An awesome new little cafe, with plenty of room for the kids, where they aren’t going to hurt themselves or get into trouble. There are even toy trucks there and such for them to play with while you enjoy your coffee. There are lounges, and small tables, bench seats at the bar, or even an old kitchen table to sit with a group. They use Di Bella coffee, and i have heard that the owner has won a few awards for his coffee making, which doesn’t surprise me because they coffee is always incredible.
My top two are:
1) Frisky Goat Espresso – George Street
2) Brew – Crn Albert Street and Queen Street Mall
go a little bit south of the city to Labrador and hit up Gold Coast Coffee on the broadwater–only had better in melbourne!
the best coffee kiosk in Brisbane is definitely The Dancing Bean 3rd floor level at the Roma Street Transit Center and I’m glad it’s out of the way ’cause the queue would be forever if it was in the middle of town
@anonymous
Dancing Bean is a “wannabe-Starbucks” and that’s saying something. Dancing Bean do not know the difference between Good Coffee and Horrible Generic Poo-stained coffee. Dancing Bean is a poor excuse for a coffee chain, considering one of its stores in Kelvin Grove appears to be more of a alcoholic-draped disco (@ 7am) than a small coffee store trying to compete with ‘good quality’ coffee.
PS. There is a reason it is out of the way, hidden and tucked away behind the Transit Centre of all places. It’s the same with the Kelvin Grove store, hidden and tucked away behind QPAC. Good Riddance i say, let good quality coffee stores prosper in their wake.
Grindhouse, Stones Corner. Can be hard to find the first time, but the coffee is well worth it. Cup, Toby’s Estate, D&D!
This is a no-brainer for me. Dandelion & Driftwood, Gerler Rd, Hendra. Those of you who havent been, you MUST go. Best coffee in Brisbane, hands down.
So good to see there are decent coffee joints around cos I seem to be always disappointed. But my fav coffee in Brissy is in my kitchen made through my awsome Breville machine using LAVAZZA beans
There’s quite a few good places in the city, but my faves are:
– La Dolce Vita (Edward Street)
– Pane e Vino (Albert Street)
– Restaurant II (Edward Street)
Also the Gypsy General Trading coffee cart at Davies Park Markets (Saturday mornings at West End) makes a wicked chilli coffee.
Jett at the Grange and Saabi at Hendra
Cremosa Albert St. for milky coffee.
Brother Margaret St. for long black
Surprisingly the long blacks at the newly opened Aromas in the Wintergarden was damn good.
Most Merlo or DiBella establishments aren’t too bad, though I think it depends on the Barista.
Guru at Strathpine if you are in the ‘burbs.
One complaint about coffee in Brisbane, most of it is served far TOO HOT.
If I scald my mouth on the first sip, the rest of the coffee isn’t going to taste very nice.
All that said, my Moka makes the best coffee…….