Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, we all know there’s one thing you need first thing in the morning (and it’s not scrambled eggs, but that would be nice too). It’s that first cup of coffee, the kind you’ll find among some of the best coffee shops in Brisbane CBD, that gives you a reason to rise, shine, and greet a new day.
As your number one motivator, we know your flat white, latte, cappuccino, piccolo or long black has to be really good, and we’ll not let you settle for second best. It’s why we’ve rounded up the 7 best coffee spots, cafés, and carts in Brisbane City, where you can get your daily caffeine fix. Follow your nose and head straight to one of these fantastic cafés where local baristas will extract your morning hit, and some where chefs will cook up a brilliant brunch or lunch.
Jump to:
John Mills Himself, Charlotte St
It’s not easy to find the mysterious John Mills Himself. Wander through a gift shop or down the driveway of a parking garage to find this hidden café in Brisbane CBD. Expect a full range of coffee styles from espresso to cold brew made using Bunker Coffee and return later for a knock-off drink at “Australia's first craft spirits drink miles bar”. Yes, the spirits, beers, and wine list details how far away your drinks were grown, distilled, and fermented. JMH is super convenient if you’re staying at Oaks Charlotte Towers.
Coffee Anthology, Charlotte St
Considered one of the (if not the) best specialty coffee shops in Brisbane CBD, Coffee Anthology is the place to go if you’re serious about your morning brew. Set in a beautiful 1890s heritage-listed building, behind the counter you’ll find beans from Australia’s best roasters and can choose from classic espresso coffee or other methods like batch brew and pour overs.
Coffee Iconic, George St
Slip down the laneway and into this hidden garden oasis in the centre of the city. With a huge leafy courtyard at the centre, Coffee Iconic is a great place to escape the busy rush of the city and enjoy a few tranquil hours over some of the best coffee in Brisbane, paired with a fresh, delicious lunch. Choose from the delicious house blend, single-origin coffee, and batch brews, all just a few minutes’ walk from Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower Suites.
Pablo & Rusty’s, Mary Street
Close to the river and the City Botanic Gardens, this café from beloved Sydney roasters is a favourite for a flat white or long black made with a coffee blend or single-origin bean. If you’re lactose-intolerant, this café even has small-batch macadamia-nut milk. Grab a takeaway pastry or slice of cake and wander down to the river, or back to your room across the road at Oaks Felix.
Edward Specialty Coffee, Edward St
This tiny café in Brisbane City packs a hugely caffeinated punch. The sophisticated but small space at the base of the Anzac Square building is open seven days a week, so you can always get your coffee fix at Edward Specialty Coffee. Choose from a range of coffee styles using White Horse Coffee beans or ask about the single-origin beans on rotation.
Marchetti, Tattersalls Arcade
Step straight into old school Italy at Marchetti, a charming traditional European-style café tucked within Tattersall’s Arcade. With cute terrazzo tiled floors and a counter stacked with Italian sweet treats, order your favourite brew made with Allpress coffee and enjoy a very chic coffee break. Return later for snacks and an Aperol spritz.
Botero, Adelaide St
Serving some of the best coffee in Brisbane CBD, our final café is also a great place to relax for a few hours with excellent food. Enter Botero’s three-storey, renovated heritage-listed building and choose from five coffee blends and rotating single-origins. Drop in during the week for your caffeine fix and a creative breakfast and lunch menu that makes the most of top-quality produce.
