A little bit off the track.... Best Coffee in Runaway Bay?

OK, so we've been a bit off track lately due to the floods. It has been an interesting time as Brisbane recovers from the havoc, and we grieve for those that lost their lives. I've been without power in my West End apartment for over a week and have no firm date for power to be reinstated, but these are small issues compared to many others. Along with many others, we joined in the clean up and it was horrible to see what had been lost by many, but also great to see strangers banding together to help get back on track.

I'm sure this is the Best Coffee in Runaway Bay

Anyway, due to the lack of power, I'm camping at a friend's place on the Gold Coast. He took me to the Runaway Bay shopping centre for a Coffee. In the centre, opposite Woolies is the Runaway Bay Deli. The owner is a coffee fanatic and won't let anyone else near his machine. Like  at The West End Coffee House we are served Campos Coffee. Sorry about the pic, but I had already hooked into the delicious brew before I remembered to take one.

The Deli has some seating, but I think you're best to head outside and sit by the broadwater. The coffee had a rich full body taste, a nice acidity and the right amount of milkiness. Great to see good coffee being served in the suburbs, especially when the other offers are places like Baker's Delight or McDs.

Best coffee in Brisbane? Not on the Gold Coast.......

Well I'd love to be blogging about a new Brisbane location in my quest but unfortunately Mother Nature has decided to inundate our West End Community with water and we have been forced to evacuate. It was pleasant to see that many local businesses were still operating and providing much needed sustenance to the flood affected areas, but by the time I rolled out of West End this afternoon, most were closed, sand-bagged and bracing for the continued rises in the River. To all those throughout Queensland that are affected, Especially those at the end of Montague Rd, I wish you the best now and during our recovery.

I've found myself camped out on the Gold Coast, and as a result am working remotely from a Tedder Avenue Cafe. My usual haunt here would be Hard Coffee or Skinny Dippers, but it looks like we're a bit late in the day for them. I selected Milan on Main based on the fact it was open. Like most cafes on Tedder Avenue, the open air environment is pleasant, with a nice sea breeze flowing through. Service was efficient and friendly, but it's not exactly busy here right now.

My Segafredo-beaned flat white came promptly, and looked OK at best. First taste revealed a bitterness that lasted throughout. Body was lacking. It was drinkable, and not the worst I've had, but I can't recommend this particular cup.

Milan on Main
Shop 4, 14-16 Tedder Ave,
Main Beach,
Queensland

Espresso Garage at South Brisbane. Have I found the best coffee in Brisbane?

I needed a mid morning caffeine boost so I popped over to Grey St in South Bank to grab a flat white from Espresso Garage. This little hole in the wall, blink and you'll miss it cafe is a little difficult to find but is tucked away in the thoroughfare between in Grey St and Little Stanley St.

It was raining and there was nobody waiting so the coffee came quickly. As I ordered I recognised the staff from the Montague St branch of the same name (opposite Davies Park) and realised that I have had coffee served by these guys before. The reason I came to Grey St Espresso Garage was it had been recommended to me the day before, but this was the first time I had made the mental link that it is the same people as on Montague Rd.

I'm sure on a nice sunny morning the atmosphere is very pleasant as you pull up a stool and mill around the cyclists who I'm sure grace this establishment, but I can't really comment due to the never ending rain. The menu is short, as it is entitled to be with a hole in the wall cafe.

Best Coffee in Brisbane....... Probably not

Anyway, sad to say I was a little disappointed today. The flat white was a bit weak and milky with a woody aftertaste. At the Montague St Branch I have had a better experience with the smaller size, but it is my policy for the purposes of finding the best coffee in Brisbane to simply ask for a flat white and see what comes out. This policy is now under review.

Espresso Cafe
176 Grey St
South Brisbane

West End Coffee House in West End. Best Coffee in Brisbane?

Our quest continues with a trip to West End Coffee House on a rainy Monday morning. I've been eying off this venue as it seems to have a constant line of West Enders outside waiting for their daily brew.

The atmosphere inside is quite chic, with a retro styling and even a deck set up which, it seems, customers feel comfortable changing the record on so they can listen to their favourite tunes. A little bit of road noise entered due to the Vulture St locations. Service is friendly and I watched as the staff (maybe the owner) worked hard to meet the requirements of various customers.

West End Coffee House. Best Coffee in Brisbane?

Blackstar in West End. Best Coffee in Brisbane?

I start on my quest to discover the best cup of coffee in Brisbane at Blackstar in West End.

Could this be the Best Coffee in Brisbane?

Blackstar is located on a side street just off Vulture Street near the intersection with Boundary Road. Just far enough from the Boundary to be slightly hidden and away from the passing traffic. On the Sunday Morning I bought coffee it was bucketing down but the cafe was full. The atmosphere is relaxed and the main clientele seem to be the alternative crowd. Blackstar appears to be dog friendly.