The Best Specialty Coffee Spots in Brisbane

We don't have to tell you that coffee is big in this town. We'd be hard pressed to find a person who doesn't rely on a series of coffee hits to get them through the day in caffeine-fuelled increments. But as we all know, coffee is more than a drug; it is a gift to be cherished and relished. Brisbane folk are spoilt for choice when it comes to beans, blends, brewing techniques and devices, whether you prefer cold press, Aeropress, Chemex, Kalita Wave or otherwise.

Fear not, espresso lover — you haven't stumbled into Pourover Central. Variety is the name of the game. However you like your cup, there is something for you on this list. More precisely, there is something for you at any single establishment on this list.

JOSIE NORTH, TOOWONG

If you're serious about your caffeinated beverages and you live in Brisbane's inner west, then you need to add this new Toowong spot to your morning hit list. Given that owner Matt Roggenkamp will be familiar to anyone who's frequented Kenmore roasters The Single Guys, the eatery's brew-centric focus is hardly surprising. You'll find coffee from Sydney's Reuben Hills and Melbourne's Seven Seeds and Small Batch on Josie's maiden menu, and no doubt smell their heavenly aromas wafting down the streets as well. Brissie blends may also pop up over time.

51 Sherwood Road, Toowong.

JOHN MILLS HIMSELF, CBD

If there is anything to learn in your journey towards coffee connoisseurship, it is that a brew bar's coffee cred is directly proportionate to how difficult it is to find. To wit, John Mills Himself is nigh on impossible to stumble upon. The search is worth the effort, just be on the lookout for the A-frame signs.

40 Charlotte Street, Brisbane.

THE TILLER COFFEE, ALDERLEY

If you're not a regular of The Tiller, it's because you don't live anywhere near Newmarket train station. If you did, you'd be there every morning. Staff (who are lovely) operate out of a storage container, serving up cups of liquid gold. The smooth and rounded house blend, Three Mile Scrub, is a definite crowd-pleaser.

81 Mina Parade, Alderley.

PABLO & RUSTY'S, CBD

At Pablo & Rusty's first Brisbane store, the Sydney-based roaster is committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure its black, caffeinated liquids really are the best they can be. And that means more than offering a stellar range of beans and blends — though you'll find those on the menu, including a single origin offering that rotates weekly, and comes as a double shot, batch-brewed or nitrogen-infused and chilled.

200 Mary Street, Brisbane. 

DANDELION & DRIFTWOOD, HENDRA

At Dandelion and Driftwood, coffees are delivered to your table with a small card detailing the origin, grower and the growing altitude of the beans. It's difficult to choose a favourite between the toasty Dandelion blend, and the heavier Driftwood with its molasses notes. If you have the time and the inclination, take a seat at the very impressive looking brew bar for a more dedicated coffee experience.

Shop 1, 45 Gerler Road, Hendra.

STRAUSS, CBD

Coffee, whether espresso or filter, is a serious business at Strauss. Another hidey-hole to make this list, the chic-looking place doubles as a bar for an adoring CBD crowd. The ever growing drinks list is impressive, as is the selection of masterclasses to which the cafe plays host. Their coffee remains their trump card though.

189 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane.

LTD ESPRESSO, FORTITUDE VALLEY

This Brunswick Street favourite has quite the reputation for churning out cups of quality coffee and not much else, aside from a piece of toast and the odd pastry. That's okay though, the limited non-coffee options keep the focus where it belongs. Be sure to grab a bottle of their cold press on your way out.

362 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley.

By Sophia Edwards with Sarah Ward.