Officers Mess

Overview

The Officers Mess is an all-day riverfront diner set inside Brisbane's original World War II naval officers' club, with picnic tables running down to the water. The building dates to 1943 and was built as the Officers' Club and Mess for the US Seventh Fleet's New Farm submarine base — one of only two major US Navy bases operating in Australia during the war.

Its most unusual feature survives intact: a pair of igloo-shaped structures, unlike anything else built on the riverfront at the time. Back then it was the base's social hub, the place regiments gathered to swap news, gossip and complaints; today it plays much the same role for Brisbane locals.

Breakfast runs from early, with granola bowls, pastries, crepes, brekky rolls, a Croque Monsieur and shakshuka. From 11am the menu shifts toward share plates — fresh oysters, charcuterie and cheese boards, baked camembert, chicken karaage, loaded fries, prawn rolls, burgers and tacos — built for grazing through the afternoon rather than a sit-down meal.

Coffee comes from Wolff Coffee Roasters, alongside cold-pressed juices and smoothies by day, with cocktails, spirits, wine and beers on tap taking over once the sun drops. Seating spreads across picnic tables by the river, a lawn for anyone who'd rather bring a blanket, and undercover tables inside the mess itself.

Images: Kristian Farugia.

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