Bulimba's Oxford Street might be the cafe capital of Brisbane's inner east, but it isn't the only place to grab a daytime bite and a caffeinated brew on that side of town. For breakfast, brunch and lunch over a coffee, Riding Road is no slouch — and, in the street's Fifth Avenue precinct, it's exactly where newcomer Hawthorne Coffee has set up. Every cafe wants to be known for its cuppas, and this one is no different. Brisbane's own Bancroft Roasters is behind its beans, which get a workout in the usual coffee lineup. The eatery's beverage range also spans other daytime standards such as iced and hot chocolates, tea, milkshakes, acai smoothies and cold-pressed juice, but it's just as much of a go-to for its toastie-heavy food selection. Welcoming customers into its light-filled corner space, Hawthorne Coffee knows the magic of a hot drink paired with a hot-toasted sandwich. Its food menu levels up the humble toastie with gourmet fillings, including garlic thyme truffled mushroom; basil pesto chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella; and a breakfast option with two eggs and streaky bacon. The classic ham-and-cheese combo still has a place, of course, and so does the simple gooey goodness of two types of cheese between warmed-up bread. Hawthorne Coffee also prides itself on its house-made muffins, which range in flavour from staples like raspberry and white chocolate and blueberry lemon curd through to whatever seasonal produce inspires.
