Overview
If stepping inside Brisbane's latest hotspot feels like taking a trip to Asia, then the folks behind Uncle Ho Bar & Diner have achieved their aim. Their mission is a simple one: bring the Vietnamese bia hoi (that is, beer cafe) to Australia.
European-themed establishments have been all the rage around the country for years, but Uncle Ho owner Anna Demirbek thinks it's time for a Hanoi-style experience. Think Vietnamese street food cooked up by Rick (Tuan) Ngo — a former sous chef at Melbourne's insanely popular Chin Chin — along with a deck lined with lanterns and twinkling lights, the sounds of hip hop filtering through the stereo, and six taps dripping with fresh beer. And all under a heritage-listed jacaranda tree on Ann Street in Fortitude Valley.
With the custom-made furniture for the 120-seat venue having pushed back its opening an extra month to Thursday, March 24, you can be certain that it looks the part. And with its menu offering up everything from rice paper rolls to dumplings to pho — and banh mi for lunch as well — it tastes the part, too. We dare you to try to resist their grazing platters.
Add a range of classic and jarred cocktails to the mix, and the scene is set for more than a few lazy afternoon hangouts that'll make you feel like you've hopped continents. And if you want a piece of Uncle Ho at home, well, that can be arranged. Yep, this bar and diner doesn't just want to rock your world within its four walls — it wants to cater your parties, too.
Uncle Ho Bar & Diner is now open at 826 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. For more info, visit their website.
Image: Ricky Kharawala via StockSnap.