If you’re looking for things to do in West End, look no further! This vibrant and eclectic suburb has something for everyone. From morning to night, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of the many great restaurants, head out for a night of drinks with friends, or explore all that West End has to offer. We’ve broken down the best of West End below.
Breakfast & Brunch
West End has some truly spectacular breakfast and brunch spots. From industrial chic to casual and cosy the options are just as varied as most of their menus.
Picnic
Picnic West End in the West Village Shopping Precinct is the sister cafe to the original Picnic in Camp Hill.
The OG store amassed quite the following and that has translated to this new location. The large and airy space is usually full – especially on weekends.
Their menu is filled with innovative but familiar dishes, from Scotch Eggs to Biscoff Pancakes. If you really feel like treating yourself pair brunch with one of their delightful cocktails.
The Gunshop Cafe
The Gunshop Cafe is a West End institution, now operating for more than twenty years.
The cafe is located in an old gunshop (hence the name) and retains many of the original features like high ceilings, wooden floors and large windows.
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but their house-made banana bread is a must-try!
Morning After
Morning After is a relaxed industrial-chic café located on Vulture Street. The menu has all of your breakfast favourites as well as some more unique items such as the buttermilk fried chicken Benedict, and the Sago and black rice pudding.
They also recently won the best cafe for casual dining in Queensland!
West End Coffee House
If you’re looking for your classic Aussie breakfast, you won’t find it at West End Coffee House. What you will find is a Thai street food-inspired menu that will tantalise your taste buds.
All the dishes are super fresh and super flavourful. Pair this with some absolute gun baristas whipping up your coffee and you’re onto a good thing.
Dining Out
You are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to dining options in West End. To get you started, we’ve listed a few below.
Chop Chop Chang’s
Chop Chop Chang’s is a local favourite, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re basically a part of the West End furniture now, and serve up some of the best Asian-fusion food in town.
Much of the menu has been added on over time, as chefs recreate their favourite dishes from home. They also make all their sauces and pastes from scratch and that is extremely evident in every dish.
You’ll be missing out if you don’t get one of their cocktails to go alongside your Drunken Noodles or Peking Pancakes!
Mama Taco
Mama Taco is a great place to go for some Mexican eats. The small restaurant still has a lively and intoxicating atmosphere, perfect for a date night or catching up with friends.
Put all your fast-food Mexican notions aside because Mama Taco embraces authentic Mexican, high-quality ingredients and robust flavours.
They have an equally impressive tequila and mezcal list to boot.
Kafenio
We could hardly have a West End suburb guide that didn’t include this Greek favourite! Kafenio is a relaxed and inviting spot, perfect for a family dinner or romantic night out.
The menu features all the Greek classics that you know and love as well as some more modern dishes. Built in an old worker’s cottage – and situated alongside the Cypriot Community Association – the place is chock-full of personality.
The food portions are also generous, to say the least. You’ll probably be taking home leftovers. Just make sure you save some room for their baklava!
Drinks
West End is one of Brisbane’s go-to watering holes, so whatever your poison there will be something for you.
Jungle
Jungle is a Polynesian Tiki Bar in both name and nature.
The space may be small but the vibes are anything but. Plus, their cocktail list is seriously impressive. Pina Coladas served in fresh pineapples and possibly some of the best Painkiller cocktails outside of Polynesia itself.
The Catchment Brewing Co
The Catchment Brewing Co is a relaxed and welcoming bar and microbrewery right in the heart of West End. The ever-changing tap list means there’s always something new to try, but if you prefer the ol’ faithful their core range is always on tap.
Cobbler
Cobbler’s been around for nearly a decade now. The Browning Street bar boasts over 600 whiskies and an equally impressive cocktail list.
If you love your malted spirits you’ll love Cobbler. All their staff are serious whiskey connoisseurs so if you’ve got questions about this malted spirit, this is the place to go.
Bosc
Fun fact: Bosc stands for Bar of Social Conscience. This bar has all the things you could possibly want – good drinks, good food, and good times.
They’re known for stocking some of Australia’s best craft beers, as well as some seriously impressive gin cocktails. If gin’s not your thing, don’t worry. Their spirits list won’t disappoint.
Things to Do
It’s not all eating and drinking (unfortunately). There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in West End.
West End Markets
The West End Markets in Davies Park are held every Saturday and are one of Brisbane’s most popular markets. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade arts and crafts.
There’s always plenty of live music and various performances as well. Just make sure you bring your reusable bags.
Mappin’s Nursery
If you consider yourself a proud plant mum or dad you’ve probably hit up Mappin’s Nursery & Aquarium. If you haven’t you need to sort that – stat.
Anyone with a green thumb will be well at home among the plants here.
Metro Arts
Metro Arts is Brisbane’s home of independent theatre, music, dance, and visual arts. The heritage-listed building plays host to a range of events throughout the year, so make sure you keep an eye on their website.
And that’s just a small snapshot of what West End has to offer! We could go on but we think it’s best if you explore the suburb for yourself.
Did we get your favourites? If not, let us know at editor@mybrisbane.com
