Brisbane has fast become a specialty coffee-lovers paradise, with cafes and coffee shops on practically every street corner.
So, what are the best spots for coffee in Brisbane? We asked locals where their favorite cafes and coffee shops were.
These are some of the best places to get your caffeine fix in Brisbane, according to you!
Black Sheep Coffee
Woolloongabba
Black Sheep Coffee double as not just a cafe but a micro-roastery. It’s safe to say they know their way around a cup of coffee.
You’ll find these guys tucked into an industrial estate in Woolloongabba, open from 6am to 1pm Monday to Friday, and 6am to midday on weekends.
Alongside their own selection of single origins and blends, Black Sheep serve up freshly baked goods that are delivered daily.
Added bonus: four-legged friends are welcome.
Death Before Decaf
New Farm
The aptly named Death Before Decaf on Brunswick Street in New Farm operates 24/7.
Their ability to serve you a shot of espresso at 3am though isn’t the only reason they made the cut. The team at Death Before Decaf know a good coffee – decaf is not it, if the name left any room for interpretation.
Not your traditional cafe, Death Before Decaf embraces its hardcore, grunge, and skate-inspired edge.
John Mills Himself
Brisbane City
Brisbane city’s worst-kept secret, John Mills Himself is nestled down a laneway off Elizabeth Street.
It can be hard to miss though, drawing a steady stream of both office workers and specialty coffee aficionados.
John Mills offer a rotating roster of some of Australia’s best beans. This coupled with baristas that seriously know their way around a coffee machine means a sensational cup every time.
Open from Monday to Friday 6.30am to 2.30pm for coffee, the cafe transforms to a bar Monday to Saturday afternoons.
Black Rabbit Espresso
Red Hill
If you’re looking for a true community-centered coffee joint, Black Rabbit Espresso is it. Not a cafe, but rather a revamped horse float that serves up coffee seven days a week.
It might be grab and go, but that hasn’t stopped Black Rabbit Espresso becoming well and truly known within the Red Hill community for truly friendly service and a great cup of coffee to match.
The team also dish out home-brewed Cold Press ice coffees which you’ll be no doubt grateful for on any of the many hot Summer days in Brisbane.
Reverends Fine Coffee
Fortitude Valley
Reverends Fine Coffee on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley is a Brisbane institution.
Open from Monday to Saturday, it’s the perfect place to duck into for an hour or two of peace and quiet with a great cup of coffee. You’ll find guest roasters regularly making an appearance on their menu for the true specialty fans out there.
Alongside great coffee, Reverends has a simple (but delicious) food menu. Try their Breakfast Burger and thank us later.
Denim Co
South Brisbane
20 years in the Brisbane coffee scene mean Denim Co well and truly know what they’re doing.
You’ll find them on South Bank’s busy Little Stanley St seven days a week.
Alongside stellar lattes, perfect piccolos and delicious cappucinos the team serve up an array of sweet treats. Think Italian hot chocolate or peach sponge cake.
If you’re in the South Bank area, it’s a must-visit pick-me-up spot.
Bellissimo
Fortitude Valley
Brisbane roaster Bellissimo now has three flagship cafes across the city, with the Valley being their very first in 2009.
If the lines outside their Fortitude Valley location on Wandoo Street are anything to go by, their coffee’s definitely not in short demand.
The Fortitude Valley cafe serves up Bellissimo’s wide offering of roasts, plus a classic yet delicious food menu.
They’re also open 7 days a week, 365 days a year – yep, even Christmas.
Cups on Melbourne
South Brisbane
Cups on Melbourne first opened in 2020 and has been a South Brisbane favourite ever since.
The founder of Cups on Melbourne also co-owns equally popular Salisbury joint, Cups and Wells, so it should be no surprise emphasis on truly exceptional coffee is a must here.
They have a menu of some exceptional gourmet jaffles and plenty of sweets to go alongside their coffee.
The space itself is also truly exceptional. If you’re going to do it, do it right and grab your coffee to dine-in.
Notable Mentions
Thanks everyone for your input. We couldn’t go past some notable mentions that came up.
Coffee Anthology – sadly the joint shut down in 2021 but its owner has opened new location The Maillard Project on Charlotte Street.
Foster Black – numerous locations
Industry Beans – Newstead
Coffee Iconic – Brisbane City
