by Tinamaleela (
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I love hiking, travel, photography, art, and Brisbane's culture and lifestyle.
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The Paladar is a wartime bomb shelter turned into a chilled cafe for lovers of coffee, books, and old vinyl. Its facade has a worn, rustic look - a cut-out from Havana pasted into the corner of Fish Lane and Merivale Street in South Brisbane. A cultural misfit, but a most charming one.

Vintage music records amplify the ambience of this charming coffee shop.

Rustic facade of The Paladar.
Step inside and you feel like you've entered a time warp. Old records from the early-to-mid century play on the equally old turntable. You might hear a Caribbean steel band, the Everly Brothers, or some Mississippi blues.
There is an eclectic selection of books for sale (with or without coffee). You can enjoy the ambience with a coffee, tea or milkshake, some baked goodies, or free fruit from the counter.
Seating is available on three levels: a bench seat and stools on the ground level, cosy nooks on a split level, and there's the rooftop with distressed metal chairs and small tables as well as a comfy lounge to suit a group. Smoking permitted on the rooftop and pets are welcome on the premises.

Rooftop seating.
The coffee shop is open seven days a week.
Trading hours:
Mon — 7am-2pm
Tue to Sun — 7am-4pm
Every couple of months or so, there will be a sausage sizzle to fundraise for charity.

Seating on the split level.