Retroespresso is a rad little red-and-black themed cafe, tucked away in the backstreets of Wavell Heights on the northside of Brisbane. Located just 9km north of Brisbane's CBD, it's a perfectly convenient location for city workers to grab an early morning coffee before heading to work. I don't know about you, but I'd much prefer waking up that little bit earlier to start my day enjoying a coffee, than rush to get ready and mentally prepare myself for the daily grind that we call work.
Outside Retroespresso.
As a self-proclaimed community driven cafe, Retroespresso opens bright and early at 5am 7 days a week; there's no weekend sleep-in for the "passionate about customer service" staff here! During the day, Retroespresso serves a range of yummy foods, with their food menu split into three sections: 'something savoury', 'something sweet', and 'toast'. With prices ranging from just $2 to $14, their food items are very affordable. Plus, as a bonus, there is no minimum charge for EFTPOS! Aside from all your regular coffees, Retroespresso also have a range of cold drinks available.
Open bright and early every day of the week.
Retroespresso's cafe menu.
Some of their food items on display at the counter.
As usual, I ordered a soy cap; the only coffee I've ordered for the past 4 years (except in places where soy was not available). The soy cap brewed by Retroespresso was exceptional, with the taste of soy evident in every sip I took - perfect! My friend opted for a flat white. I also ordered toast with peanut butter, as I was not feeling particularly hungry at 6am in the morning, whereas my friend opted for a ham and cheese croissant. I had a bite of his croissant, and immediately wished I was feeling more hungry!
Even their coffee cups fit in with the red-and-black theme they have going on at the cafe.
White toast with a generous amount of peanut butter.
Ham and cheese croissant.
Retroespresso may be a cafe by day, but they are also a bar by night from Thursday through to Sunday. On these nights, Retroespresso open their bar menu, with a wide range of bar foods coupled with a wide selection of drinks. After looking through their bar food menu, I'm determined to come back at night to try out their rustic cheese platter (chef selection of brie, cheddar and blue with Labosh crackers, fruit paste and assorted condiments), coupled, of course, with a bottle of bubbles!
Cafe by day; bar by night.
Retroespresso's bar menus.
What's better than bar food and drinks is when bar food and drinks is paired with free live music! Every Sunday from 3pm to 5pm, local talents will take the stage at Retroespresso to deliver good music for you, without any cost on your end. Upcoming artists include
Dan & Diletta,
Donelle Brooks, Annjo Duo,
Lua Duncan,
Nora Sahak, and
KiddnKelly. Sundays at Retroespresso are a great way to expose yourself to some new artists that you may not have heard of previously, as well as provide you with an opportunity to support your local artists!
Calendar of upcoming Sundays at Retroespresso.
In addition to both indoor and outdoor seating, Retroespresso also have an upstairs courtyard, which is where the live music on Sundays is performed. Retroespresso is a self-proclaimed dog friendly cafe, with dogs allowed on both the courtyard and outdoors - water bowls are available in both areas.
Spacious and comfortable indoor seating.
Ample outdoor seating.
Our favourite spot - the courtyard!
Water bowls at the outdoor seating and courtyard areas.
