Need a late-arvo pick-me-up? Here are the Brisbane coffee spots pulling shots after 3:00 pm
For most of us, a strong coffee is a morning thing. It’s something many wouldn’t consider after midday, for fear of not being able to fall asleep. But quite a few folks – emergency responders, late-night shift workers and students– require an energy hit to get them through the evening. While most cafes shut down their coffee machine around 2:00 pm, a few keep pouring the good stuff until the late afternoon and some keep it coming all night long. If you need a coffee fix in Brisbane after 3:00 pm, here’s where you can get it …
Death Before Decaf, New Farm: This grungy coffee slinger is one of the most reliable places to find a caffeine hit when you need it. The punk-inspired pit stop operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Operating under the mantra of ‘if you’re up, we’re open’, Death Before Decaf might just be the most reliable coffee spot in Brisbane.
Mourning Roast, Stones Corner: The crew behind this Logan Road latte slinger believe that coffee should be an experience, not a ritual to be rushed. To this end, Mourning Roast opens early and closes late – we’re talking 4:00 am to 11:00 pm – so you don’t need to hurry to get a sip before it shuts. Seeking something out of the ordinary? Mourning Roast also serves specialty beverages like lavender matcha, blueberry lattes and its signature Obsidian (cold-brew coffee with brown-sugar cold foam on top).
El Cafe, Newstead: A popular go-to amongst Newstead locals, El Cafe has always gone above and beyond when it comes to its operating hours. However, the killer cappuccino maker has come in clutch by recently extending its opening times from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm, seven days a week.
13 Bees, Fortitude Valley: With its numerous bars and late-night party spots, Fortitude Valley is a place where extra energy is required. 13 Bees Bakery in Bakery Lane operates Wednesday to Saturday, serving drool-worthy desserts well into the night. The joint also keeps its coffee machine on until 10:00 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights, making 13 Bees a lifesaver for The Valley’s sleep-deprived chefs and bartenders.
Bellissimo, Fortitude Valley: One of the biggest names Brisbane in coffee, Bellissimo needs no introduction. Its Wandoo Street location is a cherished spot for caffeine seekers, with the baristas here slinging shots every day of the week until 6:00 pm. Bellissimo’s Coorparoo HQ also keeps the espresso machine on until 4:00 pm and, if you’re catching a late-night flight, Bellissimo’s Domestic Airport kiosk pours until 9:30 pm.
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Spencer Coffee Bar, Brisbane City: If you are seeking a late-arvo pick-me-up but have a discerning taste, Spencer Coffee Bar pours ST. ALi coffee until 4:00 pm from Monday to Friday. If you’re lucky, the team might still have a dark chocolate and macadamia brownie on hand for a post-lunch sweet treat.
Allora, Newmarket: There are few combos more satisfying than gelato and coffee. Allora at Newmarket Village is one of Brisbane’s best dispensers of dreamy gelato, but it’s also a handy spot for a cuppa. Coffee is served here until 4:00 pm daily.
Expedition Coffee Co., Brisbane City: As Death Before Decaf’s younger sibling, Expedition Coffee Co. is dedicated to dispensing coffee to those that need it, when they need it most. While not open 24/7, both of Expedition Coffee Co.’s kiosks – one located on George Street and the other on Albert Street – offer coffee longer than most inner-city pit stops. The George Street location opens from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm, meaning early birds and night owls can get a fix.
To Die For Espresso Bar & Clothing, Aspley: Sometimes a small flat white isn’t enough to keep you going. Sometimes, on rare occasions, you need to take things up a notch. To Die For is known for two things – staying open late (until 10:00 pm on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 6:00 pm Tuesday and Wednesday) and extra-large bucket-like iced coffees. If you really need to stay awake, this is the place to visit.
Frankie & George, Brisbane City: If you’ve made post-work plans but are struggling to fight off the yawns, pop by Frankie & George. This inner-city cafe serves coffee until 5:00 pm during the week, which means you can pop in for a pick-me-up that’ll see you through until bedtime.
Merlo, various locations: Specialty coffee juggernaut Merlo is there for you when the afternoon slump strikes. The brand’s cafe portfolio includes a number of venues open until 4:00 pm, including its outposts in Bowen Hills, Coorparoo, James Street, Toowong, QUT Gardens Point and UQ, Paddington, Victoria Point and George Street.
DNA Espresso at Hawthorne Garage, Hawthorne: Picking up some supplies from Hawthorne Garage? The providore’s in-house coffee slinger DNA Espresso is also serving silky brews until 5:00 pm.
H Cafe & Bar, Hamilton: Brisbane is lucky to have two 24-hour cafes in town. H Cafe & Bar at Portside Wharf is open all day and night, so those burning the midnight oil can pop in for a buzz. H Cafe & Bar also has an outpost in the Valley Metro, in case you need to get amped up before a night out.
Sips O’Clock, South Brisbane: Located across the road from Queensland Museum, Sips O’Clock is a dependable pit stop for primo coffee. Here the jitter juice – including invigorating Vietnamese coffee – flows until 4:00 pm on weekdays.
Coffee Head Co., South Brisbane: Operating until 4:00 pm, this South Brisbane hideaway is great if you’re after a specialty coffee, sweet treat or hunger-busting toastie.
Foster & Black, various locations: Shopping can be a tiring exercise, especially if you’re doing it later in the day. Foster & Black has a number of locations dotted around Brisbane, with many nestled inside our large shopping centres, including Westfield Carindale (5:30 pm), Westfield Chermside (5:30 pm), Indooroopilly (5:00 pm), Westfield Mount Gravatt (5:00 pm) and Uptown (5:00pm). Times may vary depending on the day.