Banter Bar & Seafood is a new breed of seafood-focused restaurant. It’s a haunt that mixes in the welcoming and convenient nature of local takeaway joints with the casual flair of Brisbane’s thriving independent boutique bar scene. Situated shouting distance from The Pineapple Hotel, Banter Bar & Seafood occupies a gorgeous corner location on the corner of Main and Baines Streets, luring in errant wanderers with soft neon-blue signage and the promise of a welcoming atmosphere and a damn good feed. The space has been converted from an old Queenslander cottage into a seaside abode, with beach house vibes evoked through a white and blue colour scheme and large open windows encompassing the back deck to catch cool summer breezes.
Although Banter Bar & Seafood might seem a bit more polished than your local fish and chippery, the venue takes pride in catering to all comers. Takeaway packs for families are a specialty, but those looking to socialise and dine in are also amply catered for. Head chef Daniel Miletic (ex-Coppa, Red Hook and The Fish House) has put together a cracking menu that showcases the freshest locally sourced seafood available. Pacific oysters and prawn cocktails kick off proceedings, followed by hot snacks including crumbed calamari rings, crumbed prawn cutlets, lime fritters and grilled scallops. Patrons can then pick between six kinds of fish to pair in a meal, or can get fancy with it by ordering specialty items including old-school prawn sandwiches, posh fish finger sandwiches, Cape Grim rib fillet steaks and more. Daniel has ensured that there is a sizeable gluten-free offering at Banter, with a separate deep fryer for gluten-free batter and a selection of gluten-free condiments. The bar stocks a punchy selection of wines available by the glass and bottle, as well as tap beer and some spirits in the back bar.
Banter Bar & Seafood is frying up its catch right now. Wrangle up your crew and check out the Stumble Guide for opening hours.