Bender’s Bar
If you’ve ever cast your eye over our formidable list of Brisbane’s top burger joints, you’ll have noticed that Billykart Bar sits among the best. Since opening in February 2018, the West End nook has been pumping out some seriously tasty two-handers, building upon the reputation set by Billykart Kitchen’s much-loved classic cheeseburger – an all-star fixture on the cafe’s menu. Last Friday October 11 marked the final service at Billykart Bar, but no sooner had the grill cooled than news spread of the Billykart team’s newest burger-oriented venture – Bender’s Bar. Billykart’s Ben O’Donoghue (known as Bender to his mates) and Ben Roberts are moving Billykart Bar’s operations across the road, transforming a vacant space (the former home of Copperface Jack’s and DA’Burger) into an 80-seat neighbourhood pub hawking a casual offering encompassing burgers and snacks. The menu at Bender’s Bar will reportedly boast a wallet-friendly selection of eats, including the signature Billykart cheeseburger, a fish burger with ranch dressing, avocado and lettuce, beer-battered pickles, and jalapeno poppers. Guests can also expect trivia nights, live music and DJs, live sports, weekly specials, and some intriguing collaborative burgers once Bender’s Bar opens to the public on Friday October 25. Stay tuned for more details.
Trove
Much like a secret hideaway harbouring untold riches, Brisbane City’s newest late-night haunt is set to boast a trove of culinary treasures of its own. The brains behind Norton Hospitality Group (operators of Saint & Rogue in Melbourne, The Woombye Pub, Launceston’s Alchemy Bar & Restaurant and Brisbane’s own Irish Murphys) are set to open Trove – a secluded bar and eatery perched above the hustle and bustle of George Street – in early November. Markedly different in style than its sibling Irish Murphys, Trove is angling towards a more sophisticated take on hospitality – interiors featuring timeless timber joinery, circular booth seating, pops of colour and bold wallpaper will set the scene for a gastronomic offering best described as modern Queensland cuisine. Produce sourced from local suppliers will filter into a menu including dishes such as grilled pineapple salads, slow-cooked Bendele duck, baked goat cheese (using Frolicking Goat’s artisan product) and ricotta gnocchi with wild mushrooms and wilted spinach. Boosting the fare will be a beverage menu featuring local craft beers and more than 60 gins. Keep your eyes fixed on The Weekend Edition for a closer look at Trove once it opens.
Cowch
Brisbane’s most beloved dessert bar is expanding! Cowch – a long-time fixture of South Bank’s Grey Street dining strip – has snagged some prime real estate for its next location, opening at Westfield Chermside this Thursday October 17. The expansion marks the decadent destination’s third location (after South Bank and Pacific Fair), taking over the former site of American barbecue eatery Bootlegger. Out with the brisket, in with the banana splits – Cowch will be transporting its entire menu across to Chermside, meaning that sweet-toothed diners can gorge on Nutella waffle sandwiches, churros, dessert pizzas, crepes, naked pops, super shakes and more. The venue will boast Cowch’s first-ever area dedicated to children called the Cowch Calves area, as well as a sizeable bar, booth seating and space for the famous Cowch cocktail classes. While Cowch will officially open on Thursday, the sweet-treat haven will be hosting its official launch festivities over the weekend, complete with giveaways and prizes to be nabbed over Saturday and Sunday. We’ll have an in-depth peek at Cowch Chermside this week!
The Flying Cock, TBC Club and i like ramen
Any good party, no matter how amazing it is, must come to an end. Fortitude Valley revellers are grappling with the announcement that long-running party hubs The Flying Cock and TBC Club would be closing their doors at the end of the year, leaving only a couple of months for punters to soak up the lively vibes before last call. In a press release distributed last week, The Flying Cock co-owner David Flynn said that the crew decided it was time for a change, citing the end of the current lease as an opportunity to go out with a bang. Following this haymaker with another jab to the chin, neighbouring vegan-friendly noodle spot i like ramen also announced that it would be departing Fortitude Valley, choosing to focus on the brand’s new location in Nobby Beach and expand its Gold Coast roots. i like ramen will be closing its doors on Saturday October 26. These consecutive blows have been softened with the news that the team behind The Flying Cock and TBC Club is working towards a new venture, details of which will be revealed in the new year, and a swag of events that will see the venue off in style. Before the year’s out, The Flying Cock and TBC Club will be hosting massive Halloween and Christmas parties, plus a throwback evening paying tribute to TBC’s predecessor The Bowler Bar. Head to The Flying Cock website for more details on its farewell celebrations.
Betty’s Burgers lobster roll
As we inch closer towards warmer temperatures, our tastebuds gear up for the swag of morsels that go hand-in-hand with summer feasting. Seafood as always at the top of our list, and booming burger chain Betty’s Burgers is returning to its beachy roots for its new, limited-edition menu item – the lobster roll. From Thursday October 17, all Betty’s Burgers locations will be serving up the luxe arrival, which boasts premium fresh lobster meat, a good dollop of Betty’s signature mayonnaise, shallots, chives, a hit of fresh lemon and some spice. The lobster rolls will be here for a good time, not a long time (think a few weeks, tops), but these fancy bites won’t break the bank – a roll will only cost $19, while a deluxe experience including fries and a glass of wine will total $29.
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