People walk into The Java Lounge as if it’s a friend’s home. They put their belongings down, call out greetings to the wait staff, sit with their kids on their laps and chat to co-owner Nick Allan as he makes their coffee. The cafe is a laid-back slice of coastal life in the heart of Brisbane.

Nick runs Piazza Doro beans through his coffee machine five days a week, giving his attention to each customer and learning their names and orders. His wife Corina, also an owner, makes all the cafe’s baked goods, from photogenic sticky-date puddings to brilliantly coloured tiny cupcakes that kids adore.

Service is fast. It has to be, as the steady stream of regulars can cause lines, especially on weekends. Once you’ve secured a seat, grab the paper and order the poached eggs or the avocado smash – it’s a tasty stack of avocado, poached eggs and sugar-snap peas laid on organic sourdough.

At lunch there’s an ever-popular roast pumpkin and haloumi salad; a fresh chicken BLAT with house-made basil aioli; and a number of other simple but well-made options.

It’s the kind of cafe that offers comfort, whether you curl up in the large window seat, sprawl on the comfy couches or sit outside on the long wooden tables to take in the Paddington street view.

Contact Details

Updated: August 23rd, 2017

We do not seek or accept payment from the cafes, restaurants, bars and shops listed in the Directory – inclusion is at our discretion. Venue profiles are written by independent freelancers paid by Broadsheet.

Share