Mary Mae's Kitchen - Brisbane

First off, the service was exceptional. I had a lovely conversation with the manager, Trish, who was fantastic, and the entire staff was equally impressive. They offered a wonderful selection of wines and cocktails, and we may have indulged in a few too many sparkling wines. However, at just $60 a bottle for some really excellent sparkling wine on a hot day, it was absolutely perfect. We ordered the beef brisket for $45, and it was quite possibly the best beef we've had in ages. Accompanied by a gorgeous dill cabbage slaw, fresh arugula, incredibly soft tortillas, and delicious sauces, it made for a delightful meal for two (or three, since we had some leftovers!). The children’s burger was just right for a 6-year-old and came with a generous portion of chips, which paired well with the beef brisket too! They also have fantastic desserts for kids. I’m absolutely in love with this place. With a beautiful view and a refreshing breeze, it’s definitely the place to be!

I opted for the beer-battered flathead served with chips and coleslaw. The portion was quite generous, featuring two long pieces of fish. I couldn't finish it all, but it was absolutely delicious. The fish was tender with just the right amount of batter—neither too thick nor too thin. The chips were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the coleslaw was... well, typical coleslaw. I had to chuckle at the wire basket it was served in; perhaps the restaurant hasn’t seen that Facebook page called "We Want Plates." I highly recommend checking it out for some good laughs! I enjoyed a glass of Prosecco for $12 while Mr. L. chose a healthy cup of green tea for $4. Unfortunately, a fly decided to join me in my drink. I fished it out and tried to continue drinking, but eventually, the thought of "Ghosts of Flies Past" stopped me short. I probably could have asked for a replacement drink—definitely my oversight. The following Friday night, my husband took me back for dinner. I ordered the crispy-skinned barramundi with cauliflower purée and roasted cauliflower for $32. The fish was moist and flavorful, and the cauliflower was delightful, with the pistachio gremolata adding a nice crunch. However, I must admit, I enjoyed the fish and chips from the previous week just a little bit more. A few extra chips with my dinner wouldn’t have hurt either. Mr. P. chose the chickpea burger with roasted peppers, celeriac remoulade, and fries for $21. It was served on a substantial charred bun. The chips were excellent, though oddly, they didn’t come with any aioli or sauce. Perhaps we could have requested some. Mr. P. enjoyed the patty but felt it could have used a bit more spice. The celeriac was crunchy, well-seasoned, and had a tangy kick from the horseradish. He was quite a fan of the burger. We both shared a laugh about the wooden serving board; Mr. P. has a particular aversion to them. Again, I refer you to the “We Want Plates” page! Overall, we had a lovely meal in a vibrant atmosphere. The staff were friendly and accommodating, the music was at just the right volume, and the food was bursting with flavor.

If you're looking for a meal with a stunning view, this is the perfect place. They don't take reservations, so just walk in, and if you're fortunate, you might snag a table by the river. We started by ordering our drinks at the bar and then settled in to watch the sunset as we looked over the menu. The menu features a Southern American theme, offering small plates, main courses, light meals, sides, and desserts. We decided on salt and pepper squid, crab cakes with salsa and succotash, along with a side of kale sautéed with garlic and chili. You place all your orders at the bar, and they give you a buzzer that lets you know when your food is ready. The service was quite quick, and the food was fantastic. The staff was friendly, frequently clearing tables and taking away empty glasses. It's reasonably priced and a wonderful spot to enjoy a meal or drink on a warm evening in Brisbane.

The menu here takes inspiration from America's south. Yes, soul food it's what's up around here. So obviously I couldn't say no to their buttermilk fried chicken served with toasted muffins, bbq sweet sauce, aioli, chilli caramel and slaw $34), a dish that's designed to be shared, but I don't blame you if you want it all to yourself because it is finger-licking good. The chicken was crispy and tender, I drizzled mine with some bbq sweet sauce and wolfed down the whole thing in minutes...

This is a fantastic spot for a large, casual lunch! We hosted our Christmas party here with 27 guests, and the staff handled everything flawlessly. I highly recommend any of the menu options; they were all fabulous and there was plenty of food for everyone. From the initial booking with Michaela to the attentive service from Luke, Molly, Ben, and the rest of the team, everyone was incredibly helpful. We had a wonderful, relaxed day, making it a beautiful and stress-free experience for the organizers!