Hunter & Scout Café — Restaurant in Brisbane City

Hunter & Scout,

First Impressions: We really enjoyed the layout of the venue, the ambiance created and the hustle bustle was really comforting knowing that surely it's an establishment that does well in itself (it was a Sunday). We've been recommended here a lot by friends hence our visit this weekend.

Venue: Great location, accessible with or without a vehicle (Right across from Graceville Train station) and the Havana/Bohemian aesthetic throughout their courtyard was stunner with plenty of shade. It'll be chilly during winter but a saviour during summer, surely.

Service: The service itself was good, nothing that sets it apart but for the most part the staff that served us (Door Host and our Table Waiter) were super friendly and full of smiles. I will note, even though they had more than enough staff on it seems like most were young and not sociable or weren't aware on how to check tables from time to time so we found ourselves waiting a while before our server was back. Another note, she did forget our order initially however did compensate with Banana Bread while we waited another 40 minutes for our meals. (Good job on the damage control, we appreciated it honestly!)

Food: When we received our meals, it was presented 'okay'. There was no stunner factor seeing as nowadays cafe trends are to eat with our eyes before our mouths. That being said, both meals looked the same - there was no distinguishable difference between them. After we finished what we could, honestly, we agreed our highlight was the Banana Bread we received earlier as compensation; THAT was the tastiest meal we had at Hunter & Scout today. The veggie hunter lacked flavour or a spread for the sourdough and the Spiced Mince and Wagyu beef was barely spicy, it's only saving grace was the charcoal flatbread.

We're here to give an honest review for all Customers/Visitors who will come to any establishment AND we're here to provide feedback so that the business itself can receive it, acknowledge it and work on improving on where they might be faulting. We're not saying we won't come back, we just definitely hope this great place works hard on bettering themselves, their food quality and service so that we can have a change of heart and appreciate their hard work...

I had high hopes for this establishment after looking online. I gave the food 3 stars due to the satisfactory state of the burgers that the majority of the table ordered.

Firstly, we made a reservation for 6 people. Upon arrival we were left standing out in the blistering heat only to be waved and beckoned to our table like we were patients in a doctor's surgery.

When seated, there was no mention of water, or even direction as to where we could find water. Eventually, we had to get our own bottle of (warm, if not hot) water for the table.

Two of the girls at our table ordered a juice each, only to be left waiting in excess of 40 minutes for it to arrive. This was after asking 3 different waitresses for an update, and then finally having someone appear from inside to ask us what juice we actually ordered.

The $40 steak we ordered was about the size of my palm, with no other option than medium rare as to how it was cooked.

The squid, while fresh, tasted as though it had just been rolled in cooking flour prior to serving. The coating was uncooked, It was powdery, bland and unpleasant.

Finally when paying for the bill, there was no “how was everything?” “Thanks for joining us today” — nothing. Simply “how would you like to pay?”.

When I informed the woman about the disappointment with the drink situation, particularly in 36 degree heat, her response of “oh, sorry about that” really gave off the vibe of “I really couldn’t give a damn, just pay and leave”. Finally once the bill was settled, no goodbye, no enjoy the rest of your day, nothing.

Perhaps I’m expecting too much from an establishment, but If I could give a zero star rating, I would. I can wholeheartedly say that this establishment is let down by its abysmal approach to customer service. I will not be recommending this...

Entered approx 1:10pm. Was assured it's OK to sit inside for a quick, solo lunch. I was advised to sit at any table, as it was pretty empty inside. Despite ample staff, no-one came to my table to clean it or to take my order, so I went to the counter to place my order, then sat at my table again.

Whilst waiting for my lunch, a different staff member (blonde, teenage girl) told me they're closing and I have to move outside. It was about 1:17pm. She said I'd be charged extra if I stay past 2pm (!) I politely advised her that I was permitted to sit inside.

I then witnessed 2 people walk in at 1:30pm, be greeted by staff, sit inside, receive table service, order lunch and then be served their lunch promptly. I then watched 2 other people extend their long lunch til beyond 1:50pm, and ponder over desserts and coffees. None of these 4 people were asked to leave or go outside, nor were they told they can't sit inside.

Whilst eating my lunch, I overheard a staff member loudly complaining about how "clumsy" a female staff member is, for "dropping all the coffee grinds" and complaining about staff.

Please be mindful of how you present in front of customers and treat customers.

The burger patty was leaking volumes of grease and gave me a stomach ache.

This was an unpleasant experience.

Photos show the dirty table that was not cleaned, an empty cafe with plenty of tables free for customers, and the...