Yonder Espresso — Restaurant in Brisbane City

Dropped into Yonder Espresso on a recent trip to Brisbane and found myself among a steady stream of regulars - always a promising sign.

The limited tables outside were full, it’s a bit of a hip, hole-in-the-wall, with funky fonts and decor with a swing by and take-away style. I ordered a cappuccino and a ham and cheese toastie.

It was buzzing, not rushed, and a steady stream of 10-12 people came through while I was waiting for my toastie.

The toastie was quality. Great ham, gooey cheese, a touch of red onion. It was hot, crispy, and properly satisfying.

The coffee experience was interesting. As I said, there were a lot of people who came through and got coffees while I waited for my sandwich.

As I stood there I noticed a cup sitting off to the side of the coffee window. Once the toastie was ready they grabbed the cup that had been sitting there, called out my name and handed me the toastie and the coffee.

They definitely didn’t call my name and I missed it, they made it first, then set to the side while the toastie toasted.

I left with my toastie and what I will describe as a well-rested cappuccino - thinking it was an odd move. I’d give a coffee addict their drink as soon as it’s ready. No one would be mad that they had their coffee to drink while they waited for their food.

It wasn’t cold, it was an okay level of warmth. Halfway through drinking it, the flavour shifted noticeably. I gave up on it and when I reached home I poured off the liquid and in the bottom of the cup I discovered a thick residue of chocolate. Nothing like the dusted top from a traditional cappuccino, but a solid collection of chocolate sludge.

Was I handed a well-rested, misfired mocha?

Did the chocolate start on top and sink over the resting?

Is the place so funky they’ve created an ultra-hip inversion of the cappuccino with chocolate on the bottom and not the top - who knows.

I’d go back to Yonder, and they have enough regulars to not notice if I didn’t. The coffee, despite the peculiar execution - started smoothly, and the toastie was excellent.

The vibe seemed local and friendly. Yonder feels like the kind of place that’s earned it being a favourite of regulars. If you’re in the area, I’d still say...

If they said they were the best coffee in Brisbane, I would say it was warranted. Great little shop, highly recommend.

EDIT: I returned to this place only to have an extremely average coffee where they added too much coffee syrup and didn't warm the milk properly. Confused, I then returned again on a different day and had the afore mentioned best coffee in Brisbane again.

I think it is the Sunday barista. She is extremely talented. Perhaps she could show the other baristas how it's done?

EDIT Mark II: I take it back, there's no consistency. Each barista is doing their own thing, idk what is happening with this place, but I don't go here anymore. Bit sad. Btw, we can tell when the staff are high as a...

Nice little coffee shop not far from the University of Queensland in a small village precinct. Nice coffee, good service and trendy atmosphere. This place also has some tasty treats in the cabinet to tempt your taste buds. Seating is a rustic affair on the street watching the passing parade. Parking on the street can be a little hard to find, but don't let that disuade you. They also advertise that if you buy a bag of beans to take away, you will receive one free coffee!! Whether you're a sleep-deprived uni student, or a local seeking a little pick-me-up, suggest that you give this...