Koala Tavern — Restaurant in Greater Brisbane

Booked for dinner because it was our anniversary dinner and we had tickets booked for Wendy Matthews. Wendy and her band were fabulous as always. The venue and the food, unfortunately do not have the same quality as the entertainment. Bonus points for the balloons on the table.

The mushroom risotto was flavourless and undercooked, with a distinct touch of a chef who has lost their passion and didn’t want to be there. The roast of the day was bland and as previous people have mentioned the Yorkshire pudding was overcooked and hollow. The order took almost an hour to arrive, the beer garden and restaurant weren’t as busy as I’d expected for a Friday night with a ticketed live gig, so unsure what the issue was.

I went inside to get some water after waiting over half an hour for the drinks that we ordered and the self serve water was empty, but the bar staff were busy. I asked a staff member if we could get more water, but obviously the wait staff are not cross trained to fill water as apparently this is a bar staff issue.

The bar where the ticketed event was supposed to be held, was not prepared for doors opening, no chairs, security staff unsure of what their role was and ticket holders advising them the best way to organise and set up for the event, and also doing the work for them by helping to set seating out and rearrange tables. The staff also seemed unsure about checking tickets and handing out wrist bands for paid ticket holders.

Towards the end of the event, the fire alarm went off. Not one staff member seemed to know what to do, nobody gave instructions or advised on safety protocol or evacuation procedures or whether it was necessary to evacuate. Instead, the band played on given the lack of information...

The burger was alright, the chips were average. Garlic bread was nice.

Downfall was the service, the lady who took my order and delivered my food was forgetful and robotic. Had to repeat things a few times for her to get it. My daughter asked what soft drink was available and I spouted off the normal soft drink options, including fanta and confirmed with the lady taking the order who agreed those were the options. My daughter chose fanta and suddenly they don't have fanta. One of the ladies who brought food over was lovely, had great customer service and was friendly. She accidentally dropped one of the garlic bread pieces and went to get us a fresh lot straight away.

Now let me get to the wings. This was the most bizarre part of the whole meal. The wings come with ranch and a blue cheese sauce. Now one would assume the blue cheese sauce is the typical, cold, blue cheese dressing that you normally have served with buffalo wings. Then you'd be wrong with that assumption, as I was. It was a hot cheese sauce. The type you would pour over broccoli and cauliflower. Never in my life have I been served a hot cheese sauce as a dipping option for buffalo wings. It made me laugh, and still does. The wings were pretty average as well, the sauce was thin and didn't stick to the wings well.

Only reason I'd go back would be to order the wings again for someone who doesn't believe me about them having a hot cheese sauce...

Our visit to The Koala Tavern went above and beyond anything we expected, and it was all thanks to the wonderful staff who made the day so memorable. From the moment we booked online, every detail was handled with such care. I’d asked for particular seating for my dad, who has mobility issues, and we were welcomed with big smiles and guided to a perfect table right near the entrance, with space set aside for his walker. That thoughtfulness meant the world to us.

What we didn’t realise was that Father’s Day was made even more special by the presence of the “animal guy.” Watching my dad get the chance to see and pat animals he otherwise never would have experienced was truly priceless—it lit him up with so much joy.

The food was another highlight: generous portions, delicious quality, and served so quickly despite how busy the day was. Throughout it all, every member of the team was kind, friendly, and attentive, even under the pressure of such a big occasion.

We are so grateful to everyone who worked so hard to create such a positive experience. My dad left as a very happy man, and we left with full hearts. We’ll absolutely be returning and recommending The Koala Tavern to family and friends. Thank you for making Father’s Day...