Bean on Dean

Round the corner from my fav trail running spot, Anzac Park, and they serve up Campos Cofee ! Nuff Said..

Quickly becoming my favourite coffee spot...

Bean on Dean is a small little sanctuary and an ideal place to enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee and light bites in Brisbane's western suburb of Toowong – an inner city area starved of decent places to enjoy a morning pick-me-up and a good quality meal. Bean on Dean has undoubtedly brought this dire little strip of shops to life and the pigs of Toowong (including myself) have welcomed Bean on Dean with open, caffeine-deprived arms. Bean on Dean is the brain child of a mother and daughter team (Ashley and Tracy) who are as passionate about their coffee as they are about their art. The team here are as relaxed as the atmosphere… you're welcome to stay for a coffee, a snack, a meal or you can just enjoy a sunny saturday with your dog by your side. Unlike many of Brisbane's busy breakfast haunts, you won't be shuffled away to make room for the next impatient piggy patron while you've barely swallowed the last spoon full of your scrambled eggs. They have done a brilliant job of accommodating all of Toowongs demographics – the ladies who catch up over cappuccino, the young professionals on-the-go and the hungover uni students looking for a filling feed. Meals here are basic but brilliant and can be found on the “Lite Bites” menu. I have tried a few items, all of which hit the spot! Firstly I had the most popular item, the 'Kerfuffle” which is sourdough topped with avocado, Danish feta, rocket, olive oil and balsamic on the side to taste, a combination done widely and not always done well, but they nailed it. On my second visit I went for another one of their gourmet toppings on toast – sourdough piled with soft cheese, cured meat and rocket with beetroot relish on the side…. if you serve a slice of pig well, you have a loyal customer in me, hence why I keep coming back. Despite being the perfect place to relax on a lazy morning, Bean on Dean pride and label themselves as an expresso bar, and they have an impressive bright green coffee machine to match the title. Although I am no expert in this department, I know a good coffee when I taste one, and I know they are great when I order 2, which I did. So if you are the i-don't-have-time-to-dine-out type like many of their customers, you can grab a toastie or muffin to go to accompany your campos coffee in the mornings. Convenience, quirky and a can't go wrong option. The bitter: Not open on Sundays, probably when I need a coffee and breakfast close to home the most! The sweet: Quick, easy, friendly cheap and deeeeeelicious! The damage: You can get a perfect coffee, a tasty meal and an art exhibition for under $20

Only opened at the beginning of 2012 but it has quickly become a very popular espresso bar. They use Campos coffee and the cappuccinos are always great. Fruit toast with lemon kurd is a great accompaniment. I love that they open at 6am on weekdays for the early morning commuters. Staff are lovely and friendly. The place has a great vibe going.