The Library Cafe - South Brisbane

On January 2nd when everything else in South Bank was closed for the public holiday, The Library Cafe was a welcome respite complete with wifi near the interior door, an ice cold latte, and lots of baked sweet and savory snacks. I really can't think of any down sides to this beautiful, accessible, and affordable cafe! As a visitor, this has become my absolute favorite place to hang out and stay connected! The only thing that could make it better would be some fresh brewed iced tea to go with the freshly prepared coffees. However, they make up for it by having a natuvia- a natural super low calorie sweetener. Order at the counter and if you're staying to eat, they'll provide you with a number and deliver to your table. Bonus tip: at the bottom of the soda cooler you'll find large open bottles of cold still water. Help yourself and grab a glass from one of the nearby counters. The tap water here tastes much less chlorinated than the regular tap water- so skip the plastic bottle and save the environment.

A bit pricey. 10$ for an ice coffee which was not even big. Good macaroons though. Staff were ok. Has WiFi but no power outlets so had to buy the coffee and go to the library to work there. It wasn't amazing but it's not too bad.

The Library Cafe is a handy spot for a drink and a snack between cultural pursuits at the State Library, GoMA, or Queensland Art Gallery. On weekdays, it's peaceful and full of comfy places to sit and you have your pick of a breezy outdoor table or a cosy indoor banquette. On weekends, though, The Library Cafe turns into a crowded vortex of screaming kids and flustered parents, so I'd give it a miss then if you're after a quiet coffee while you read or study. In terms of food, there is a menu of hot meals like burgers, toasted sandwiches, chicken salads etc, and also a cabinet full of salads, wraps, cakes, and biscuits. The salad cabinet is usually full of almost-empty bowls that only contain salad dregs. I guess that just means the salads are popular, but it means I'm not usually inspired to order a salad. I'm more likely to order a piece of cake or slice because there is a good selection and they are well presented. When The Library Cafe gets busy, it's pretty hellish. The queue to order gets long and unruly and crowds the inside tables, while the outdoor area is a minefield of prams and kids. When it's quiet it's a great place to sit down with a drink or snack while you peruse the books you just bought from the Library Shop or take advantage of the SLQ's free wi-fi.

They open early! During the week and on weekends, so if you need that early morning coffee fix, they're about the only place in the precinct that's open. (Wait, I think there's a coffee stand over at QPAC) Of course, you also can hook into the State Library's free wifi, so you can find a nice comfy seat to relax in. I'm not big on the food here. Crazy expensive, and little that I ever feel like eating, with one exception. Scones. Gosh. I love scones. And they'll even serve them takeaway, hot, with lashings of cream and jam. Goes down well with a nice cup of tea. Highly recommended! I don't drink coffee, but the numerous coffee junkies I know tell me this is the place to get coffee in the precinct. Anyhow, It's a nice little cafe, but not being big into the food or into coffee, I find there's little here for me.

Busiest in the morning for its well priced Breakfast Fare and great Merlot coffee this cool little bookshop/cafe is connected to the modern Queensland State Library in Southbank. I love sitting here with a long black even on a rainy day looking out as the beautiful green surrounds fold into the sharp background of the big city. With free wi-fi and a well stocked bookshop at your disposal its easy to spend an hour or two just chilling, watching the passers by as they travel between the Gallery of Modern Art and the Old Museum. Sometimes I feel as if I have come on a parents day as the place is often full of mothers and children, taking advantage of the ample parking and numerous child centered activities provided by the Library. The breakfast options are definitely the best value for money with lunch being a little on the expensive side, that being said, whenever you choose to go you will always find something satisfying.