PART 1
In a nod to its growing street art scene, you’ve probably heard Toowoomba referred to as ‘the Melbourne of Queensland.’ Yet the city’s
cultural landscape has grown far beyond its murals and laneways. As someone who has spent years living in Melbourne and far too much coin
exploring its endless cafés, I can confidently say Toowoomba’s coffee scene is holding its own. Here’s a tried-and-true list of my favourite
places to take a coffee break, in no particular order, just great coffee all round.
Routine Espresso
It may be one of the newest additions to Toowoomba’s growing coffee scene, but Routine Espresso has quickly become a local favourite.
Perched on the corner of Margaret & Kitchener Street opposite the iconic Queen’s Park & Mothers Memorial, this boutique espresso bar
draws a steady stream of regulars – so much that a queue out the door is almost always expected.
With its doors opening before the sun most of the year, Routine Espresso is the ideal spot for a pre-work coffee or post workout pick-me-up.
The café proudly brews with Fish River Roasters, a specialty collective credited for bringing Italian-inspired philosophy and quality to
Australian coffee culture. A rotating selection of baked goods – think fresh muffins, decadent brownies, and buttery crumpets handcrafted by
Wholly Crumpets, offer the perfect complement to your meticulously crafted brew. For those who prefer to linger, a handful of outdoor tables
offer peaceful park views, while its idyllic location makes it easy to take your coffee to-go on a scenic stroll through some of the best
gardens Toowoomba has to offer.
Yet, what sets Routine Espresso apart isn’t just the coffee, but the warmth of the service. Kimberley and her team make it a point to
remember your name and order. With every visit, you’re guaranteed to be welcomed with a smile and genuine conversation that will add a
little extra brightness to your own routine. This warmth and generosity extend far beyond the brew, and as proud supporters of the small
business community, the space features artwork by local artists for purchase and frequently highlights other local businesses.
As if you need any more reason – just go.
Find them here: https://www.routineespresso.com.au/
Brood Coffee
If you find yourself around Toowoomba’s northside, or simply want a coffee that’s worth the trip, look no further then Brood Coffee on Brook
Street. This specialty roaster is dedicated to perfecting their craft, sourcing premium beans from the finest coffee-growing regions around
the world. With a passion for bold, complex flavours, Brood consistently surprises its customers with new notes and brews, making every cup a
unique experience.
Brood’s location may seem obscure at first, but Brook Street itself is full of surprises. The providore shares the strip with grungy-cool
microbrewery Mouseproof, and creative hub Popd Art Space, making it a must-visit for those keen to explore Toowoomba’s evolving cultural
scene.
Indeed, step inside Brood and you’re instantly transported to Melbourne’s Fitzroy. Think hand-painted floral art, sleek black detailing, high ceilings, and plenty of greenery. Spacious seating makes it an ideal spot for a day of work or study, while the rotating selection of single-origin and filter coffee ensures there’s always something new to try.
Whether you’re a specialty coffee purist or just looking for a hidden gem, Brood Coffee, and the Brook Street cultural aggregation, are proof that Toowoomba really does have it all.
Find them here: https://broodcoffee.com.au/
The Storeroom
The Storeroom might just be one of Toowoomba’s best-kept coffee secrets – until now. Uniquely combining a boutique café with a carefully curated homeware collection, owners Inky and Jill have truly created something special that will only leave you wishing you’d found it earlier.
The Storeroom is a space that blends country charm with a modern, design-forward aesthetic. Bright colours, boutique brands, and a commitment to Australian-made and locally designed products make The Storeroom as much a destination for interiors lovers as it is for coffee drinkers. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for a coffee and somehow leave with a gift for a friend, a new lamp, piece of art, and maybe some glassware.
The food offering may be small, but it’s thoughtfully curated. Expect fresh salads, rice paper rolls, and a selection of sweet treats by local caterers Taste and Design Co. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a variety of allergy-friendly options, it’s the perfect spot for a quick, nourishing lunch on the go. Plus, in a simple but delightful touch, you’ll be offered a complementary butter biscuit with every coffee.
As for the coffee, The Storeroom’s experienced baristas exclusively pour Padre – a Melbourne-born roaster known for its sustainability focus and ethically sourced beans. The result? A consistently great cup, no matter what you order. With seating out back and plenty to browse inside, The Storeroom is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, explore, and maybe even take a piece of it home with you.
Find them here: https://www.the-storeroom.com.au/
The Providore
Tucked away in the sleepy, tree-lined streets of East Toowoomba is The Providore, another hidden gem you’ll only wish you found sooner. Nestled inside Sunday Merchant, a beautifully curated lifestyle store on Bridge Street, it’s a boutique-meets-café that blends rustic charm with a touch of luxury. Think handcrafted wooden boards, a thoughtfully stocked display of cakes and pastries, and an inviting outdoor seating area perfect to unwind after a hike through nearby Jubilee Park, or the morning school run.
The brainchild of dynamic team Emma and Holly, The Providore started as an extension of Sunday Merchant before evolving into the stand-alone destination it is today. Beans are sourced from the best coffee regions worldwide, then roasted and blended by Crema Coffee Garage in a personalised collaboration. An ever-changing and expertly curated coffee experience, flavours vary depending on your order. Expect a smoky, fruity and rich long black, or add milk for a decadently smooth, caramel finish. One thing is always certain - that your order will be bold and unique, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for great coffee. The Providore also offer cold-pressed juices from crowd-pleasing Harvest St., plus milkshakes and take-home coffee for those who aren’t ready for the experience to end.
With its boutique setting, locally sourced goodies, and a luxurious Melbourne-style café feel, The Providore is proof that Toowoomba’s coffee scene is one to watch. Grab a coffee, pick up a keep cup, and soak in the cosy atmosphere - you won’t want to leave.
Find them here: https://sundaymerchant.com.au/
2nd Shot Espresso
You may know great tasting coffee, but what if I told you that your next caffeine break could literally change lives? 2nd Shot Espresso, centrally located on Toowoomba’s Ruthven Street, isn’t just another café; it’s a social enterprise with a mission to break the cycle of homelessness through training and employment.
Founded in 2016 by not-for-profit community organisation BASE Services, 2nd Shot bridges the gap between homelessness and unemployment. It was created as a pathway to provide hospitality training and job opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. For many of their crew members, securing work was nearly impossible, not only due to a lack of stable accommodation, but also because most left school before Year 10 and have faced long-term unemployment. In this way, 2nd Shot offers more than just a job; it provides the support and skills needed to build a better future.
The menu? It’s got all the café classics—rich, smooth coffee, cold drinks, and a selection of sweet and savoury bites. Whether you’re after a perfectly brewed long black or a creamy latte, the baristas here know their way around an espresso machine. And if you miss them at the café, keep an eye out for their food truck, rolling through town and serving up the same unreal coffee at events and pop-ups.
Beyond just great coffee, 2nd Shot Espresso is a movement; a place where every cup poured helps someone take a step toward independence.
Find them here: https://2ndshot.com.au/
