Sassafras canteen

When you are in Brissy meeting friends and both parties have loads of kids, this is the place to go! The outdoor area is spacious and the tables large, there are even nanna blankets available in winter. Even if you don’t have kids this is a great place to hang out and have a good meal. The kids waffles are great value and delicious and the eggs Benny was delicious. My husband loved the pesto mushrooms, he cleared the plate! The only negative is that the coffee is average. Not bad, but not awesome either. The staff are lovely and efficient. The place has a good vibe, check it out!

This café has a lot going for it, but the coffee is not quite spectacular (in an area with some pretty still competition) and they always close their kitchen very early. Certainly not the place for afternoon tea, as you’ll be limited to whichever sandwiches and salads are still remaining under the counter.

When in paddington-​doubt, Sassafras.
There is nothing better than a Sunday breakfast at Sassafras.
I love the outdoor seating options as well as the quaint inside nooks.
As far as food goes, there’s really something for everyone. Wether you’re vegetarian, keen for sweet, keen for savoury, whatever you’re after, sassafras is for you. My only problem with the menu is it almost costs you an arm and a leg to add any extras. I mean $ 5 for bacon? It better be a whole pig.
On this particular visit to Sassafras, I had the avocado on toast. The toast was perfectly cooked and the serving of avocado was very generous. I’ve also had the ricotta hotcakes before, which are an absolute treat, I would go to sassafras specifically for those hotcakes. Wow.
Sassafras is a café you can count on.

I so look forward to breakfast here on my Sunday mornings, the food is tasty, fresh and affordable.
The staff are wonderful, friendly and caring.
The setting is nice and quiet and family friendly.
Simply the best breakfast for a lazy Sunday morning.

Good coffee, fantastic friendly service and yummy food. The mushroom dish with pesto and poached eggs comes highly recommended. Extra points for proactive staff and strong wifi.

Really enjoyed Sassafras for brunch.
For context, I’d just returned from overseas for 3 weeks, and was craving something fresh, and a little bit special, and that’s exactly how I’d describe what we had. Midday Breakfast is the best of the Breakfast world, as I’m sure you already know. So I was really pleased when my two poached eggs made it out to the table (quickly, I might add) and was accompanied by a generous serve of avocado and ham.
The flavours were lovely, and the menu is surprisingly well padded for what is a fairly small café. Drinks on offer are standard fare, but cold press in the fridge is a nice addition. The banana smoothie I got was fantastic, dusted in cinnamon and not too heavy on the milk.
Great venue, with in and outdoor seating options, and the table numbers look like they’ve had some creative borrowing (read: ripped off) from Shady Palms on the South Side.
The only thing holding back that 5^th star is the price. The food is good, the service is quick, but you absolutely pay a premium for it. A side of bacon runs a heady $ 5.50 to add to your meal, so be aware that you’re not going to be coming here when it’s *almost* pay day.

Great atmosphere and delicious food… they also have a good selection of teas for purchase and a very nice outside seating area. Highly recommended. Also if you are Gluten Free they have lots of options. Great vibe overall :)

Sassafras has been a mainstay in the Paddington dining scene for a long time, 16 years to be precise. In that 16 year period I have been countless times. I have lived in different suburbs around Brisbane, but the Paddington /​Bardon area has always been my favourite.
There have been ebbs and flows for my visits to Sassafras, sometimes its at the forefront of my mind and then I will forget about it for a while, captivated by some other ‘shiny shiny’. These periods will always be followed by a renewed vigor for the old girl.
What I love about Sassafras is that it’s like an old friend that you haven’t seen for a while, a great friend where explanations for not visiting are not required, they’re just happy to see you again.
I have been a few times this year again and have again wondered why it was so long between visits. Not to worry, it’s back in my consciousness again. I love the smoothies and the breakfasts most of all.
If you’ve not been to Sassafras in a while, or you have never been, I think it’s high time you got re acquainted and went in for a visit. If you’re lucky, the city’s first Green Eggs and Ham might just be on the menu

Sassafras, I’m sorry I neglected you. You were like the friend that you always assume never changes and will always be there. It had been so long since I came to enjoy your fare that I’d forgotten you actually do a pretty decent breakfast — potato & fetta rostis with mint yoghurt and rocket salad, anyone? I’m still satisfied and it is nearing noon. It was hearty without being heavy and pleased my gluten-​intolerance immensely.
My inner-​coffee snob is squealing with delight over your new blend by Sydney outfit Single Origin Roasters. The Long Black HMOS that I had the delight to sip this morning was a perfectly smooth kick-​start to the day. And my «raw life saving» juice? Well. It was grand. All the right balance of vegetable and fruits and the all important right amount of ginger to boot. Consider me converted, Sassafras. No longer will I proclaim that you’re not worth the trip to for breakfast. You’ve got it down pat after 16 years and I’ll be returning to enjoy your Wi-​Fi and courtyard very soon.

Late Breakfasts. The kind that you want on a typical Sunday. It was our first time to try Sassafras, a café located on Latrobe Terrace in trendy Paddington.
It looks deceptively small from the outside, but upon entering its actually very spacious. Looking beyond the crowd to the back, we could make out the patio, and the other dining space.
Inside, the décor is very familial, a comfortably warm colour scheme with wooden furniture, exuding a typical «Queenslander» charm.
It was very busy, and it was great that the waitress who greeted us, offered us a tip. That was, to go find a table first, before ordering. Looking around it did seem quite chaotic, with people lining up at the counter (which is near the entrance), and crowding, nay, encroaching on the diners already seated at the front of Sassafras. I found all of this to be awkward. Essentially, you order, get a number, and find yourself a seat somewhere (if you can).
As we walked through all the way to the back patio, I felt an immediate sense of dejavu. The patio area had a very minor resemblance to the back dining area of the Three Monkeys in West End.
We managed to find a table, enjoying the ray of sunshine, whilst looking at the menu. Prices seemed consistent with what you would expect from a café in Paddington, upwards to $ 21. They do have cheaper options from the counter too such as sausage rolls, pies, savoury tarts etc.
Whilst my other half minded the table, I went to the counter to order. Unfortunately, the chaos hadn’t disappeared. People who had finished were lining up to pay, and the line was blocking the entrance so people trying to get in couldn’t and those already dining near the front of the counter had to contend with patrons bumping into their seats. Thank god for the waitress who suggested we find a table first, because by this stage, I don’t think anyone coming in would get one.
I initially ordered the Potato Fetta and Mint Rosti, but was advised that they had run out! The lady was really friendly and explained that Sundays were their busiest. That’s fine, I understand that, but I always think that if you know you are always busy on a given day, and have been operating for a number of years, then surely you’d have an idea of which items are popular, which aren’t, and thefore stock /​prepare accordingly. Never mind though, there were plenty of other yummy options like the Pesto chicken burger and the Sassa Banana and Walnut bread.
Grabbed our number and headed back to the table to relax, and watch the people enjoying a typical Sunday breakfast. Whilst waiting though, we did observe, several times where the waitstaff appeared confused, looking for tables, who ordered what, customers who forgot to take their number. I can’t imagine how many orders may have got mixed up. Its clear their system doesn’t work, or maybe only on weekedays.
The pesto chicken burger was very filling, tasty enough, but perhaps a tad overpriced. What blew us away, was the Sassa Banana and Walnut Bread with the brown sugar butter. Let’s just say, everytime we took a bite, we could hear Usher ringin in our ears «you make me want to say Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, Ohh myy god». So good I wanted to steal the recipe. Which one can too, because I saw the Sassafras cook book for sale near the front counter.
There is a lot to like about Sassafras. I like that their breakfasts last until 2pm. I like that their menu is flexible enough to cater for vegans, gluten free and dairy-​free diners. I like the friendly staff, and the chilled out atmosphere despite the busy trade. I like the inviting and familial charm of the place. Perhaps its better to come here on a weekeday, or they really need to sort out the logistics of where customers order, and how they order. This would eliminate mix-​ups, as well as enhance other diner’s experience (those unfortunate souls sitting at the front dining area near the counter. We’re glad that we sat out in the patio where there was plenty of room to stretch even though all tables were taken.

Excellent Melbourne/​Sydney quality food, and worth the price which is usually fair. I recommend to sit out the back during busy hours as it can get a little too noisy to handle. But overall worth the visit. Especially with some of the model waiters: P

This place had huge potential for me — as a big lover of breakfast foods. First impressions were great — busy, smiling patrons, nice outdoor area. First negative point to our visit was the noise. There was live music out the front of the café which we could hear out the back but also there was musc being played through the café sound system which conflicted with the live music out the front — it wasn’t a pleasant sound (picky, I know but it just didn’t leave a nice impression)
The array of items to order for breakfast was excellent! But, then I looked at the price and you don’t get much change from a $ 20 note (for breakfast. without coffee) — a little expensive for me (even as a breakfast lover).
The place is huge and when we went there were lots of people which is usually a good sign but not when the system of table numbering is — order at the counter, take a number and sit wherever you like. The amount of times I saw a stressed waiter carrier multiple, towering plates of food around the whole place to find someone was enough to make me cringe. I overheard some waiters talking amongst themselves about losing a table that they were trying to deliver coffees to but after 10 minutes or so they found it — after giving their coffees to someone else (so they had to remake the coffees). Speaking of coffees — we ordered one soy flat white and a normal flat white and the waiter gave my husband the soy one and told him it was the normal one and me the normal one and said it was the soy one.
I was willing to let the coffee mix-​up go because I was anticipating a delicious breakfast. Our food came out and I ordered something with pesto greens, eggs, toast, etc. The toast was hidden underneath a mountain of soggy greens which drowned my, I imagine used to be crisp toast and turned it into sloppy, limp bread.
I guess I shouldn’t get let my expectations get ahead of me when going out to eat but I think when paying more than $ 20 for breakfast and a coffee it should be really, bloody good.

One of the most enduringly popular cafes in breakfast-​obsessed Paddington, Sassafras is an essential pilgrimage for Brisbanites. It might look small from the outside, but the café extends into the back garden of the converted house so there’s a fair bit of room in there. Despite this, the constant stream of diners means that you’ll be challenged to find a table during peak times. Orders are taken at the counter, so find yourself a table and then send a delegated ordering person up to the front so you don’t lose it. There’s a range of delicious looking snacks in the front cabinet, including very yummy pies, and the chalkboard shows the breakfast and lunch menu. The ricotta hotcakes are amazing, as is the savoury mince on toast. I also had a great open smoked salmon sandwich one lunchtime. Prices are a little higher than some other places, but the food is great and the setting is beautiful. Get in there early on a weekend morning and watch the breakfast rush from the garden.

I actually lived in Paddington for about a year and somehow never went to Sassafras! I know, hard to believe, but it is the truth. So, the other day I finally headed into Sassafras with a friend to see what all the fuss was about.
The first surprise was that the place is in fact absolutely massive. You’d never expect it from the outside looking in, however the café dining area in fact extends all the way out into this beautiful patio! Being a fan of outdoor dining I insisted that we sit in amongst the trees and the birds.
I was quite surprised that they were already slowly packing up when I arrived (around 4 pm) however I suppose that’s just how it’s done in these smaller venues, outside of the CBD. Luckily we weren’t after a hot lunch and we ordered ourselves some cake and a coffee. The food itself was absolutely delectable. The rocky road really breathed life into the candy obsessed seven year old that still exists within in. The coffee was delicious of course, but I almost came to expect that due to all the hype.
The waiters were definitely friendly and didn’t hurry us out even though they were closing. Everything about the experience was very chilled. This is the kind of experience we all want when we get coffee. No fuss. Fantastic atmosphere. Great product! Get in to Sassafras soon!

This was one of the first places to popularise the gourmet breakfast in Brisbane. with the owner seeing the success of the model in Sydney cafes and exporting it up here. They’ve maintained a busy trade for years now with their mouth-​watering breakfasts and lunches.
Café food of this calibre comes at a price, with items here usually hovering $ 2 – 5 above what you’d pay at a ‘normal’ café. A BLT, for example, runs close to $ 15, but it is one of the best you’ll ever taste! If you want a thriftier option, or are only in the mood for a light snack and a coffee while you enjoy the relaxed Queenslander-​esque environment, you might go for the tasty sausage rolls on display in the front window.
They come with or without salad, with the addition of the latter bringing the bill to around $ 10. But the salads are hard to resists: fresh, colourful and begging to be eaten as they look at you proudly from behind the glass. The pumpkin and feta is one of my favourites.

I love the name Sassafras, I just like saying it — Fortunately for my sanity and the café’s reputation the name is not the only thing that brings me back to this place time and time again for breakfast. I have been here many times due to the freshness of the food and the fantastic juices.
If you are travelling along Latrobe Terrace looking for this place, get your eyes attuned to purple and the reconverted house will be hard to miss. The interior of this place houses an eclectic mix of brick a brack furniture, props and ornaments which gives it a very cool, laid back homely atmosphere.
Its almost always busy so if you are planning on coming with a group I suggest you book ahead, in saying that the service is so quick and efficient that diners cycle through here pretty quickly. The outdoor area is tranquil with garden surrounds and if you are lucky enough you might just be able to star in a modern rendition of Hitchcock’s classic ‘Birds’ — as Sassafras also has an avid avian patronage outside.
Although the general price for a meal here is quite high compared to some other local hotspots and there is limited table service (including no water), the great food and its prompt delivery quickly makes you forget.
I love the fact they serve breakfast until 2pm and I can definitely recommend the platters and the mango, passionfruit, blueberry and orange juice. Sassafras provides free Wi-​fi and it is airconditioned inside, perfect for breakfast, lunch, functions and catering for various requirements.

This is, hands down, my favourite Brisbane breakfast spot. Yes, it had a bad run a few years ago, yes it’s not the cheapest but oh my god is the breakfast amazing now!
A few tips, first — find a table before you order! You do NOT want to be that person wandering around desperately, knowing your food is being cooked and you have no where to eat it. Second — order the chili corncakes. Just do it. Vegetarians, trade out the bacon for mushrooms, meatasaurus types, add mushrooms. Trust me. Third — if you’re after a sweet breakfast, go the ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter. Fourth — put your eating pants on, you’re going to need them.
Surely that’s enough to get you there ASAP?
PS, only allows bookings for large tables, if you have a function coming up check out their back yard BBQ’s.