Rogue Bar + Bistro

I’ve had this place bookmarked for ages and hubby and I finally got there! Simple but stylish décor and setting. Professional, friendly and helpful staff. They were fully booked inside so we sat in the front alfresco area. As it was a bit chilly, we asked if we could have a heater and even though they were packed away, it was no problem for them to organize it for us. Food was amazing! It was what I would expect with the price tag :) I had the «pig» and hubby had the «bird». He had a beer and I enjoyed a cocktail. We both had a thoroughly enjoyable experience at Rogue and would revisit if/​when we’re feeling like a little splurge.

Holy breakfast Batman! This place is no joke, if you love your brunching you must visit Rogue. First round of coffees were amazing, then our dishes came out and I started having panic attacks — good panic attacks that is. you know where you get heart palpitations when you realised this piece of art is going to go in your eating hole and it looks so beautiful you want to savour it forever but you have that burning hunger in your gut that makes you want to gorge yourself like no body’s business? No? Just me? ok then… well Rogue has a solid menu with everything for the sweet tooth lover wanting waffles and pancakes to the ferocious carnivore who can smash down mince and eggs for breakie. Definitely worth a visit, get on it.

Great service, waiter was appropriately attentive. We wanted to sit inside because it was so cold, but as it was booked out we had to sit outside, however the waiter was able to give us an outdoor table that had its own dedicated heater. Food was simple, innovative and above all pretty dam good. I think I prefer this over esquire, given the pricing.

We went to Rogue Bistro for a post-​wedding day family lunch and I was pleasantly surprised. Since I am not a local in Brisbane, I was a little worried at first upon driving down the street and seeing it was all mostly industrial buildings! Were we lost? Did we have the correct Austin St?
Yes. Yes we did. This bistro was splendid! Clean and very modern in its décor and the service was great. One downside was we were seated towards the back and there were a few little flies around but they seemed to disappear about 5mins after we settled — maybe just came in the open widows…
They serve both coffee and alcoholic beverages so it depends on what you feel like drinking with your meal. I had a coffee, it was just a coffee — not bad but nothing special either.
Menu is simple and modern — delicious sounding entrees such as pan seared scallops and the mains included pulled pork burger, tender beef fillet, fresh market fish and confit duck salad. Those are the ones I remember but there were a few more. I had the fish — delicious! It was lightly crumbed and herbed, served with aioli and fat chips… soooooooo good. I love fat chips! My meal was served on a long wooden board, something a bit unusual there but I liked it.
Overall it was great. The waiters were consistently filling up our water glasses and everyone around the table seemed to enjoy their meals. They also do breakfast :) I would highly recommend this bistro if you are in Brisbane — don’t be put off by the industrial area!

Fab service, great wine, and delicious food. I went last night with friends and had a lovely time. I will definitely be back.

Clean. Delicious. Inventive. Our party of six will definitely be back to sample and enjoy more deliciousness! Plus it’s BYO (as well as licensed).

Rogue Bar and Bistro opened its doors last Friday 1÷3÷2013, and it is the consummate example of the mantra to; «keep things simple». It does this without compromising on quality and still manages to cover all dining options, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as being a bar. Located in Austin Street an industrial part of Newstead, I like that it gives «life» to the area. You’d expect a dining space such as Rogue Bar and Bistro to be in Oxford street, or James street. It is a beacon for locals to drop by and enjoy a meal or a drink, in a comfortably relaxed atmosphere. I made a reservation for lunch via email as they’re still experiencing issues with their phone number. Much to my delight, the response was almost immediate, and we had a table.
Rogue Bar & Bistro is easy to spot because it stands out amongst its neighbours of sheds and warehouses. Clearly a refurbished high — set house, there’s an inviting patch of synthetic turf that could be perfect for a small outdoor cocktail party. A couple of steps up to the deck through the bi-​fold doors, you are greeted with Rogue’s smooth and minimal interior. It’s new, it’s modern, but its simple, completed by white and black tones, with a splash of leather and wood. When you look up there’s incredible looking ceiling fans, that resemble lily pads. So cool. On one side of the room is the Bar and Espresso Counter, and on the other flank, bi-​fold windows running almost the length of the entire bistro (allowing plenty of natural light in), complete with breakfast bar and bar stools. Towards the back along the rear wall is a welcoming lounge, obviously included for those who are ready to curl up to relax with their full bellies, or at least that’s how I saw it. The open kitchen (also towards the back of the bistro), is actually a nice element to the whole space; being able to see where the magic happens.
We started off with coffee (Rogue Bar and Bistro serve up Blue Sky Coffee), as we browsed the lunch menu. With nothing appearing to be over $ 27, I’m feeling like a high-​roller at Conrad Jupiters Casino with the change i’ll get! The menu is appealingly simple, moving from share plates like pan seared scallops with sweet corn salsa and citrus pesto, to succinctly titled meals such as «bird», and «squash». Other dishes include the mouthwatering wagyu burger, market fish and tantalising spaghetti with chilli crab, tomato, herbs and capers. The drinks list also reflects quality with thoughtfully selected varieties of red and whites, sparkling wine from France as well as standard or premium spirits. We settled on the:
1) «bird», pan fried spatchcock with mediterranean salad & torn croutes;
2) the market fish, herb crumbed with lemon, tartare & «fat chips»;
3) spaghetti with chilli crab, and;
4) pan seared scallops.
It’s a nice atmosphere inside, definitely reflecting a laid-​back ambience, and the right amount of acoustics; that conversations amongst various patrons aren’t annoyingly distracting. Everything is just right. Service is great, personable, and whilst we waited, the waitress filled up our water whenever we needed topping up. The meals arrive and they are presented beautifully. The bird and the market fish in particular come on long wooden serving boards, arranged to seduce the most discerning of diners. We really do eat with our eyes.
I know you should enjoy your food (by perhaps taking your time). In this case the silence at the table and the speed with which all dishes were devoured reflected just how heavenly each dish was. Even the market fish is a great re-​imagining of typical «fish and chips» which is difficult to do. Much of that has to do with its presentation (e.g. tartare in a cute little dessert glass), the chips are indeed «fat», and of course the delectable crumbed herb, to quote my sis («melt-​in-​your-​mouth»!). The bird was soft, perfectly tender, and I was told the spaghetti with chilli crab was amazing. I could see too, as my brother in law was scraping every bit of sauce left with borrowed bread from my plate. The highlight for me was the pan seared scallops for the delicate textures and awesome «sweetly-​citrusy» combination of flavours. So good, I have to make up words.
From the service to the overall experience and delicious flavours, Rogue Bar & Bistro deliver in a big way, simple in its approach but providing absolute quality as well as value for money. Locals should be very excited about this, because I know I am. I will be back for dessert, dinner, and all the rest!
Comment: Parking is off-​street, and its easy on weekends. However I can see it may get difficult on weekdays with all the warehouse businesses parked here.
Edit: Ms Bella had breakfast at Rogue Bar and Bistro today to catch up with friends, ordering the mince pot (fried eggs, avocado salsa, crème fraiche and toasted soldiers), and was blown away: «Delicious», «so tasty», «full of flavour», «bread-​dippingly-​brilliant».