On a recent work trip up to Brisbane, I was just wandering around looking for a place to eat after a concert... somewhere that was close to the hotel that I was staying at, and somewhere that didn't have me walking into the busier parts of the city. I like to sit down in a little quiet and dark corner, being left alone... without too much noise around. So, that generally means avoiding the places where all the cool people are...

Luckily, on a morning coffee run... I had seen this little cafe/restaurant around the corner. HOWM... apparently that is to be pronounced "Home"... don't ask...

The Space

From the outside, you can see that it is a pretty non-standout sort of exterior... this being a Brisbane winter evening (warm....), it meant that all the side windows were wide open. So, if you wanted to seat yourself on those side benches, you would have the night air to help keep you cool... I chose a different spot!

On the inside, you can see that it is nice a cosy... in some ways a sort of retro vibe, old fashioned but still a touch modern in lighting. I had found myself a perfect little corner, and was about to take photos of all the inside area when a group of people sat themselves on the couches and seats behind me! Sigh, no photos of that area... that would just be too hard to explain!

The Menu

The menu is pretty standard pub fare... burgers, schnitzels, fish and chips... all present, with no frills. Actually, in some ways... this sort of pub fare is starting to die out in the major cities as more and more places try to go for a gastro-pub sort of menu.

However, I've found that a decent pub meal is often just as good as a fancy mix of stuff... in some cases, MUCH better!

The Food

A simple chicken schnitzel with salad and chips for me this evening... avoiding everything that might be a touch too oily. I really have to nurse my stomach these days! Chips were decent, and the schnitzel was nice a crispy on the outside and not dry at all. The salad was decent, but over-dressed for my tastes.

... however, the highlight of the evening (or perhaps it was just that I haven't had a stiff drink during this tour...) was the cider. Not sweet, a nice dry one on tap... Thatchers, I think it was. Really hit the spot and rounded out the meal!

The Experience

Friendly staff... quiet location, and decent food at a decent price (for Australia...). Despite the wankiness of the name, HOWM is a place that I will return to when I'm up in Brisbane again and looking for a simple and fast feed. I think I should also revisit during the daytime to try out their coffee and lunch menu!

Opening Times

Monday 8 am–10 pm
Tuesday 8 am–10 pm
Wednesday 8 am–10 pm
Thursday 8 am–10 pm
Friday 8 am–10 pm
Saturday 8 am–8 pm
Sunday 8 am–8 pm

Contact Details

Address: 466 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Phone: 0483 869 016
Website: https://www.selina.com/australia/brisbane/
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