Your monthly taste test of what’s sizzling, shaking and serving up serious flavour around town. From Tokyo feasts to cheesy throwbacks, smoothie hype and tacos that mean business—here’s what’s making food news.
Birria Boy brings the heat to Woolloongabba
There’s a new scent in Woolloongabba—woodfire, spice and pure taco magic. Meet Birria Boy, the latest venture from the team behind C’est Bon and Le Bon Bar, and a full-throttle love affair with Mexico’s legendary birria tacos.
Chef Andy Ashby is leading the charge with tacos stuffed with slow-cooked goat or beef, fried until crispy, then dipped into rich, smoky consommé. Add in wood-fired corn, fresh masa tortillas and frozen margaritas on tap, and you’ve got the makings of a seriously good night out.
Casual, fiery and a little bit cheeky, Birria Boy is exactly what the neighbourhood’s been missing.
When: Dinner Thurs–Mon, Lunch Fri–Sun
Where: 617 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
Bookings: birriaboy.com.au
BOS Brisbane turns Japanese for one night only
Kon’nichiwa, Brisbane! For just one night, BOS is trading its signature Brisbane cool for full Tokyo street vibes. Think izakayas, sizzling grills and sake that keeps flowing as fast as the good times.
Head Chef Wesley Marshall is the mastermind behind the feast — and after years working in Japanese kitchens, he knows his way around an oishii moment. The menu’s a love letter to Tokyo, written BOS-style: Kirin Beer Bread with edamame spread, Kingfish cured in sake, Wagyu sirloin with Nikka Whisky cream, and a Green Tea & Yuzu Tart that’ll have you swooning at dessert.
This isn’t just dinner—it’s a sensory trip through Tokyo’s backstreets, no flight required. Seats are disappearing faster than sushi in Shibuya, so move quick.
When: Friday, 14 November
Where: BOS Brisbane
Bookings: Via BOS website
Sloppy Joes are making a cheesy, nostalgic comeback at YOMG
Get ready to embrace the mess—YOMG’s cult-favourite Sloppy Joe range is back, and it’s dripping with nostalgia. First created over a decade ago, the original sauce has made a glorious return, now splashed across burgers, sides and an all-new box of comfort food heaven.
The lineup? The OG Sloppy Joe, a Chilli Cheese version that packs heat, plus fresh temptations like mozzarella stix, lasagne bites and Joe’s Mac & Cheese. It’s indulgent, saucy and impossible to eat politely—just the way we like it.
Available nationwide (except Burleigh Heads) for a limited time, so grab some napkins and dig in while you can.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas high tea at W Brisbane
W Brisbane is turning up the sparkle for the silly season with the return of its iconic Festive High Tea—and it’s every bit as extra as you’d expect.
The Living Room Bar will be serving up a mix of sweet, savoury and seriously joyful bites: turkey and cranberry brioche sliders, smoked salmon blinis, mini pavlovas, raspberry mousse baubles and a decadent chocolate cherry tart. Add a TWG tea, coffee or a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and you’ve got yourself a very merry afternoon.
Adding to the fun, this year’s high tea comes with a secret surprise for those on Santa’s naughty list, promising a dash of festive playfulness to keep guests on their toes.
Visually striking and bursting with Christmas spirit, the Festive High Tea at W Brisbane is designed to delight, perfect for gathering with friends, indulging in the season’s flavours, and capturing that picture-perfect moment.
When: 7 November–28 December (Fridays–Sundays, plus Thursdays from 20 Nov)
Where: Living Room Bar, W Brisbane
Price: $80 per person or $99 with Champagne. Book your Festive High Tea here.
The viral foodie find you need to try at Archive Beer Boutique
It started as a late-night legend in Dublin—crispy chicken, chips, peppers, onion, and a secret spice mix all tossed together in a humble brown paper bag—and now Brisbane’s finally in on the action. Archive Beer Boutique in West End brought the internet-famous Irish Spice Bag to town, and locals are obsessed.
Think golden fried chicken (or squid, if that’s your vibe), crunchy chips and a hit of steaming curry sauce poured straight over the lot. It’s spicy, salty, saucy chaos—in the best possible way. The dish caused a global stir on TikTok, and now you can get it right here, served with a cold craft beer and plenty of late-night banter.
The Spice Bag made a cameo on Archive’s specials board earlier this year, but it’s since earned a permanent spot on the late-night menu. So if you haven’t ripped open one of these big, beautiful bags yet, consider this your sign.
Bubbleboy lands on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is getting a juicy new arrival. Brisbane’s cult-favourite smoothie and juice bar, Bubbleboy, is opening its first coastal store at Sunshine Plaza — and it’s here to bring the good vibes, bold flavours and that signature pop of fun.
Known for its viral smoothies, certified-organic juices and matcha blends, Bubbleboy’s all about wellness with personality. The new store comes with an exclusive ‘Signature Smoothies’ range you won’t find anywhere else — and to celebrate, the first 100 customers on opening day score 50% off all drinks.
If you’re chasing post-gym refreshment, a catch-up spot or just something to brighten your day, this one’s your new go-to.
When: Opens 1 November
Where: Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore (near Yo-Chi)
Opening offer: 50% off drinks for the first 100 customers
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
