Grungy laneway hideaway Hellcat Maggie stakes her turf in Brisbane City
Fans of the Scorsese classic Gangs of New York (or anyone with knowledge of the Big Apple’s bloody past) will have heard the name Hell-Cat Maggie. In the 1840s the name would make blood run cold with fear, but today the name carries friendlier connotations. Hellcat Maggie is a brand-new laneway bar and eatery that embodies the same gritty and charismatic attitude of the famed crim, but instead of brawling with the Bowery Boys, this bar focuses on beers, burgers and breakfast.
Since 2000, RMS Group has been carving out considerable territory around Brisbane with a collection of well-received hospitality concepts. The likes of George on George, RUSH CBD and Mount Coot-tha’s Botanical Cafe cemented Donna Di Santo and Mournir Ibrahim as savvy operators with an eye for location. The group’s latest venture Hellcat Maggie (opening today, Wednesday July 18) occupies a laneway locale, inspired by the infamous mid-19th century crook of the same name. Donna and Mournir have fashioned the space with a suitably grungy vibe, dominated by brick, timber and warm lighting to convey both attitude and character. While Hell-Cat Maggie herself might not have been accommodating to many, this bar is – with a focus on old-fashioned hospitality and inclusivity of Brisbane City’s diverse consumer base.
Hellcat Maggie’s menu has been designed to appeal to a range of tastes, with an emphasis on home-cooked fare with a wholesome feel. The menu caters to group dining experiences and quicker economical options, starting with breakfast. Patrons can select from nine kinds of toast and toppings – from single-serve eggs benedict to vegetarian arancini – or opt for more substantial dishes like Toad in a Hole rolls and vegan feasts. The main menu encompasses snacks, pasta, burgers, big eats, salads and desserts, again focusing on home-style classics with a modern curve. Various references to Gangs of New York are sprinkled about, with the vegetarian-friendly Happy Jack burger and Bill the Butcher’s steak and chats sharing menu space with the likes of beef-rib pot pies, tacos, spaghetti and meatballs, and the Hellcat Lager barramundi, which comes battered in the bar’s own specially brewed beer. Four beers are on tap, backed by Australian craft-beer tins and bottled international labels. A curated wine list and a gangster-inspired cocktail selection also feature, with the signature concoction Maggie’s Blood proving suitably potent, doing justice to its ferocious namesake.
Hellcat Maggie opens today. Head to the Stumble Guide for opening hours and contact details.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
