Views, brews and chews – Eagle Street’s Riverland opens to the public
While not completely certain, we’re fairly sure that there’s a scientific correlation between the taste of a cool beverage and your proximity to a killer vista. Our hypothesis – everything tastes better with a great view. Just when you thought all of Eagle Street’s riverside real estate had been snatched up, a new venue arrives to give us another option for peeping a ripper sunset over the Brown Snake and the Story Bridge – just in time for summer sessions. Riverland is a brand-new dynamo drinking and dining destination that will offer something different each visit. Except for the view, of course. That will always be primo.
The space
Those of you seeking the sublime surrounds of Riverland can find the entryway off Eagle Street at the rear of Emirates House, which shelters the oasis overlooking the river. Following an industrial aesthetic (offset by jarrah wood furnishings and sup-tropical touches) designed by Burton & Carter Architects, Riverland has been built around three 20ft shipping containers housing a bar and several food vendors. Ample seating is provided for hungry and thirsty patrons, with 52 metres of bench seating offering a stellar view of the winding river, Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge.
The food and drink
Riverland’s food offering is based on Brisbane’s thriving street-food scene, with five of the finest vendors on hand delivering a range of bites to ravenous revellers. We all know that variety is the spice of life, which is why Riverland will be looking to mix up the food offering every four to six weeks with new vendors popping in for a stint. Right now patrons can snack on delights from Ii-Naa Japanese and Vietnamese bites from Little Saigon, sweet seafood from Calamari Brothers, terrific toasties from Jaffle Schmaffle and American-inspired eats from smokin’ hot outfit Carolina Kitchen (which is an anchor tenant, meaning it’ll be around for a while). Over at the central bar, 40 taps pour a huge range of beer and cider, with a great selection of local and international brews complemented by cocktails and wines – perfect summer sipping material.
The details
A space like this makes for a great party destination, and Riverland is all about hosting. Riverland offers a bunch of options for birthdays and other functions, including an assortment of food boxes and drink packages to keep everyone fed and watered.
Riverland is officially open to the public now, operating from 11:00 am daily. If you are after more information, the Stumble Guide has everything you need.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
