Soak up the sunshine at West End’s new local SoBa social
Remember the days when life was completely carefree? You’d get home from school and swing by the neighbour’s house unannounced, where the gate was always open for an ice-cold cordial and backyard fun. Now that you’ve likely traded school for work and you’ve got a little more on your mind/schedule, backyard fun is probably not so high on the agenda – but that doesn’t mean it should be completely forgotten. West End’s new neighbourhood hang SoBa social is bringing back wholesome backyard fun, but the refreshments are a little more grown up.
SoBa social might be a little hard to spot at first – the cafe looks rather unassuming from the front, sitting alongside SoBa movement studio at the base of a character-filled heritage-listed 1940s Queenslander. A cabinet brimming with house-baked treats will greet you at the front, but your nose will likely guide you down the narrow passage and past the kitchen to the outdoor area. There, a covered patio spills out to a large grassy backyard, framed by a garden of succulents and cacti, and a dreamy canopy of fairy and festoon lighting above. Pre-loved timber furniture has been given a fresh lick of blush paint, contrasting against white-washed walls and hanging green baskets. Outside on the lawn, you can perch at a long table on the paved central patio beneath broad market umbrellas, or pull up a rug and cushions to sprawl out on the lawn in the sunshine.
The all-day menu at SoBa social draws on the greater SoBa ethos, focusing on quality, wholesome and nutritious eats, but with a little bit of fun thrown in the mix. Lighter options of homemade granola with fresh seasonal fruit and zucchini, haloumi and mint fritters with minted yoghurt will kickstart your day, or you can get your vitamin dose from the SoBa Greens, packed with broccoli, shredded kale, avocado, fresh chilli and herbs, grains, pistachios, nutritional yeast flakes and poached eggs. Those looking for something a little ‘naughtier’ can order a pizza or three-cheese toastie, or go all in with the grilled raclette, served with twice-cooked baby potatoes, chorizo, pickled cucumbers, poached eggs, garlic and chives. Everything on the menu can be ordered to take away (including the muffins, sweets, croissants and fresh sandwiches in the front cabinet), and dietary requirements are easily catered for. SoBa social also doubles as a function and event space, with canape and grazing options available.
SoBa social is open now – head to our Stumble Guide for hours and contact details. Look out on the cafe’s Facebook page for special events (like live music on Friday and Saturday afternoons), and a liquor licence will be coming for evenings in the new year.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
