Sassafras Of Paddington

Sassafras of Paddington was one of Brisbane’s first cafés to serve the ever-popular ‘all-day breakfast’ and is still dishing up signature brunch dishes in their leafy converted Paddington weatherboard cottage today.

The long-running café took its name from the species of deciduous trees, the roots of which were originally one of the key ingredients for sarsaparilla.

In addition to vintage suitcases and Sunbeam mix masters that boast some of the history of the café, Sassafras serves freshly-squeezed fruit juices, frappes, smoothies and a hot selection of tea and coffee by both local and interstate roasters. There's also spirits, cocktails, wine and beers on the menu, or a Boozy Brunch consisting of one main meal and endless mimosas for one hour available every day from 10 am. 

Regulars from almost two decades earlier still make their way through the eclectic front room, funky dining area and out to the back of the dog and child-friendly café for a favourite backyard spot beside the potted plants and under the large, shady umbrellas.

The indisputable hook is the all-day brunch for those who don’t live by the rule of ‘breakfast before 10am' with choices such as Peking Duck Cigars housemade with Davidson Plum bbq sauce, kewpie mayo, fried shallots & wombok slaw.

On the menu are dishes such as Ricotta Hotcakes with honeycomb butter + organic maple syrup and a selection of toppings or their legendary Eggs Benedict served on toasted Cordelia sourdough with baby spinach & housemade hollandaise and the option of being served on hash brown instead of toast (4 varieties).

Meanwhile, for something lighter, there's two types of toasted wraps or Roast Veg Bowl with sesame roasted baby carrots, beets, pumpkin & Brussel sprouts, edamame hummus, whipped tahini, crispy chickpeas, citrus maple drizzle and garden greens.

Taking home a box of cakes is set to become a tradition with their rise of vegan and gluten free goodies that boast unique flavours, getting everybody back in for seconds.

in a nutshell - Sassafras is a landmark of Brisbane’s chic and retro suburb, which prides itself on great meals made inhouse for the love of food.

Nice to know - Sassafras is a dog owners heaven and are welcome to join their owners in the rear courtyard. There's even a special menu for pooches! 

Good to know - Sassafras has a broad range of vegan and gluten-free options.

By Katherine Lamont

The menu may have changed since our visit.