Salud

Salud is a stunning cafe bar in an historic Auchenflower shop, serving up delectable food with a Latin American and Spanish flavour, and on weekend evenings, tapas and bar drinks.

Owner Vince hails from San Francisco and he has brought the kind of menu you would find in such an establishment in California to the leafy inner western suburb. 

As well as the stools out front, diners can take a seat in the gorgeous light-filled interior, which retains much of its Queenslander character, with polished timber floors, original windows and VJ walls, and along one side a counter and bar.

There is also plenty of seating available in the shady back garden, which feels just like being at someone's home and is the perfect spot for a leisurely brunch.

On the all day menu are lighter breakfast dishes like Abuela's bread pudding (homemade cinnamon spiced almond bread pudding, roasted fruits & chocolate caramel sauce); and guac on toast (with a Latin twist - avo toast, chimichurri sauce, poached eggs, pickled onions & toasted sourdough).

For something more substantial there's huevos rancheros (Mexican style braised beans, capsicum, sweetcorn, garlic crema, poached eggs & soft tortillas) or Brekkie taco plate (fluffy eggs, Spanish jamon, romesco sauce, guacamole, spinach & warm tortillas).

Other delectable dishes include chorizo patatas brava (crispy chorizo, pimenton potatoes, garlic crema, roasted mushrooms, fresh spinach & poached eggs); paella bowl (saffron scented rice, green peas, chimichurri & roasted seasonal veggies), with a choice of topping; chicken quesadilla (gooey cheese-filled tortilla, pimenton spiced chicken, grilled capsicum & citrus salsa); and 'tacos of the day', served with homemade pickles and hot sauces.  

From the drinks menu, as well as the excellent coffee (including cold brew), turmeric, matcha or chai lattes, hot chocolate, smoothies and assorted teas, must-try are the housemade specialties - salud horchata (iced cinnamon rice and almond milk); salud yerba mate iced tea; ginger turmeric kombucha and orange or strawberry juice.

Fully licensed, Salud does a small but superb menu of house cocktails like Brazilian classic Obrigado (exotic cachaça with muddled mint & lime); Vamonos! (spicy pineapple margarita with chilli salt rim); La Sucia (Cosmopolitan made with hibiscus tea, lime & vodka); and Mi Amigo (espresso martini with dulce de leche).

There's a small range of beers and ciders, including Mexican lager modelo special, along with a smattering of Australian wines and a Spanish Tempranillo, as well as a daily chilled house red. 

Good to know - there is free street parking available on Haig Rd and nearby streets.

Need to know - Drinks and food to be ordered at the bar. Salud is open for tapas and bar drinks on Friday and Saturday nights, from 5pm to late. 

Check out our guide to the best things to do in Auchenflower