The New Black

The New Black – Fortitude Valley’s Fashionista of the Café Scene

Welcome to The New Black, where caffeine comes with a side of swagger and every latte is dressed to impress. Tucked into the hip heart of Fortitude Valley at 694 Ann Street, this coffee-slinging gem is more than just your average brunch spot — it’s a full-blown experience. Think of it as your wardrobe’s favourite café: chic, current, and serving looks (and lattes) that never go out of style.

So, whether you’re an espresso elitist, a brunch junkie, or just someone who likes their caffeine with a bit of cool, this is one spot that’ll have you sipping, snapping, and staying for seconds.

The Vibe: Minimalist, Moody, and Made for the ’Gram

Step inside The New Black and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a Melbourne design magazine — minus the hipster pretension and with way better coffee. The fit-out is moody and minimalist, all blacks, greys, and industrial chic, with soft lighting that makes even your morning bed-head look editorial.

There’s a low hum of cool tunes, an espresso machine that looks like a spaceship, and a few very good dogs curled politely under tables. It’s the kind of place where freelancers sip long blacks while typing furiously, lovers split croissants and secrets, and hungover partygoers recover with shakshuka and shame.

The Coffee: Not Just a Pretty Pour

Let’s talk beans, because at The New Black, coffee is couture.

They rotate specialty roasts like they’re swapping outfits — always on trend, always exceptional. Expect to find beans from the likes of Five Senses, Toby’s Estate, or other small-batch roasters that make your taste buds do a double take.

From the classic flat white (perfect microfoam, obviously) to the chemex or V60 pour-overs for the coffee snobs among us, this is the kind of place where baristas know their way around extraction times and can actually pronounce “Yirgacheffe.”

Feeling cheeky? Ask for the iced black or their signature cold brew — smooth, bold, and dangerous on a hot Brisbane day. Bonus points: They’ve got every alt-mylk under the sun (oat, almond, soy, macadamia, even pea milk if you ask nicely).

The Menu: Brunch, But Make It Sexy

You came for coffee, but you’ll stay for the food. The New Black’s menu is the culinary equivalent of that friend who’s effortlessly cool, slightly mysterious, and always perfectly dressed.

🍳 The Classics, Reimagined

• Smashed Avo 2.0 – Because no BrisVegas café would dare not have it. This one’s served on thick sourdough, topped with feta, pickled onions, dukkah, and a soft-boiled egg. Add bacon or smoked salmon if you’re feeling bougie.

• Eggs Benny with a Twist – Poached eggs perched atop a housemade hash brown, with crispy pancetta, spinach, and burnt butter hollandaise. Say goodbye to bland brunch — this one slaps.

• Ricotta Hotcakes – Fluffy, decadent, and sprinkled with berries, maple, and edible flowers because yes, you are worth it.

🥑 The Health-Conscious and Hip

• Green Bowl of Glory – Kale, quinoa, broccolini, avo, pumpkin, and a poached egg because you’re trying to be good (even if you’re texting your ex). Add halloumi or pulled pork if you want to ruin your virtue with flavour.

• Acai Bowl – Cool, colourful, and perfect for Valley dwellers in activewear who “just came from Pilates” but absolutely didn’t.

• Turmeric Scramble – Bright yellow eggs with a mild kick, paired with rye toast, sautéed mushrooms, and a cheeky wedge of lemon. Healing, darling.

Something Sweet? Always.

Let’s not forget the cabinet treats. There’s always something gooey, chocolatey, or flaky begging to be taken home — or devoured before your second flat white. Faves include:

• Salted Caramel Slice – Gooey, crumbly, and so addictive you’ll wonder if it’s legal.

• Vegan Brownie – Dense, dark, and secretly healthy. Pairs best with oat latte and self-righteousness.

• Fresh Croissants – Plain, chocolate, or almond. Flaky, buttery perfection. Bring napkins.

The Crowd: Creatives, Caffeine Addicts, and Cool Cats

The New Black is where Fortitude Valley’s finest gather — a melting pot of local artists, style-savvy students, tech bros, and the occasional fashion editor sipping espresso with their sunnies still on.

You’ll overhear conversations about NFTs, upcoming gallery shows, or whether oat milk is over. Everyone’s either working on a screenplay, managing a startup, or posting a selfie with their latte art. It’s a beautiful mess, and it works.

Final Thoughts from the BrisVegas Crew

In a city awash with cookie-cutter cafés, The New Black stands tall as a Fortitude Valley icon — sharp, stylish, and always serving flavour with flair. It’s the perfect place for people-watching, vibing with your laptop, or catching up with your mates before heading into the Valley’s nightlife chaos.

Sure, it’s a little fancy. Sure, you’ll probably order something you can’t pronounce. But you know what? You’ll love every second of it. Because here in BrisVegas, brunch should always be bold, black, and served with attitude.

📍 The New Black

694 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD

📞 0404 348 954

🌐 thenewblack.com.au

🕘 Open 7 days: 6:30am – 2:00pm

BrisVegas Rule #47: Life’s too short for bad coffee. Get yourself to The New Black and stay fabulous, Brisbane.