Sparrow & Finch Espresso

Inside Sparrow & Finch Espresso

Sparrow & Finch Espresso sits right in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD within National Bank House, making it a convenient stop for city workers and commuters looking to kickstart their morning or grab a reliable lunch. This spot blends the ease of a quick coffee bar with the more substantial offerings of a breakfast and lunch café, catering well to those after a casual but efficient bite without straying far from their desk or office.

The atmosphere here is straightforward and functional yet approachable, with clean indoor spaces and some outdoor seating that lets you soak in the busyness of Creek St. The café tends to draw a steady crowd throughout the day, mainly local professionals grabbing takeaway coffees or stepping in for a brief sit-down during lunch hours.

In the morning rush, the baristas handle peak demand solo, which can create a brisk but attentive service rhythm. Coffee is crafted with care, even if the roaster’s blend isn’t to everyone’s taste, the skill in preparation tends to win people over. All coffees come in takeaway cups, which keeps the pace quick but might feel a bit less cozy if you linger inside.

The menu strikes a balance between quick breakfast options and heartier midday fare. Mornings might see breakfasts like toast with preserves, filled croissants, or bacon and egg rolls, which pair well with early caffeine fixes. When lunch rolls around, choices like the Wagyu cheese burger, Sparrow burger, or karaage chicken burger offer more substantial, satisfying bites without excessive waiting times. The chicken salad bowl and a well-regarded salad bar add a lighter option to the mix, making it a versatile spot whether you’re after indulgence or something fresh.

Visitors often comment on the friendliness and attentiveness of staff, a key part of the experience here, especially when things get busy. Prices are reasonable for city standards, encouraging repeat visits by those working nearby who want a dependable place for their daily coffee and meals. The display cabinet, stocked with fresh pastries and muffins, offers additional grab-and-go treats if you’re in a hurry.

Best times to drop by are early to mid-morning if you want to catch the start of the day buzz or the lunch window when the café livens up with a mix of takeaway seekers and those grabbing a quick sit-down outside. Sparrow & Finch Espresso functions well as a practical city café—it’s less about lingering over coffee all afternoon and more about providing a well-run, familiar spot in the midst of Brisbane’s business district.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Great coffee

Great tea selection

Live performances

Popular for

Breakfast

Lunch

Solo dining

Good for working on laptop

What they serve

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Healthy options

Quick bite

Small plates

Spirits

Wine

Best for

Breakfast

Brunch

Lunch

Dessert

Seating

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Wheelchair-accessible seating

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

06:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Tuesday

06:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Wednesday

06:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Thursday

06:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Friday

06:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

What Locals & Travelers Say

268 Reviews

Alexa Janoschka

04 Jan 2026

This review focuses on an early morning stop (around 6:45 AM) and reflects a mixed experience, though major props are due to the staff. First and foremost, major props to the barista who was soloing the morning rush! While I'm personally not a huge fan of the coffee roaster they use, the barista did an exceptional job working with the blend and crafting a very competent drink. Their dedication at that hour is truly commendable. However, the general experience was a bit uneven. The music and atmosphere in the morning were a little jarring—not the relaxing start to the day I usually look for. Honestly, this wouldn't be my first stop, but it serves as an okay grab-and-go spot if you're in a pinch early on. The reality is that there are plenty of other cafes on the block, and if you're seriously hunting for a superior morning brew, you'll likely find it elsewhere. Despite the morning experience, the space itself has potential. The restaurant and bar area seems like it would be quite a lovely spot AFTER work. I might have to return later in the day to check out the evening atmosphere, but for a quality morning coffee experience, I'll be heading down the block. $6 for a small double skinny flat white. Typical price for coffee around here

Ants Baldric

30 Dec 2025

A nice place for lunch busy, and clean, with a fantastic salad bar. Indoor outdoor seating

Leonardo Collins

11 Nov 2025

Amazing Service, value for money and fresh tasty products!! Big welcoming smiles and a large display cabinet filled with amazing food, and pricing that can have you visiting every day without breaking the bank. Attentive staff, product knowledge and coffee that smelt amazing, I will have to try on my next visit. Well done! Keep up the good work.

Tim Veyret

24 Oct 2025

Was passing by and wanted to pick up a coffee at a new venue. Sparrow and Finch looked open, clean, and accommodating! I think they only sell coffees in take away cups, even if you are dining in. I ordered an 8 ounce Cap with an extra shot. It was brought out quickly and the coffee was very nice. Thank you to the staff for the nice coffee and relaxed setting in the middle of the CBD in Brisbane.

Toto Recommends

20 Oct 2025

Choose to stop here for lunch and ordered their Wagyu Cheeseburger. It came out very quickly and I enjoyed. The tomato type sauce was a bit of a surprise and the atoli really added a tangy horseradish like taste, maybe between horseradish and garlic. I'd have to say that's what I enjoyed the most. Enjoyed the outdoor seating.

Timothy Hackett

05 Oct 2025

This was my first time to this great cafeteria, and I had a wonderful time here. I was meeting with some men from my Church for breakfast and I had a sneaky breakfast first, I got there earlier and was a little peckish, then the men arrived and I had some more glorious food and another piccolo coffee. All the staff were so friendly and attentive; the food was sublime and the coffee exquisite. I would thoroughly recommend anyone to go to Sparrow and Finch for just the piccolo or if you need a great start to your day please enjoy their salubrios breakfast.

Amerina Smith

21 Sep 2025

Quiet beautiful restaurant to grab a bite while you’re in the city