A few weeks ago, I had to drop everything in Melbourne and make an unexpected, last-minute trip back to Queensland to be with my family during a difficult time. The end of an emotionally draining week was brightened slightly when I got the chance to catch up with a few of my beautiful friends over some Friday night drinks and dancing. This was, of course, followed by our long-running tradition of The Morning-After Breakfast. We arrived at Campos in Fortitude Valley at peak-hour and had to wait in line to be seated. Might I add here - it is always worth the wait. Having to line up at somewhere so tucked away down an unlikely little side street immediately says to me that the place is good. And it is. Really, really good. So good that we are rarely satisfied when we go anywhere else for a mid-morning feast.
Definitely a spot for discerning coffee drinkers and locals in the know, Campos is up there with the best in Brisbane. From its funky industrial fans to the converted milk crates for stools and fake grass in the outdoor seating area, Campos has some unforgettable elements that give it a certain likeability and quirky charm. Even more endearing is its unusual location virtually hidden from passersby - tucked behind the dumpsters down a back alley of the pretentious James Street. Many of the Campos regulars tend to think this aspect gives the café a certain authenticity and ‘local’ vibe and some believe it keeps their favourite spot a secret. Perhaps not-so secret anymore, Campos won 2009’s I LOVE FOOD AWARD for Australia’s Favourite Deli/Café. The efficient, friendly and knowledgeable staff are an absolute asset to the place. For me, the service must be as outstanding as the food itself, or the entire experience can be ruined.
On the subject of food, Campos never ceases to impress. Great quality, fresh produce makes for a thoroughly pleasurable dining experience. The Campos Fry Up was my menu item of choice on this particular morning, and was worth every dollar. It included all the standard items you would expect, but with a few special twists - in true Campos-style. Bacon fried to crispy perfection nestled alongside two whopping slabs of fresh, crusty sourdough toast, on top of which two soft poached eggs oozed golden goodness. With this, an oven-roasted tomato, sautéed mushrooms, a beef and basil sausage, fried haloumi and a house-made potato and sage hash. The perfect big (well, huge) breakfast. The only problem was where to begin! Rarely does every item on the plate look so ridiculously good that I want to eat everything at once. My friend S raved about her Ham Eggs Benedict in between mouthfuls and from the speed at which she scraped the plate clean, I think I can safely attest that it too, was amazing.
After all my gushing over our mouth-watering feasts, it would be criminal to overlook the core Campos passion – the coffee. They are crazy about it. Renowned for their wide selection of coffee which is roasted on site, be sure to expect a consistently excellent cup of damn good coffee at Campos every time. It is fundamental to the institution that Campos has become and a testament of just how far Brisbane café culture has come.
Campos Coffee
11 Wandoo Street
Fortitude Valley
QLD 4006
Ph: (07) 32523612
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