Sticking Around Brissie? These Local BIGSOUND Acts Tell Us What's Good

Concrete Surfers

Answered by: Jovi Brook

It doesn’t take much to please Concrete Surfers; if we have a place to eat, drink and sleep, we are a happy and very content bunch. Here’s our favourite places to do that around town!

Gabba Chinese & Takeaway

This is hands down the best restaurant in Brisbane, everything is around $10 or under and it tastes so yummy right before we have rehearsal. We discovered this place when one of our friends decided to check it out and we’ve been going ever since. Whether you want a tofu chow mein or a satay beef fried rice combo, you won’t be disappointed.

Crowbar Brisbane

Crowbar is our favourite venue to grab a beer and watch some live music, the staff treat you so nicely both as an attendee or if you’re playing that night and make sure to accommodate whatever you need. We reckon Crowbar really captures what it means to be part of the music scene in Brisbane with its close community and really good values that really shine through, making this venue feel like you’re at home drinking with your best friends.

King Ahiram's Lebanese Food

If you end up going for a wander in West-End you can never go past King Ahiram Lebanese Food. They have these homemade falafel kebab/rolls with "special hummus" that creates a flavour explosion in your mouth that’s unbeatable. The best part is that they only cost $5.50 so if you’re short on some money, like most bands/artists, this is the best bang for your buck in Brisbane.

DVNA 

Lucky Egg

The first time I had Lucky Egg was at BIGSOUND 2017 when it was still part of The Valley Drive In. It came around in little sample-sized sliders and from that moment on, I was hooked! I was a vegetarian back then and their vegetarian burger was so delicious I think I ordered a full one straight after. The following year at BIGSOUND 2018, I found it to be the perfect place to meet up with friends and grab a bite to eat in transition to gigs. Amazing, delicious food aside, its location is now smack-bang in the middle of Brunswick Street, which makes it the ideal spot to people watch and fangirl over the artists walking around the Valley.

The Foundry

I thought I would include one of my favourite places to play and record! Its tartan carpet and dimly lit halls give the building such character. You can smell the muso in the live room, which has really great sound by the way. The green room walls celebrate fabled artists who have previously passed through with markings and signatures written from floor to ceiling. It creates a feeling of legend and tells such a story. Don’t wander off too far though, twists and turns in its maze-like corridors will take you into its mysterious depths and echoing chambers of band rehearsal rooms. Stairways will lead you to the mystical offices of music publishing and distribution hehe. 

Netherworld

The perfect place to chill and hang out with your friends when you’re not after a big night of clubbing yet don’t want to stay home. It’s a place where everyone is accepted and your inner child is encouraged to come out and play. From beers to board games to arcade-style consoles and hot dogs, it’s literally the coolest place in the Valley! It also caters for live music. I went and saw some bands there at BIGSOUND last year and the sound was epic! The lighting is warm, the staff are warm and the beers are cold. I will definitely be visiting this time around! 

Holiday Party 

Answered by: Mel Tickle

Youi Thai Massage

You overdid it with your onstage antics and didn't stretch again. You idiot. Go get a life-changing 30-minute massage for $58, drink a nice refreshing Hydralyte and get yourself ready for tonight's revelry.

King Arthur

King Arthur does one of the best breakfasts in Brisbane and it's an absolute delight. You also get to look at The Calile Hotel around the corner, the most beautifully brutalist building in Brisbane (if you're into that sort of thing). Order what I like to call "The Mel" - poached eggs on toast, loop greens, sausage and relish, plus a strong flat white, then a filter to go. Food and caffeine heaven.

Happy Boy and then Arc Dining

Sometimes you're ready to have a shower, put on a nice outfit and have a wine at lunch and be the ~fancy girl~ you were born to be. Happy Boy has incredible Chinese food (try the spicy fish in broth and duck fried rice) and wine (Honeymoon rose is a delight), while Arc Dining has a fabulous wine list (lots of great rieslings), delightful charcuterie and overlooks the brown snake (Brisbane River) and Story Bridge. 

Chakra Efendi

As a migrant from my hinterland hometown, I wouldn’t classify myself as an OG Brisbane resident, but I have lived here long enough to have a list of my favourite lil' habitual nooks and crannies. I don’t tend to frequent Fortitude Valley often but if you’re looking for a Brisbane experience that’s more low-key, here’s my top three places to go.

The Davies Park Market

Every Saturday I go to this West End farmers' market, there’s a wide range of amazing foods and drinks to choose from, fresh produce, books, vinyl, and live music. The whole thing usually wraps up around 1pm, so it’s the perfect brunch spot. If you’re looking to wind down from the week's antics then I highly recommend coming here to bask in the sun and lovely community.

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre

A beautifully quaint Buddhist temple that offers donation-based classes on yoga and meditation all throughout the week. The perfect place to clear your head from all the BIGSOUND stress. My favourite class to attend is the Sunday morning guided meditation, followed by chai tea afterwards. If interested then check out the website for class schedules. You don’t have to be a practising Buddhist to participate nor have any experience in yoga or meditation, just willing to have an open mind and heart. 

Botanica Real Food

This eatery is a goddamn Brisbane gem in my opinion with delicious salads, friendly staff, and tasty treats. The portion sizes are unbelievable, it’s around $12 for a small salad but the small can last you a whole two meals. They accommodate for many dietary requirements, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten intolerant, and it’s all made fresh using real ingredients so what you’re fueling your body with has been graced by nothing but pure love energy and sun rays. If you’re in need of urgent nourishment this BIGSOUND, I highly recommend popping down to their Newstead shop for a good grazing.

Royal & The Southern Echo

Mu'ooz Restaurant  

Hop on the 199 and head over to West End and you'll find one of my favourite restaurants, Mu'ooz. It's always a friendly and fun vibe and the food is incredible. The menu covers north-east African food and essentially everything is served with this incredible injera bread - which I can't even describe how good it is. My pick is the bierai (or duba for vegetarians) - but let's face it, you should just get a platter and try a bit of everything. You'll have a great time and you'll feel good knowing you're helping this not-for-profit organisation give support and employment to African refugee women. 

Black Bear Lodge 

I think maybe every musician from Brisbane has worked here at some point in time and it shows. Black Bear has always put music first and they take pride in great bookings and having the most knowledgeable DJs in town. It can go from a nice quiet oasis in the Valley to a full-on Motown party at night. The cocktails are absolutely amazing and if you ask the crew to surprise you they always come out with something great. It's a great way to fight off the hangover blues if you pop in for an early afternoon recharge. 

Fat Louie's  

Like dive bars? Like playing pool or doing karaoke? Then this is the place for you. It could maybe win the award for diviest bar in Brisbane. Always a great time with '00s R&B blasting constantly, it's the place to shoot some pool, shoot the shit and relax. I wouldn't hold your breath for a cocktail, but hey, there's heaps of kebab places next door, so get yourself a vodka cruiser and just go with the flow.