Fresh-faced riverside tapas bar Puck is bringing some magic to Newstead
Tucked away in a secluded pocket of Newstead, Puck Bar is a whimsical eatery that’s giving locals what they crave from morning until evening. If you’re after a moreish midsummer night’s feed, you’ve found just the place …
Wandering along Newstead’s riverwalk, you might have spied a buzzy little eatery doing a cracking trade near Waterfront Park at the base of 1 Newstead Terrace. It’s no dream – that’s Puck Bar, an enchanting new cafe and tapas bar that has been luring in wanderers with the promise of merriment and mischief (otherwise known as killer brunch and sunset snacks and sips) since March.
Previously home to The Fox’s Hollow, Puck makes the most of its convenient locale, which sits a short distance from some of the suburb’s notable landmarks. The team has exchanged the previous aesthetic for one composed of green hues, crisp whites and timber, with an open frontage affording diners a glimpse of the water while also giving passers by a peek at the action inside. Seating is split between the main dining area and sun-dappled tables along the footpath, but those looking for something to sip on the move are encouraged to walk right up to the mirror-backed bar and coffee counter near the entry.
If you happen upon Puck Bar in the morning, you’ll be able to sit down and enjoy a hearty spread of brunch favourites alongside cups of Industry Beans coffee. The all-day menu skews towards classic options, from smashed avocado on ciabatta with herbed fetta and chorizo and goats cheese omelettes to full English breakfasts and bagels stuffed with smoked salmon and dill and tarragon cream. Should you arrive closer to lunch, items like the wagyu cheeseburger or the confit duck salad with wombok, shallots and fried noodles might catch your eye. If you were to press us for a recommendation, we’d steer you towards the garlic-and-herb-coated Mooloolaba tiger prawns, which come served on a bed of black quinoa, fetta and olives.
As the sun starts to dip, Puck Bar swaps its daytime menu in favour of a suite of tasty tapas-style plates. This evening offering is packed with plenty of appetising options, from whole grilled scampi and Peking duck crepes with sweet soy, to Turkish pide crowned with prosciutto, blue cheese and creme leek, Hervey Bay scallops with nori butter, Moreton Bay bug baos and portobello mushrooms topped with romesco and provolone.
On the drinks front, Puck’s bar is dispensing Aussie wines (plus a French champagne and rosé), tap beer from Yeerongpilly’s Slipstream Brewing (plus mainstream bottles and cans) and a tight list of cocktails. In addition to the classics, guests can also quaff one of four signature drinks, including the Newstead Tropic – an ambrosial number made with coconut Bacardi, mandarine liqueur, pineapple, fresh lime juice and aquafaba.
Puck Bar is now open for daytime dining from Monday to Sunday and for tapas from Wednesday to Saturday. Head to The Directory for more details.