Vaquero Dining in Albion is a hidden gem that beautifully blends old-world charm with contemporary Euro chic. Originally built in 1887 as the Albion Public Hall, the building has played host to many tenants over the years. In 2016, a couple of friends discovered the vacant space and fell in love with its rawness and old-world charm, with the intent of harnessing its energy to continue serving the local community.
The bar boasts two untouched cast-iron posts that were discovered hidden in one of the demolished internal walls. Today, Vaquero buzzes with anticipation for what is to come for Albion, with many plans and a growing population. But until then, they will keep doing what they do in the hope that it is enough for all who visit.
Vaquero Dining is a Spanish-inspired dining room and bar with a secret entrance via the tiny Albion Butchery on Sandgate Road. This retro-inspired butcher shop is devoted to aged and cured meats, with many of them hanging in a glass cabinet divider with the bar. The menu, which comes folded in a leather pouch, is designed for sharing and can be enjoyed in either the bar or dining spaces. It draws on the butcher shop for its key items, with the must-try charcuterie plate with house bread and pickles ranking among the best in Brisbane.
The small plates at Vaquero are equally delectable, with options such as Basque potatoes, fermented chilli, yoghurt, and smoked butter, Manchego Cheese Custard with coal-fired carrots and dukka, or the divine Organic Bendele farm duck liver parfait with pickled onion and toast. Larger plates include Barramundi, salted cheek brandade, smoked leek, and sesame, Free-range pork with roasted globe artichoke, onion, and pear, or the melt-in-the-mouth Rolled and Sous Vide lamb saddle, spinach sauce, and horseradish cream.
Vaquero is also an excellent spot for vegetarians, with options such as Charred Broccoli and asparagus with sesame sauce and Shimeji Mushroom Cluster with porcini brioche and cavolo nero. Desserts include the highly-recommended Chocolate Terrine with raspberry sorbet, Gorgonzola puree with toffee figs and truffled honey, or a Meringue Snowman with lemon curd, fresh berries, and poky sticks.
The quality wine list at Vaquero is impressive, and the cosy bar is an excellent spot to settle in for a drink or two and a charcuterie plate. House specialties are the urns of pre-batched classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, El Presidente, Negroni, Golden Sazerac, and Thou Shalt Not Remember, all of which are also available freshly made. Otherwise, there are the popular Jar Cocktails, pre-batch mixes with perishable ingredients added, such as the Pink Flamingo, Berry Blush, and Sugar and Spice.
Spirits served at Vaquero are all top-quality and mostly sourced from boutique Australian distilleries, while the scotch comes from the UK, America, Japan, along with a few Australian drops. The attention to detail is not just in the food and drink but also in the service. Each table has a felt box for diners to store phones, glasses, wallets, umbrellas, small handbags, and other personal belongings while they eat, and there are coat-hanging facilities just inside the bar.
Vaquero Dining is not just a place to have a meal, it's an experience that captures the heart of Albion and the history of Brisbane. The attention to detail in the decor, the menu, and the service is impeccable, and it's clear that the team at Vaquero is passionate about creating a memorable dining experience for every guest.
Whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot, a place to celebrate a special occasion, or just somewhere to enjoy a great meal and drinks with friends, Vaquero Dining in Albion is the perfect destination. It's a hidden gem that's waiting to be discovered, and once you visit, you'll understand why it's one of the best dining experiences in Brisbane.
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