Best Parmi in Brisbane: Why Locals Are Calling Brew Café & Wine Bar a CBD Favourite
Best Parmi in Brisbane: Why Locals Are Calling Brew Café & Wine Bar a CBD Favourite
If you ask any Brisbane local what meal sparks the most debate, loyalty, and late-night cravings, one answer always comes up: the chicken parmi (or parmy — we’ll get to that).
From suburban pubs to inner-city laneways, the humble chicken parmi has become a Brisbane institution. Crispy crumbed chicken, rich Napoli sauce, melted cheese, and a side of chips — simple, comforting, and endlessly satisfying.
But if you’re searching for the best parmi in Brisbane, especially one that delivers on flavour, value, and atmosphere, there’s one spot in the CBD that continues to stand out: Brew Café & Wine Bar, tucked away in Lower Burnett Lane.
Best parmy in Brisbane
The Great Parmi vs Parmy Debate (Brisbane Edition)
Before we dive in, let’s address the elephant in the room.
Is it parmi or parmy?
In Brisbane (and most of Queensland), “parmy” tends to dominate everyday conversation. However, search data tells a slightly different story — people are actively Googling both:
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At Brew, we’re not here to argue semantics. Whether you call it a parmi or a parmy, what matters is how good it tastes when it hits the table.
What Makes a Great Chicken Parmi?
Brisbane has no shortage of pubs and bars serving chicken parmies, but not all are created equal. A truly great parmi should tick a few non-negotiable boxes:
✔️ Golden, crunchy crumb that doesn’t go soggy
✔️ Juicy chicken breast, not dry or overcooked
✔️ Rich Napoli sauce with real flavour
✔️ Melted cheese that stretches, not slides off
✔️ Proper chips on the side (no shortcuts)
At Brew Café & Wine Bar, the chicken schnitty — and optional parmi upgrade — delivers on all fronts.
Brew Café & Wine Bar: A Hidden Laneway Favourite
Located in Lower Burnett Lane, Brew Café & Wine Bar is Brisbane’s oldest laneway bar, quietly serving locals, office workers, and weekend explorers for years.
By day, Brew is a go-to CBD café for breakfast and lunch. By night, it transforms into a laid-back laneway bar known for burgers, share plates, cocktails — and increasingly — its chicken parmi deal.
This day-to-night versatility is part of what makes Brew a standout among Brisbane parmy spots. You’re not walking into a loud sports bar or a generic pub — you’re stepping into a venue with atmosphere, personality, and genuine local character.
The Chicken Parmi Brisbane Locals Love
Here’s the part that has people talking.
Every day& night from 5pm until late, Brew Café & Wine Bar offers a Chicken Schnitty, with the option to upgrade to a parmi for a small additional cost.
In a city where parmi prices often creep past $30, this deal is refreshingly honest — and incredibly popular with locals who know where to eat in the CBD.
What you get:
Herb & garlic crumbed chicken schnitty
Shoestring fries
Chipotle slaw
Traditional gravy
Parmi upgrade available with shaved ham, Napoli sauce & mozzarella
It’s comfort food done properly — no gimmicks, no shortcuts.
Why Brew Might Be One of the Best Parmy Spots in Brisbane CBD
When people search “best parmy in Brisbane”, they’re usually looking for more than just price. Brew delivers value without sacrificing quality.
Here’s why it stands out:
🍗 Consistent Quality
The schnitty is cooked fresh, with a crisp crumb and tender chicken every time. No freezer-to-fryer shortcuts.
🧀 Balanced Toppings
The parmi upgrade doesn’t drown the chicken. You still get crunch, with just the right amount of sauce and cheese.
📍 Central Brisbane Location
Right in the CBD, Brew is ideal for:
After-work dinners
Pre-show meals
Midweek catch-ups
Casual date nights
🌙 Late-Night Friendly
Served from 5pm until late, it’s perfect whether you’re eating early or settling in for the evening.
What Brisbane Diners Are Saying
While Brew Café & Wine Bar keeps a low profile compared to some high-profile pubs, locals who find it tend to come back — and they talk about it.
Here’s the kind of feedback Brew regularly receives:
“One of the best schnitzels I’ve had in the city — crispy, juicy, and great value for money.”
“Hidden gem in the CBD. Great food, relaxed vibe, and the parmy is a winner.”
“Perfect spot after work. Good food, friendly staff, and you don’t feel rushed.”
“Didn’t expect such a good parmi from a laneway bar — definitely coming back.”
This consistent word-of-mouth reputation is what keeps Brew quietly ranking among Brisbane’s best places to eat — without needing to shout about it.
Parmi Night Without the Pub Chaos
One of the biggest advantages of having your parmy at Brew?
You avoid the chaos.
Instead of battling noisy gaming rooms or crowded sports bars, Brew offers:
Laneway atmosphere
Comfortable seating
A relaxed crowd
Friendly, local service
It’s ideal for people who want a great chicken parmi in Brisbane without the traditional pub scene.
Parmi + Drinks = The Perfect Brisbane Evening
While Brew is careful about how it promotes alcohol publicly, the in-venue experience pairs naturally with the food.
The parmy sits comfortably alongside:
Craft beers
Cocktails
Wines
Classic pub-style drinks
It’s the kind of place where dinner easily turns into a few extra hours catching up with friends.
A Local Favourite, Not a Gimmick
What makes Brew Café & Wine Bar special is that it doesn’t try to reinvent the parmi.
There’s no oversized novelty plate.
No outrageous toppings.
No “Instagram-only” nonsense.
Just a proper chicken parmi, done well, at a price Brisbane locals genuinely appreciate.
Looking for the Best Parmi in Brisbane?
If you’re searching for:
Best parmi in Brisbane
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Affordable parmi in Brisbane
Brew Café & Wine Bar deserves a spot on your list.
Whether you’re a city worker, a local, or just exploring Brisbane’s laneways, Brew offers the kind of comfort food that keeps people coming back — without the hype.
Where to Find Brew Café & Wine Bar
📍 Lower Burnett Lane, Brisbane CBD
⏰ Chicken Schnitty from 5pm – late, every night
📞 (07) 3211 4242
📅 Bookings recommended for evenings
Final Word
Brisbane takes its parmies seriously — and rightly so. While there are plenty of options across the city, Brew Café & Wine Bar proves that you don’t need a massive pub or flashy branding to serve one of the best parmies in Brisbane.
Sometimes, the best spots are hidden down a laneway — waiting to be discovered.
