Side Piece Coffee

Sunny Side Piece Coffee, located on Capital Court overlooking Varsity Lakes, offers discerning diners superb chews and elevated brews with an equally stunning view. 

Sitting pretty on a sun-soaked ridge, hip Side Piece Coffee sits on a raised patio within Varsity’s newer four-tower urban precinct, offering sweeping views toward Tamborine Mountain and Lamington National Park in the distance. The patio welcome pooches and has ample shaded seating, whilst the large contemporary indoor seating area embraces an olive-toned industrial feel with polished concrete, copper pipes and floor to ceiling windows so you can’t miss the view.

The three brains behind bites and brews are Dylan Jamsa, Lee King and Miles Gaebel, former Manager of Tarte Bakery, who all had long relationships with hospitality (think No Name Lane and Moo Moo) before starting their new fling with Side Piece. 

These three know their way around coffee and food, serving a strikingly simple and delicious menu along with the signature blend from Brisbane-based 7roasters The Black Lab Coffee Co. Their preferred Platinum Blend is a medium roast, rich in nuttiness, with mild fruit and toffee aromas, from three bean origins perfect for an amazing espresso. 

The menu is similarly inspired thanks to the trio’s “small, simple and delicious” philosophy, and includes such delights as the B’N’E Toastie (below bottom), with bacon, free-range eggs, Swiss and Red Cheddar with pickles and house BBQ sauce on toasted sourdough. The Kimcheese Toastie is another locals’ favourite featuring Eddy and Wolf Kimchi, three cheeses, chilli jam and spring onions on toasted sourdough. 

Other impressive menu offerings include the pork or satay tofu SP Bahn Mi with chilli mayo, fresh herbs, spring onions, pickled carrots and soy dressing, and it’s hard to go passed the stacked “Sandos”—the Chicken Sando (below) with avocado, Zuni pickles, toasted almonds, cos and dill mayo with optional chilli oil.

There are ample gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options but what makes Side Piece truly unique and special is the full-page menu of 20+ amazing options that encourages discerning diners to build their own creations. From mortadella and mixed mushrooms to chimichurri and chilli oil, they’ve got your fix covered.

Oh, and for those needing a sweet beverage fix, indulging in the smooth iced or hot chocolate featuring the most delightful curls of premium shaved European chocolate, will absolutely make your day! 

By Michaela Lyons

The menu may have changed since our visit.