Going out to eat is one of life’s simplest pleasures for many reasons.
We all deserve a break from cooking at home every now and again, and dining out is the perfect opportunity to satisfy your cravings, or treat your tastebuds to a new cuisine.
It’s also a social activity, as we love to connect with our nearest and dearest over a tasty meal and a bottle of bubbly.
But probably the most important thing is, and I feel many people would agree with me here, there are no dishes to wash!
If you are looking to expand your palate, why not drop by these great restaurants, bars and breweries located in the Goodna and Redbank areas.
Commercial Hotel, Redbank
Known as one of Ipswich’s most iconic pubs, the Commercial Hotel Redbank has been serving up schooners of cold beers for more than a century.
Established in 1910, the pub has stayed true to its country roots by serving up traditional pub meals with a side of live entertainment from both local and national artists and bands.
The venue’s Bistro and Station Steakhouse plate up meals sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied, but if you have a big appetite, why not sink your teeth into a half kilo black angus rump steak, the Giant Parmasaraus – a half kilo chicken parmigiana, or try your hand at the American Style Grill Plate, which comes complete with barbecue pork ribs, crispy chicken wings, steak, spicy pork sausage, coleslaw, wedges, southern bacon baked beans and toasted bread.
The sounds of live entertainment ring out from the venue on the weekends when the pub plays host to a number of renowned bands, and cheers and screams can be heard on the deck every Friday afternoon at 4pm as punters take part in the weekly crab races.
It also has its own gaming room, bottle-o and function space for hire.
The Commercial Hotel Redbank is located at 72 Brisbane Road, Redbank.
Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna
For a toe tapping good time with friends, you can’t go past the historic Royal Mail Hotel in Goodna.
The pub, which was established in 1840, has quite the reputation of being the centre of live Blues and Roots gigs not only in south east Queensland, but also the country.
The pub comes alive on weekends with the sounds of some of the best artists in the music industry, playing to the mass crowds who stop by for lunch or dinner, as well as those who enjoy a cold beverage on a warm Ipswich day inside the pub’s timber walls, or outside on the iconic verandah.
The pub has played host to a number of big artists, including Australian alternative rock duo Silk n Oat, incredible Blues and Roots musician Mojo Webb, as well as the best damn soul music south of the blues, Blues Arcadia.
You only have to look at the Royal Mail’s upcoming events on Facebook to see which big named artists will be performing in the near future.
The pub’s chefs also whip up salads, burgers, pizzas, fish and chips, steaks, schnitzels and sandwiches for hungry music aficionados to snack on while jamming to the free live entertainment.
Find them at 92 Brisbane Terrace, Goodna.
Eden Brewhouse, Redbank Plains
Eden Brewhouse is a nod to the history of Redbank Plains, and is proudly named after the first farm in the region, Eden Station, which was pioneered by British convict James Josey.
In 1840 James was convicted for robbing a wagon and sentenced to 15 years penal servitude. He travelled on the convict ship Eden to Australia and was sent to Moreton Bay in April 1841.
After serving out his sentence in Limestone (now known as Ipswich), James was involved in building houses in Ipswich before he purchased the land which would become known as Eden Station.
Today, Eden Brewhouse is a popular spot for locals to wet their whistle with one of the brewhouse’s many craft beers, while its rustic smokehouse menu pays due to the pioneering days of rural living and handcraftsmanship.
Popular menu items include a smoked brisket burger, lamb shanks, pizza and the Eden beef burger.
Eden Brewhouse also hosts a trivia night every week where friends can gather to test their knowledge.
Drop in and see them at the Town Square Redbank Plains, located at 381 Redbank Plains Rd, Redbank Plains.
Arizona Café and Grill, Redbank Plains
Serving up everything from burgers to wings, loaded fries, hot dogs, sandwiches, wraps, milkshakes and more, Arizona Café and Grill is a little taste of America in Redbank Plains.
But don’t think this grill house is open for dinner only, as it also boasts an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, with the chefs whipping up delicacies like smashed avo on toast, pancakes, waffles and bagels. Try the Dagwood Bagel, which comes with glazed ham, swiss cheese, American cheddar, tomato mustard and mayo.
Arizona Café and Grill also plays host to a number of Sip ‘n’ Dip activities, so you can let out your inner artist and enjoy a meal on the same night. Some of the classes include watercolour and wine, learning how to pour soap, painting rainbow snow and more.
There are also a wide range of classes for kids, including the hugely popular Kids Sip ‘n’ Paint, which also comes with a kid’s meal and shake.
Search Arizona Café and Grill on Facebook under their events tab for upcoming Sip ‘n’ Dip events. You can also read more about Sip n Dip below.
They are located at the Town Square Redbank Plains, located at 381 Redbank Plains Rd, Redbank Plains.
Burger Urge, Redbank Plains
Whether you are hankering for a juicy angus beef patty, a southern fried chicken burger, a plant based vegan cheeseburger or mini sliders, Burger Urge has got you covered.
Also located in the Town Square Redbank Plains complex, Burger Urge serves up a range of tasty sides, including sweet potato chips, onion rings, dirty fries, Kentucky fried cauliflower and share plates, for those who wish to have a taste of everything.
Redbank Plains Tavern, Redbank Plains
If you’re looking for somewhere to gather with your mates and watch the big game, be sure to swing by the Redbank Plains Tavern.
The Barra Bar shows all the big thrills and spills from the wide world of sports on the large television screens so you can cheer on your favourite teams or players in style.
The Barra Bar features a large selection of beer on tap, as well as wine, cider and spirits to suit everyone’s taste. The owners also have a refined version of their main menu for the sports bar, so you don’t miss any of the action from the game.
The best feature of the Barra Bar, and where it gets its name, is the huge barramundi tank that calls Redbank home.
Snack on spicy buffalo chicken wings, steak sandwiches, spaghetti bolognaise or the humble fish and chips when you dine in.
In the gaming lounge, players are provided with complimentary tea, coffee or soft drink, and easy access to the Gaming Bar where a range of refreshments is available.
Grab the mates, don your best sporting jersey and enjoy a pint and the game at 339 Redbank Plains Rd, Redbank Plains.
Search for all the fun on their Facebook page so you know when all the world’s biggest games will be shown.
Rashays, Redbank
For foodies that like to be trendy and have a bite to eat late at night, Rashays at the Redbank Plaza Shopping Centre is open till 10pm.
One of Rashay’s signature dishes is the chicken schnitzel with creamy mushroom sauce, but that’s just one of the many items on the menu.
The chefs at Rashays cook up meals for all foodies, including breakfast options, breads, starters and salads, burgers, pasta and risotto, chicken, steak, ribs, seafood and pizza.
If you have a sweet tooth, Rashays’ dessert menu is sure to have you salivating. Why not try a slice of the caramilk cheesecake, sticky date pudding, waffles with strawberries or a chocolate brownie with Nutella.
See their Facebook page for more mouthwatering photos so you can plan your order in advance.
Rashays can be found inside the Redbank Plaza Shopping Centre, at 1 Collingwood Dr, Redbank.
Goodna Services Club, Goodna
Home to the Sky Lounge Bistro and the Legends Sports Bar, the Goodna Services Club is a popular venue for family and friends to meet at, especially veterans who have served for our country.
The club’s varied menu is well priced and affordable, which is just one of its many drawcards.
Their menu in the Sky Lounge Bistro consists of entrees, salads, pizzas, burgers and steaks, or why not try the club’s spaghetti and meatballs, crispy skin salmon or pork sirloin under the menu’s main meals category.
The newly renovated Legends Bar is home to 10 large LED flat-screen TV podcasting everything from NRL, AFL, NBA, soccer, golf, car racing, tennis, cricket, UFC and live horse races from across the nation. There are also keno facilities on demand, and food and drink facilities are also available.
The Goodna Services Club also has plenty of entertainment for the young and young at heart to enjoy, including live shows on the main stage in the bistro, trivia nights, as well as pool tables that are available for a few games.
It costs $1 to join for a life membership.
Find the club at 32 Woogaroo St, Goodna.
Sip n Dip, Goodna
If you are looking for a little something extra when you visit Goodna and Redbank Plains, you should definitely try your hand at one of the many creative classes on offer by Sip ‘n’ Dip. It is here visitors can unleash their creative side and make their own masterpieces to take home, while also sipping on a drink.
The Sip ‘n’ Dip studio and café is located at 98 Brisbane Terrace, Goodna, so you can drop in and enjoy a coffee and browse through the Micro Art Gallery, or even hire your own artist’s desk for the day.
The sip and paint classes are relaxed and designed to help you shake off the world and have some much-needed you-time.
There are also a number of paint and snack packs to choose from, such as coffee, cake ‘n’ paint firefly; coffee, cake ‘n’ paint jellyfish, as well as coffee, cake ‘n’ paint lakeside, just to name a few.
Sip ‘n’ Dip also hosts classes at other venues across Ipswich, including places like the Arizona Café and Grill, as well as other places across wider Ipswich.
If you are unable to make it into the studio, but would still like to try one of their café menu items, Uber Eats delivery is available. Choose from coffee, hot chocolate and a number of mouthwatering brownies, including coconut rough, salted caramel chocolate or fudge.
