10 spots to meet up for friend dates
Published 17 January 2022
Written by Nicola Clark
Photography by Morgan Smith
Whether it’s people-watching over coffee downtown or bonding over a new hobby each week that’s more your style, Toowoomba offers plenty in the way of social spaces and activities. We’ve compiled a list of spots you and your friends can meet up, support local businesses, and while away the hours.
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ORTEM
Perfect for catching up on anything and everything with that friend you haven’t seen in a while, Ortem serves up generously portioned breakfasts you love, with special touches that take them to the next level – such as pancakes with fairy floss, or panna cotta with muesli. It’s cosy and warm, and you’ll more likely than not find yourself sticking around for another round of drinks and a slice of cake.
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Willowvale Cooking School
It can be daunting learning a new skill, but doing it alongside a friend can ease the jitters. Set on an idyllic farm in Perseverance, Willowvale Cooking School offers all-day workshops taught by French chef Bruno Loubet. Whether it’s perfecting pasta or baking bread, a Willowvale class makes for an utterly adorable friend date.
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The Sip Studio and Tinker
Make your own masterpiece, while hanging out with your best friend. At The Sip Studio, you'll enjoy two hours of non-stop laughs and creativity with a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. Just BYO favourite beverage and some snacks to share, and let the creative juices flow between you. Meanwhile at Tinker, you and your crew can also have a crack at painting, but they’ve also a range of other craft workshops on offer too – think macrame, jewellery-making, and pottery. Make something to take back to your place, or for an extra-fun friend date, make them something!
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Flipp’d
Formerly known as Spacies Arcade and nestled behind street art lanes in the CBD, Flipp'd is a laid back arcade that’s also a licensed bar and diner. Feel allll the nostalgia with your fellow ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s babies as you play your favourite retro arcade games and pinball machines. Plus, there are also plenty of board and card games to enjoy over a nerdy-themed cocktail.
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Betty’s Burgers & CONCRETE CO.
Found in the foodie strip facing Victoria Street, Betty’s Burgers is a 1950s-style burger shack serving burgers, milkshakes and ‘concretes’ – their iconic house-made frozen custard. It’s bright and casual dining, and lunch at Betty’s calls for some serious retail therapy together in Grand Central afterwards.
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THE SPOTTED COW, FITZY’S OR THE MET for trivia
We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to weekly trivia games, and it’s a super-easy way to catch up with a group of friends during the busy work week. Grab a pub classic from the venue and catch up over brews before the round begins. There’s Trivia Tuesdays at The Spotted Cow from 6.00pm and Fitzy’s from 7.00pm, as well as from 7.00pm on Wednesdays at The Met. These venues also aren’t strangers to live music, with local musicians hitting the stage all throughout the week. But don’t worry about guesswork – you can refer to our gig guide every single week to see what’s happening, when and where.
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THE BAKER’S DUCK
This cafe-bakery is perfect for busy friends on the go, who want to swing by for a quick coffee or pick a pastry for takeaway and walk down to Queens Park. You can also find the sweet and savoury treats at the Toowoomba Farmers Markets, held every Saturday morning (another great chance for friend dates!).
Did we miss your favourite? Let us know and we’ll add them to the list!
