The Iglu Guide | Blog
Best student hangouts in Kelvin Grove
Home to a buzzing community, a purpose-built theatre and the Queensland University of Technology Creative Industries Department, Kelvin Grove is widely known as the creative heart of Brisbane. Designed specifically for the creative community, today this contemporary urban environment is a thriving hub that combines dining, shopping and lifestyle with a warm neighbourhood feel. Packed with student vibes, like-minded individuals and colourful energy, you’ll never be short of places to hang and things to do in Kelvin Grove.
The Menagerie
Quietly bordering QUT on Carraway Street, The Menagerie is an ambient bar so named to reflect the diversity of the local area. This cosy plant-filled space combines house-made coffee and delicious eats by day with craft beer and cocktails by night. The interior is filled with vintage furniture and retro vibes, making it the perfect place to land with friends and watch the world amble by. Doubling up as a live music venue and art space, there’s always something going on. Students can take advantage of the healthy breakfasts and extended Happy Hour from 3-7pm Monday-Wednesday each week.
The Grove, QUT campus
Located in QUT Kelvin Grove campus, this student favourite is the ideal place to take a seat in-between lectures, after the day is done or when you just need a convenient spot to meet friends. Perched above the food court in C Block, it has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with student-friendly pricing as well as daily specials. Home to numerous events across the year including karaoke and trivia nights, you can also make the most of the pool tables and multiple TVs for games and entertainment before heading back to the books.
Burger Urge
Promising high-quality burgers made by real chefs, with meat sourced from local farmers, this gourmet burger outlet laughs bravely in the face of big corporations. Taking the humble burger back to its simple roots is what Burger Urge is all about – and it seems to be hitting the spot! Dishing up burgers the way they should be, Burger Urge is serving up carbon neutral Aussie beef, free range chicken and has a strong focus on operating as sustainably as possible. With the added bonus of exceptional customers service, when that burger urge hits…. You know where to head!
La Boite
This iconic Brisbane venue established back in 1925 is Australia’s longest running theatre company and is home to the iconic 400-seater Roundhouse Theatre – the country’s only purpose-built theatre-in-the-round. The French name translates as ‘The Box’, a reference to the heritage-listed building’s box-like shape. Known for embracing risk and celebrating the new, La Boite is the National home of cutting-edge theatre where the very structure promotes interplay between actors and audience, encouraging artists to think beyond accepted norms. Some 90 years on from launch, La Boite has a proud reputation for pushing creative boundaries, creating powerful connections that entertain, move and provoke. Catch a wide range of performances from drama and comedy through to music and dance, or check out one of the many workshops on offer.
The Kelvin Grove Village Markets
Open every Saturday between 6am and 1pm, the Village Markets are a popular meeting place for locals and the heart and soul of the Kelvin Grove Village community. Enjoy live music, great coffee and a wide range of international foods as you wander through the many stall offerings. Every week you’ll find regional produce like breads, cheeses, fruits and meat jostling for space with arts and crafts, vintage clothing and independent designers. It’s the perfect way for students to unwind in the sunshine after a week of studying.
Image by The Menagerie
