Inside Albany Creek’s new White Horse Ranch cafe

A new cafe has opened in Brisbane’s northside promising to cater to everyone with its wide ranging fare, gift shop and elegant fit-out.

White Horse Ranch, Albany Creek. Picture: Mark Cranitch

We might not have been able to see them, but under the mandatory COVID-safe masks they were there. Warm smiles – welcoming us in to the recently opened White Horse Ranch cafe in Albany Creek in Brisbane’s north.

There’s some serious experience and solid training behind the staff at the casual eatery, who exude professionalism and create an air of calm among the chaos of a busy cafe.

Sure, diners may have to queue for a table but once inside the competent crew has you feeling like you’re in safe hands.

QWEEKEND – White Horse Ranch, Albany Creek. Pic Mark Cranitch.

Adding another layer of comfort to the experience is the decor. Previously a Fritzenberger burger joint, the indoor-outdoor space has been given a modern and detailed makeover inspired by an American ranch (hence the name) with grey, distressed wood across the counter, dark timber-look floors, rattan hanging pendants and a small gift shop area down one end filled with knick-knacks like bowls, baskets and dried flowers from local artisans and suppliers. The interior is elegant and inviting, while the stable-like outdoor area with its astroturfed, dog-friendly section is ideal for families and children who need a bit more space without the danger of knocking over a vase or shelf full of scented diffusers in the shop.

The Jumbo breakfast at White Horse Ranch including sausage, eggs, bacon, toast, tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

Kids are also taken care of on the menu front thanks to a handful of dishes, including bacon and eggs and chicken and chips.

As for the adults, breakfast is an all-day affair of classics, think Benedict, a big breakfast and waffles, while lunch, which kicks in from 11am, adds favourites like fried calamari, a burger and tacos. Portions are hefty, with the baked chorizo and eggs ($19), in particular, requiring a serious appetite. Arriving piping hot out of the oven, the bowl brims with a paprika-spiced tomato and capsicum soup laden with kidney beans and generous chunks of chorizo, while two baked eggs fused together with melted provolone cheese float like a raft across the surface. A dice of raw tomato on top provides a hit of freshness against the smoky sausage, while the side of buttered toasted ciabatta makes for a sophisticated dippy soldier.

The baked chorizo and eggs. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

The vegan-friendly autumn bruschetta ($17), meanwhile, is an ode to seasonal produce and the cafe’s philosophy of celebrating local ingredients, featuring roasted pumpkin crowning toasted rye with stewed beetroot, blistered cherry tomatoes, grilled flat mushrooms, pine nuts, leek puree and a cashew “parmesan”. Although the sentiment is to be applauded, the dish is calling out for a walloping with the flavour stick, perhaps starting with swapping the vegan parmesan for the real dairy version, which would instantly impart a salty, umami kick.

The autumn bruschetta with pumpkin, mushroom, tomatoes and pine nuts on toast. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

Coffee is made with Melbourne’s Locale beans and arrives smooth and chocolatey as a flat white, even on light milk; while my friend gives a big thumbs up to the chai for its spicy blend. There are also old-school milkshakes, freshly made juices and smoothies packed with superfood ingredients such as blue agave nectar and flaxseed.

There’s a lot to like about White Horse Ranch and as it settles into the neighbourhood, it’s sure to become a suburban favourite.

WHITE HORSE RANCH

31-33 Ferguson St, Albany Creek

Ph 3148 8926

Whitehorseranch.com.au

Open daily 6am-3pm

VERDICT – Scores out of 5

Food 3

Ambience 3.5

Service 4

Value 4.5