Bistro Jacque - Brisbane

The gaming machines are located in an enclosed, windowless room, effectively separated from the restaurant, which features several tables overlooking the food preparation area. The menu presents typical bistro fare, showcasing hearty portions of steaks, salads, fish, and more, with most main dishes priced around $12. There are also $18 specials that include a pint of beer (with various types available). During my visit, I tried the Curry of the Day, which was a spicy chicken dish served with papadams, rice, and chutney. My companions enjoyed their steaks, which were equally satisfying. Overall, it’s a great spot for a reasonable lunch with friends, conveniently located for those catching a train home.

Upon entering, I noticed it was surprisingly quiet for noon. A gentleman at the bar assisted me in picking up my membership card and explained how the restaurant operates: drinks are ordered at one counter and food at another. Diners can eat in either the lounge or the restaurant area, but food isn't allowed in the gaming rooms. He handed me a menu, and while I had already decided what to order, I took a quick look anyway. The entrée prices range from $6-10 for members and $8-14 for non-members. Salads, sandwiches, and wraps are priced at $9-18 for members and $12-20 for non-members. Pasta dishes are $12 for members and $16 for non-members, while burgers and pizzas range from $12-18 for members and $16-25 for non-members. All kids' meals are priced at $10, so having a membership really makes a difference! I ordered the Mexican Nachos with chili con carne for $10 (it would be $14 for non-members). When I paid by credit card, I was informed of a 1.5% transaction fee, which was not a big deal—just an additional 15 cents on my bill. It’s something for patrons to be aware of, though. After I paid, I received a buzzer for my order. Given my current medical condition, carrying food and navigating the stairs in the restaurant was not ideal, so I asked the gentleman if someone could bring my food to me. He kindly offered to take the buzzer and said he would take care of it, which really made my day! I chose to sit in the lounge area, where soft music played in the background on a large screen TV, surrounded by smaller TVs showing various sports. I opted for a high table with bar stools, but there were also lower tables available. Before sitting down, I got a water from another friendly bartender, who added both a slice of lemon and lime—such a nice touch! My nachos arrived promptly, and the gentleman had also brought my utensils and plenty of napkins, which I really appreciated. The portion of nachos was smaller than I expected, but the chili con carne on top added a substantial amount of flavor! The tortilla chips were freshly baked and still warm. However, I noticed there wasn’t a lot of cheese, so if you order the plain nachos, they might be a bit bland. There were plenty of jalapeños that added a nice kick, and the warmth was particularly comforting on such a chilly day. The nachos were served with both sour cream and guacamole, which was a delightful surprise, as guacamole often costs extra! I found Harlequin Jack to be very clean and well-maintained, with staff constantly tidying up. Everyone I interacted with was friendly and approachable, making it easy to see why this could be a popular spot. Its convenient location near the train station makes it an excellent choice for a lunch meeting with colleagues or a place to unwind after work. Just remember to bring your membership card!

This is a charming pub with a wonderful atmosphere. The staff are beautiful and friendly, making you feel very welcome. The food is fantastic; we've visited several times and have consistently enjoyed great meals and exceptional service each time.

Interesting place! A basic bar and bistro attached to the Sofitel, but which you enter via a staircase up from Central Station. Atmosphere was quiet when we stopped by for lunch. The venue is split into three rough sections: a bar area with big TV's showing sport; a pokies room; and a bistro dining area. We both ordered the steal lunch special. Very fairly priced at $15. Steak was small but cooked extremely well, I really enjoyed it. Cane with a small side salad and a generous serve of thick cut chips. A nice, pleasant lunch for a work day. Worth a visit.

I was hesitant to walk to walk up the plethora of stairs after leg day.... But it was worth it , staff were amazing so friendly , Lots of beers on tap . I had some lunch $20 for a parmy was on point as far as chook on a plate with chips goes. Was clean lots of tab screens and pokies if that is what floats your boat. Give it a crack